Best of Devon and Cornwall
8 Day UK Tour of Devon & Cornwall | Operated by Trafalgar
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8 Days
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1 Country
England -
13 Cities
London, Stonehenge, Exeter, Plymouth, Penzance, St. Ives, Buckfastleigh, Dartmoor National Park, Bath, Bristol, Longleat, Lacock, Windsor -
10 Meals
7 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners, 1 Lunch -
Pace: Active
Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.
Trip Itinerary
A vibrant mix of old and new which marches to its very own unforgettable multi-cultural tune. Spend your day exploring the city's iconic sights - its royal heritage, exquisite architecture and fascinating museums. Then take to the city's streets this evening, enjoying the buzz of Soho or perhaps attend a West End show.
This morning, meet your Travel Director for a journey through the rolling landscape of Wiltshire to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient monoliths at Stonehenge, which rise imposingly on Salisbury Plain, imagining a time when pagans and druids would gather in their mysterious midst. Next, visit the 15th-century Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter. Continuing to Plymouth, Britain's Ocean City known for its maritime heritage, where pilgrims once left English shores for an unknown new world. Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner this evening, at a local restaurant.
Journey to Penzance and enjoy views of one of Cornwall's iconic landmarks, St Michael's Mount with its 17th-century castle, perched dramatically atop the tidal island, an ancient market town and historic port. Explore the lovely St. Ives, one of the most picturesque towns in Cornwall and a popular retreat for artists, surfers and sun-worshippers.
This morning, consider an optional cruise around Plymouth's dramatic coastline or enjoy some free time exploring Plymouth your way. Continue to Buckfast Abbey where you’ll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into how Benedictine monks have lived and prayed for nearly 1,000 years. Next, enjoy Dartmoor National Park on a scenic drive across the mysterious moors.
Head to Stowford Manor Farm, and Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience where High Tea will be served by the owner. This family run farm, located in the Frome Valley, has a diverse range of interests from Jersey milking cows to a community of workshops used by local craftsmen. Continuing to Bristol, England's urban art capital, home to graffiti artist, Banksy.
Today we embark on a scenic drive through the English countryside, arriving at Longleat Stately Home where we’ll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into centuries of British tradition. Embark on an included guided tour one of the country's finest stately homes, home to the former 7th Marquess of Bath. Wander through its grand rooms featuring priceless collections of art, antiques and tapestries collected by 15 generations and admire the exquisite Capability Brown landscaped parkland.
Later, we stop in the picturesque village of Lacock – its honey-colored stone cottages and 15th century inns have served as an iconic backdrop for such famous films as 'Pride & Prejudice', 'Harry Potter' and 'Downton Abbey'.
This evening we'll enjoy a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant.
We arrive at the double-inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, Bath, whose beautiful Pulteney Bridge and 15th century Gothic Abbey provide a picturesque backdrop for the Roman Baths from which the city takes its name. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, and see the steamy thermal pool of the 'Great Bath' and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Journey through lush landscapes to the historic market town of Windsor, home to Windsor Castle, a residence of the British Royal Family before returning to London where our memorable journey through Devon and Cornwall comes to an end.
Say a fond farewell to your traveling companions at the end of a wonderful vacation, as you prepare to return home with treasured memories.
Price Includes
What's Included- - An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- - The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
- - Pick-up and drop-off when you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar
- - Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- - All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- - All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- - Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- - Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- - Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- - Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- - Optional Experiences and free time
- - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- - 7 Breakfasts (B)
- - 2 Dinners (D)
- - 1 Lunch (L)
- Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
- Visit the 15th-century Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter. With a history spanning more than one thousand years, marvel at the complexity of the building's design and decoration.
- Visit St. Ives, one of the United Kingdom's most popular seaside resorts.
- See some of Bristol's highlights on an orientation drive with your Travel Director.
- Admire the charming honey-colored stone cottages of Lacock.
- Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillenial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
- Visit Buckfast Abbey, a Benedictine monastery built on the site where monks have lived and prayed for over 1,000 years.
- Enjoy a guided tour of Longleat House, the former seat of the Marquesses of Bath and one of the finest stately homes open to the public.
- Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational program actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. The Roman Baths experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.
Optional Experiences
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Devonshire Village And Dinner (Available on Day 2)We’ll drive to a beautiful village in Devon, where you’ll see cob walled houses with thatched roofs and the parish church, which dates back over 700 years. You’ll also savor a tasty pub dinner and meet the locals, in a 700-year-old village pub.
Adult Price: £49 Dartmoor Excursion And Dinner (Available on Day 2)A scenic drive across the mysterious moors takes us to the capital of the area, Princetown. Here we’ll see the infamous Dartmoor prison, before driving to a lovely old Inn for a drink and supper. Later, a Local Specialist will regale us with stories and legends about the area.
Adult Price: £68 Plymouth Harbor Cruise (Available on Day 3)Relax on a boat trip around the harbor of one of England’s most famous seaports. As the commentary unfolds, we'll see the Mayflower steps monument, where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America. We'll enjoy panoramic vistas of Plymouth Hoe before entering the Royal Navy Dockyard, where we’ll see modern vessels of the Royal Navy.
Adult Price: £23 Dinner and Drinks in Bristol (Available on Day 4)Tonight, why not join your Travel Director and fellow guests for dinner in the heart of Bristol.
Adult Price: £52 Guided Tour of Bristol (Available on Day 5)The center of the British aeronautics industry since WWII, Bristol was also a great seafaring port and England's second city until not long ago. There's a wealth of history to be discovered and John Cabot, Brunel, the Plimsoll Line, John and Charles Wesley, Wills Tobacco, Archibald Leach (who's he?), Banksy, and Robinson Crusoe are all names that have unique links with Bristol. Find out how they all fit together on a rip-roaring tour of the town with Bristol's number-one Local Specialist.
Adult Price: £24 Windsor Visit Including Castle Tour (Available on Day 6)We’ll take a short drive to Windsor where you'll enjoy a tour of Windsor Castle, with entrance to the State Apartments included. Inside the apartments you’ll also have the use of an individual audio guide.
Adult Price: £46