Cornwall, Devon & Dorset Tour 2024

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From$7,180 pp
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1-888-597-3519

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13 Days / 12 Nights
Availability : September 16
Start: London Heathrow Airport, England
End: London Heathrow Airport, England
Experience the Delights of the South West of England: 1 nt London, 4 nts St Ives, 2 nts Plymouth, 1 nt Exeter, 2 nts Weymouth, 2 nts Poole

Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.

Join us as we take delight in the South West Coast of England. The peninsula features woodlands, moorlands, ocean waves, rugged cliffs and fascinating geology – which we will discover! We will meet in London then venture to St Ives to have cream tea where one must decide, what goes on top? The cream or the jam? We will spend the first few days of the tour in subtropical England (Cornwall), then make our way up the English Riviera (Devon), through the Jurassic Coast (Dorset) and ending in Poole; a hidden gem. We travel back to London with options to extend your stay (ask us!). At a leisurely pace we explore in depth the delights of the South West region of England.

Max: 24 passengers

Tour Details

Highlights:

  • Take a walk along the cliffs at Land’s End
  • Touch the Merry Maidens Stone Circle
  • Ferry trip to Falmouth with time to explore 
  • Day in Plymouth including the Mayflower Museum
  • Visit to Beer Quarry Caves, an underground complex
  • Fossil hunting in Lyme Regis
  • Take photos of Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove
  • Ride the Heritage Railway from Corfe Castle to Swanage

Pick Up Location & TIme

London Heathrow Airport (Google Map)
Tour starts with a transfer from London Heathrow (LHR) Airport to hotel

Drop off Location & Time

First drop off: London Heathrow Airport (Google Map) – ETA 12:30pm for flight departures at or after 3:50pm.

Second drop off: London City Center – ask us about extending your stay in London or beyond. 

Price Includes

  • 12 nights accommodation at 3 and 4 star hotels
  • Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 9 dinners, 1 cream tea
  • Knowledgeable and experienced Blue Badge tour guides
  • Motor Coach with air condition and panoramic windows
  • Porterage
  • First Class Train from London to Exeter
  • Ferry Ticket from St Mawes to Falmouth
  • Harbour Cruise in Poole
  • Heritage Rail Train Ticket from Corfe Castle to Swanage
  • Entrances included as per itinerary
  • Experiences as per itinerary
  • Taxes, hotel and service charges
  • England maps and information package

Meals

  • 12 breakfasts
  • 4 lunches
  • 9 dinners
  • 1 tea

Price Excludes

  • Airfare
  • Transfers from London Gatwick Airport - additional charge
  • Pre / Post hotel nights
  • Driver / Tour Leader gratuity is at your discretion
  • Travel Insurance
What to Expect

Exclusive to DHTour!

This tour will operate with maximum 24 passengers. Expect time on your feet – we spend more time off the coach than on the coach. Most days, touring will be 9:00am to 5/6:00pm. Do pack your sunscreen and a hat as the south of England can be quite sunny (with chances of rain of course). 

Russell:

Hi all!  I am looking forward very much to walking and spending time with you this summer. When we are on the move, please shuffle your place in the pack so that we can spend some time in conversation.

For much of my working life I have been a Sports teacher working with talented people from all over the world and travelling with them to most of the world’s continents.: Now however, guiding is my life!

My wife and I live in the middle of the Dartmoor National Park, which is sited in Devon in the South West Of England. We have a few sheep, chickens, bees and a couple of pigs so are trying to pursue the Good Life!

I also like to sing West Country folk tunes so don’t encourage me too much… 

Itinerary

Day 1: Monday September 16Arrival Day: London

Today’s themes: Arrival, Rest and Relax

Arrive London Heathrow Airport. Transfer to hotel. Check into central London hotel for overnight. Enjoy the remainder of day at leisure. 

Accommodation: Millennium Gloucester hotel or similar 

Day 2: Tuesday September 17London, St Ives

Today’s themes: Journey to subtropical England

Breakfast. Meet your driver, coach and guide and transfer to Paddington train station. Relaxing train journey from London to Exeter. Our guide and coach will meet us here and we travel on to St Ives on the north Cornwall coast. We will be staying, for 4 nights, at the rather unique Chy Morvah Country House Hotel and enjoy a welcoming Cornish Cream Tea on arrival. Dinner tonight will be as a group but on other nights at this hotel, you can mix and meet with the other, mostly British, guests. (B, T, D)

Accommodation: Chy Morvah or similar

Day 3: Wednesday September 18Land's End, Geevor Tin Mine

Today’s themes: Mining Industry, Cornish landscapes, foliage and wildlife 

Breakfast. Day of touring to visit West Penwith peninsular from St Ives to Lands End. We will take a scenic walk along the cliffs to Sennen with time to enjoy our picnic lunch. Keep watch on our walk of Britain’s most south-westerly point for birds and foliage unique to the area. There may even be some seals sunbathing. 

