Day 1 - This morning we meet our London Heathrow Accommodation and then head south to start our adventure. Our first stop is West Horesly Place for a Guided Nooks and Crannies Tour. With our guide we will be able to explore every corner of the house and see areas never opened to the general public. For the first time in 600 years West Horsley Place is no longer in private hands, but is open for our group to enjoy. This hidden gem has over 1000 years of amazing history with a story around every corner and through every door. Discover what Henry VIII had for lunch in the Stone Hall and see the bag that Walter Raleigh's head was carried in. Enjoy Lord Crewe’s impressive library and Sir Anthony Browne’s glorious Tudor ceiling.This extensive tour provides an unrivalled opportunity to learn more about the history of West Horsley Place. During the tour, we will explore the nooks and crannies of the house and delve into the fascinating lives of the many illustrious owners and visitors, as well as finding out more about the architectural history of the house. Our next stop is in the town of Guildford for a delightful Prosecco Afternoon Tea. After tea we will take some time to explore Guildford, a riverside town in the heart of Surrey, which boasts a stunning High Street with historic setts and beautiful architecture. We then make our way to our accommodation to get settled in before dinner. Welcoming Dinner and Overnight Midhurst. (B,L,D)

Day 2 - This morning we take in Winchester and Winchester Cathedral. Winchester Cathedral dates from 1079 with a church on this site since 648. Jane Austen is buried here and the cathedral possesses the only diatonic ring of 14 church bells in the world, with a tenor (heaviest bell) weighing almost 2 tons. We will have a guided tour of the cathedral followed by afternoon tea before we make our way south to Portsmouth. The highlight of Portsmouth is its Historic Dockyard, home to Britain's great warships, dubbed the "Wooden Walls of England." Here, visitors can marvel at both the modern-day warships anchored on the docks and visit several historical warships, as well as an entertaining collection of model ships, paintings, uniforms, and other artifacts at the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Britannia's HMS Warrior was the first iron-hulled warship — a huge technological advance in the late 1800s. The Warrior's very existence was sufficient to keep the peace, so it never saw combat and is still in ship shape today.Perhaps the most consequential battle in British naval history was the Battle of Trafalgar, where Admiral Nelson and the British fleet defeated Napoleon's fleet, and thereby saved England from so many uninvited French guests back in 1805. Nelson's flagship, the majestic HMS Victory, is the main attraction here, and for Brits, a visit is a patriotic pilgrimage. The evening is free to explore Midhurst and find some dinner on your own. Overnight Midhurst. (B,L)

Day 3 - This morning we make our way west along the coast before traveling northward through New Forest National Park on our way to visiting Salisbury and Salisbury Cathedral. For over 750 years pilgrims have come to seek inspiration in the glory and peace of the Cathedral. Here you will marvel at or climb up to Britain's Tallest Spire, be awed by the beauty and scale of the cathedral interior or study the original Magna Carta in the Chapter House. We will have Afternoon Tea at Salisbury Cathedral before we make our way through Cranbourne Chase, another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on our way to Shaftsbury. At over 750 feet above sea level, Shaftesbury is one of the highest towns in England. Shaftesbury is a small market town in Dorset with a fascinating history going back to Saxon times. The town is the home of Gold Hill and has magnificent views over Thomas Hardy’s Blackmore Vale. Then we finally reach the beautiful market town of Dorchester, the county town of Dorset. It is steeped in history and culture and boasts great places to visit, shop and eat. No holiday in Dorset would be complete without a visit to this fascinating town and its 6000 years of history. Dorchester is world famous for its strong connection with the writer and poet Thomas Hardy. We then get settled into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Dorchester. (B,L,D)

Day4 - Today we visit Athelhampton House, an exquisite example of Tudor architecture, with over 20 rooms open to explore, and fine furnishings and antiques. You can walk around the 12 acres of award-winning gardens that surround the manor, find out why Thomas Hardy loved the place, and learn about the ghostly goings on. composed of three Saxon words, athel, signifying noble, ham, a home or habitation, and ton, denoting the superlative degree;  the home of Æthelhelme, the Saxon Duke who was killed while commanding the Dorset men in an engagement to resist the invading Danes at Portland in AD 837. 500 years later the manor was owned by the noble Martyn family. Richard III was killed in battle at Bosworth Field in 1485, where Thomas Martyn was also slain after switching allegiance to Henry Tudor. His son Sir William Martyn inherited Athelhampton and built the Tudor Great Hall that is at the heart of this Dorset house today. We will have Afternoon Tea here before visiting the Durdle Door, probably the most famous stone arch anywhere in the world. It was created when the sea pierced through the Portland limestone around 10,000 years ago. Looking west over the beach, isolated stacks out at sea show where an older coastline once lay. This part of the coast is formed from merged bays and shows how Lulworth Cove and Stair Hole may look in several thousand years time. By following the natural cliff path down to Durdle Door beach, or the steps to Man O’War beach, the tilted Purbeck Beds are clearly visible. At the base of the chalk cliffs a number of caves can be seen which have been carved out by the sea (wave cut notches). Dinner on your own once we are back in Dorchester. Overnight Dorchester. (B,L)

