Cornwall and Isles of Scilly holiday
Also includes return train from London to Penzance, return flights from Land's End to St Mary's and a private guided walking tour in St.
Mary's.
Description of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly holiday
Few people think of exploring England’s West Country by rail, but this trip has been carefully designed to be car-free all the way – especially in the Scilly Isles, where you’re more likely to encounter bikes and golf buggies than BMWs.
Set off on your first day with a train journey from London Paddington to Penzance. The scenery along the line is truly mesmerising, passing landmarks such as Windsor Castle before hitting Somerset, the South Devon Coast and Dartmoor.
Once you’re in West Cornwall you’re free to explore the beaches and seaside towns at leisure. Try arty St Ives, a town long associated with artists – one look at the scenery will show you why. Penzance is full of great restaurants and Cornish ice cream shops and it’s surrounded by sandy beaches.
The Scilly Isles are a short flight from Land’s End – the western tip of mainland Britain. This little island archipelago is sunny, blessed with famous gardens and good looks – and it’s a great place to be car-free and relaxed at the end of your trip.
Map
Price information
Also includes return train from London to Penzance, return flights from Land's End to St Mary's and a private guided walking tour in St.
Mary's.
Departure information
Travel guides
Holiday information
Reviews
1 Reviews of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly holiday
Reviewed on 29 Sep 2026 by Aileen Kemerer
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Going to see the Eden Project.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Stay at the Mevagissey Bay hotel. Great location and lovely owners. Can easily walk into town for dinner. Two nights in St Ives is enough. The Tate is worth a visit.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely benefitted locals. We did not hire a car so I guess we reduced the enviro impact and supported conservation as we took trains and hired taxis.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Would have spent less time in St Ives and included Falmouth in the trip.
Responsible Travel
Planet
Travel on this holiday is a combination of trains, two short flights and ferry services – road transfer are only used in instances where locations cannot be accessed by public transport.The Isles of Scilly are a naturally car-free destination, as visitors can't bring cars onto the islands and car hire isn't available. That makes them perfect for anyone who wants to walk or cycle as much as possible during their holiday. The guided excursion on this holiday is a full-day walking tour with a local guide, and travel between the islands is by boat.
We are members of AITO – The Association of Independent Tour Operators – and adhere to their strict code of conduct.
We predominantly market our holidays via the internet. We produce a small quantity of compact brochures each year for past customers and enquirers. If we do have any printed materials left over, we always ensure these are recycled.
We are corporate members of the John Muir Trust, an organisation committed to protecting the wild land of the Scottish highlands and islands.
People
We believe tourism should make a genuine difference to the communities it relies on, particularly in more remote locations. That's why every place you'll stay on this holiday is small and locally owned, in areas a little off the beaten track, to give you an authentic experience wherever you are. The guided walking tour on St Mary's is led by a hand-selected local expert and travel between the islands is by boat with a service run by an association of local boatmen, continuing a long island tradition.We directly employ a small team of local people in Glasgow, who travel to work by public transport, cycling or on foot. We ensure staff undertake at least two recce visits in a year so that we can always recommend and include the best local experiences and restaurants throughout Scotland, England, Ireland & Wales.
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