Cornish Coast, Gardens, Steam, Cruise, Food & Wine

Itinerary

• Day 1 - Arrival at Hotel
  Check in from 3pm. Welcome sparkling reception with your Tour Manager before dinner with in the hotel. Tonight’s dinner will be a traditional Sunday Carvery, renowned among locals as being one of the best roasts in Cornwall
• Day 2 - Polperro & Looe
  We start the week off with a visit to Polperro a picturesque, traffic-free fishing village. Famous for its winding lanes, whitewashed cottages, and rich 18th-century smuggling history, it features a working harbour and local art galleries. We’ll have a traditional Fish & Chip lunch at the Coddy Shack (included) before heading into nearby Looe. There will free time at leisure. If you’re a fan of Beyond Paradise be sure to look out for filming locations such as The Guildhall that serves as fictional Shipton Abbott Police Station. You’ll probably also recognise Bullers Quay, Banjo Pier, The Fish Market and East Looe, all of which have featured as backdrops to the popular TV show. Return to hotel for Dinner with wine
• Day 3 - The Bodmin Railway, Padstow & Prideaux Place
  First stop today will be to The Bodmin Railway, where we’ll enjoy a-round trip Bodmin General to Boscarne Junction and back. We’ll then head onto the charming harbourside village of Padstow famous for its celebrity chef connections, scenic estuary views, and traditional Cornish character. There will be time to explore at leisure before we take a short drive up to Prideaux Place, which stands proudly on the hills above Padstow. Owned by the Prideaux family for over 425 years we will enjoy a private tour of the house. The rooms you will be shown are in constant use by the same family who still live there to this day. It is very much a living stately home where you will find family photos, the Labradors and sometimes even grandchildren playing hide and seek! At the end of the tour relax and enjoy a glass of Pimm’s & Lemonade along with a traditional Cornish Afternoon Tea (included) on the Terrace overlooking the Deer Park. Return to the hotel for Dinner with wine
• Day 4 - Day at Leisure
  Free Day at leisure. If you wish to venture out in your car, you may want to consider a visit to the local garden of Lanhydrock which is just a mile down the road or The Eden Project, which is also fairly close by. Port Isaac, where Doc Martin was filmed and the Fisherman’s Friends choir now immortalised by two films and a musical were discovered on the beach is approx 45-minute drive, as is the quaint fishing village of Mevagissey. If you’re a golfer, you might want to bring your clubs (additional charge applies – call hotel direct for further details. You may also have the opportunity for early morning/ late tee-offs around excursions) Dinner with wine at hotel
• Day 5 - Marazion, St Michael’s Mount & Cornish Pasty making workshop
  Today will begin with a visit to Marazion, the historic, picturesque coastal town overlooking stunning Mount’s Bay. It is most famous as the gateway to St Michael’s Mount, the striking medieval castle and tidal island linked to the town by a stone causeway at low tide and a small boat ferry service. Visiting the island is dependent on local conditions and tides at time of our visit. We’ve allowed plenty of time should you wish to go across – boat fare, castle and garden entry are payable locally. We will then travel on to a commercial kitchen in Helston for a 2-hour Cornish Pasty Making Workshop (pasty lunch included). Learn how to make and bake your own traditional Cornish pasty from scratch — crimping, filling, baking and, of course, tasting! It’s the perfect way to laugh, bond, and celebrate Cornwall’s proud food heritage. Return to hotel for Dinner with wine.
• Day 6 - The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Fowey & Knightor Winery
  Our full day excursion today will take us to The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Heligan is one of the most mysterious estates in England. Lost to the brambles of time since the outbreak of WW1, this Sleeping Beauty was re-awakened in 1990 to become Europe’s largest garden restoration project. Today Heligan’s 200 acres are a paradise for the explorer, wildlife, plant lover and garden romantic. This afternoon, we will visit Fowey – designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty the historic town of Fowey is an idyllic spot on the Fowey Estuary full of tea rooms, restaurants, historic pubs and little independent shops. We will enjoy a 45-minute Estuary River Cruise. To round off our day we will visit Knightor Winery where we will have a tour and 4 wine tasting accompanied by a selection of local cheese. Return to the hotel for Dinner with wine
• Day 7 - Pinetum Gardens & Charlestown
  On our last day we head to Pinetum Gardens. Pinetum is a place of peaceful tranquillity and spectacular garden scenery. The largest modern garden created in Cornwall, and family owned, it offers an intimate experience with a personal touch rarely found in our busy world. As a garden for all seasons, it is a botanical delight for gardeners and a wonderful place to just sit, relax and be at one with nature. Last stop on our tour is Charlestown, a charming, historic harbour village located just outside St Austell. Built in the late 18th century by local entrepreneur Charles Rashleigh, it remains the last open 18th-century Georgian harbour in the UK and serves as a popular filming location for productions like Poldark. Return to hotel for Dinner with wine and entertainment by a traditional local Sea Shanty Choir.
• Day 8 - Depart Hotel
  Check out of hotel by 10am Note: Walking tours, train and boat rides include uneven ground, steps and slopes, and in our opinion are unsuitable for persons with limited mobility requiring use of a walker, a wheelchair and/or a mobility scooter. Order of excursions may be subject to change.