Our visit this afternoon takes us underground at Geevor Tin Mine where we will put a hard hat on and explore the mines. Copper and tin were the primary metals extracted. The mine closed in 1990 and, with many areas left untouched since, we will experience what life was like working at Geevor.

Return to hotel. (B, L – picnic, D) 

Accommodation: Chy Morvah or similar

Day 4: Thursday September 19Tregothnan Tea Centre and Estate, St Mawes Castle, Falmouth

Today’s themes: Farming, castles, maritime history

After breakfast, we drive to the Roseland Peninsula to visit and tour the Tregothnan Tea Centre and Estate –  truly English tea grown in England and not in Asia! Across the estate, about 20,000 tea bushes are planted every year. Tregothnan is known as an expert Camellia grower but the full range of luxurious teas offered here range from black teas, green teas and a list of grown herbal infusions.

We continue on to St Mawes and visit the Tudor Castle, a four-story artillery fort built in the 1540s. We will see elaborate carvings and text on its walls and learn of this castle’s history and what castle life was like through time.

In the afternoon, we take a ferry trip to Falmouth where you have some free time before returning with the coach to hotel for dinner and overnight. Falmouth is a charming harbor town – with great shopping and delicious Cornish Pasties! Check out the National Museum or Falmouth Art Gallery. Drive back to St.Ives. (B, L – picnic, D)

Accommodation: Chy Morvah or similar

Day 5: Friday September 20Newlyn Artists Gallery, Merry Maidens, Porthcurno Beach

Today’s themes: Cornish Artists & sculpture, communication, landscapes

Hearty breakfast. This morning we visit Newlyn Artists Gallery, opened n 1895, with works from local artists and from around the world. You can view the exhibits and stroll around the garden.

On our way to Porthcurno Beach we stop at the almost perfect stone circle, Merry Maidens. Our guide will tell us the story of the nineteen maidens being turned to stone… perhaps we shall all dance in the circle?

When we arrive at Porthcurno Beach, time permitting you can visit the Museum of Global Communications (not included), relax on the beach, check out The Cable Hut or view above the famous Minack Theatre – an open-air theatre carved into the cliff. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, L – picnic, D)

Accommodation: Chy Morvah or similar

Day 6: Saturday September 21Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum, Charlestown Harbour, Eden Project

Today’s themes: Mining industry, charming harbor town, gardens

We check out today and, after breakfast, we journey to east Cornwall continuing our theme of mining with a visit to the Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum. This indoor and outdoor museum encourages you to dig deep into the industry, the workers and the landscape.

We will travel on to Charlestown Harbour, Saint Austell for some free time to have lunch or shop. This working port is vibrant with tall ships, beaches and is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Our afternoon rounds off with a visit to the world famous The Eden Project where the inter-linked biodomes are built in an old quarry, of course! The world’s largest indoor rainforest is a biodome not to be missed!

Continue on the south coats of Devon to Plymouth, check into hotel for 2 night stay. Group dinner at hotel. (B, D)

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Plymouth or similar

Day 7: Sunday September 22Plymouth: Mayflower Museum, Plymouth Gin Distillery

Today’s themes: Voyages, discoveries and gin 

Busy day in Plymouth; the famous naval and port city. After breakfast we head out on foot and discover the town trail with our guide. One of our discoveries will be the Mayflower Steps which mark the point from which 102 pilgrims departed for America in 1620. On this theme, we will also explore four floors and four centuries at The Mayflower Museum. Our next stop on the Barbican waterfront will be the Plymouth Gin Distillery to enjoy a tour and tasting. Since 1793 Plymouth Gin has been made according to the original recipe and this is the oldest working distillery in England. Free time to explore in the Old Custom House area. Time at leisure. Your guide has a surprise for you – be sure to be at the time and place advised on tour day! (B)

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Plymouth or similar

Day 8: Monday September 23Dartmoor National Park: Tavistock, Dartmoor Prison Museum, Postbridge Clapper Bridge, Exeter

Today’s themes: Landscapes/moorlands, wildlife, rare plants, prison

Breakfast. Dartmoor National Park is roughly the same size as London and filled with things for us to do. We will visit the villages and take in the wildlife landscapes while keeping watch for wild ponies! We visit Tavistock, hometown of Sir Francis Drake. During our exploration, we will also visit the Museum at the notorious Dartmoor Prison. The prison has been home to some of the UK’s most dangerous criminals for more than 200 years.

