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)
 

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. Returning to our hotel where you will be treated to some local entertainment.

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. 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. Our first visit is Dunster Castle and Watermill. With over 1,000 years of history layered into it’s walls and grounds, this ancient castle and comfortable country home also boasts dramatic vistas over the Bristol Channel and subtropical gardens. Our afternoon is at Sheppy’s Cider, one of the oldest cider makers in the world, one of the expert guides takes us through one of our orchards, leads us through the vat houses and press house, before we finish off with a fully tutored tasting of a selection of the award-winning cider. Also included is a delicious Afternoon tea, an indulgent selection of dainty finger sandwiches and sweet treats!

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

Leaving the west country we stop in the small harbour village of West Bay, known as ‘The Golden Gateway to the Jurassic Coast’ after we have a stop in the New Forest, a stunning National park, known for its ancient woodlands, free-roaming ponies and diverse wildlife before continuing to our final hotel where we enjoy our farewell dinner and raise a glass to our tour of Devon and Cornwall!

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

Your tour ends after a final breakfast in your hotel.