Exactly the literary-inspired adventure she had envisioned
When Cécile reached out to plan a literary journey through Bath, Devon, and Cornwall by rail, we knew she wanted more than a typical holiday. She was looking to connect the landscapes and towns of South West England with the writers and stories that inspired her. We designed a 10-day itinerary blending scenic train rides with time to explore on foot, creating a seamless experience that united the region’s literary heritage and timeless beauty in one memorable adventure.
Cécile’s Brief:
Female, solo traveller from France
Interested in literature and knows that this route travels through Jane Austen, Agatha Christie and Daphne du Maurier country
Enjoys hiking up to 12km and interested in walking suggestions
Likes swimming
Not so interested in foodie experiences and definitely no cycling
Cécile’s literary journey through South West England began with her arrival into Bath from London Paddington, a comfortable train journey that delivered her to this architecturally brilliant UNESCO World Heritage city by lunchtime. We’d chosen her centrally-located hotel knowing she’d want to explore Bath’s elegant Georgian streets on foot, immersing herself in the world of Jane Austen. The afternoon was hers to discover, whether taking afternoon tea at The Pump Room or visiting the Jane Austen Centre, we knew both would capture her love of literary history perfectly.
Day 2: Exploring Bath’s Heritage
We’d planned this second day in Bath knowing Cécile would appreciate the city’s thriving independent bookshop scene, each shop offering its own character and carefully curated selection. The morning took her through quaint alleyways filled with coffee shops and local treasures, leading to the Royal Crescent, a location she’d recognise from countless period dramas filmed in Bath over the years. For the afternoon, we suggested the Bath Skyline Walk, a circular route offering elevated perspectives of the city, also highlighting that the walk could be enjoyed in shorter sections to suit her energy. In the evening, Cécile enjoyed dinner at one of Bath’s renowned restaurants, followed by a performance at The Theatre Royal.
Day 3: Exeter’s Literary Connections
The train journey from Bath Spa to Exeter marked Cécile’s transition into Devon’s literary landscape. We’d selected her riverside hotel knowing the location would provide both comfort and easy access to Exeter’s relaxed cathedral quarter, where 15th-century architecture creates the perfect backdrop for evening exploration. Exeter’s connections to Agatha Christie and its university’s remarkable collection of Daphne du Maurier’s literary papers meant this vibrant university town would satisfy both her love of mystery novels and her deeper interest in the region’s literary heritage.
Photo taken by Cécile in Charlestown
Day 4: Exploring Cornwall
Today, Cécile travelled from Devon into Cornwall, taking the direct train to St Austell before the short taxi journey that we had arranged delivered her to the charming coastal village of Charlestown. We’d based her here knowing the harbour’s character and the surrounding coastal paths would provide exactly the blend of literary atmosphere and natural beauty she’d been seeking. In the afternoon, we offered different walking routes for her to choose, from the 12km coastal hike from Mevagissey back to Charlestown or shorter circular walks to Porthpean, giving her the flexibility to match her energy on the day.
Day 5: Trip to Fowey
A twenty-minute taxi journey brought Cécile to Fowey, the harbour town where Daphne du Maurier lived in and around over the years, and where she once declared would be her salvation. We knew she’d understand exactly what inspired that sentiment as she explored the town’s winding streets, among lively cafes and harbourside pubs. In the afternoon, we suggested The National Trust’s Hall Walk, a circular coastal trail with two ferry crossings that took her past Ferryside, du Maurier’s beautiful family home, offering glimpses into the landscapes that shaped some of English literature’s most atmospheric novels.
Day 6: St Austell to St Ives by rail
The journey to St Ives marked another chapter in Cécile’s Cornish adventure. After the short taxi back to St Austell, the train delivered her to this famous arts and culture haven where The Tate Gallery and countless independent shops and galleries awaited. We’d chosen St Ives not just for its artistic legacy, but knowing Cécile would appreciate its connection to Virginia Woolf, whose childhood summers here at Talland House inspired “To the Lighthouse”, the Godrevy Lighthouse visible across the bay being the beacon that sparked Woolf’s imagination. One of Cécile’s highlights here was the Saint Ives museum, which she found both fascinating and moving.
Photo taken by Cécile in Saint Ives
Day 7: Discovering St Ives
We’d built this second day in St Ives with flexibility, recognising that Cécile might want to explore the South West Coastal Path, relax on the beach with a good book, or simply wander the town’s quaint streets, discovering local seafood restaurants. As it turned out, Cécile chose to enjoy the private driver-guided tour we’d suggested, providing a full day of exploring the region with our fabulous local guide who would share insights into St Agnes, Perranporth, Bedruthan Steps and Porthcothan Bay. It’s this kind of authentic local knowledge that transforms good travel into unforgettable experiences and that was certainly the case for Cécile, declaring this was the best day of her adventure!
Day 8: St Ives to Penzance by rail
Cécile’s final morning in St Ives gave her time to absorb the town’s special atmosphere before the train journey to Penzance. We’d selected Penzance knowing its rich maritime history, from fishing heritage to tales of smugglers and pirates, would add another layer to her South West England adventure, with the town’s historic streets providing an atmospheric setting for her final evenings in Cornwall. Penzance was also home to Cécile’s favourite hotel of the whole adventure, with its marvelous view of Saint Michael’s mount and excellent restaurant.
Day 9: Vineyard & St Michael’s Mount
In the morning, we organised for Cécile to visit Polgoon Vineyard & Orchard, a family-run estate where she could explore vines and fruit trees while browsing their shop filled with locally-produced artisan goods. For the afternoon, we suggested a visit to Marazion and St Michael’s Mount, knowing the tidal island’s historic castle would captivate her – the legend of the Archangel Michael appearing to fishermen in the 8th century being exactly the kind of story that had drawn her to Cornwall in the first place. Whether crossing the causeway at low tide or taking the boat at high tide, we knew the Mount would be a highlight.
Day 10: Returning to London
Cécile’s final Cornish morning offered last chances to explore Penzance’s shops, or perhaps take a refreshing dip in the Art Deco splendour of the Jubilee Pool open-air lido to satisfy her love for swimming. The afternoon train back to London Paddington brought her literary journey full circle, carrying memories of Jane Austen’s Bath, Agatha Christie’s Devon, Daphne du Maurier’s Cornwall, and Virginia Woolf’s St Ives – a carefully-crafted adventure through some of South West England’s most inspiring literary landscapes.
Plan your personal adventure
We adapted our 10-day Bath, Devon & Cornwall By Rail itinerary to create a truly tailor-made experience for her. This bespoke literary journey demonstrates our expertise in designing immersive, culturally rich itineraries that celebrate both place and story. From tracing Jane Austen’s footsteps in Bath to exploring the landscapes that inspired Agatha Christie, Daphne du Maurier and Virginia Woolf, every detail of Cécile’s journey was thoughtfully curated to deliver an experience that turned her love of literature into lifelong memories.
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