5-8 Day Deluxe Tour Package

Day 1 – Lost Gardens of Heligan & Roseland Peninsula

• St Mawes

  Our first destination of the day is the pretty town of St Mawes. We wander the harbour front and see traditional Cob cottages where fishermen once resided and visit St Mawes Castle, a small, round Keep fortification commissioned by King Henry VIII to protect against the threat of invasion. This original Henrician Fort remains unchanged.

• Portscatho

  Lunch spot

  Before lunch, explore this peaceful town of fisherman cottages and lovely, narrow streets. This tiny seaside village has found its fame with locals and tourists alike for its little food gem, The Hidden Hut. This little eatery sits on the beach and provides gorgeous homemade dishes to enjoy on the sand. .

• Veryan

  We will see why this village is known as one of Cornwall’s ‘loveliest inland villages.’ Viewing the nineteenth century thatched roundhouses the village is famous for.

• Caerhays Castle & Gardens

  We park overlooking the golden sandy beach of Porthluney Bay, viewing Caerhays Castle and Gardens, a still occupied home to the Williams family with an extensive collection of artifacts and a garden that was started by China’s plant hunters and now finds its importance in certain strands of plants that actually began in this garden. (Open from Feb-Jun)

• The Lost Gardens of Heligan

  We spend the rest of our afternoon exploring a lost treasure. This garden was first created in 1766 but faded from knowledge for over 70 years due to its neglect over the period of World War One, despite the fact that the house was used as a hospital during this time and as a base for American troops in the Second World War. This resurrected haven of woodland and wildlife will tell you it’s mysterious story and show you its herbaceous secrets over its two hundred acres of garden.

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Day 2 – St Michaels Mount & Lizard Peninsula

• St Michaels Mount

  The start of our day takes us to Marazion, one of the oldest, chartered towns in the UK and the bay where St Michaels Mount dominates the landscape. We will stroll the soft sand beach over to the mount if the tide allows or catch a boat and visit the enchanting castle and chapel which remains the abode of the St Aubyn family today.

• Porthleven

  Lunch spot

  This beautiful harbour and fishing town is a popular food hotspot, with the Porthleven food festival taking place each year in April. We will wander the streets in this ‘harbour of refuge’, so named due to this part of the coastline being a ‘black spot’ for shipwrecks.

• Mullion Cove

  Another stunning harbour town but with a unique visitor attraction…Mullion Chocolate Factory and Craft Centre. Here we can see the chocolate being made and sample the work of these talented chocolatiers. An art gallery, a glass blowing workshop, and a homemade, honey-based cosmetic shop are all here to peruse after.

• Lizard Point Lighthouse

  The only lighthouse that you can climb in Cornwall. It has guided ships for 260 years and will lead our South West Coast Path walk to Kynance Cove.

• Kynance Cove

  We end our day at one of the most photographed places in Cornwall, where we can enjoy our Cornish Cream Tea Royal, overlooking its rocky outcrops.

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Day 3 – St Ives & Minack Theatre

(We recommend getting to St Ives before 10.30 am during high season)

• St Ives

  We meander the cobbled streets of this picturesque fishing harbor and seaside town. Frequent its quirky shops and famous galleries, entering either the Tate Gallery or Barbara Hepworth’s Sculpture Garden and Museum. Also visiting its Blue Flag beach of Porthmeor.

• Zennor

  Lunch spot

  We will drive the stunning stretch of road from St Ives to Zennor where we will enjoy for lunch. Zennor itself is an untamed and rugged clifftop village set away from the bulk of society, its residents were one of the last speakers of the Cornish language. The village also maintains its earthy roots and hosts a little 12th Century Church that tells the story of a mermaid temptress.

• Minack Theatre

  This magical open-air theatre was lovingly built into the cliffs by an eccentric, Victorian lady with a vision; with the help of her gardener who established the sub-tropical garden surrounding this Greek-influenced structure. We can take in the panoramic view of Porthcurno Bay. Just a visit is a luxury but during open times there might be the option to view a production in this unique setting. Productions show Monday through Friday subject to availability.

• Lands End

  We conclude our day at the most westerly point of the United Kingdom from which, on a clear day, you can see the Isles of Scilly which sit 28 miles offshore. Choose to walk a section of the South West Coast Path, taking in the beauty of the Granite Cliffs and Enys Dodnan rock arch. Gaze upon its beauty before jumping back aboard the VW bus to return to your accommodation.

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Day 4 – Eden Project & Charles Town

• Charles Town

  We visit the last open 18th-century Georgian harbour in the UK where we can see the square-rigged, tall ships moored. It is one of the most popular filming locations in Cornwall due to these boardable ships in the center of the village.

• Eden Project

  Lunch spot

  We spend about 2 hours exploring these massive domed gardens that rose from a clay wasteland and now exhibit globally found and important plants and wildlife. Enter its Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes and stop for lunch at one of the many food outlets dotted around the attraction.

• Fowey

  This beautiful historical harbour town sits at the mouth of the River Fowey and was the gateway to trading granite, fish, and tin.  Gaze in shop windows, and walk its narrow streets, after which we will catch a small car ferry across the water, passing the home of the famous author, Daphne Du Maurier.

• Polperro

  This prosperous smuggling port of 13th-century origin has a beautiful high street of independent shops, galleries, and a small museum that tells of this town’s criminal history. This traditional fishing town is full of charm, the perfect backdrop to reminisce on your day.

