Blue Chip Vacations' Environmental guru, Jon Pressling, reports here on the breath-taking natural beauty of the coastline to be enjoyed on the Paignton to Exeter railway line- a perfect day trip on your next South Devon holiday.

Christmas is almost upon us but considering shopping is not my favourite activity at the best of times, I visited Exeter in search of an alternative side to this historic county capital, away from the madding crowds.

Being that I do not drive does have great advantages, traffic jams and parking tickets immediately spring to mind. Of more significance to me personally though is that I can experience a familiar journey along one of the most scenic railway lines you will ever travel on, linking the coastal postcard towns of Dawlish and Teignmouth in South Devon. Built by the famous Victorian Engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this magnificent stretch of railway opened in 1847and has recently featured on the BBC Coast programme. After all this time, passengers young and old are still left mesmerized. The train weaves along red sandstone cliffs and through tunnels, hugging the rugged coastline - with the waves lapping only a pebbles-throw away. Travelling this stretch of coastline is even more rewarding during a storm as trains seems to dodge the onslaught of waves: You would certainly be hard pushed to find a more dramatic and naturally beautiful train journey in the UK, or even further a field. As a personal recommendation, I would advise taking this journey either at sunrise or sunset to marvel at the colour changes of the coastline and experience the full effect of the changing light before your very eyes.

Although only a short journey, it will certainly leave you with great memories of the coastline which is so synonymous with this part of Devon. It is almost an anticlimax as you reach Exeter, out of sight of the coast! However, just a short walk from the station there is still plenty of enjoyment to be had away from the city centre.. From beside the Exeter Canal you can hire a bike or kayak and make your way down to Topsham on the Exe estuary. Here you can spot an abundance of wildlife; visit the market on a Saturday or indulge in a little retail therapy amongst the characterful shops. Or if all that feels a little too energetic then just sit down and watch the boats drift by.

On the journey back take time to visit the variety of antique shops which are located in the arches as you approach Exeter. You will discover all sorts of wonders and it is a challenge in itself to leave without having purchased some unique souvenir to take home. I still have visions of carrying a large metal weather vein back to the car park after a spot of impulse purchasing with a very good friend!

So take time to see the other side of Exeter, away from the mayhem of Christmas shopping crowds and experience the natural side of the county's proud capital. Remember that it is not always about the destination but the journey itself is often the most rewarding part.

If you fancy making this trip stepped in history and natural beauty, why not check out Blue Chip Vacations' South Devon properties?