 

Day 5 - We continue along the coast today taking in East Devon, another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We will stop in Lyme Regis, situated in the Southwest of Dorset is an historic unspoiled seaside resort and fishing port on the world famous Cobb Harbour. Surrounded by beautiful coastlines and countryside, the area has now been awarded World Heritage Site Status and is famous for its geology and fossil finds. Our next stop will be in Sidmouth for Lunch. Hidden in plain view along the beautiful Jurassic Coast, Sidmouth is a seaside town like no other. Sitting along an impressive coastline and surrounded by spectacular countryside and Blue Flag award winning beaches, Sidmouth allows you to  enjoy the best of both worlds, with everything you can expect from a beach town as well as having a rural feel and a real community atmosphere. After lunch we continue on to Exmouth, situated at the mouth of the beautiful Exe Estuary and at the very beginning of the Jurassic Coast, Exmouth is one of the most picturesque holiday resorts on the south coast. Surrounded by the beautiful Devon countryside, Exmouth is a bustling little town with a vibrant shopping centre. We then make our way to another resort town, Torquay to get checked into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Torquay. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - This morning we make our way west to Looe in Cornwall by way of the Dartmoor National Park, a lovely region of moorland in Devon. Situated in the south west of England, right in the very heart of Devon, Dartmoor is a landscape of stunning views, awe inspiring granite tors, deep wooded valleys with fast flowing rivers, and rugged, wide open spaces. We will wind our way through the center of the park taking in all the delights of this magnificent and magical area of England including Dartmeet, Buckland in the Moor and Windecomb in the Moor and see the Dartmoor Ponies that roam freely on the moor. And it is not just ponies you will see, but also Foxes, Otters, Weasels, Stoats and Deer. Bird lovers will be able to spot Cormorants, Grey Herons, Owls and Peregrine Falcons. We will wind our way through the center of the park taking in all the delights of this magnificent and magical area of England. After winding our way through the park, we make our way to Plymouth and The Mayflower Steps in the Barbican area of the city. We will stop for Afternoon Tea and then see where the Pilgrim Fathers left England aboard the Mayflower, before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to settle in North America. We then make our way along the Cornish Coast to Looe to get checked into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Fowey. (B,L,D)

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Day 7 - This morning we visit some of our favourite places around Fowey. Our first stop is Polperro, where it’s easy to step back in time in what is a largely an unspoilt fishing village on the south coast of Cornwall. Its beautiful cottages cling to steep hillsides around a small harbour with spectacular views of land and sea making it an artist’s paradise. Another delightful place to visit is Looe. Looe’s harbour and river separates east from west and is spanned by a Victorian bridge. Surrounded by hotels and restaurants, it’s the ever changing focal point of the town as the tide goes in and out, boats come and go and there’s a constant flow of people going about their daily life. You will be completely enchanted and it is one of the best places in Cornwall to get a Pasty, so that is exactly what we will do! We then turn inland to Liskeard, a historic market town positioned between Bodmin Moor and the south coast; Liskeard flourished in the 19th century when copper was discovered on the nearby moors. These days it’s a quieter place but still has a buzz about it with a museum and arts and heritage centre. Our final stop of the day is Lostwithel, with ancient buildings, narrow alleyways and a medieval bridge over the River Fowey combine to make Lostwithiel an intriguing place to visit. There's also numerous antique shops and trendy cafés making the town a great destination to discover. We then return to Fowey where you have the evening free. Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this pretty harbour town is situated on the west side of a deep estuary, where the Fowey River reaches the sea. Yachts tack back and forth across the water while gulls cry overhead. Overnight Fowey. (B,L)

 

Day 8 - This morning we will spend some time on the Roseland Heritage Coast, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  Our first stop is at Charlestown, a historic port and a berth for tallships. It is also featured the the Poldark TV series and in many other films including the Three Musketeers and The Eagle Has Landed. They also have amazing ice cream here. We will continue our toward the coast and stop in Mevagissey where narrow streets lead down to the centre of the old Mevagissey where the distinctive twin harbour provides a safe haven for the many fishing boats that land their daily catch of skate, lobster, plaice and sole. In typical picture postcard style, pubs, cafes, galleries and shops cluster around the harbour walls and line the pretty streets. Named after two Irish saints, St Meva and St Issey, the village dates back to at least 1313. You will be able to find some lunch here in one of the many waterfront locations for fish and chip shops. We then make our way through more of the beautiful  Roseland Heritage Cost and to the King Harry Ferry which we take across the River Fal and to Falmouth where we will stop before returning home. Falmouth Harbour is the third largest natural harbour in the world and the town, its port and docks are a hive of activity all year round. Immersed in maritime history and sculpted by the sea, Falmouth is one of Cornwall’s top attraction towns and a great place to spend time. It plays host to a wide range of cafes, shops, galleries and bars. Dinner and Overnight Falmouth. (B,D)

