Devon & Cornwall

Our first stop today is Salisbury.  On arrival we visit Salisbury Cathedral, regarded as one of the leading examples of Early English Gothic architecture.  The cathedral contains a clock which is among the oldest working examples in the world and has one of the four surviving original copies of Magna Carta.  After a little free time in the town, we continue our drive to Exeter and enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel.

Dinner / Overnight - The Devon Hotel, near Exeter (or similar)
 

Dartmoor is a rugged and captivating region in the Southwest of England, this ancient landscape is characterized by rolling hills, vast granite tors, gorgeous green valleys, and pristine rivers. We meander through the Dartmoor National Park, stopping in the charming market town of Tavistock. Then we enter Bodmin Moor and visit the Bodmin Jail, built in 1779 Bodmin Jail is a landmark historical site in the heart of Cornwall. Showcasing the rich and darkly fascinating legacy of Georgian and Victorian crime and punishment, the jail is an immersive, world class experience.
Later we arrive in Falmouth at our hotel where we stay the next 3 nights.

Dinner / Overnight - The Royal Duchy Hotel, Falmouth (or similar)
 

Cornwall is known for its glorious countryside, striking coastline and unique attractions.  Our first stop of the day is Tregothnan Estate, home to the first tea plantation in Britain, where we have an introductory talk and tea tasting session. After some free time in the harbour town of Charleston, we visit the world-renowned Eden Project, a former clay mine that has been transformed into a beautiful global garden.  Here you can explore massive, covered Biomes and trek through one of the world’s largest indoor rainforests.   We are treated to a traditional dinner in a county pub before returning to our hotel. 

Dinner/Overnight - The Royal Duchy Hotel, Falmouth (or similar)
 

A gentle day as we make our way to St Ives, the dazzling jewel in Cornwall’s crown.  With its many galleries, beaches, restaurants, and shops there's plenty to keep you busy during your free time in this coastal town. Art lovers may wish to visit the Tate, Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden or St Ives School of Painting. This evening is at leisure.

Overnight - The Royal Duchy Hotel, Falmouth (or similar)
 

Leaving Falmouth, we make our way to Padstow in North Cornwall, a seaside town made famous by renowned chef Rick Stein.  Here we tuck into a delicious lunch of freshly caught fish & chips.  Next, we visit Port Isaac, a traditional fishing village, made famous by the television series, Doc Martin where we take a walk along the steep cobbled streets lined with shops and bakeries that may tempt you to indulge in a local Cornish treat.   We make a photo stop at Tintagel Castle, before arriving at our hotel where we spend the next 2 nights. This evening, we will dine as a group.

Dinner / Overnight - The Royal and Fortescue Hotel, Barnstaple (or similar)
 

We spend today exploring Exmoor, and it’s National Park.  Today’s highlights include a rail journey the United Kingdom’s smallest National Park but what is lacks in size it makes up for in beauty and variety! Our inclusions today are a rail journey, the only steam railway in the UK where passengers travel in Victorian railway carriages designed in the 1890s. Two miles in total taking approximately 20 minutes. Steam trains through rolling countryside, with views out to wild moorland and the rugged coastline. At the end of the journey, we enjoy a Cream Tea in the station Tea Room. We finish the day with a tour and tasting at the Exmoor Gin Distillery, where you will learn the art of distilling using locally sourced botanicals.  Cheers! After dinner at our hotel, you will be treated to some local entertainment.  

Dinner / Overnight - The Royal and Fortescue Hotel, Barnstaple (or similar)
 

Leaving the southwest, our first stop is Lyndhurst, a large village situated in the New Forest National Park in Hampshire.  This is the perfect spot to shop for some last-minute souvenirs with many independent shops, and art galleries. Situated amongst ancient woodlands and open moors, be sure to keep a look out for ponies, cattle, deer, and donkeys that may be grazing in the New Forest.  We continue to Dorking, and our lovely countryside hotel.  We are treated to a farewell dinner that has been thoughtfully prepared using locally sourced meats and produce at our lovely countryside hotel.

Dinner/Overnight - Wotton House, Dorking (or similar)
 

Your tour ends after a final breakfast in your hotel.