Head west and follow the sun

As the days warm and the light stretches long into the evening, chasing the sun looks increasingly enticing. From the London area, that means heading west to Bath, Bristol, South Wales, Devon and Cornwall. The joys that await are clear: cities and towns rich in history; moors and mountains carved by deep green valleys; and a constantly intriguing coastline. Yet how best to get there?

A 300-mile car journey can all too easily become an exercise in stress and frustration. In contrast, a relaxing rail trip represent quality time: safely and comfortably, you can watch the west unfurl beautifully through big picture windows.

As you accelerate out of London’s western suburbs, the scenery begins: gentle folds of the Thames Valley, the downland of Wiltshire and the Somerset Levels, mystically punctuated by Glastonbury Tor.

Devon by rail is a delight. First the sweep beside the Exe estuary, then speeding through Starcross provides the overture for England’s most spectacular coastal railway: hugging the shore from Dawlish Warren through to Teignmouth, including the stretch heroically reclaimed from the sea last year.

After Brunel’s mighty Tamar Bridge takes you from Plymouth into Cornwall, the character of the Great Western line changes: it twists through the spine of the county, with enticing branches to Looe, Falmouth and St Ives.

You should arrive at Penzance enriched and refreshed. As you tuck into some tasty local food and drink and watch the sun dwindle into the west, spare a thought for the frayed nerves of the westbound motorist. For the rail traveller, the rewards begin at Paddington.