Exploring England’s West Country

Day 1 - Avebury Neolithic Monuments

On arrival at the airport, you will be met by your main driver guide and will head west towards the rolling hills of the West Country. On the way, you will stop off to enjoy a wander around the amazing UNESCO world heritage site of Avebury. This ancient site contains an extraordinary cluster of monuments dating back thousands of years to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, including the largest stone circle in Britain. Stretch your legs through the local village, learning about the sites as you wander amongst them. From here, it’s a short journey to your boutique hotel, set in the heart of the picturesque village of Beaminster, your base for the next two nights. (L)

Overnight: Summer Lodge | Superior room | Dorset

Day 2 - The Jurassic Coastline

The coastline of Dorset is famous for its golden cliffs that stand proudly looking across the English Channel. Stretching 96 miles from East Devon to West Dorset, it spans 185 million years of geological history. Millennia of erosion has exposed rock formations and fossils from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, making it the perfect place to explore on foot. There are lots of options for today, from hiking to the iconic Golden Cap which offers incredible views across the coastline, to visiting the beautiful rock archway of the Durdle Door or enjoying a walk along pebbly beaches with sea views as far as the eye can see. You will end the day at a local fossil museum, which showcases some of the incredible findings from the local coastline dating back millions of years. (B, L)

Overnight: Summer Lodge | Superior room | Dorset

Day 3 - Houses, Gardens & Vineyards

This part of Dorset is home to some wonderful places to visit after an active day yesterday. Your first stop is Mapperton House and Gardens, which was the location for the 2015 film adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s Far from the Madding Crowd. Home to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, enjoy a tour of the house before it opens to the public, afterwards taking some time to explore the beautiful gardens or enjoy some refreshments in the cafe. Later on, you will visit Furleigh Estate for a tour and tasting of their exquisite English wine. Learn how making wine in England is different to that of France, and enjoy a lovely stroll through the vineyard with the sound of birdsong to keep you company. Later, transfer to the small hamlet of Bruton where you will stay at the renowned Newt Hotel in Somerset, set in a country estate with stunning gardens, a fabulous spa and its own cider brewery. (B,L)

Overnight: The Newt in Somerset | Bruton | Farmhouse room

Day 4 - Hiking in the Mendip Hills

Offering 440 km of pathways to explore, the Mendip Hills are well-known for their beauty. You may like to head to the famous Cheddar Gorge, a deep fissure cutting through the hills almost 400 feet deep! You can spend time exploring the famous Cheddar caves that were carved out by the river as you make your way through this iconic landscape. Another option could be to visit the National Nature Reserve at Ebbor Gorge. Located near the famous Wookey Hole but a million miles away from the tourists, this unspoilt walk showcases some of the best of the Somerset beauty with tremendous views of the surrounding countryside.  Your guide will discuss all of the options with you so you can make the most out of your day in this part of the West Country. (B, L)

Overnight: The Newt in Somerset | Bruton | Farmhouse room

Day 5 - Glastonbury Tor & City of Wells

Glastonbury has long been associated with the famous annual music festival but today you are going to step back in time and visit Glastonbury Tor, one of the most spiritual sites in the country. With its grizzly past and steeped in history, this is a superb place to learn more about the area. With views that stretch across Wiltshire and Wales, the climb to the top is well worth it. After enjoying a refreshing lunch, you’ll head to the city of Wells to enjoy some free time exploring the boutique shops with a visit to the impressive Wells Cathedral, which has been called one of the most beautiful and most poetic of English cathedrals. (B, L)

Overnight: The Newt in Somerset | Bruton | Farmhouse room

Day 6 - Field to Fork

After a few active days, your last day in the West Country is more relaxed. If visiting in the summer, you’ll start the day at a farm that specialises in growing lavender. Awaken your senses as you wander through the acres of purple lavender that flowers in summer from June. For a special lunch, visit a unique venue that not only serves incredible local produce from their own farm, but is also home to a collection of contemporary art and beautiful gardens designed by a renowned landscape architect. Arrive in time for a walk through the gardens and check out any current exhibitions before sitting down for a wonderful lunch. This afternoon, return to your hotel to see where they brew their own cider on site, then spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through the wonderful formal woodland gardens or relaxing in the spa. (B, L)

Overnight: The Newt in Somerset | Bruton | Farmhouse room

Day 7 - Depart

Your guide will return you to the airport for your onward connections. If time allows, you may like to stop off at the beautiful Georgian city of Bath, full of history from the Romans and their impressive ancient bathhouse to beloved author Jane Austen. You may also choose to extend your trip to other parts of the UK including further time in Bath or across the border into Wales to continue your great British adventure. (B, L)

Day 8 - Trip Extension | Biking in Dorset

Feel the rush of adrenaline and the wind in your hair as you enjoy a day out on two wheels through some picturesque villages, visit a local vineyard or simply enjoy a day riding along the coast. There are loads of options to choose from and your guide will discuss them all with you. From a challenging ride through the hills with your guide to a one way ride to Portland Bill, you can be guaranteed fantastic views and delicious food to refresh you on the way.

Day 9 - Trip Extension | Biking in Somerset

If biking takes your fancy instead of hiking, there are various options for you to choose from. Perhaps enjoy a ride out to the coast – after an initial climb this route is relatively flat allowing you to enjoy the views across to Wales as you ride along the coast line. If you fancied something more challenging, you could enjoy a ride along the Strawberry Line, a traffic-free path stretching across the Mendip Hills. With over 2000ft of ascent this ride offers incredible views across the countryside as you make your way along the peaceful paths away from all the traffic. At the end of the day, you will stop at a local pub for some well-deserved refreshments.