Experience
A Cornish Caper
We have curated a six night journey to showcase the very finest of one of Britain’s most spectacular and best-loved regions.
6 nights from £2,990pp
Cornwall has some of the best beaches across the UK. From wide and sandy with clear turquoise waters to rival those in the Caribbean, to the steep-cliffed, boulder-strewn with wild Atlantic waves crashing. If you’re looking for big and beautiful – and family-friendly – Surfers and Kite Surfers descend on Cornwall from all over the world for its impressive Atlantic swell. For families and couples alike Cornwall has miles of stunningly beautiful coast-line walks and of course the historic St. Michael’s Mount at Penzance. Pasties and the best scones and cream are a given but over the last few years some of the best chefs in the country have opened up in Cornwall.
10th July
• Arrive in Falmouth at your leisure today, and take some time to adjust to the Cornish pace of life. Falmouth has been shaped and influenced by its strong connection to the sea. Combining a fascinating maritime heritage and modern creativity. A leading cultural and festival destination with many individual shops, restaurants and cafes
• Free time in the hotel…use of spa and/or explore Falmouth, followed by a welcome dinner at your hotel
11th July
• This morning you will embark on a thrilling two hour private RIB safari. A full commentary is offered for all trips. In a usual 2 hour visit we can cover up to 30 miles of the coastline. Even just within a small vicinity there are many tales to be told, including the wreck ‘Ben Asdale’, D-Day Landing tales and the location of St. Anthony’s Lighthouse, which featured in the children’s TV show ‘Fraggle Rock’.
• There are also many hidden caves and coves that are interesting to look at and are very popular with seals and their pups. Even further up the River Fal encounter the interesting oystering, smuggling and marine history passing many historic villages and locations. You can also see the Cornish Sea Salt factory from the sea
• Disembark the RIB up the River Fal close to Trelissick Gardens and enjoy an al fresco woodland feast on its banks
• Then pay a visit to the Caerhays Castle – Caerhays has been lived in by two families since 1370 and is an English Heritage Grade 1 Listed Building, currently home to the Williams family. It is a very much a family home with contents that show the ceaseless accumulations of its residents over the past 140 years. The visit to be hosted by the current owner Charles William and to include a guided tour of the castle with the option of a reception with tea or glass of wine
• Enjoy dinner at leisure in Falmouth
12th July
• A full day photographic sightseeing experience with Ken Whalley. A native of West Cornwall with 20 years’ experience of photographing the delights of this iconic part of the coast. He is an active member of the Royal Photographic Society with an Associate Distinction. There are many stunning locations to visit where you can learn to use your cameras or iPhones more successfully. These include the picturesque Mousehole harbour with its small boats in the harbour, and Penberth which is a tiny fishing village and slipway, and one of the main locations for the TV series Poldark
• Following this, travel to Porthcurno which has dramatic views towards Logan’s Rock and Pedn Vounder beach, one of the most spectacular beaches in the UK
• Lunch – at a typical Cornish pub, the Queens Arms, with a great reputation for its food and atmosphere
• The next location is Land’s End, with its magnificent sea views. Sennen Cove harbour then follows with its high cliffs and spectacular waves during storms. The Botallack tin mines are another important Poldark location
• During the day you will learn about the basic set up of cameras and when to use the different settings. You will discover some important rules of photography to improve the impact of your images
• Dinner in the Falmouth area
13th July
• Depart Falmouth hotel to Penzance for helicopter to Tresco. Arriving by air affords some amazing and unforgettable views of this beautiful archipelago. With white sand beaches and azure seas, it looks more at home in the Caribbean than Cornwall
• The Isles of Scilly lie just off the coast of Cornwall but are a world apart in every way. A natural wonder, like a cluster of precious ocean jewels, where nature thrives and the soul is inspired. Everything looks and feels quite different on Scilly. With the space and freedom to do everything, or nothing, this enchanting archipelago guarantees a magical, unforgettable experience
• Land close to Abbey Gardens – meet your guide for an introduction to the island over coffee before a garden tour. The sub-tropical Abbey Garden is a glorious exception; a perennial Kew without the glass, home to 20,000 plants from more than 80 countries, flourishing just 30 miles off the coast of Cornwall
