It can be easy to forget just how great a train journey can be – no maps, no motorways or roundabouts to negotiate – and no frantic leg crossing as you anxiously count off the miles to the next service station toilets.

Yes, our wise decision to take a train down to Topsham, an estuary town just four miles outside Exeter, meant we spent the journey completely chilling out, popping the cork on a bottle of champagne and stuffing our faces.

Something you certainly don’t get to do on any car journey I’ve ever been on.

And how about this? My boyfriend and I even enjoyed some occasional banter with the friendly staff and, just to top it off, the view out of the window was miles better (literally) than gazing at hour after hour of tarmac.

Topsham is one of Devon’s great hidden gems that, if travelling by train, can be escaped to in less than three hours from Oxford – meaning we turned up at the Globe Hotel relaxed and ready to rock and roll.

Thankfully, the Globe, St Austell Brewery’s boutique style hotel, is every bit as charming as you dare to hope a former sixteenth century coaching inn might be. Beautifully renovated, its character has been retained and it offers comfortable and stylish rooms.

The reception from the staff was as warm and as welcoming as the glorious late summer sun that greeted us.

The talented team behind the scenes in the kitchen deserve a gold star too. The meal on the first night was such a hit (especially the crab and ginger risotto on the specials’ board), that we ate all of our meals there during our stay.

Not that you would dream of complaining about a lack of dining choice in Topsham – there are loads of choices, including tea rooms, cafés, restaurants and pubs dotted around its pretty streets.

The local chippy, offering smoked chorizo and scallops alongside the more predictable cod and chips, is a huge hit with visitors and locals alike.

Topsham boasts a small but picturesque quay – just the place to lose yourself and enjoy watching the world float by. Or feed the two majestic black swans that seem to rule over it. It’s also a great place to catch a stunning sunset.

But if, when in Devon, you do feel the urge to take a dip, listen to the lap of the waves or simply feel cheated if you don’t use a bucket and spade, then fear not...

Just a ten minute train ride (and a beautiful one at that, with much of the journey shadowing the coastline) takes you straight to the heart of Exmouth.

Now Exmouth may have sand and dunes but sadly, it does lack the allure of Topsham’s cobbles, its Dutch style houses (dating from the time Topsham was a cotton port) and all the quaint little shops which beg to be explored.

To sum it up, Topsham is a wonderful little place to just get away from it all. It would make a perfect retreat for a girlie weekend – with the added bonus of a hair, beauty and fitness spa just up the road at the very popular Darts Farm, if that’s your bag?

I’d certainly happily return to soak up the friendly and comfortable atmosphere of Topsham and its quay.

And if that crab and ginger risotto ever makes it on to the Globe’s main menu it would be well worth the trip...

ESSENTIALS

Annette stayed at The Globe, Fore Street, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0HR 01392 873471 www.theglobe topsham.co.uk

Annette travelled by First Great Western along one of Britain’s most scenic railway routes. Travelling on a bank holiday or weekend, you can upgrade to First Class for as little as £5 and a maximum of £20, depending on the length of your journey. This has to be paid on the train. If you need to change on to another First Great Western train, you pay one fare for the whole journey, rather than one fare for each part of the journey. It is available in conjunction with all Standard Class tickets and passes. Go to www.firstgreat western.co.uk for more details.

Must Visit: Darts Farm, Topsham, Exeter, Devon.

01392 878200 www.dartsfarm.co.uk