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Arrival by Eurostar
A pure travel day with just one change in Brussels.
Remember to bring valid travel documents for entry into the United Kingdom.
This is where your journey begins. From Köln Hauptbahnhof, you'll set off in relaxed style by train towards London.
A quiet, comfortable hotel just a few minutes' walk from Euston and St Pancras stations, ideal for an overnight stop. In the evening, you can enjoy a relaxed meal nearby without having to go far. The central location makes tomorrow's connection to Paddington nice and straightforward.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Train journey through south-west England
A quiet travel day with a relaxed change at St Erth.
Once you've arrived in St Ives, a short evening stroll down to the harbour is well worth it.
A cosy, family-run B&B within walking distance of the harbour and beaches. St Ives is a picturesque artists' town with narrow lanes, galleries and wide sandy bays. From here, the gardens of the north coast are easily reached by train and bus.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
First coastal garden and a stroll around town
A relaxed day with a garden visit in the morning and time to explore in the afternoon.
A subtropical National Trust garden with exotic plants, walled kitchen gardens and a viewpoint looking out over Mount's Bay. The sheltered position allows magnolias and tree ferns to flourish here. The circular path is well laid out and makes for a leisurely walk.
The winding old town, with its fishermen's cottages, small galleries and the Tate St Ives, is perfect for a relaxed wander. In the afternoon, you can watch the sea at Porthmeor Beach or enjoy a cream tea in one of the cafés. A calm way to round off the day after your garden visit.
A castle in the sea and its history
Plan your visit around the tide table so you can cross over without any rush.
The climb up to the castle is steep and uneven, so sturdy footwear is advisable.
A medieval castle and monastery on a tidal island, reachable on foot across a cobbled causeway at low tide. The National Trust castle offers historic rooms, a terraced garden and sweeping views over the bay. At high tide, a small boat will take you across.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Moving on to Cornwall's south coast
A short travel day, leaving the afternoon free for a first wander around Falmouth.
Gyllyngvase Beach is just a few minutes from the B&B.
A friendly B&B near Gyllyngvase Beach with cosy rooms and sea views. Falmouth is a lively harbour town with a maritime feel, good restaurants and markets. From here, the great gardens along the Helford River are easily reached.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Subtropical valley gardens on the Helford River
Two gardens in one day, but they lie close together and can be explored at a relaxed pace.
Check the bus departure times in advance, as buses run less frequently in rural Cornwall.
A spectacular valley garden that tumbles from a subtropical bowl down to its own private beach on the Helford River. Giant gunnera, tree ferns and hydrangeas line the winding paths. The path down to the water is gently graded and well worth it for the view.
Right next to Trebah, this National Trust garden enchants with a historic laurel maze and lush vegetation leading down to the hamlet of Durgan on the river. The three valleys offer ever-changing views of exotic plants. A calm, well-tended garden walk.
Moving on to Devon
A travel day with one change at Truro, otherwise a relaxed through train.
The afternoon is free for a stroll around Totnes and a view of the castle.
A charming B&B in a former blacksmith's forge, quietly located yet within walking distance of the town centre. Totnes is a lively little town with a medieval core, a weekly market and a Norman castle. From here, you can easily reach the gardens of South Devon by bus.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Coastal garden and coast path in Devon
The journey includes a short, delightful river ferry crossing over the Dart.
Check bus connections from Kingswear in advance; alternatively, a short taxi ride will help.
A National Trust garden and Art Deco country house, its lushly planted valley tumbling steeply down to the sea. Subtropical plants thrive in the mild climate, and a path leads down to a viewpoint over the cliffs. The elegant house tells the story of the D'Oyly Carte family's life in the 1920s.
Harbour town, history and market
A quiet final day by the water with short distances and a little ferry crossing.
A market is regularly held in Dartmouth, ideal for picking up regional specialities.
A picturesque harbour town at the mouth of the Dart, with narrow lanes, boat moorings and good fish restaurants. In the afternoon, you can explore the medieval centre or take a leisurely river cruise. A relaxed day by the water before heading home.
An English Heritage fort picturesquely set at the mouth of the river, which once defended the harbour entrance. From the ramparts, you'll enjoy sweeping views over the Dart and the open sea. A little ferry takes you straight from the town quay to the castle.
Homeward journey by Eurostar
Book the train connections for this day well in advance for the cheapest fares — it makes a real difference.
In London, allow plenty of time for the change from Paddington to St Pancras and for Eurostar check-in.
A long stage — build in some breaks.
Arrival at Köln Hauptbahnhof marks the end of your relaxed rail and ferry journey through Cornwall and Devon.
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