Lunch will be taken at the Two Bridges Hotel in the heart of Dartmoor. We will take a photo stop at the ancient Postbridge Clapper Bridge on our way to Exeter for our overnight. Dinner at leisure with time to visit the nearby Exeter Cathedral if you wish. (B, L)

Accommodation: Hotel du Vin Exeter or similar

Day 9: Tuesday September 24Beer, Beer Quarry Caves, Lyme Regis

Today’s themes: Archaeology

Breakfast. Our day today takes us from east Devon to west Dorset.

Our first stop is in the seaside village of Beer which was noted in Britain’s earliest public record, the Domesday Book of 1086, as one of the earliest pre-industrial societies. The name Beer is derived from the Old English word bearu, meaning “grove.” We will visit Beer Quarry Caves which have been worked by hand from Roman Times until 1920. The underground complex has inspiring caverns, mighty halls of vaulted rooms, a cathedral, pillars of many sizes and provides a home to the rare Horseshoe bats in the winter.

We will continue into the heart of the Jurassic Coast visiting Lyme Regis. Here, we will fossil hunt in the footsteps of Mary Anning, walk the Cobb made famous by Jane Austen (Persuasion) and Meryl Streep (French Lieutenants Woman)! Onto Weymouth to check into our hotel for 2 nights. Group dinner tonight. (B, D)

Accommodation: Best Western Hotel Rembrandt or similar

Day 10: Wednesday September 25Bridport, Abbotsbury Swannery

Today’s themes: Markets, Sanctuaries 

After breakfast we will drive the truly beautiful coastal road from Weymouth to Bridport via West Bay of “Broadchurch” fame. Free time in the bustling market town of Bridport. perhaps visit the museum to learn the history of the town dating back to Domesday and how Bridport became the centre of the netmaking industry worldwide. Perhaps wander a local street market to get some shopping done.

This afternoon we visit the Abbotsbury Swannery. Besides being one of the best things to do in Dorset, this is the only place in the world where you can walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. The Swannery was established by Benedictine Monks in the 1040’s who built a monastery.

Return to Weymouth with free time to relax or explore the harbour area before group dinner at a local pub. (B, D)

Accommodation: Best Western Hotel Rambrandts or similar

Day 11: Thursday September 26Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Corfe Castle, Heritage Railway

Today’s themes: Natural habitats, medieval fortress

Breakfast. We travel along the Jurassic Coast to Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Stair Hole with its natural limestone arch and distinctive rounded bay. The clear blue waters are surrounded by unique geological landforms giving us a chance to take fantastic photos of the English Channel. 

We then go to Corfe Castle where we learn of the English Civil War as we stroll the imposing ruins. There will be free time for lunch here.

Next, we take a ride on the Heritage Railway from Corfe Castle to Swanage. The railway operates full-size steam and diesel passenger trains. Upon arrival in Swanage, we rejoin the coach and return to our Poole hotel. (B, D)

Accommodation: Hotel du Vin Poole or similar

Day 12: Friday September 27Dorchester, Thomas Hardy’s cottage, cruise around Poole

Today’s themes: Lifestyle, fossil cliffs, geology and landforms 

Breakfast. We start toady with the short trip to Dorchester, the County Town of Dorset with a history dating back to the Iron Age. It also hosts the only Roman Town House in its entirety in Britain. This is “Hardy Country” and we will visit Thomas Hardy’s cottage now a National Trust property, with its typical cottage garden and interior displays of furniture original to the period. Plus, of course, learn more about the English novelist & poet and his life.

We will rejoin the coach and return to Poole to board a cruise at Poole Quay. On the cruise we will see Brownsea Island – the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour. The island is owned by the National Trust and partly managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. The cruise will also pass by Sandbanks Peninsula and Studland Bay.

Tonight, a farewell dinner at the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institute) College hotel. (B, D)

Accommodation: Hotel du Vin Poole or similar

Day 13: Saturday September 28Departure Day: Poole to London

Today’s themes: Relaxed leisurely travel 

Relaxed morning with breakfast at leisure. We depart hotel at 10:00am and return to London by coach.

First drop off London Heathrow Airport, arriving approx. 12:30pm for flights departing 3:50pm onwards.

Second drop off London city center. Ask us about extending your stay in London or beyond. (B)

Dates and Prices
Departure Dates Double/Twin (pp) Single Rate
2024: September 16 $7,180 $8,570

Pricing:

Pricing is per person (pp) based on twin/ double occupancy.
Rates are in $ CAD.

Payments:

Deposit: $ 1,000 per person  (refundable until March 1st, 2024)

June 17th – Final balance due

Terms and Conditions:

After March 2nd – deposit 100% non-refundable

June 17th to 60 days prior to departure – Package 50% per person non-refundable

59 days to departure day – Package is 100% per person non-refundable


Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.

Ask us for the best available pricing for your dates & choice of airline. We can assist with pre and post stays in London and beyond – ask us!

