Corners of Cornwall

4.7/5 Based on 9 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Small Group Scenic
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 Trip Length
8 Days
 Trip Starts
London
 Trip Finishes
London
8 Day Corners of Cornwall Itinerary (Back-Roads)
Countries Explored: England
Trip Style
Small Group
Accommodation
Boutique
Max. Group Size
18
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BCCLL6

Overview

Read 9 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Back-Roads 8 Day Corners of Cornwall. A land where sapphire sky meets turquoise sea, Cornwall is a true treasure. With its windswept moors that graze the horizon and winding country lanes that open up to postcard-perfect fishing villages, England’s South West is waiting for you to carve your own story. Soak up the views of pristine golden bays, bustling harbours and wild coastlines as you go – all best enjoyed with a traditional Cornish pasty in hand, of course!

Itinerary

You'll be hard-pressed to find a city as vibrant as London. Before getting to know our small group over a welcome dinner this evening, why not spend a day (or three) admiring England's capital? You could uncover the East's buzzing art scene with its plethora of intimate pop-up galleries and vibrant street art. Or, perhaps the West's renowned shopping districts are calling for a dose of retail therapy at its quirky boutiques and sparkling department stores. And that's not forgetting the city's foodie havens and glittering landmarks, of course. The list goes on! Here's to the start of an incredible week! Stay: Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar) (D)

Wave goodbye to towering skyscrapers and sparkling city lights, England's West Country awaits. Settle into the miniocach as we journey to Wells, which welcomes us with open arms. Often referred to as England's smallest city, our in-the-know Tour Leader will help us discover its treasures, including the oldest medieval street in Europe and the stately bishop's residence. The jewel in the crown? The magnificent Wells Cathedral. Step inside this Gothic masterpiece and be awestruck at the nave's soaring, vaulted arches.

Seek out the intricate astronomical clock and listen for its chiming bell that signals the appearance of miniature jousting knights (yes, really!). And bathe in the peaceful, dappled light of the Jesse Window – a multicoloured stained glass marvel. To close today's chapter, we'll journey from Somerset's postcard-perfect lanes to Dartmoor National Park's heather moorland and gorse-clad tors – a landscape that has inspired writers including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie.

You may also recognise Dartmoor as the setting for several scenes in Steven Spielberg's War Horse! These sweeping vistas have seen centuries of human activity, from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age and beyond. And as we weave through the undulating open country, keep an eye out for the roaming, semi-wild ponies. They've called this place home for over four millennia! This afternoon, step back in time as you settle into our accommodation – an 18th-century coaching inn-turned-hotel that's just bursting with character. Bask in the glow of its open fireplace with a pint of locally brewed Jail Ale before we gather for dinner with the group, sharing our excitement for the days ahead. Stay: Two Bridges Hotel (or similar) (B/D)

Where turquoise waters swell against jagged cliffs, surfers glide like dancers on powerful waves and the masts of sailboats ring like wind chimes in the sea breeze – it's got to be North Cornwall. We'll get our first taste for Cornish life in Port Isaac, the idyllic fishing village whose whitewashed cottages and winding streets served as the setting for the Doc Martin TV series. As you meander past the slate-fronted houses, melodies of traditional sea shanties drift through the air – did you know the local Fisherman's Friends folk music group call this place home? Time to warm up those vocal cords... With free time for lunch, you could tuck into a fresh crab sandwich (or two): a true Cornish classic packed with fresh crab meat, crisp lettuce and smooth mayonnaise. Count us in!

Then, we'll travel on to Padstow, a picturesque port town that's overflowing with bustling cafés, independent shops and sweeping estuary views – not to mention its charming centuries-old harbour. A haven for seafood lovers, celebrity chef Rick Stein has left his mark on the town with his renowned restaurant. Why not spend some time enjoying a traditional cream tea? And let the hubbub of harbourside life unfold before you. (Just remember, the Cornish way to enjoy a freshly baked scone is with jam first, then clotted cream!). To round off our day, we'll journey to the lively seaside town of Falmouth, our base in South Cornwall for the next two nights. Whether it's treating yourself to a swim and a pamper in our carefully selected hotel or taking a short stroll into town where you'll find ample options for a delicious dinner, the evening is yours for the taking. Stay: Merchants Manor Hotel (or similar) (B)

Soak up our hotel's hundred-year-old history over a hearty breakfast and fuel up for the day ahead – St Michael's Mount is calling. A tidal island just off the coast of Penzance, its cobbled causeway emerges at low tide, offering an iconic stroll across from the mainland. From the lookouts of its medieval castle, panoramic views of Mount's Bay greet you – take a moment to fill your lungs with the bracing sea air as the glistening water ripples like oil on canvas. We'll be setting our sights on West Cornwall and St Ives next, a true gem of the Cornish coast that's hugged by pristine golden beaches and turquoise water.

