Cornwall and Enchanting Southern England 14 Days
Starting in London this trip is for people who are interested in getting to know a part of England truly appreciated by the locals.
Cornwall, Devon and Dorset are amongst the sunniest parts of England and benefitting from fantastic beaches, warm ocean currents from the Gulf of Mexico, and plants such as palm trees and exotic flowers that you wouldn't expect to find here. Cornwall has many fishing villages and was famous for copper and tin mining for centuries. Indeed, one of the reasons the Romans invaded Great Britain was for Cornish tin, such important a resource it was 2,000 years ago.
In recent times the BBC Period drama Poldark has drawn much attention to the beautiful beaches, gorgeous coastline, lighthouses and social history of the reason, including pirating and smuggling. We'll leave London and head south west to visit this oasis of natural beauty visiting many attractions such as famous botanical gardens, aristocratic estates, cider farms, beautiful fishing villages, ports, headlands and peninsulae. The built heritage and social history of the region are equally as impressive as the spectacular landscape. One thing that also surprises many is also the culinary aspect - not just extremely tasty seafood but also excellent cream teas, as welll as
Itinerary and Specifics
Highlights:
- See the most beautiful coastline in Britain
- Vist the Eden Project Ecosphere - a fascinating attraction focusing on Biodiversity and research on plant life in a changing global climate
- Understand the history of the South West of England - Celtic and Cornish links, tin and copper mining, Roman invasion, language and customs.
- See the most southerly point in the United Kingdom and enjoy the many lighthouses, relics of the mining industry, country mansions and much more
- Visit Poldark locations - see why the BBC Period Drama was such a success once you explore these stunning locations
- Enjoy cream tea as the British do and enjoy some of the best seafood in Europe.
- Discover Coastal Gems such as a St. Ives, home to painters, writers and romantics at heart.
Included:
- 4 Star Accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast Basis
- Meet and Greet at Airport
- Transfers to and from hotel
- Expert driver/guide
- Comfortable touring vehicle
- Local knowledge, recommendations and help with any bookings you want to make
- Porterage - 1 piece per person in and out of hotels
Not included
- Flights - purchase your own flights in and out of destination
- Gratuities - minimum recommended $10 per person per day
- Lunches and Dinners - we like our guests to be able to choose their own dining options
- Any entrances to museums, attractions and concerts - most of what you're looking for will be free entrance anyway.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1
Arrive in London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport, Meet and Greet and Transfer to your hotel in Southampton. We'll head directly for the interesting Roman city and more specifically the Roman Villa at Fishbourne with mosaics and historic architecture to explore. From here, we're on to see HMS Victory, the oldest ship of its class still in service in the World. Southampton Historic Docks is a fascinating experience and we're sure you'll enjoy learning about all of Britains naval and colonial experiences. High on the agenda was defeating the French and Spanish combined navies during the Napoleonic Wars. Check into your hotel in Portsmouth tonight.
Day 2
Today we'll leave the mainland behind and take a ferry over to the stunning island south of the city. On the Isle of Wight you'll visit the famous summer home of Victoria and Albert, Osbourne House. They used to arrive by ship to their own private beach and Victoria would always celebrate her birthday here. Sometimes Albert composed the music for the band, being an extremely talented polyglot. Discover Royal Life and take an evening ferry back to Southampton after some local sightseeing and a chance to engage with the locals here.
Day 3
Today we venture further west, spending the night in Torquay, Cornwall. Torquay is the perfect sandy beach coastal town that allows you relax, enjoy nature and the fresh air.
Day 4
Tonight we'll be based in St. Austell following some excellent seaside visits to Looe and Polperro.
Day 5
This morning we'll visit the fascinating Eden Project and the Lost Gardens Heligan, two separate visits exploring flora and excellent botanic arrangements. We'll spend the night in Falmouth, having explore the Roseland Heritage Coast. Rick Stein's famous seafood restaurant is in the locality and within walking distance of the hotel.
Day 6
You'll start off today with a visit to Pendennis Castle and Keep built by Henry VIII. As we head south after this visit there'll be the opportunity to explore more of the great outdoors with a visit to Trebah Botanical Garden. We'll drive down the Lizard Peninsula and get to Britain's most southerly point. Overnight on the coast at Porthleven.
Day 7
We're heading to the very west of Cornwall and today we enjoy some of the Poldark film locations. Stopping at Penzance and Mousehole this morning, we'll learn about shipping, smuggling and other activities that the local economy has lived off over the centuries. We'll continue to Land's End scenic point and explore the walk to Maen Castle, learning all the local intrigue and history of the area.
Day 8
We'll drive the stunning coastline with our goal today being to reach St. Ives in mid afternoon. Enjoy two nights here and benefit from a centrally located hotel amongst all the great attractions, walks, galleries and musuems.
Day 9
Meet a local walking guide who will take us on a morning tour of the town and explain the lives of literary giants, botanistcs, nature experts and other famous personalities who have visited the area over the centuries. This is one of the most beautiful towns in Britain and we're glad you can share it with us. The flowers and trees are gorgeous and you might think you were in a much warmer climate given what you'll see. Visit Tate St. Ives if modern and contemporary art peaks you interest.
Day 10
Today is an interesting day full of flavour and scenic sights with a visit to Healey's Cornish cider farm, the region famous for the beverage produced with skill from the produce of high quality local orchards. Visit the Saint. Agnes Heritage Coast and Perranporth. Stay the night in gorgeous Newquay and enjoy the town at leisure.
Day 11
We're off exploring the beautiful Trevose Head Heritage Coast, fishing village of Port Isaac and Tintagel Castle, with links to King Arthur. This should be one of the most scenic days you've ever had in Britain, and maybe in Europe. Spend the night in Ilfracombe.
Day 12
We drive east across Devon and spend two nights in Bath, UNESCO World Heritage City, tonight. Capital of North Somerset, it's one of the world's most beautiful cities with Georgian architecture as far as the eye can see. Enjoy the visit to the Roman Baths and the nearby Gothic Bath Abbey, where the first king of England was crowned.
Day 13
Enjoy a walking tour to see the famous Bath Circus and the Crescent, protected as UNESCO architecture. Learn about Jane Austen and the period she lived here, see the covered Victorian Market, walk on streets paved over Ancient History and learn all about Acque Sulis from the expert local guide. Enjoy some excellent tea and scones or a Sally Lunn's Bun, the local speciality bread topped with only the finest ingredients. Bath oozes history and culture with the River Avon flowing majestically under the superb Pulteney bridge designed by renowned Neo-Classical architect Robert Adam.
Day 14
We return to London Heathrow airport for your flight home or onwards on the next trip of a lifetime with Global Dream Travel.