Grand Tour of the West Country

After breakfast, we cross into Devon for a morning visit to Torquay, jewel of the English Riviera. Later, we travel via Dartmoor National Park to Buckfast Abbey, home to a Benedictine community, where you can admire the restored abbey, gardens and peaceful setting. This evening, we continue to Plymouth for a three-night stay.

We begin with a cruise around Plymouth’s famous harbour, taking in Plymouth Hoe, Drake’s Island, Mount Edgcumbe, Royal William Yard and one of Western Europe’s largest naval dockyards. Afterwards, there is free time to explore the city, including the Barbican, the Hoe and Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse.

Today, we enter Cornwall for the first time, heading to the historic market town of Liskeard to board the Looe Valley Line Railway. Take in beautiful views of the picturesque valley and glorious estuary on our journey towards Looe; this charming resort is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. The town prides itself on its soft, golden beaches, fresh fish and a stunning harbour home to many award-winning restaurants to visit!

After checking out of our hotel, we head deeper into the heart of Cornwall with a visit to the incredible Eden Project. Home to the largest indoor rainforest in the world, this former clay pit is a botanist’s dream. From here, we travel a short distance to the ancient smuggler’s port of Mevagissey; this Cornish gem is where you can try traditional Cornish Pasties or cream teas (just remember to spread your jam first). We later check into our next hotel in Falmouth for two nights.

Today’s excursions feature two West Country highlights: St Michael’s Mount and St Ives. Reached by causeway at low tide, St Michael’s Mount offers a historic island setting with a village, castle and rich heritage. We also visit St Ives, with time to wander its cobbled streets, harbour, shops and galleries found in this artist's haven.<br />

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Falmouth, known for its maritime heritage, sandy beach and quayside atmosphere. We then travel north through Bodmin Moor, stopping at Jamaica Inn, famously linked with Daphne du Maurier and now home to a museum. Later, we cross back into Devon and continue to Tiverton for our final two nights.

Today, we visit Clovelly, a uniquely preserved fishing village set on a wooded hillside. With no vehicles in the village, donkeys still help transport goods, adding to its distinctive character. We include Land Rover shuttles each way from the Visitor's Centre to the Harbour for those who require it.

This morning, we bid the wonderful West Country a fond farewell as we begin our homeward journey.