Meander through the cluster of cobblestone streets, drop in at the Tate art gallery or order a well-earned pint of fruity, Cornish ale at the Sloop Inn pub, one of the oldest in Britain (dating back to 1312, no less). All this exploring is thirsty work after all! Feeling peckish? Well, there's a Cornish pasty with your name on it. Seek out one of these half-moon-shaped pastries, traditionally filled with beef and vegetables, and you'll have had a true taste of Cornish culinary heritage. After saying goodbye to St Ives, it's back on our luxury minicoach to Falmouth. We're treated to a meal at our hotel this evening – a chance to share stories from the day (and favourite pasty flavours) with the group. Stay: Merchants Manor Hotel (or similar) (B/D)

There's a real treat in store for the green-fingered: we're off to explore Tregothnan Estate, one of Cornwall's largest estates and home to the first tea plantation in Britain. A member of the gardening team will give us a private tour of the grounds and the plantation, where we'll learn all about the only tea grown in England – from the first tea bushes planted in 1999 to the unique conditions needed to cultivate perfect leaves.

After sampling, and filling our bags with, some of this uniquely British produce (for a taste of Cornwall back home, of course), we'll tear ourselves away from the serene riverside setting and journey on to the St Austell Bay area. Our home for the next two nights is nothing short of picture-perfect. Our thoughtfully-chosen hotel is perched on the cliffside, offering mesmerising views of the Cornish coastline that we've come to know and love. Dinner is yours for the taking this evening, and you'll be spoilt for choice at our hotel's award-winning restaurant. Stay: Carlyon Bay Hotel (or similar) (B)

Today, you're free to write your own chapter in this captivating corner of Cornwall. If you fancy a walk, you could wander down to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Charleston harbour, where handmade dairy ice creams and classic filming locations await (Poldark, anyone?). Or perhaps you could spend some time connecting with nature at the world-famous Eden Project. Often hailed as the ‘eighth wonder of the world', its two tropical biomes are teeming with an abundance of lush plants and towering trees around every turn, and even the odd lizard or two...

As another option, why not simply indulge in the comforts of our luxurious hotel? Whether it's relaxing by the pool, pampering yourself at the spa, playing a round of golf or just drinking in the fresh, sea air as you weave your way through the 250 acres of private grounds, our accommodation is a true haven for rest and relaxation. This evening, as night casts its spell over the bay, raise a glass to another brilliant day. Watch the sun dip below the horizon, transforming the sea from azure blue to molten silver. Stay: Carlyon Bay Hotel (or similar) (B)

The striking red cliffs of the Jurassic Coast are calling! But not before we pay a visit to Buckfast Abbey, a working Benedictine monastery, where you can take a moment to pause under the vaulted arches of its impressive church. Then, it's time to follow in the footsteps of Mary Anning in Lyme Regis, the pioneering palaeontologist who called this quaint coastal town home.

As you etch your way along the beach, be on the lookout for fossils from around 200 million years ago (yes, really!) that are often revealed by the crumbling cliffs or washed up on the shoreline. From ammonites to belemnites, these marine relics offer a glimpse into Earth's prehistoric past.

