A Ladies Adventure Around Cornwall

Logistical Note: Cornwall is somewhat of a remote part of England and, via quaint rural roads, involves a bit more driving than some other regional itineraries, with a few longish days. We strive to present an itinerary balanced overall by spending several leisurely days in one base. The stunning landscapes throughout are surely worth the journey!

Depart London for a full day in Jane Austen Country! It was in the quaint village of Chawton that Jane Austen spent most of her later years, where she completed most of her most famous works, Sense & Sensibility and Pride & Prejudice amongst others. Once inside her cottage, be transported into her world.

Winchester was the original Saxon capital of England. On a walking tour with your guide, be introduced to the general sights, including England’s oldest public schools, and the impressive cathedral, final resting place for Jane Austen.

We may be able to manage time for a short photo stop at either Lyme Regis or West Bay. Scenic West Bay is an area featured recently in the popular tv series Broadchurch, and Lyme continues on the Jane Austen theme as a popular sea spa town and the site of many Austen family holidays. The town looks much as it did when Jane spent time here, and sites from Persuasion are recognizable.

ON Exeter

Torquay is a popular seaside resort, but is perhaps best known as the home base of the queen mystery writer Agatha Christie. Explore some places of her inspiration and her home.

The remains of the day we can investigate another amazing woman Daphne du Maurier as we route via the coastal area that inspired Rebecca. Attention fans of Poldark, we can stop at the scenic Charlestown to get ourselves 'in the picture' of the series! Then onto Cornwall base.

ON Falmouth

St Michaels’ Hotel or similar https://www.stmichaelshotel.co.uk/ or Penmere Manor, Penmorvah Manor or similar, http://www.penmeremanorhotel.co.uk/ http://www.penmorvah.co.uk/the-hotel.php

A day focused on Cornwall Gardens – spoilt for choice in this part of ’tropical Britain!’ The day will include the Lost Gardens of Heligan and a private tour (subject to availability) of England’s only tea plantation at Tregothnan.

The Lost Gardens of Helligan is an amazing place represents Europe’s largest restoration project with over 80 acres of award winning landscape, a super walled garden of exotic fruit and 22 acre ‘jungle.’

If time permits, there are a variety of smaller gems nearby to round out our day.

OVERNIGHT: Falmouth, same property as above

Learn to cook ‘Cornwall in a Day’ with a local Cornish chef (subject to availability on your chosen travel dates.) There is the option of a more formal kitchen experience OR if feeling adventurous, there is the option of a foraging experience. 

OVERNIGHT: Falmouth area, same property as above

Full day around Falmouth independently – explore the art museums, meander the seaside, enjoy the antique and other local boutique shopping opportunities, visit Tudor Pendennis Castle or perhaps a ferry ride across to scenic St Mawes for some coastal walking. Maybe a spa treatment at our hotel and a leisurely lunch at a waterfront café would best suit. How you spend your day is up to you!

OVERNIGHT: Falmouth area, same property as above

Cornwall icons –St Michael’s Mount and artist haven of St Ives

St Michael’s Mount is the mythical island accessible only by boat or, tides permitting, by walking across the ancient granite causeway. Learn the legends of giants and pilgrims. Discover a medieval castle, a sub-tropical garden and a close-knit island community.

St Ives is a charming harbour town where one can delight at the range of local art galleries, boutique shops and the prestigious Tate Gallery. After an orientation walk with your guide, enjoy some free time to explore as you choose. As a group, there is the option of taking an arts and crafts class together – soap making, sand candles, 'beach find' mosaics are possible creations. (subject to availability on your chosen travel dates.)

OVERNIGHT: St Ives or Penzance

Cornwall - icons, coast & countryside

There is so much to see and do around Cornwall! Today we delve deep into the local sites, a lovely day meandering the countryside together. Options for stops include the prehistoric village at Chysauster, the famous open-air Minack theatre, mining museums and of course, Land's End itself.

And YES this is Poldark country so there are several coastal walking options, including one of the former tin mile heritage sites.

We will route via the charming seaside hamlet of Mousehole (pronounced "Mowzel,") a stunning collection of homes made of yellow granite from the local quarry. This fishing harbour is quintessentially Cornish! Here learn of Dolly Pentreath, reputedly the last fluent native speaker of the Cornish language.

During our day we can tour Polgoon, a truly Cornish vineyard and cider farm. An experience here includes wine and cider tastings and a nice local lunch of cheese and charcuterie platters and a Cornish crab sandwich. (subject to availability on your chosen travel dates.)

OVERNIGHT: St Ives or Penzance

Discover the quaint fishing villages of the north Cornwall and Devon coast.

We have Port Isaac of TV show Doc Martin fame and Boscastle with connections to Thomas Hardy. A highlight today is sure to be rugged Tintagel Castle, the reputed birthplace of King Arthur, which sits high on top of the wild cliffs accessible only by walking.

Also today, the option of lunch together at Rick Stein’s Seafood restaurant in Padstow (subject to availability.) Another lovely day out!

ON Taunton/Glastonbury area

A full day today as we make our way back to London, via King Arthur’s reputed burial place of Glastonbury. Here we can discuss the legend of Gwyn ap Nudd, King of the Fairies, while exploring the magical hollow of Glastonbury Tor. As this is England’s New Age capital, we can explore the local goddess culture and discover the magic of the ley lines.

Also see the lovely Wells Cathedral, with its unique scissor arches.

Next is the Georgian city of Bath, city of Jane Austen. This place was enjoyed by the social set of the 18th and 19th centuries. After your orientation tour with your guide, you will have free time to go as you please to visit the Roman Baths and Pump Rooms or simply wander the antique, book and tea shops as you wish.

Return to London this evening.

Please note: All attraction opening times are correct at time of printing this website. While we will do our utmost to include all of the properties mentioned as central visits, we reserve the right to change an attraction should it become impossible to deliver a planned visit due to changes in opening days or times beyond our control.

Please note that your final day to day itinerary may fluctuate to accommodate variable opening times/days for listed attractions, special events and places of interest. Please discuss your needs with us for an individual itinerary with rate quote.

Oft imitated, never duplicated! This is an original SGT itinerary, property of Special Group Tours and to be used only with express permission/in conjunction with SGT.