South England and Cornwall
08 Days/ 07 Nights
Stonehenge and Salisbury and two of the most evocative name in ancient English history. The henge offers over 4,000 years of heritage to unearth. Built in three phases of the construction, it required more than thirty million hours of labour. Further west we arrive to Devon, drive along the south coast and we stop at Lulworth Cove, part of the ‘Jurassic Coast ‘, the first UNESCO World Heritage site in England. Next to the pristine wilds of Dartmoor National Park. Here you can visit one of Cornwall’s beautiful gardens – Eden Project or Lost Gardens of Heligan. In Cornwall at St. Ives, we encounter a seafood must try destination, idyllic seacoast setting and the famed Tate Art Gallery.
Next day we head just a little north and see Padstow, famous for its fish & chips and continue to Tintagel Castle. Overnight Barnstable. Clovelly is a great village on a steep hill. Donkeys abound in a place where motorcars are prohibited. Exmoor National Park here is a super day in the wilds.
Onward to Somerset through the famed Cheddar Gorge. Close by is Glastonbury, known for its music festival, but also for its long and fascinating history. Somerset is known for its cider production. Travel to Bath, one of the finest cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Roman Baths, an award-winning attraction. Depart London.
The Itinerary
DAY 1 – STONEHENGE
Travel through beautiful English countryside. Visit Stonehenge or enjoy a walk through the medieval streets of Salisbury to admire its cathedral, explore its small shops, cosy pubs and tea and coffee houses. Continue your drive.
Overnight: Southampton area
DAY 2 – THE JURASSIC COAST
On your way to Devon, drive along the south coast and stop at Lulworth Cove, part of the ‘Jurassic Coast ‘the first UNESCO World Heritage site in England. (Cruise possible from either from Poole or Swanage). Continue along the coast.
Overnight: Exeter area
DAY 3 – DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK
Head for the wild Dartmoor National Park marked with rocky outcrops, herds of native wild Dartmoor ponies and expansive moorland. Explore the villages, their thatched cottages and cosy tea rooms. Try Devon Cream Tea. Visit one of Cornwall’s famous gardens – Eden Project or Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Overnight: Falmouth
DAY 4 – DAY TOUR OF CORNWALL
Head for St Ives, an attractive town with pretty cottages, alleyways, and the renowned Tate Art Gallery. Try a Cornish pasty. Continue to at Land’s End and admire the wild coastal views. Drive back to Marazion to see St Michael’s Mount, reachable by foot during low tide.
Overnight: Falmouth
DAY 5 –NORTH CORNWALL HIGHLIGHTS
Follow the north coast of Devon and Cornwall. Explore Padstow, famous for its fish & chips. Continue to Tintagel Castle where, King Arthur was conceived. Take in the views and walk along the coastal path. Alternately head to cross Bodmin Moor and the majestic Lanhydrock House and gardens.
Overnight: Barnstaple area
DAY 6 – NORTH DEVON AND EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK
Explore the north Devon Coast. Head west along the coast to Clovelly, a pretty village clinging to the side of a cliff. Cars are not allowed on the steep cobbled streets, only on keys and sledges. Or head east and explore Exmoor National Park, famous for its ponies, dramatic moor scenery and seaside towns.
Overnight: Barnstaple area
DAY 7 – DEVON TO SOMERSET
Drive north into Somerset through Britain’s biggest gorge: Cheddar Gorge, famous for its cheese. Close by: Glastonbury, known for its music festival, but also for its long and fascinating history. Somerset is known for its cider production. Travel to Bath, one of the finest cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Roman Baths, an award-winning visitor attraction.
Overnight: Bath / Bristol area
DAY 8 –BRISTOL/BATH TO LONDON
Depart Bristol / Bath area for Lacock, a very picturesque village and abbey featured in many scenes in the Harry Potter films as Hogwarts and has also been a film set for some of Jane Austen’s novels. Continue through the Cotswolds, stop in Castle Combe, one of the prettiest villages in England. Return to your airport and board your flight home.