Cornwall & the south west

A tour of Cornwall and the South West of England is so rich in sea and landscapes, history and culture that it proves to be one of the most popular destinations for visitors. This region is also considered to be one of the most mystical so
Our suggested itinerary is just a sample of what the region can offer and it can be adapted to include different stop off points or add a special interest such as gardens, cathedrals or food and drink. All of our tours are accompanied by one of our hand-picked Blue Badge tourist guides who will make the visits come to life. We can also provide guides with special interests and qualifications and of course foreign languages.

Day 1 –  Travel from London or your chosen arrival airport to your first night’s accommodation at Salisbury. Depending on the time of arrival a stop at Windsor Castle on the way.

Day 2 –   This morning we visit Salisbury cathedral, built in just 38 years in the early 13th century and has the highest spire in the UK at 124m. After some free time for lunch we drive the short distance to see the fascinating stone circle at Stonehenge, the most famous prehistoric site in Europe. Marvel at the building skills of our neolithic ancestors and admire the sheer size of this monument. We can also arrange a special viewing at dawn which would give the group the chance to stand inside the stone circle itself and see it from a completely different perspective.
We then drive onwards to the city of Exeter for our overnight stay.

Day 3 – Exeter is the county town of Devon and is famous for its beautiful medieval cathedral completed in 1400 and housing one of the most beautiful naves in the country. This morning we have a guided tour of the Cathedral before heading onwards to the port of Plymouth, and we have a guided tour of the city. Pilgrim Fathers.

Day 4 – Today we start our journey into Cornwall and head down the coast towards Falmouth stopping at the pretty seaside village of Mevagissey and the cathedral city of Truro on the way. For groups who enjoy gardens there’s the possibility of stopping at the Eden Project where the two biomes house plants from all over the world.

Day 5 –  Today we visit the furthest point of Britain and watch the wild Atlantic crash against the rocks at Land’s End. One of the most popular place to visit is St Michael’s Mount, a fortified house perched upon a rock and accessible by foot only at low tide. St Ives is a typical Cornish fishing town with whitewashed houses and boats bobbing in the harbour. St Ives has a strong link to art as many artists came here for the special light and in fact, Tate has a branch of their art gallery in St Ives. But if you don’t fancy art then it’s a joy to just wander the little streets and browse in the shops. Perhaps try a Cornish cream tea or the local speciality, a Cornish pasty!

Day 6 –  Leave Famouth this morning to start the journey back towards London. On the way through north Cornwall there’s the chance to stop at some of the lovely Cornish fishing villages such as Padstow and Port Isaac. Following the coast northwards we come to Tintagel, a magical place atop the cliffs and according to legend where King Arthur was born. Climb the cliffs for dramatic views of the rugged coastline.
Drive onwards to Exeter for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7 –  This morning we drive through some lovely countryside to the cathedral city of Winchester. A guided tour of the centre will tell the story of Winchester cathedral which has a fascinating history dating back to Anglo Saxon times and was once Kings of England were crowned. By the ruins of the old castle it’s possible to see the round table of the King Arthur legend. The table is in fact much younger than that.
Dinner and overnight in Winchester.

Day 8 –  Depart Winchester for London or your onward travel arrangements.