Our final dinner is waiting for us in Salisbury. Swap contact details and photos with the group, and give a hearty ‘cheers' to the memories made. Stay: Milford Hall Hotel (B/D)

Listen to the patter of footsteps in hushed cloisters, gaze up at the tallest spire in Britain and cast your eyes over the legendary Magna Carta – Salisbury Cathedral beckons! Spot the pointed arches, flying buttresses and intricate stonework that solidify the cathedral as an early Gothic architectural feat before we travel back to London to say our goodbyes. While we may be bidding farewell to our Cornish adventure, the region's magic is sure to leave an indelible mark.(B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Step back in time at the medieval castle of the enchanting St Michael's Mount
  • Fall in love with the charm and buzz of historic port towns Padstow and Port Isaac
  • Admire the dramatic cliffs and wild shorelines of the jaw-dropping Jurassic Coast
  • Pause at the hushed cloisters of Salisbury Cathedral, a magnificent feat of Gothic architecture

  • 7 nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation
  • Luxury minicoach
  • Driver, Trip leader
  • Group size: 18 guests (max)

  • 7 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. International flights not included.

Trip Reviews (9) View All Most Recent 'Corners of Cornwall' Reviews

4.7
Average Rating 4.7 / 5
9 Reviews
5 Star
78%
4 Star
11%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
1 Star
Cornish Delight   6 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2022
I would highly recommend this tour. Even though the name of the tour is Corners of Cornwall, it visits other counties such as Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Wiltshire giving you an overview of each. The famous Wells and Salisbury Cathedrals were highlights. Small group tours are ideal for making new friends, experiencing the country lanes and individual ...read more cultures as well as staying in unique hotels. The standard of the hotels was high, ranging from a historic country hotel in Darmoor to beautiful and stylish hotels overlooking the coastline.

The included meals were excellent; particularly at the Dartmoor Hotel. Not forgetting the opportunity to dine at Rick Stein’s restaurant in Padstow. As a Doc Martin fan I enjoyed visiting Port Isaac and eating the fresh seafood available at most of the coastal towns. Our Tour Guide and Driver were both very professional and entertaining. This tour was my third with Back-Roads and I have already decided on the fourth.
Wonderful Corners of Cornwell tour 5 , QLD, Australia, May 2019
Wonderful trip, great guide and driver, scenery and little back roads travelled was just like Back-Roads said. Accommodation was excellent. I would use Back-Roads again as our preferred tour company. Tour guide Ian Williams and driver Ken were excellent and have the tours on Youtube.
A trip that didn’t quite live up to expectations   16 , ACT, Australia, Oct 2018
This was my second trip with Back-Roads - and, while good, it didn’t match the highlights of the Highlights of Britain tour. Group size of about 15, visits to key places on itinerary were good, though impacted by poor weather (no visit to St Michael’s Mount). The highlights were the visit to Tregothnan Estate and Polperro and lunch in Padstow.

Lots ...read more of references to TV series locations - Doc Martin, Poldark, Broadchurch and if you’re really into these, this tour would have extra interest. Also worth noting that the nature of a number of the villages visited (Port Isaac, St Ives and Polperro) means that the coach drops you at the top of a hill and you need to make your way back either walking (Port Isaac) or shuttle bus if available - anyone with mobility issues may need to consider this.
Corners of Cornwall 15 , NSW , Australia, Sep 2018
We did enjoy the tour. The group of travellers were all Aussies. This made for good interaction. However, it could have been pleasant with one or two Kiwis to taunt or North Americans to confuse. We were the only couple to comply with the operator's baggage limit. Our smaller bags were on occasion squeezed in, causing some concern when one of our bags ...read more was turned upside down. We were pleased with the operator's coach leader and our very competent driver. Eighteen travellers we thought was two too many. Accommodation and meals were both generally very good. However, the final night hotel was disappointing. Some of the stops on tour were rushed, leaving us disappointed with lack of sufficient time to appreciate them.
Excellent trip   8 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2017
The whole trip was excellent. We liked our tour guide James and driver Kern. They are both professionals. The accommodation was mostly great, also the food. Cornwall was at its beautiful best and only a little rain on one day. Thank you for a good trip.
Interesting trip with sensational tour guide   12 , Vic, Australia, Jun 2017
We had an excellent trip with Back Roads. This company provides a driver as well as a tour guide now with each tour. Our tour guide Nic was fantastic with his knowledge of history and his interesting commentaries. Our driver, Tibor was skillful and helpful. The itinerary included a lot of variety and some extra "hidden gems" such as the open air Minack ...read more theatre near Penzeance. The accommodation was very good and the hotel at Fowey was outstanding for its quality and location. We would recommend this trip if you would like to visit the West Country.
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Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Back-Roads. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Back-Roads. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.