My wife and I are looking at a trip to the UK next year for 10 days based in London. If we were to choose a side trip to Wales or Cornwall, would one be easier to do in 2-3 days and could they primarily be done on public transportation? Thanks!

Have you ever been to London? You have 11 nights? Have you researched how long it takes to get to Cornwall from London? Wales best done probably by a tour for a couple of days from London

Cornwall is a great visit by train, as long as you visit places the train goes to. Search on this site for trip reports without a car.

Wales is harder.

If you catch the 9:00 am from Euston you can be in Conwy, north Wales by 12:21, with one change. I based in Conwy without a car - see here: England and Wales by public transport

You could take the night train one way to Cornwall - https://www.seat61.com/sleeper-to-cornwall.htm

I had a very satisfying visit to Cornwall by public transport, probably 10 days or 2 weeks. Train to St. Ives for a week. Local walks including along the cliffs to Lands End. There's a local bus that does a circular route around the coast that includes St. Ives & Penzance, walked to St Michael's Mount. Then train to Falmouth for a few days. There are ferries around the River Fal estuary which are popular including, I believe, to the National Trust's Trelissick Garden which I'm sorry I didn't do.

I also backtracked one day on the train from St. Ives to visit Trerice, a Tudor manor house, also National Trust. A bit of a hike from the train stop but perfectly doable & very worthwhile if you love ancient houses, which i do.

So, i found Cornwall by public transport easy to do. I love letting others operate the trains & buses while i have no responsibility except to enjoy the ride.

Yes - looking for as least hassle as possible! Thank you!

thanks!

Yes - been to London. Looking into the overnight train to Cornwall if we do it.

Sorry -- but 2 or even 3 days isn't nearly enough time for Cornwall. No matter the mode of transport it s basically one day to get there and one day to get back. The night train helps a bit -- but if you end up with a sleepless night for whatever reason, that affects your trip. It is a looooooong journey. North Wales is a teensy bit better travel time-wise. If you had three days/two nights I can see basing in Conwy working.

. . . There are other areas where you can have a seaside excursion without going all the way to Cornwall -- the Isle of Wight, parts of Dorset, Brighton / the south coast, Norfolk, etc

Thanks…yeah, it feels like,we are pushing it w Cornwall.

Train from London to Plymouth, daytime, takes three hours - slightly less than the fastest trains to Conwy. Take the night train back. Of course, more time there would be better, but transport time isn't a reason to skip Cornwall if someone really wants to go. Driving there might be a different matter...

You could reduce your time in London & divide the days equally between London & Cornwall. You’ll never see everything wherever you go so planning well for 5 days in London would still give you a worthwhile visit & leave the other 5 for an entirely different & wonderful view of the country.