Englands West Country Classic
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Englands West Country Classic
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Englands West Country ClassicPrice
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8 days,
7 nights
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An 8-day tour discovering the myth and mystery of the West Country. Explore Arthurian legend, the Devonshire moors and the stunning Cornish coastline , quaint fishing villages, grand Victorian seaside resorts and the homes of jam and Scones and fish and chips. Also on the itinerary are the mysterious Stonehenge, Tintagel, Bath’s Roman Baths, Wells Cathedral and the very tip of England: Lands End.
The TourDay 1Land in London and after collecting your car head straight out in the old English countryside where magic and myths await. Begin your tour with a stop in the ancient city of Winchester, which once stood as England’s Capital under the reign of King Alfred. Winchester was the centre point for the ancient land of Wessex, a region pre-dating the English state itself. From here journey on to Salisbury and explore the city’s impressive cathedral, winding cobbled streets and traditional market square before heading out on to the eerie Salisbury Plains where you will find the iconic standing stones of Stonehenge. To hear about history and myths of these giant monoliths and to watch them fade as the sun sets is an experience you will not forget in a hurry. Return to Salisbury for a nightcap before bed.
Day 2From Salisbury head south in to the old county of Dorset one of Britain’s most rural counties. Make a stop in the picturesque market town of Dorchester where Thomas Hardy spent much of his life. You can now visit his cottage just outside of the town. Continue South West to the fishing port of Lyme Regis which features in much of Jane Austen’s works. From here enter in to East Devon to the beautiful coastal towns of Budleigh Salterton with its pebbled beach and red sand cliffs and the long golden sandy beach of Exmouth just 10 minutes along the coast. Finally arrive in Exeter, the West Country's most charming city. With a rich Roman history and developing into a wealthy sea port in the middle ages Exeter is home to a treasure trove of architecture from various eras. The medieval Cathedral is the highlight having stood within the city for 600 years. A visit to explore the city's medieval underground passages and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum are a “must”. Afterall Exeter is associated with some of Elizabethan England's greatest sea captain's including Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh. Overnight Exeter. Day 3On day three spend the morning exploring the eerie moors of Dartmoor. The more active will love this beautiful landscape, ideal for walking, hiking and other outdoor activities whilst others can investigate some of the many myths and legends surrounding the area. The Hound of the Baskervilles was inspired by Dartmoor and still locals will tell you of giant cats, headless horse drawn carriages, magic wells and deadly mires all within the misty moors. Afterwards it is time for some lighter entertainment experiencing a traditional British summer vacation with a trip to the seaside. Visit one of the impressive Victorian coastal resorts along the south Devon Coast where you’ll find lengthy promenades, open sandy beaches and Victorian piers reaching out in to the sea. Look out for the little beach huts lining the bays, a quintessentially British icon. Overnight Exeter. Day 4Set off early to travel around the north side of Dartmoor, crossing the county border in to Cornwall to visit the tiny village of Tintagel steeped in Arthurian legend. Explore the castle ruins which is said to be the castle of King Arthur himself whilst wandering the cove and the castle path you can catch a glimpse of Merlin’s cave. Continue south along the stunning unspoilt coastline stopping for a morning cream tea and scones in Padstow and a wander around the cobbles of this beautiful fishing village. Next along the coast is Newquay with its high cliffs overlooking a broad sandy bay. Finally cut across the peninsula to St Austell where you’ll find the world renowned Eden Project a giant botanical gardens and visitor centre built in to the former tin mines of east Cornwall. Finally return to the harbour town of Falmouth for supper the perfect place to sample traditional British fresh fish and chips! Overnight Falmouth. Day 5This morning take a trip along the south Cornish coast, a place of old smugglers coves, charming fishing villages and unspoilt coastline. Explore tales of pirates as you visit Penzance and Land’s End, the most westerly tip of Britain. As the name would suggest the coastline here is dramatic with craggy cliffs dropping in to the ocean and light houses guarding boats from the rocks. Wander out to St Michael’s Mount to the Celtic monastery before continuing around the peninsula to the coastal village of St Ives where you can explore the labyrinth of steep, narrow cobbled paths between fisherman’s cottages and stroll beautiful flower lined parks. Be sure to watch the local fisherman haul in their loads of fresh fish each evening. St Ives is also a magnate for artists who have painted the peaceful bay since the 1800s and in reflection of this artistic reputation the village is now awash with craft shops and is home to one of the few Tate Art galleries outside of London. Be sure to watch the sunset in the west melting in to the ocean before returning to your hotel for a nightcap before bed. Overnight Falmouth. Day 6Today we leave Cornwall journeying east back through Devon and in to Somerset, known as Cider Country and here you’ll find Cheddar Gorge a winding chasm through the Mendip Hills. Here you can see how cheddar cheese is made, enjoy a walking tour of ancient caves running deep into the hillsides or try some climbing on the rock faces. Make a stop at the charming market town of Wells, to amble around its medieval Cathedral and moated Bishops Palace. Then it’s on to Glastonbury a town of further mystical connections with King Arthur and the Holy Grail before heading deeper into Cider Country through sleepy villages of thatched cottages as you approach Bath. The evening should be spent exploring Bath, its regency architecture, impressive abbey and Roman thermal baths. Overnight Bath. Day 7After a morning stroll along the banks of the Avon head East visiting some areas of myth and outstanding natural beauty. See the famous giant White Horse etched in the hillside between Chippenham and Calne before stopping off in Avebury where you can view the lesser known but impressive stone circle. Here you are free to walk amongst the rocks and actually reach out and touch them. Finally arrive in Windsor, home of the largest inhabited stronghold in the world. Windsor Castle is still a royal residence today but harbours hundreds of years of history of the British Monarchy. In the evening enjoy a stroll along the banks of the river Thames before retiring. Overnight Staines near Heathrow Day 8
Return to the US with many a tale to tell from the haunting west country of England. Whats Included?
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