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Day 9 - As we are about half way through the tour today will be entirely at your leisure here in Falmouth. Steeped in rich maritime history, Falmouth stands as one of Cornwall’s most popular destinations. Originally developed around its deep natural harbour, which established it as a key port, the town has evolved into a vibrant creative hub and is home to one of the UK’s top arts universities. Bordered by the stunning Fal River National Landscape (formerly the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) on one side, and the beloved beaches of Castle, Gyllyngvase and Swanpool on the other, Falmouth offers not only a rich cultural scene but also breathtaking natural surroundings. The area’s mild climate supports beautiful subtropical gardens, perfect for exploring year-round. Renowned as a sailing town, Falmouth hosts a variety of regattas and festivals throughout the year. It is also a foodie’s paradise, with numerous food festivals celebrating the region’s excellent local produce and top-quality dining. Plus, an excellent selection of pubs and free-houses offering top-quality brews and unbeatable scenery. Get rested up today so you will be fresh for the second half of the tour. Overnight Falmouth. (B)

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Day 10 - Our first stop this morning is one of Cornwall’s most treasured towns, St Ives. It is famed for its picturesque cobbled streets and coastal allure. However, up until the nineteenth century, it was primarily a bustling hub for the pilchard trade and a key exporter of tin across the UK and Europe. The town’s fortunes changed in 1887 with the opening of the St Erth to St Ives railway line, transforming this once modest fishing port into a must-visit destination for holidaymakers and artists alike. Our next stop is Perrranporth for a walk on the beach. Perranporth is best known for its glorious beach with three miles of soft golden sand! We will also stop in Newquay, one of the UK’s most beloved seaside towns. Famous for its golden sands, dramatic coastal scenery, and some of the best surf in Britain, it’s the ideal spot for a quintessential beach holiday. The town takes its name from the "new quay" built in the mid-fifteenth century and remained a small fishing village for centuries.We will eventually end up in Padstow, situated along the Camel Estuary, Padstow is surrounded by two breathtaking National Landscapes, the Camel Estuary itself and Carnewas to Stepper Point. This area is rich in natural beauty, home to rare plant species and one of the UK’s most protected mammals, the otter. It’s the perfect spot to slow down and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Dinner and Overnight Padstow. (B,L)

Day 11 - This morning we make our way to North Devon with a few stops along the way. The first is near Wadebridge to see the famous Bedruthan Steps for one of the most spectacular views in Cornwall and one of the most popular destinations on the North Cornish coast, boasting spectacular cliff-top views of the glorious sea stacks. Our next stop Port Issac which you may recognize if you are a fan of the Doc Martin Series. Port Issac is an attractive fishing village since the early fourteenth century. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with old white-washed cottages and traditional granite, slate-fronted Cornish houses, many of which are listed as of architectural or historic importance. Further up the coast we find Tintagel where you can find some lunch on your own and do some exploring before we visit the romantic and mysterious ruins of Tintagel Castle overlooking the sea. Here you can immerse yourself in history, myth and stunning scenery on Cornwall's rugged north coast.Inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur, for centuries this dramatic castle and coastline has fired the imaginations of writers, artists, and even the brother of a king. Now it's your turn to be inspired. Then we make our way further north to get checked into our accommodation the lovely seaside town of Woolecombe. Dinner and Overnight North Devon. (B,D)

Day 12 - This morning we visit Arlington Court and Gardens, a 2700 acre estate nestling in the thickly wooded valley of the River Yeo. The house contains model ships, tapestry, pewter and shells. The stable block houses one of the best collections of 19th-century horse-drawn vehicles in the country. We then head to Ilfracombe and the Hele Corn Mill and Miller's Wife Tearoom. As the Miller's wife bakes everything fresh we will Lunch in the Tearoom before a Tour of the Mill. The corn mill dates from 1525 and is a unique working watermill. Guided tours are given by the family who run the mill, and children and adults alike will enjoy learning about the history of the mill, from how flour has been made here over the centuries, to some of the mishaps which have befallen the millers! After our tour we make our way to Ilfracombe where there is something for everyone with its picturesque historic harbour of quaint pastel coloured houses, 14th Century chapel perched on Lantern Hill and Damien Hirst’s statue Verity standing guard at the entrance surrounded by dramatic clifftop scenery and is directly on the South West Coast Path. With its stunning beaches and coves including the famous Tunnels Beaches, great eateries, numerous art and craft galleries, independent shops, activities and attractions galore it truly is the perfect destination. Overnight North Devon B,L)

