MASTER TEMPLATE - Cornwall, Bath and the Cotswolds

Day 1 - Welcome to London

On arrival in London, transfer to your centrally located hotel and take some time to relax ahead of your first evening in England. An unmissable destination for travellers, the capital city is an international melting pot that brims with culture, history and iconic landmarks. With a well-known and well-deserved reputation for an eclectic and globally diverse food scene, your dinner this evening is sure to be a thoroughly enjoyable affair. Later, draw the curtains on the twinkling lights of the city to enjoy a good night’s sleep ahead of an exciting day of exploring tomorrow.

Overnight: London

Day 2 - Exploring the Capital

After breakfast, head out to explore the city. As red buses and black cabs trundle around corners, wind your way through the heart of the city, learning about its turbulent history that stretches back over 2000 years. Take a tour of Buckingham Palace, delighting in the meticulously kept gardens, once cherished by her late Majesty the Queen. Enjoy a delicious gastro lunch at a cosy, characterful pub, sitting back and watching the city hustle and bustle beyond the window. Afterwards, perhaps take a relaxing walk through the deep greens of Hampstead Heath or thread your way through a vintage market full of hidden treasures – from velvet hats to crystal pendants. Return to the tranquillity of your hotel this evening to relax before dinner.

Overnight: London

Day 3 - Travel to the Cornish Coast

This morning, make your way to Paddington Station, home to the beloved Paddington Bear statue and his trusty marmalade sandwiches. The 5-hour journey to St. Erth in Cornwall provides the perfect opportunity to relax as the scenery unfurls beyond the window. Arriving at the station, meet your Wilderness Guide, who will help with the suitcases and transfer you to your lovely accommodation. Enjoy lunch in the picturesque village of St Ives before heading out into the streets to enjoy the Music and Arts Festival. From live folk performances to comedy, poetry, exhibitions and open studies – there is so much to hear, see and do. Immerse yourself in the inclusive and friendly atmosphere, before returning to your hotel to enjoy a drink accompanied by the sound of the sea.

Overnight: Cornwall

Day 4 - The Magical St Michael’s Mount

After a lovely breakfast, set out with your guide for a day spent exploring the salt-stung coast. Enjoy a morning meander around the pretty village of Marazion, picking up some traditional Cornish pasties for lunch. As the sun climbs higher into the sky, make your way to St Michael’s Mount – a rocky, tidal island that’s connected to the mainland by an ancient cobbled causeway. Crowned by a castle that dates back to the 12th century, its tales rise like the tide – of seafarers lured by sirens, of religious miracles and soldiers’ songs. Seemingly magnetic in its draw, the island is a unique and magical place. Later, enjoy hiking a stunning section of the South West Coast Path – one of the UK’s most treasured national trails. Wind your way past Trenow Cove, from Perranuthnoe to Marazion, enjoying the far-reaching views across the sea, before returning to your hotel.

Overnight: Cornwall

Day 5 - Trevalgan Stone Circle and Walking to Zennor

This morning, a leisurely hike will take you from the sunny centre of St Ives up onto its wildflower-strewn headland. Beneath your feet lies an ancient trail, once walked by men of the law on the lookout for smugglers and their drink-laden boats. The path follows the fall of the cliffs around Carn Naun Point, before reaching an idyllic beach and the perfect spot to pause for short break. Further on, the trail will take you past Trevalgan Stone Circle, known colloquially as ‘The Merry Harvesters’, they are said to be the frozen forms of 14 locals, cast to remain silent and still forever, after they were caught dancing beneath a harvest moon. Turn inland to Zennor, stopping by a 14th-century pub for a well-deserved drink. In the golden light of the afternoon, transfer back to St. Ives for a relaxed evening to enjoy the town.

Overnight: Cornwall

Day 6 - Visiting St. Agnes and the Myths of Roche Rock

After breakfast, a short transfer north will take you into the beautiful parish of St. Agnes. With World Heritage Status and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, St. Agnes also possesses a rich mining history, the impressive remnants of which are scattered like shadows across the landscape. With your guide, enjoy walking across the cliff tops, passing the famous Wheal Coates Tin Mine before turning inland to arrive at Roche Rock and its tiny ruined chapel. Silhouetted against the sky and high above the moor, it is entwined in myth and mystery. With legends of witches, demons and lovers, to tales of magic, sorrow and loss, it is a place of rare and wild beauty. This afternoon, visit the fascinating Eden Project, designed to connect you to the living world. Later, enjoy a short transfer to the harbour town of Bocastle and your lovely, traditional accommodation.

