Southwest England 2023
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14 Day South West England Tour Itinerary 2023
May 20 - June 2 (sold Out)
Day 1 Welcome to Bristol (1 night). We’ll meet at our hotel at 4pm for a short introductory meeting before walking up to the Suspension Bridge for a grandstand view of the city below. We’ll enjoy our first dinner together this evening in Clifton.
Day 2 We hit the road. We’ll have an early start and head down through Somerset and Devon to The Hartland Quay Hotel in North Devon (3 nights). This hotel may not be as grand as our first but it is one of the most dramatic hotel locations to be found anywhere. It has its own pub serving simple, delicious food. On our way we’ll stop at Dunster Castle which is a family home today. I’ll give you a little guided tour of the grounds and we’ll stop in the village of Dunster for lunch. Another stop en route will be the picturesque village of Porlock Weir.
Day 3 This morning we’ll head down to the spectacular cliff side village of Clovelly. I’ll provide you with a guided tour as we walk down to the ancient quayside to enjoy the view. After a lazy lunch or cream tea in the local pub we’ll make a short drive to Appledore in order to understand a little more of Britain’s maritime history. We’ll return to the hotel from where we’ll take a dramatic coastal walk around the cliffs of North Devon. If you wish, I’ll drive us all out to a thatched pub for some local ales and beverages.
Day 4 We’ll start by heading up to the local lighthouse, then down onto Dartmoor for some more scenic splendour, but also to examine some ancient history amongst the stones, and maybe get a glimpse of the iconic ponies that roam freely on these moors.
Day 5 Today sees us making our way to Cornwall where we will be staying at the beautiful seaside village of Mawgan Porth (3 nights). On the way we’ll have a tour of Port Isaac (yes, Doc Martin’s village). Fishing has been a big part of the culture of this region and this is a place where you can comprehend some of the hardships of the local fishing communities. After arriving at our hotel I’ll take you down to the gorgeous stretch of golden sand that is the beach of Mawgan Porth. After stretching our legs, let’s go to dinner in Padstow and enjoy the fayre at a great star restaurant.
Day 6 It’s a short drive to the Eden Project - a huge china clay quarry that is now home to the world’s largest biomes. Here you’ll have time to wander freely through an Amazonian rainforest canopy or explore a Mediterranean landscape. Grab lunch at the site and in the afternoon we’ll head back to our hotel.
Day 7 It’s time to introduce you to tin mining. There are hundreds of mines littering the coastline of this region. We’ll start in the idyllic village of St Agnes from whence we can walk around the headland to look at these strange industrial buildings. We’ll explore more of this area of Cornwall and enjoy a pastie or two as we do so.
Day 8 We get to visit an astonishing building - Lanhydrock House. On the outside is a lovely Elizabethan/Jacobean Manor House. On the inside, it’s one of the best preserved Victorian interiors in the world. Enjoy lunch in the grounds of this stately home, and perhaps a walk on the beautiful beach at Mawgan Porth.
Day 9 Of course we’re moving on again today, and our final destination will be Plymouth Hoe (3 nights). Upon arrival, I’ll give you a guided tour of the Hoe, around the Citadel, and down to the Barbican, where you can visit the original Plymouth Steps. This is where your Pilgrim Fathers sailed from.. Plymouth is a bustling little city with many amenities, including a gin distillery. I’ll give you an orientation and point out some high points to you.
Day 10 Is a little unusual. The UK is not well known for its wine production. It does however produce some of the best wines in the world … and I’ll prove it. We’re going to visit Sharphams vineyards for a tasting and a tour. Afterwards we’ll wobble over to the seaside town of Paignton in order to catch a train. A short but extremely pretty journey will see us looking over to the historic town of Dartmouth. I’ll explain how and why Dartmouth has been so important to our history … oh, did I say that we’d be traveling on a steam train? When we return to Plymouth we’ll go to dinner together at my favourite chip shop - you’ll see why….
Day 11 And we’re on the move again, this time to the naval sea town of Portsmouth (3 nights). Driving through South Devon and Dorset today we’ll have chance to visit some wonderful sites. We’ll walk down to the limestone arch that is Durdle Dor/Door, as well as hike around the top of the largest Iron Age hill fort in Europe, Maiden Castle. I’ll talk about the archaeology and geology as we go.
Day 12 Is a fascinating insight into Britain’s naval history. How and why did we become a naval sea power? Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard has many of the answers. It’s also where you can explore the HMS Victory, the Mary Rose, The Warrior etc etc etc. A whole day here won’t be enough!
Day 13 Will give me a chance to explain a little of our Roman history to you. We’re going to visit Portchester Castle, a 3rd century Roman shore fortress. Also on our agenda is a visit to Winchester Cathedral where a guided tour will be provided, and I’ll be on hand to show you around this ancient market town - what is a market town? Who was King Arthur? Where is the Round Table? Dinner tonight will be in a lovely restaurant by the water and a chance to reminisce on a fascinating trip.
Day 14 Today I’ll help you with your final transportation arrangements over breakfast.