1. Wild food foraging with Vix Hill-Ryder
A wild foraging course with Vix Hill-Ryder of Wild Edge UK is a great way to explore the unique flora of the Rame Peninsula. Vix will use her knowledge to help you connect with nature, discover wild food and embrace your inner forager. Courses include recipes for how to use the food you will be harvesting.
Vix is based in Millbrook, so most courses start there. Millbrook is just under 9 miles from St Germans. To access Millbrook by public transport is tricky but not impossible; Catch the train to Plymouth, then bus/ walk to Admiral’s Hard (about 100m from The Royal William Yard; in the summer catch there is a ferry from Saltash to The Royal William Yard.) Continue your journey by catching the ferry to Cremyll and then it’s just a short bus ride to Millbrook.
2. Gin tasting at Plymouth Gin
Nearest train station: Plymouth – 1.1 miles. There is also a ferry that runs from Saltash to the Barbican in the summer months.
World famous, Plymouth Gin is the oldest distillery in the UK and has been making its gin to the same recipe since 1793. Railholiday guests often quote this tour as one of their favourites. The tour options include a classic Plymouth Gin Distillery Tour, an enhanced Gin Connoisseur’s Tour with dedicated tasting and a Master Distillers Tour, where guests get the opportunity to select their very own botanicals and distil a bottle to take away with them. Gift vouchers are available.
3. Learn how to cook authentic Punjabi food with Purdy
Nearest Station: Plymouth – 1.6 miles
Immerse yourself in the flavours of the Punjab with Purdy’s Punjabi Cuisine. Purdy offers friendly workshops, demonstrations and courses, held in the comfort of her home, as well as doing one off events, which are advertised on her Instagram page. Purdy also offers regular supper clubs, so you can enjoy authentic cuisine while making new friends. Purdy’s gift vouchers would make a great present for friends and family staying in our Railholiday carriages.
4. Vineyard Tour at Looe Valley Vineyard
Nearest station: St Keyne on the Looe Valley Line – 0.7miles
The Looe Valley Vineyard sits on the attractive steep slopes of the Looe Valley. Established in 2008, they are open for summer tours and tastings from May to October. Tastings are led by their Winemaker who will guide you through the professional way of tasting wine. They also offer self-guided tours which includes the opportunity to relax with wine by the glass on their covered terrace. Please book in advance to guarantee a place.
A trip to Looe Valley Vineyard would work well combined with a ride along the Looe Valley line and a walk along the lovely lanes that connect the stations along the way. Make sure you stop at the pretty St Keyne Well during your visit.
St Keyne well was founded in the 5th century by, you’ve guessed it, St Keyne, who planted four trees around the spring and blessed it. In the 16th century the granite well-house was built, which was restored in the 1930s. It is a popular spot for newly-weds; tradition has it that whoever drinks first from the well will wear the trousers in the marriage.
5. Vineyard Tour at Camel Valley
By public transport: Train to Bodmin Parkway, bus to the Borough Arms, then a thirty minute walk.
By car Camel Valley is 25 miles from St Germans. It is possible to cycle from Bodmin Parkway, with much of the ride being off-road.
Camel Valley are a well established vineyard, who planted their first 8,000 vines in 1989 and since then have gone from strength to strength, winning numerous accolades, particularly for their sparkling wines.
As well as tours, Camel Valley also offers the option of simply sitting with a glass of wine and enjoying the view. Tours must be booked in advance and run all year round, but the days are reduced during the winter.