Overnight: Cornwall

Day 7 - Over the Bridge to Tintagel Castle

This morning, after a relaxed breakfast, head out with your guide to visit the impressive ruins of Tintagel Castle, set high on the clifftops and imbued with legends of King Arthur. Walk across the rugged headland and into the footfalls of history as you cross the bridge to explore the remains of the castle. Where past meets present and fact meets folklore, wind your way through the medieval fortress, learning about the region’s rich history before heading back into the village of Tintagel to enjoy a hearty pot of tea and scones fat with cream and jam. Feeling warm and well-fed, venture into the leafy woodland of Trethevy, to follow the paths that wind to St Nectan’s Waterfall. The glen is said to be home to woodland fairies, so look out for mushroom rings and tiny bells amongst the wildflowers. This evening, return to your welcoming accommodation.

Overnight: Cornwall

Day 8 - The Vale of Avalon and Arriving in Bath

After a tranquil morning in Boscastle, and a visit to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic leave the blue ocean behind as a short transfer takes you to The Vale of Avalon and the Arthurian Centre. Located near the medieval market town of Camelford (considered by some to be the site of Camelot) and set in 16 acres surrounding the inscribed St. Arthur’s Stone, it’s a place of fascinating Cornish history and folklore. After your visit, spend some time exploring Camelford – Reskammel in Cornish, perhaps popping into some artisanal shops and enjoying a coffee and cake from a local cafe. This afternoon, enjoy travelling through Devonshire, taking the time to stop and stretch your legs in one of the many quaint villages that you pass by. Arrive in the early evening to the vibrant city of Bath and settle into your lovely hotel.

Overnight: Bath

Day 9 - Exploring Bath

Head out this morning with your guide to enjoy a wonderful walking tour of the city. As the beautiful Georgian architecture presses honey-yellow against the blue sky, soak in the sights and sounds of a city founded by the Romans for well-being and relaxation. Take the opportunity to visit the Roman Baths, afterwards treating yourself to an afternoon tea in a place rich and evocative with history. Enjoy a self-guided exploration of Bath, perhaps a visit to the Victoria Arts Gallery, a tranquil and thought-provoking place beyond the colourful and bustling streets. Spend the afternoon under your own steam, taking the time to immerse yourself in Bath’s remarkable collection of museums, independent shops and delicious restaurants.

Overnight: Bath

Day 10 - Bath Abbey and Avebury Henge

Enjoy a relaxing start to the day with a traditional English breakfast and a large cup of fresh coffee. Afterwards, in the bright, brisk morning air a short stroll will take you to Bath Abbey – a truly striking building that’s gothic interior, fan-vaulted ceilings and amazing stained glass windows make it both a religious and spiritual haven. After lunch, travel into the rolling green fields of Wiltshire, to visit Avebury Henge, an extraordinary set of Neolithic and Bronze Age stones and one of the greatest marvels of prehistoric Britain. Part of a vast sacred landscape, it is home to the largest stone circle in the UK. Enjoy exploring, as you chat with your guide about the fascinating history of the region, before continuing your adventure south to the Cotswolds.

Overnight: Cotswolds

Day 11 - Exploring the Cotswolds

Wake up this morning in the peaceful rural beauty of the Cotswolds. After a leisurely breakfast, join your guide for a scenic walk along the banks of the River Coln. A landscape of green fields and wildflower meadows, tumbling castles and ancient ruins, it is a joy to traverse by foot. Our route will take us through old villages with babbling brooks, past weavers’ cottages with thatched roofs and under the canopy of old deciduous trees. Lunch will be found in the nook of a small village cafe before we continue on our circuit, circling back to Moreton-In-Marsh. Take some time to relax before dinner, perhaps enjoying a deep bubble-filled bath or a glass of fizz in the low-lit, fragrant garden.

Overnight: Cotswolds

Day 12 - Cotswold Hills and Medieval Villages

If you like, there’s the option today to explore with the aid of an E-bike. With a fantastic network of quiet rural lanes, leafy bridleways and winding riverside trails, you can pedal as far as you wish. Another lovely thing about cycling in the Cotswolds is there are always cafes and cosy pubs to stop at to enjoy a coffee and cake, or a refreshing drink in the sunshine. Alternatively, explore the picturesque villages on foot, nosing around the galleries and popping into the artisanal shops that brim with local produce. Return to your accommodation this evening to enjoy a delicious celebratory dinner for your last night in the Cotswolds.

Overnight: Cotswolds

Day 13 - Depart the Cotswolds

This morning, enjoy a relaxed stroll through the pretty market village, perhaps picking up a few Cotswold delicacies to take with you on your way home. Your guide will transfer you to the station in good time for you to catch the train back to London or onwards to the airport.