Bristol coaches

Penryn campus aerial shot Falmouth University

We offer free coach travel from Bristol Temple Meads for selected Open Days and on-campus events, making it easier and more cost effective for you and your guest to experience our Cornwall campuses.

Coach places are limited and must be booked both in advance and in addition to your event booking.

Before you book

Please note that travelling from Bristol to Cornwall can involve a significant journey time.

  • The coach journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours each way, depending on traffic and road conditions.
  • Visitors travelling by coach for an Open Day will arrive in time for the afternoon activities only.
  • If you are booking course talks or subject sessions, you should select afternoon sessions wherever possible.
  • Coach passengers will typically have 3-4 hours on campus to explore our facilities, attend course talks, speak to staff and students, and take part in Open Day activities before returning home

If you would like to attend morning activities or make the most of the full Open Day programme, you may wish to consider arranging your own travel or overnight accommodation.
 

Events with coach travel available

Free coach travel is available from Bristol for the following events:

Book your spot

Pick up location

Bristol Temple Meads Station

  • Postcode: BS1 6QF

  • What3words: ///oddly.train.plank

Our coach departs from the bus stop on Station Approach. As you exit the station from the main concourse onto Station Approach, keep right and continue down the road beyond the taxi rank and look for a member of the Falmouth University team who will be there to welcome you and help you with boarding.

The bus stop on Station Approach

 

Getting there

By train

Bristol Temple Meads is well connected to cities across the UK.

By car

There is parking available at Bristol Temple Meads Station, as well as several Park and Ride options nearby.

Departure Information

The coach is scheduled to depart from Bristol Temple Meads at 08:15.

To ensure we arrive in Cornwall in time for the afternoon programme, we recommend arriving at the pickup point at least 15 minutes before departure and no later than 08:10.

Passengers arriving after this time may not be able to board. While a short grace period may be allowed in exceptional circumstances, the coach cannot be delayed significantly as this impacts arrival times for all passengers.

We recommend allowing additional time for rail delays, traffic and parking when planning your journey to Bristol Temple Meads

Return Journey

At the end of the event, coaches will depart promptly from:

  • Penryn Campus: 16:45
  • Falmouth Campus: 17:00

Please arrive at your departure point at least 15 minutes before departure.

Important

The coach will leave at the advertised times and cannot be delayed for late arrivals. If you miss the return coach, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements home.
 

Staying in touch on the day

To help ensure a smooth journey, all coach passengers will be required to join a dedicated WhatsApp group before travelling.

The WhatsApp group will be used to:

  • Share important travel updates 
  • Communicate departure and collection information 
  • Help the University team contact passengers if required 
  • Provide support in the event of travel issues or delays 

If a parent, carer or supporter is travelling, we strongly encourage you to provide their mobile number for the WhatsApp group. In our experience, this helps ensure important travel information is received and acted upon throughout the day.

What to expect

Coach passengers can expect to arrive in Cornwall around lunchtime and will have approximately 3-4 hours on campus to:

  • Attend afternoon course talks and information sessions 
  • Meet academic staff and current students 
  • Explore our specialist facilities and campuses 
  • Learn about accommodation, student support and student life 
  • Get a feel for what it's like to study at Falmouth University 

This still provides plenty of time to experience Falmouth University, but you should be aware that coach passengers will not be able to attend activities scheduled for the start of the Open Day

Free Coach Travel – Terms & Conditions

These Terms & Conditions govern the provision of free coach transport (“the Service”) provided by Falmouth University (“the University”) for travel to and from University-organised on-campus events (“the Event”). By booking or using the Service, passengers agree to be bound by these Terms.

1.1 The Service is provided free of charge and is subject to availability. 

1.2 Seats are allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis. 

1.3 A booking request does not guarantee a seat. A seat is only confirmed once the passenger receives a confirmation email from the University. 

1.4 The University reserves the right to verify eligibility and may cancel bookings that do not meet the criteria for the Event (e.g., prospective applicants, offer holders, or invited guests). 

1.5 Passengers must ensure that all information provided during booking is accurate and complete. 

2.1 Published departure and return times may change due to operational, safety, or external factors. 

2.2 Coaches will depart promptly at the scheduled time. Passengers who arrive late may be refused boarding without liability to the University. 

2.3 The University will use reasonable efforts to notify confirmed passengers of significant changes, delays, or cancellations. 

2.4 The University is not responsible for loss of opportunity, missed events, or inconvenience caused by delays, cancellations, or inability to board. 

3.1 Passengers must comply with all instructions given by the coach driver and University staff. 

3.2 Seatbelts must be worn where fitted. 

3.3 The University may refuse travel or remove any passenger whose behaviour is unsafe, disruptive, unlawful, or presents a safeguarding concern. 

3.4 The following are strictly prohibited on the Service: 

- Alcohol or illegal substances 

- Weapons or dangerous items 

- Any item or behaviour that may compromise passenger safety or welfare 

3.5 Refusal of travel may be made without liability to the University. 

4.1 Passengers are responsible for their personal belongings at all times. 

4.2 The University accepts no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to personal property, except where required by law. 

4.3 The University’s liability for loss or damage (where not excluded by law) is limited to the minimum extent permitted by applicable law. 

4.4 Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury arising from negligence, or for any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded. 

5.1 The University may amend, suspend, or cancel the Service at its discretion, including (but not limited to) circumstances involving: 

- Low passenger demand 

- Adverse weather 

- Operational or mechanical issues 

- Public transport disruption 

- Security concerns 

- Industrial action 

5.2 Where reasonably practicable, the University will notify confirmed passengers of cancellations or material changes. 

5.3 As the Service is free of charge, the University does not provide refunds, compensation, or alternative travel arrangements if the Service is altered, fully booked, or cancelled. 

6.1 Passengers with disabilities, health conditions, or access needs are encouraged to contact the University at the time of booking so that reasonable adjustments can be explored. 

6.2 The University will make reasonable efforts to accommodate such needs in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. 

6.3 Passengers who cannot travel safely and independently may be required to bring a responsible accompanying adult, following an assessment of needs. 

6.4 The University reserves the right to determine whether safe travel and supervision can be provided. 

7.1 Passengers are advised to ensure they have appropriate personal, medical, or travel insurance for their journey and attendance at the Event. 

7.2 This recommendation does not constitute a condition of travel. 

8.1 By submitting a booking or boarding the coach, passengers confirm they have read, understood, and agree to these Terms. 

8.2 The University will make the Terms available at the point of booking and within the booking confirmation email. 

9.1 Personal data collected during the booking process will be used solely for: 

- Administration of coach travel 

- Safety and safeguarding purposes 

- Event‑related communications 

9.2 Relevant data may be shared with third‑party transport providers where necessary. 

9.3 Data will be processed in accordance with UK data protection legislation. 

9.4 Operational communications will be sent under the University’s legitimate interests. 

9.5 Data will be retained only as long as necessary. 

10.1 Visitors under 18 may travel unaccompanied, provided informed parental or guardian consent is given. 

10.2 By booking for an under‑18, the parent/guardian confirms the young person can travel independently and understands the arrangements. 

10.3 The University provides general supervision during the journey only. 

10.4 No supervision is provided before boarding, after disembarkation, or during the Event unless stated. 

10.5 Under‑18 passengers must behave responsibly. 

10.6 A current emergency contact number must be provided, and the parent/guardian must remain contactable. 

11.1 These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. 

11.2 Any disputes fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.