Hotel Descriptions
4

Millennium Gloucester Hotel London Kensington

Ideally located in the beautiful neighbourhood of South Kensington, and just minutes away from Gloucester Road station. Millennium Gloucester Hotel is the perfect place from which to explore London. Grab a bite to eat throughout the day at Humphrey’s Bar. Take a stroll to nearby Kensington Palace Gardens and Hyde Park or explore London’s iconic museums from The Natural History Museum and The Victoria and Albert Museum all within walking distance from the hotel. London Heathrow Airport is only 45 minutes away and is easily accessible via the London underground. 

Address: 4-18 Harrington Gardens, South Kensington, London SW7 4LH

Room Amenities: Hypnos Comfort Bed, in room entertainment, individual climate control, hair dryer, Wi-Fi, Coffee and tea-making facilities, in-room Safe, air conditioning, toiletries 

Hotel Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, restaurant and bar, meetings and events facilities, parking, fitness centre

4

Chy Morvah Country House Hotel

Sea, sand and (hopefully) sun await at Cornwall’s Chy Morvah. This coastal bolthole, whose name means ‘House by the Sea’ in Cornish, basks in the famously lovely light of this artist-retreat town on the north coast of one of England’s most desirable holiday destinations. Those artists may have come to paint the sea and sky but you can simply admire it from the house’s privileged position. The building has been designed to maximise the effect of its elevated location, with stunning sea views and vistas of sandy beaches, while the bustling harbour and array of cafés and artists galleries are just a short cobbled street walk away. 

Address: Chy Morvah, Bishops Road, The Belyars, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2DB

Room Amenities: Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi

Hotel Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, boot room and drying room, attractive gardens with sea views, heated outdoor swimming pool, multi-purpose activity room, ballroom, library and board games to borrow, lounge, small bar

4

Crowne Plaza Plymouth

A stunning hotel with sea views overlooking Plymouth Hoe. Plymouth is Britain’s Ocean City, steeped in maritime history. No trip to Plymouth is complete without a visit to the Hoe, where you will enjoy panoramic views of Plymouth Sound and the iconic Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse, and during summer months you can take a dip in the Art-Deco Tinside Lido. You can workout in our gym or wind down in the heated pool. Thanks to our Sleep Advantage® programme, you’ll enjoy a great night’s rest, with premium bedding, quiet zones and a guaranteed wake up call.

Address: Armada Way, Plymouth PL1 2HJ

Room Amenities: Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi

Hotel Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, indoor swimming pool, gym, steam room and sauna, Lounge & Bar, Restaurant, fitness center, parking

4

Hotel du Vin Exeter

Hotel du Vin Exeter bursts with distinctive charm and a unique personality. Each of our exquisite rooms is individually fashioned, featuring comfortable beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, and either power showers or roll-top baths. Our luxurious accommodations provide an idyllic retreat to relax and rejuvenate after a day of city exploration. he Magdalen Lounge, adorned with a captivating mural by Hugo Dalton, opens onto a magical terrace and garden – the ideal place to savour a glass of Pinot, sketch faeries, or compose your next novella.

Address: Magdalen St, Exeter EX2 4HY

Room Amenities: Desk and chair, TV, Toiletries, Wi-Fi

Hotel Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, beauty spa, modern classic bistro dining, swimming pool, extensive wine cellars

3

Best Western Hotel Rembrandt

Close to a stunning sandy beach – not to mention the historic Dorset World Heritage Coast – the Best Western Hotel Rembrandt is the perfect base from which to explore the wonders of Weymouth and beyond. Just a short walk from the hotel, take a stroll along the esplanade for the complete British seaside experience. The South Coast town is renowned for its warmer climate. Best Western Hotel Rembrandt is also ideally located for sightseeing the delights of Dorset. Situated right in the middle of the famous 95-mile Jurassic Coastline stretch, the local scenery is spectacular. 

Address: 12-18 Dorchester Rd, Weymouth DT4 7JU

Room Amenities: Tea & coffee-making facilities, Toiletries, Wi-Fi

Hotel Amenities: Wi-Fi, 24 Hour Room Service, Bars, Electric Car Charge, Free WIFI, Gym, Indoor Pool, Restaurants

4

Hotel du Vin Poole

Nestled in the heart of the historic old town, Hotel du Vin Poole provides an excellent base for exploring this picturesque region, from the Poole Museum and the tranquil Brownsea Island to the idyllic Sandbanks Beach. The hotel boasts an enviable location near the quay, offering stunning views of Poole Harbour and the rolling Purbeck Hills in the distance. For those captivated by history and culture, Poole’s old town is rich with well-preserved Georgian buildings, and a short journey will bring you to the ruins of Corfe Castle and the breathtaking Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

Address: 7-11 Thames St, Poole BH15 1JN

Room Amenities: Desk and chair, TV, Toiletries, Wi-Fi

Hotel Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, modern classic bistro dining, extensive wine cellars

Map

Photos