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Day 13 - This morning we make our way to just near Bath taking North Devon's spectacular coastal drive through the Exmoor National Park and the lovely villages that make up this delightful coastline. Exmoor is a unique landscape of moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland, shaped by people and nature over thousands of years. We make our way along the coastline dotted with lovely little villages, sandy beaches, hidden coves and spectacular coastlines. We will stop in Combe Martin for a walk on the beach and also Minehead and Porlach which are both lovely coastal towns. After our drive we will stop in Glastonbury to visit Glastonbury Abbey. Before our visit you can find some lunch on your own here. Glastonbury Abbey is located right in the centre of Glastonbury town. The town itself is an excellent destination for groups offering an eclectic mix of shops, cafes, galleries, pubs and a network of walks and cycle paths weaving their way through the spectacular Somerset Levels. The Abbey presents itself as "traditionally the oldest above-ground Christian church in the World" situated "in the mystical land of Avalon" and was begun in 712AD. King Arthur is reputed to be buried here. We will have a guided tour of the abbey before we make our way to our accommodation to get settled in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight near Bath. (B,D)

Day 14 - This morning we will explore all the wonders of Bath. Nourished by natural hot springs, Bath offers a unique experience with stunning architecture. While here, you will have tickets to visit the Roman Baths, a magnificent temple and bathing complex that still flows with natural hot water. You may also want to visit the Jane Austen Centre. We then take a short journey to Bradford-on-Avon for Afternoon Tea at the Bridge Tearooms. After tea you will have some time to wander around this lovely town. Its magical position on the banks of the River Avon gives visitors a wonderful setting for leisure, cultural and tourist activities. Bradford-on-Avon has delightful shops, restaurants, hotels and bed and breakfasts lining the narrow streets of the town centre. The surrounding hillside is covered with Cotswold Stone Houses and Cottages of every shape and size. The ancient bridge in the centre of the town remains its natural focus and the bridge still retains two of its original 13th-century arches! After a lovely days outing we then return to our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight near Bath. (B,L,D)

Day 15 - On our way back to Heathrow this morning we will stop in the lovely Cotswolds Village of Lacock. The village, which dates from the 13th century and has many limewashed half-timbered and stone houses, was used as a location in the TV and film productions of Pride and Prejudice, Moll Flanders, Emma and Downton Abbey. The Abbey also featured in the recent Harry Potter films. It is a quintessential English village akin to taking a step back in time. We will Lunch in King John's Hunting Lodge Tearoom before continuing to the amazing Stone Circles of Avebury. The stones at Avebury are the largest known stone ring in the world. Older than the more famous Stonehenge, and for many visitors far more spectacular, the multiple rings of Avebury are cloaked with mysteries which archaeologists have only begun to unravel. Avebury is part of an extraordinary set of Neolithic and Bronze Age Ceremonial Sites that seemingly formed a vast sacred landscape. They include West Kennet Avenue, West Kennet Long Barrow, The Sanctuary, Windmill Hill, and the mysterious Silbury Hill. We then make our way to Windsor where you can find some dinner on your own. Overnight Windsor. (B,L)

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Day 16 - Today will be spent in and around Windsor. Our first stop of the day is Dorney Court for a Guided Tour followed by lunch. Dorney Court is one of England’s loveliest houses. Renowned for its architectural importance and historical significance, there is much to inspire curiosity. Little changed in 600 years, bar the inhabitants, Dorney Court has a rare and enchanting character. The Estate has been the home of the Palmer family for nearly half a Millenium, passing from father to son through the generations. It is a Grade 1 listed building, further designated as being of outstanding architectural and historical interest. Dorney Court has always been the manor house of Dorney village which was first recorded in the Domesday Book. Our Connoisseurs’ Tour will begin with tea, coffee and homemade biscuits on arrival, and finish in style with a warming glass of damson gin, madeira or sherry in the grand setting of the Great Hall. We then make our way back to Windsor where you will have some time to explore this lovely town. This evening at 6:00, we will have a Private Guided Tour of Windsor Castle. As our tour starts at 6:00 and goes for 2 1/2 hours our hotel will proved a canape dinner for us just before we depart for the castle. Our guide will take us on a private tour of the Castle’s State Apartments for a truly unforgettable experience. We will be taken on a journey through 1,000 years of royal history. We will go behind the ropes and discover how William the Conqueror’s wooden castle was rebuilt by Edward III and how Charles II set out to rival his cousin Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles, while George IV filled the rooms with works of art and gave Windsor its famous skyline. We will also learn how His Majesty and members of the Royal Family use the Castle today. Dinner and Overnight Windsor. (B,L,D)

Day 17 - This morning we return you to Heathrow International Airport.

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