By Train

There is an excellent network of rail routes throughout the UK with great links to the South West. And while you're travelling around the region, why not take the train?

If you're travelling from elsewhere in the UK or flying into another UK airport, why not take the train to SW England and then either pick up a rental car or continue with train travel? See our rail itineraries using Bristol as a base. Many of the rail routes in South West England are incredibly scenic, so it's worth considering at least some rail travel for getting around. There are also local railways and steam train routes to be experienced.

If you've arrived into Bristol airport, you can take the airport Flyer bus taking you directly to Bristol Temple Meads station.

There are direct train links from Birmingham airport to Birmingham New Street station for connections to South West destinations or if you're flying into one of the London airports, take the Heathrow or Gatwick Express train into central London and then the train to your chosen South West destination. London's Paddington, Euston, and Waterloo stations serve different South West England destinations so check out which station you need to travel from.

Generally, destinations in the Cotswolds are served by Euston and Paddington. Paddington serves most of the South West including Bristol, Bath, much of Wiltshire, and destinations in Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall. Waterloo station serves the southern part of Wiltshire and Dorset.

You can find out more about destinations served by the rail network at www.nationalrail.co.uk or ask your South West England Specialist travel agent about purchasing rail tickets and Britrail passes giving you unlimited train travel for 3 days or more.