Itinerary of the Month

Historic Cornwall with English Heritage:

Day 1:
Explore the dramatic scenery at Land’s End. En route to or from Land’s End:
Chysauster Ancient Village
The original inhabitants of this ancient Celtic settlement occupied the site almost 2000 years ago. Today you can still see the remarkable hallmarks of a people lost in time. Discover the cluster of unique stone homesteads known as ‘courtyard houses’ which are only found on the Land’s End peninsula and the Isles of Scilly.

Day 2:
Day-trip to Falmouth and Pendennis Castle:
Journey through 450 years of history at Pendennis from Tudor times to World War II. Experience sights and sounds of battle on the Tudor gun deck. Trace the Royalist Civil War siege defences, see garrison life of the 20th century recreated, enter the World War I guardhouse and tour the underground wartime defences- just watch out for enemy attack!

Then travel by foot-ferry from Falmouth to:
St Mawes Castle
Wonderful location alongside the pretty fishing village of St Mawes, this castle is Henry VIII’s most picturesque and most perfectly-preserved fort. Facing Pendennis over the River Fal, the castle commands magnificent views, which you can best appreciate from the mighty battlements.

Day 3:
Morning visit to Tintagel Castle:
Overlooking the wild Cornish coast, Tintagel is one of the most spectacular spots in the country associated with King Arthur and Merlin. Recent excavations revealed Dark Age connections between Spain and Cornwall, alongside the discovery of ‘Arthnou’ stone suggesting that this was a royal palace for the ‘Dark Age’ rulers of Cornwall.

Enjoy a lunch of locally sourced Cornish ingredients in our newly opened beach cafe, before continuing to:

Launceston Castle
From the motte of this Norman castle, you’ll enjoy the most fantastic views. Commanding the town and surrounding countryside, this castle controlled the route into Cornwall. An introductory exhibition sets the scene as you step back in history.

Enjoy an afternoon drive through the beautiful Cornish landscape before returning to the hotel.

Day 4:
Day-trip to the lovely Torquay area starting with:
Dartmouth Castle
For 600 years Dartmouth castle has stood in a superb waterfront setting as the guardian of the Dart estuary. One of the most advanced fortresses of its day, the castle was ideally positioned to protect the homes and warehouses of Dartmouth’s wealthy medieval merchants.

Then sail by the River Dart Link north to Totnes and visit:
Totnes Castle 
One of the best surviving examples of a Norman motte and bailey castle with spectacular views. The once great ditch that surrounded the keep is today filled with the cottages and gardens of the town.

Enjoy lunch in Torquay and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in town.

Come back in October to see our Cambridge itinerary.