Cornwall & the Cotswolds tour from London

Tour departs from Holiday Inn London, Kensington High Street. Check-in at 8.15am. (Depart by 8.30am)

Stonehenge

Our tour begins by heading west towards the iconic prehistoric monument of Stonehenge. This is the world's most famous stone circle, thought to be 4,500 years old, yet we still don't fully understand its true meaning. Many theories exist, suggesting the stones could have been a solar calendar, burial site or perhaps a place of worship. We'll attempt to unravel the mysteries of the stones before continuing our journey.

Salisbury

A short journey brings us to the medieval city of Salisbury. The cathedral is visible for miles around and possesses the tallest spire in the UK. It's also home to one of only four surviving copies of the Magna Carta. We'll have time to visit the cathedral, wander the city's charming streets and have some lunch.

Lyme Regis

This afternoon we travel to the south coast to visit the charming seaside town of Lyme Regis. Situated on the Jurassic Coast, a world-renowned stretch of coastline with a geological history dating back 185 million years, this is the setting for Jane Austen's Persuasion and John Fowles' The French Lieutenant's Woman. Take a stroll along the seafront before we continue west to Exeter, where we spend the first night of our tour.

Overnight: Exeter

Dartmoor National Park

This morning we leave Exeter and ascend into the wild landscape of Dartmoor National Park, known for its Sherlock Holmes connection and home to the legendary Dartmoor Beast. We'll negotiate narrow country lanes, absorb the dramatic scenery and perhaps spot a native Dartmoor pony.

Plymouth

Next we travel to the port town of Plymouth on Devon's south coast, where we'll have lunch. It was from here that the Pilgrim Fathers departed for the New World. Take time to explore Plymouth's harbour, the historic Barbican area and find the Mayflower Steps.

Polperro

This afternoon it's time to cross the border into Cornwall, a county with a unique culture rooted in its Celtic heritage. They have their own language, their own flag, and of course their Cornish pasties. Our first stop is the quaint fishing village of Polperro. Follow the narrow streets into the harbour to find an active fishing community where smuggling once thrived.

Charlestown

A short trip along the coast brings us to Charlestown, known as a filming location for the TV series Poldark. The village centres on its port and has remained largely unchanged since the late 18th century. Then we travel to Falmouth, our base in Cornwall for the next two nights.

Overnight: Falmouth

St Michael's Mount

Today takes us to some of the most beautiful and isolated parts of Cornwall's coastline. We begin by travelling to the famous tidal island of St Michael's Mount, home to a monastery since at least the 8th century.

Minack Theatre

Beware of 'pirates' as we negotiate the town of Penzance and make our way to the Minack Theatre. An inspiring story of dedication and English eccentricity, the Minack occupies a spectacular clifftop location that would rival any theatre in the world.

Land's End

From here we continue west to the westernmost point of mainland Britain. Gaze out over the Atlantic and on a clear day you'll be able to see the Isles of Scilly.

St Ives

One of Britain's most popular seaside towns. Once a centre of Cornwall's fishing industry, St Ives is now known as a destination for artists. Stroll along the cobbled lanes, pop into an art gallery, walk along one of the beaches and have some lunch.

Falmouth

Back in Falmouth you'll have the rest of the afternoon to explore this historic harbour town. Visit Pendennis Castle, discover the National Maritime Museum or spend time in a traditional local pub.

Overnight: Falmouth

Port Isaac

This morning we travel to Cornwall's north coast and the charming fishing village of Port Isaac. You may know it better by its fictional name 'Portwenn', the main filming location for the hit TV series Doc Martin. We'll have plenty of time to explore the village, have some lunch and you may wish to join an optional walking tour with a local village guide.

Tintagel

This afternoon we continue along the coast to Tintagel, once home to an ancient castle which legend says was the birthplace of King Arthur. The island on which the castle stood is shrouded in history, and the views of the surrounding coastline are spectacular. Afterwards we travel back to Exeter where there's time to explore the historic city centre, visit the cathedral or stroll along the River Exe.

Overnight: Exeter

Bath

Our final day begins by visiting possibly the most beautiful city in Britain. Founded by the Romans as a spa town, the legend of the city suggests the water here possesses healing powers. Visit the Roman Baths, take in the stunning Georgian architecture of the Royal Crescent and the Circus, stroll across the iconic Pulteney Bridge and try a local delicacy: a Bath Bun.

Castle Combe

We continue into the Cotswolds, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known for its rolling scenery and historic association with sheep farming. We'll stop in at Castle Combe, arguably the most picture-perfect village in the region. Wander the quiet streets and admire the village's idyllic river setting before we make our way back towards London.

Heading home

The Cornwall & the Cotswolds tour ends at The Holiday Inn Hotel, Kensington by approximately 6:00pm.

Alternative end points: You can depart the tour at any of our scheduled destinations. Simply let your driver-guide know. If you would like to be dropped at London's Heathrow Airport (Bath Rd, Near Terminals 2-3), please contact us in advance to arrange.