Highlights of South-West England

Highlights of South-West England

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9 Days From

$3915

Highlights of South-West England

9 Days Starting and ending in London

Visiting: London, Salisbury, Dartmoor National Park, Penzance, Tintagel

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

BMSF

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $3915

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Find history-filled towns, coastal landscapes and an electric urban buzz on this nine-day journey though England’s South West. Start in London, marvel at the mystery of Stonehenge and embrace the great outdoors in Dartmoor. You’ll find a slice of coastal bliss and medieval history all in one as you wind through the idyllic Cornwall region. Get to know the places you visit with plenty of free time, lean into insider knowledge along the way with your local trip leader and feast on fresh seafood – and a Cornish pasty or two – on this unmissable adventure.

Highlights

  • Marvel at the archeological wonder of Stonehenge and discover all you need to know about the rich history of this iconic site.

  • Wander along the picture-perfect trails in Dartmoor National Park, stopping for a refreshing picnic lunch along the Dartmoor Princetown Walk.

  • Hop between coastal hubs in Cornwall, including Tintagel and Penzance, and explore must-see spots like Land’s End and the Minack Theatre.

  • Get your history fix at the ruins of Tintagel Castle and learn about the historic ties to King Arthur as you brace the sea breeze.

  • Explore the impressive, rugged island of St Michael’s Mount off the Cornwall coast.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: London

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Location: London

Accommodation: Hotel

Welcome to London! The capital and largest city in England, London stands on the River Thames and has a history spanning back to the time of the ancient Romans. There’s lots to see and do in this bustling metropolis, so it’s recommended that you arrive a couple of days early to explore the city. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm. After, you’re free to hit a West End show or find a fancy restaurant for dinner with a view.

Day 2: Salisbury

Location: Salisbury

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast at the hotel, get ready to leave the city behind as you make your way via train to Salisbury, located in England’s southern rural heartland. When you arrive in this modern medieval city that meets at the confluence of five rivers, follow your trip leader to get your bearings with an orientation walk. After, you're free to roam the city and maybe even make your own way to see the Salisbury Cathedral which dates to 1227 and showcases an example of Early English Gothic architecture. The rest of the evening is free to spend as you wish.

Included Activities:
-Salisbury - Leader led walk

Optional Activities:
-Salisbury - Cathedral visit

Day 3: Dartmoor National Park

Location: Dartmoor National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning after breakfast, it’s time to explore one of Britan’s most iconic sites – none other than the 5,000-year-old Stonehenge. Just a short drive away, the morning will be dedicated to delving into the history of this archaeological marvel. After absorbing everything you need to know about this fascinating monument, you’ll then make your way to Dartmoor. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. History lovers can learn about local myths and legends at some of the town's museums or galleries, or take it easy and find a cosy spot and a hearty feed at a nearby pub.

Included Activities:
-Stonehenge visit

Day 4: Penzance

Location: Penzance

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Today after breakfast, you’ll have the chance to experience some of the area’s best walking trails and panoramic landscapes. Keep an eye out for famed Dartmoor ponies in the area and cosy farmhouses that hold years of history. Together as a group, you will make your way along the Dartmoor Princetown walk. This gentle walk includes some inclines along the gravel bridleway and offers sweeping views across the rugged moors and takes you to South Hessary Tor. On a clear day, you may be able to see as far as Plymouth Sound. Next, travel to the seaside town of Penzance, with time to stop for lunch along the way. Your afternoon is free to wander through the picturesque town where cobbled streets, local boutiques and fisherman’s cottages can be found.

Included Activities:
-Dartmoor Princetown Walk guided walk & picnic lunch

Day 5: Penzance

Location: Penzance

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Enjoy breakfast before heading out to admire one of the most loved landmarks in the area – Land’s End, known for its impressive natural beauty and unique location. Hike along to Porthcurno and admire the spectacular terrain and coastal landscapes that stretch far into the distance, then enjoy some free time for lunch. Along the Cornish cliffs you’ll also visit The Minack Theatre – a spectacular open-air venue overlooking the water. Later, return to Penzance where the evening is yours to spend at your own pace.

Included Activities:
-Land’s End visit
-Porthcurno guided hike
-Minack Open Air Theatre visit

Day 6: Tintagel

Location: Tintagel

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast, you’ll visit St Michaels Mount, a fascinating tidal island in Mount’s Bay. You may have seen images of this rocky island, but nothing compares to witnessing the magnificent site up close. Enjoy time to explore St Michaels Mount at your own pace and maybe stop by the church and medieval castle set at the top of the island. Later, travel to the historic fishing village of Port Isaac. A guided walk with your leader will showcase the history and highlights of this cosy hub before continuing on to Tintagel – a destination that shares historic ties to King Arthur. The evening is yours to see what hidden wonders can be found within the town.

Included Activities:
-Tintagel - Port Isaac Leader led walk
-Tintagel - St Michael's Rock visit

Day 7: Tintagel

Location: Tintagel

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Step back in time after breakfast with a visit to Tintagel Castle and uncover the history, myth and tales of King Arthur. This historic site is set along the clifftops of North Cornwell and boasts dramatic views from all angles. The remainder of the day is yours. Make time to visit the Tintagel Old Post Office or drop into one of the small boutique gift shops or take a seat at one of the many eateries and restaurants.

Included Activities:
-Tintagel -Tintagel Castle visit

Day 8: London

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Location: London

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Bid farewell to the panoramic coastline and vast landscapes and make your way to Newquay before catching the train to London. After arriving later in the afternoon, the evening is free to spend at your own pace. Maybe celebrate the final evening of your journey together as a group and choose one of London’s many exciting pubs or restaurants to enjoy an evening of good times and good company.

Day 9: London

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Location: London

Meals Included: breaksfast

There are no activities planned for today so after breakfast, your trip will come to an end. If you’d like to stay and explore London for longer, speak to our booking agent about extended accommodation.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (8 nights)

  • Salisbury - Leader led walk

  • Stonehenge visit

  • Dartmoor Princetown Walk guided walk & picnic lunch

  • Land’s End visit

  • Porthcurno guided hike

  • Minack Open Air Theatre visit

  • Tintagel - Port Isaac Leader led walk

  • Tintagel - St Michael's Rock visit

  • Tintagel -Tintagel Castle visit

  • Meals

    8 breakfasts, 1 lunches

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

Transport

  • The main mode of transport on this trip is trains. These are modern and equipped with air conditioning and charging points. Train travel in UK is comfortable and takes you directly into the city centre of your destination. Most of the train station facilities will include lifts, but please note, you will be responsible for carrying your luggage on the platform and on and off the train.

Accommodation

  • OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • TWIN SHARE BASIS
  • Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
  • CHECK-IN TIME
  • Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
  • PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
  • FACILITIES
  • Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Important Information

  • 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 2. You don't have a lot of time in London at the start and the end of the trip, so if you're keen to explore this spectacular city in depth we recommend you arrive a day or two before the start of the trip and/or extend your stay at the end.

Mode of Transport

  • The main mode of transport on this trip is trains. These are modern and equipped with air conditioning and charging points. Train travel in UK is comfortable and takes you directly into the city centre of your destination. Most of the train station facilities will include lifts, but please note, you will be responsible for carrying your luggage on the platform and on and off the train.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    Just as a heads up before you book, this trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

    Please note that most of the travels on this trip is done by train. While this is fantastic and sustainable way to move around, you will be responsible for shifting you bags to and from the trains and moving them round the station. Sometimes a short walk from your hotel to the train station is also required. Please pack carefully and do not bring any unnecessary items with you. Suggested weight of your luggage should not exceed 12 to 15 kg.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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