Cornwall and England’s South East

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!

Wave goodbye to towering skyscrapers and sparkling city lights, England's West Country awaits. Settle into the minicoach 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. While we may be bidding farewell to our Cornish adventure, our adventure into Kent and the Garden of England is about to begin. We greet our new small group of travellers in our hotel and get to know each other over a welcome dinner. Wonder what British staple will be on the menu this evening...

After having our morning cup of tea, we'll step onto our luxury minicoach for the first time. Chartwell House is our destination. You've probably heard of its owner, a certain Sir Winston Churchill, notably known for his famous address to British citizens, but what will you learn of his home habits? Peek at his library collection and eye his ‘Romeo Y Julieta' cigar collection, imagining the swirls of smoke blanketing his study. Look out for Jock VII – the current resident ginger cat! Since the house opened to the public in 1966, the Churchill family requested ‘a marmalade cat named Jock... [would always be] in comfortable residence at Chartwell.'

Our history lesson doesn't stop there for the day. Next is Hever Castle, Anne Boleyn's childhood home. Glide your fingers through pink and white rose petals in the garden. Gaze at the rippling lake. And venture inside to discover the Tudor treasures that lie within the castle walls. Two objects to find are Anne's prayer books, complete with her inscriptions and signature! Brains filled with facts, we'll continue our journey to Canterbury where we have the evening to discover what lies within the crooked cobblestone alleyways ourselves.

A lofty ceiling with criss-crossed beams. An oak-roofed Chapter House. A staggering gothic nave. These are just three pieces that make England's first cathedral a sight to behold. We'll be joined by a local guide who'll take us through Canterbury Cathedral, sharing tales of its journey through time since it was founded in 597 by St Augustine.

Afterward, we'll travel through the Kent countryside where the sun ripples through pale green leaves of ancient trees and villages hum with friendly locals who treat each other like family. And our final stop for the day? It's our accommodation for the next two nights: Leeds Castle. Our Signature Moment of the tour, we'll rest our eyes in uniquely designed en-suite rooms settled within the royal gardens. But first – a group dinner will be served in the Castle View Restaurant. Meaty homemade pies and garlicky chicken glazed in honey may be artfully placed on your plates, created by in-house chefs who proudly use seasonal local ingredients.

Satisfied with your taste of Leeds Castle so far? This morning, we'll delve deeper into its history with a local guide who knows all its secrets including witchcraft accusations, glamorous parties and royal affairs. As those secrets are spilled, we'll wander around the moat, look inside grand bedrooms and explore the servant's quarters.

Time for a beer tasting! We're heading to the medieval market town of Faversham to visit Shepherd Neame Brewery. It reigns as Britain's oldest brewer with its doors opening in 1698 by young entrepreneur Richard Marsh. We'll learn about the expertise that goes into beer brewing, followed by a visit to the Old Brewery which now stands as home to former delivery vehicles, past pub signs and a recreated coopers' workshop. Then – let the tasting begin! Sample four ales freshly brewed earlier in the week, tasting the sweet and bitter hops between each clink of glass.

A pint should always be followed by a slow amble, don't you think? Our next stop of the day is the place for it! Pebble beaches with tiny oyster shacks lining the shore as fishing boats bob in the water, Whitstable will provide us with the fresh, salty air England's known for.

We'll swap Maidstone for a place where centuries of England's past blend together to paint a pretty picture: the small Kentish town of Tenterden. Together, we'll wander its paved paths, taking in its Tudor buildings, local shops and hanging floral arrangements as our Tour Leader shares a story or two about this surprising pocket of England.

It's wine o'clock! Nestled between green fields is our next stop: a vineyard that creates sparkling English wine. We'll be greeted by our host, owner Graham, who'll take us through the grounds, sharing his personal story at every turn. You might be introduced to a sheep or two alongside the 10,000 vines! Finally, we'll taste not one, not two, but four wines, and nibble at platters of cheeses and meats. Let's toast – to the journey we've had and the days ahead.

Burrowed in the medieval town of Rye lies the spot where the Hawkhurst Gang, local smugglers met under the guise of night in the 1730s and 40s. Tonight, we'll slumber there – in an inn filled with secret hideaways, creaking floors and cellars that date back to 1156 – how do you feel about ghosts?

After snoozing in our low-ceilinged, cosy accommodation we'll begin the day with a walking tour of Rye. Our Tour Leader will take us through the zigzags of cobblestone streets, passing by independent ice cream parlours, moss-covered homes and Lamb House – home to authors Henry James and E.F. Benson.

Eyes widened by the beauty of Rye, we'll step onto our minicoach which will weave its way along the shoreline. See who in your small group spots those famous white cliffs first, before we arrive at Dover Castle. Wander its dark medieval tunnels and watch out for the covert cannons every few paces. Climb the Medieval Great Tower to discover the riches of Henry II's court – asking the property steward any questions you wish. And look out to the waters from its enormous height, imagining English ships sailing home after years at sea.

Back in Rye, you'll have ample time to saunter at your own pace, getting lost in the maze of narrow passageways and picking up local souvenirs to take home. Tonight, we'll gather for our final group dinner, swapping our favourite moments over hearty dishes and a clink of glasses.

We have one last stop to make before our adventure through Kent ends. Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens takes the floral crown for its fame among English gardens. Clusters of rosebushes in a walled garden that once grew vegetables. Iris ‘Black Taffeta' in deep shades of plum threaded between campanula and sweet rocket. And dainty foxglove and daisies planted together in another ode to the designer of this spectacular creation, poet and writer Vita Sackville-West. We'll have time to leisurely stroll the grounds before our return to London where we part ways with a newfound love for the garden of England.