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Day 5 Truro to Falmouth River Cruise & Trebah Garden

• Truro

  We start our day in Cornwall’s Capital City Truro. Up until the 1920s, ships could come right up the river and unload their goods at Back Quay, which later was covered over due to silting. The old quay is now the entrance to the Hall for Cornwall. We walk through the city and visit its beautiful three spired Cathedral which was finished in 1910.

• River Cruise

  Embarkation is from Truro, enjoy a stunning river cruise all the way to Falmouth. Sailing through areas of outstanding natural beauty, this scenic river trip is one of the most beautiful in the world, lasting approximately 2 hours. Passing Tudor Castles, Trelissick gardens and giant moored cargo ships. There is commentary throughout the tour.

• Falmouth

  Lunch spot

  The third natural deepest harbour in the world. On approach, we pass moored boats and then this bustling bohemian town greets you with colourful bunting. Its cobbled streets are full of craft and independent shops to explore. For lunch, either enjoy a Cornish fish and chips on one of its many promenades or duck into a café.

• Pendennis Point

  Driving the scenic route, we stop to overlook the dry docks and stretching views over the Carrick roads estuary over to St Mawes Castle and St Anthony’s lighthouse.

• Trebah Gardens

  Once at Trebah, we meander our way past the open-air theatre and down the beach that helped in the D day landings. Why not enjoy an ice cream on the beach before heading back through the gardens, where giant bamboo and Gunnera stand. After all this walking, a cup of tea in the café will be gratefully received before being driven back to your accommodation.

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Day 6 Tintagel Castle & Port Isaac

• Port Issac

  We start our day at the home of Doc Martin. Even if you have never watched an episode of the hit TV series, Port Isaac has much to offer. Its narrow streets are lined with old white-washed cottages and traditional granite, slate fronted, Cornish houses. Its port was busy handling various imports and exports from the Middle Ages until the middle of the 19th century and is still now a working fishing harbour. You may be lucky enough to hear the Fisherman’s Friends singing shanty songs on the quay.

• Tintagel Castle

  This legendary ruin dates back to the 5th Century but its fame derives from its status as a Seat for Kings and the place where King Arthur was said to be born. A stunning section of the South West Coast path can be walked here, crossing the newly finished footbridge. After you have got lost in myth and legend, it’s time for lunch.

• Tintagel Brewery

  Lunch spot

  Producing fine Ales, this café and visitors center provides a warm welcome and a hearty meal.

• Bodmin Moor

  We park up and take a short walk to the top of Rough Tor. A Neolithic tor enclosure and the second-highest point in Cornwall. On a clear day, you get spectacular views of both coastlines, also with the chance of seeing Bodmin’s wild ponies. A great place to reflect on our day before being taken back to your accommodation.

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Day 7 Padstow & Boscastle

• Padstow

  Sitting on the edge of the Camel Estuary, this sandy water entrance is alluring and beautiful but don’t be fooled, with shifting sands the ‘Doom Bar’ has grounded many boats. Padstow itself is a bustling harbour town full of independent shops and quirky cafes and home to four of Rick Stein’s eateries. Watch the boats bob in the harbour and the children trying their luck at crabbing off the harbour slipways.

• The Camel Trail bike ride

  We hire bikes and cycle the flat disused railway the 5 miles to Wadebridge. Witness wonderful views of creeks, sandbanks, and rocky shores. The birdlife changes with the seasons and the wintering wildfowl spotted here include wigeons, long-tailed ducks and goldeneyes. Spring and autumn bring many bird migrants to the estuary, while in the summer it plays host to little egret, heron, cormorant, oystercatcher, and many gulls.

• Bodmin Moor

  Lunch spot

  We drive away from the coast to St Breward stopping at the Historical Landmark of Delford Bridge, a huge Cornish granite clapper bridge. We will take lunch in a traditional pub.

• Boscastle

  Heading back to the coast we will visit Boscastle, made famous by witches and more recently the terrible flash flood which caused extensive damage in 2004. Now fully restored, we visit the museum of Witches & Witchcraft. Here we can stroll along part of the South West Coast Path before heading back to our accommodation.

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Day 8 The North Coast & Lanhydrock House

• St Agnes

  We start our day in the pretty village of St Agnes, driving to Wheal Coates engine house which stands tall on the cliff edge looking out across the Atlantic. From here you can walk down the South West Coast Path to Chapel Porth beach where your guide will meet back up with you.

• Perranporth

  Saint Piran’s Day is the national day of Cornwall, celebrated on the 5th March every year. Hear the story of St Piran, a Bishop that floated from Ireland on a millstone, landing on Perranporth beach and how he came to become the patron saint of Cornwall and of Tin Mining. This 3 mile stretch of golden sand and inland sand dunes was also an inspiration to ‘Poldark’ author Winston Graham.

• Newquay

  Lunch spot

  We enjoy lunch overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. After this, we visit the world-famous surfing beach Fistral. We then visit Hues Hut, a landmark with fishing importance. We leave Newquay and drive the coastal road, passing through Porth and  Watergate Bay before reaching our next destination.

• Lanhydrock House

  We take a tour through this beautifully maintained Victorian House, showing us the contrast in the lives of those that lived there. From the luxury of upstairs to the servant’s quarters below, this house brings Victorian history to life. The gardens and woodland surrounding the house give a stunning taste of Cornish countryside but also showcase rare shrubbery and trees.

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