From Bristol, delve into southwest England, including the counties of Devon and Cornwall. Enjoy an included visit to Tintagel Castle, alleged birthplace of King Arthur and see the Neolithic standing stones at Stonehenge. Discover the Jurassic Coast, including famous Durdle Door, stay in the coastal cities of Falmouth and Exeter and explore Shaftesbury, a market town dating back to the Saxons.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Bristol to Falmouth
Bristol - Dunster - Falmouth. We leave Bristol bright and early, heading south-west. Our itinerary is pretty flexible today, we'll stop in at pretty villages and take a scenic drive through Exmoor National Park. There's also a stop in the medieval village of Dunster, home to a well-preserved historic Norman castle.
There's time for lunch before we visit the incredible ruins of Tintagel Castle, perched atop the cliffs of North Cornwall. It is believed that this 13th century castle was the birthplace of King Arthur and you will have time to enjoy the panoramic coastal views. After our visit, we make our way to Falmouth for the night.
Accommodation: Poltair, Gyllyngvase House or similar.
Please note: Check-in closes at 08:00 on day 1 (tour departs at 08:15) - Bristol Pick-Up, DoubleTree by Hilton, Redcliffe Way, Bristol, BS16NJ.
Overnight: Falmouth
St Ives, Land's End & Minack Theatre
Falmouth - St Ives - Land's End - Minack Theatre - St Michael's Mount - Falmouth. Today's excursion takes us first to the stunning coastal fishing town of St Ives, one of the UK's most picturesque spots. There's time for a wander before we head to Land's End, almost the most southerly point in the country and a great photo opportunity.
Then it's on to the unique Minack Theatre (subject to availability). Take a stroll around this open-air theatre perched on a clifftop before we finish the day at Marazion, from where you can admire the views of St Michael's Mount. This rocky outcrop is home to a medieval church and castle, and is the UK's own take on France's Mont Saint-Michel! We return to Falmouth for the night.
Accommodation: Poltair, Gyllyngvase House or similar.
Overnight: Falmouth | Breakfast
Tavistock & Dartmoor
Falmouth - Tavistock - Dartmoor National Park - Exeter. Departing Falmouth, we have a little time this morning to choose what we visit - a local waterfall, or a stone circle, it's up to the group! Then it's on to Tavistock, a world heritage town and stannary (tin-mining district). There's free time to explore and find somewhere for lunch. Tavistock is also the birthplace of the cream tea, so where better to try this English speciality?
Next, we plunge into Dartmoor National Park, a craggy landscape home to ancient forests, rushing rivers and soggy wetlands. We stop in the picturesque village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, where the folk song "Widecombe Fair" has been immortalized. We also see the granite outcrops of Haytor before heading to the coastal Devon city of Exeter for the night.
Accommodation: Exeter Townhouse, Telstar or similar.
Overnight: Exeter | Breakfast
Durdle Door & Stonehenge
Exeter - Durdle Door - Shaftesbury - Stonehenge - Bristol. The final day of our tour begins with a visit to Durdle Door, one of the English coastline's most impressive natural landmarks. We also visit charming Lulworth Cove on the Dorset coast. Our next stop is the quaint market town of Shaftesbury, which dates back all the way to Saxon times.
But we have saved the best until last, as the final stop of our tour is the legendary Stonehenge. This Neolithic stone circle is shrouded in mystery, and dates back around 5,000 years. Was the wizard Merlin involved in their creation, or aliens? We'll let you decide, but our visit promises to be a tour highlight nonetheless. leaving Stonehenge, it's back to Bristol, where our tour ends.
Please note: This tour ends at 18:45 - Bristol Drop Off, DoubleTree by Hilton, Redcliffe Way, Bristol, BS16NJ.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Poltair , Falmouth
Poltair Guest House, located in Falmouth and just a 13-minute walk from Pendennis Castle, is a 4-star establishment offering a concierge service. The guest house features a sun terrace and provides free Wi-Fi. Falmouth Docks is only a 10-minute walk away, and Newquay Cornwall Airport is 33 km from the property. All guest rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a kettle, and some rooms also feature a balcony.
Exeter Townhouse , Exeter
Located just a 5-minute walk from the centre of Exeter and a 20-minute drive from Dartmoor National Park, Townhouse Exeter is a Grade II-listed Victorian property that has been modernised to offer en-suite rooms with free WiFi. The M5 motorway is a little over a 10-minute drive away, providing easy access to Bristol and beyond, while the major port of Plymouth is less than an hour away by car. Exeter University is a 15-minute walk away, and Exeter Central Railway Station is just a 5-minute stroll from the guest house. Some rooms feature fireplaces, and all are equipped with towels and complimentary toiletries. Committed to using locally sourced, fair trade, homemade, and free-range products whenever possible, the guest house offers a thoughtful experience. The antique shops and boutiques of Topsham are a 20-minute bus ride away, and a variety of water sports can be enjoyed in Exmouth.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
At a Glance