• Take an easy stroll to the stunning Ruin Restaurant at Old Grimsby, for Mediterranean-inspired beachfront dining with dishes fresh from the wood fired oven
• This afternoon, explore the rugged North of the island, steeped in history including Cromwell’s castle. Walk or cycle hire to enjoy the coast path and enjoy the stunning views and some of the best beaches in the UK
• Helicopter back to Penzance and on to Padstow in time for dinner
14th July
• Immerse yourself in history, myths and stunning scenery at Tintagel Castle set high on Cornwall’s rugged north coast. Inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur, for centuries this dramatic castle and coastline has fired the imaginations of writers, artists and even the brother of a king
• Travel to Port Isaac for lunch at Nathan Outlaws Fish Kitchen, run by probably the most highly acclaimed fish cook in the country. Follow this with a walking tour of the town and surrounding area, made famous by the Doc Martin TV series
• Dinner in Padstow area at your leisure
15th July
• Embark on a short guided walking tour of Padstow, a charming working fishing port and famous foodie destination. Enjoy a visit to Padstow Kitchen Garden. Owner Ross Geach was a chef for Rick Stein for 10 years before establishing his garden at beautiful Trerethern Farm. Ross supplies premium quality organic vegetables, salad and herbs to Rick Stein, Nathan Outlaw and a number of other high-end eateries. He will then prepare a scrumptious alfresco lunch, made with ingredients from the farm as well as Padstow seafood and locally sourced meats
• Afternoon visit to Charlestown historic harbour and shipwreck museum. This fishing village features extensively in many period dramas including Poldark
• Your final dinner of the trip will be at either at the renowned Paul Ainsworth’s No. 6
16th July
Depart Padstow at your leisure today. Transfers can be arranged to the train station or to Newquay Airport, depending on your onward plans
St Michael’s Hotel, Falmouth
Set in sub-tropical gardens, this luxury south facing beachside hotel boasts airy, bay view rooms and is only a short stroll from Falmouth harbour.
There are 84 modern rooms with a selection of Falmouth Bay views, family rooms and rooms with disabled access. They are inspired by the Cornish coast, with lots of light, deep beds, crisp cotton sheets, powerful showers and luxury room facilities.
A diverse selection of carefully designed rooms offers you the option to choose your own personal space from which to explore the endlessly enchanting Cornwall.
After an adventure-packed day discovering Cornwall with its characterful towns, rugged coastline and Cornish events, we know how welcome a comfortable bed and a place to escape can be. Rooms provide the perfect place to unwind and reflect on your day, and the excellent facilities promise to make your stay the ultimate Cornish getaway. Pamper yourself in the spa, experience a unique approach to dining, and let off some steam in the state-of-the-art health club.
Experience fine dining in the gourmet restaurant, or savour nutritious and healthy-focused dishes in the Garden Kitchen. Whether you’re a seafood fanatic, veggie lover or dessert devourer – you’ll be spoilt for choice by a rich variety of delectable dishes.
Harbour Hotel, Padstow
This 4-star, recently renovated Victorian boutique hotel perches above the small fishing port of Padstow – a harbour town famous for seafood that ranks as one of Cornwall’s most charismatic and atmospheric destinations. Recently renovated with stunning contemporary interiors with postcard-perfect views of the Camel Estuary and Padstow Harbour, 7 excellent beaches close by. The hotel is an idyllic, luxury seaside getaway.
For eating and drinking, the hotel’s Kitchen, Bar & Terrace offers casual, all-day dining – with those enviable views and an al fresco terrace. Food is light, seasonal and locally-sourced to showcase the region’s flavours. The menu also features many of Harbour Hotel’s signature dishes, including the Harbour Fish Pie, sensational seafood burger, tempura prawns, home-cured smoked salmon and a selection of divine desserts.
There’s an extensive drinks menu, featuring eclectic wines, our own exclusive cocktails (including a selection of espresso martinis and negronis), local craft beers and a selection of locally-made gins, perfect for sipping on the terrace whilst drinking in the view.
For those wanting to get outdoors and enjoy this wonderful corner of Cornwall, there are fishing and pleasure boating trips, outstanding cycling along the Camel Valley Trail, and surfing at some of Europe’s best surf beaches (with surf schools), all close by. Padstow’s town has a wide variety of shops and upmarket boutiques mixed in with excellent cafes and restaurants, including Rick Stein’s famous seafood restaurant. For hikers, the town sits on the famous South West Coast Path.
Inclusions
- 3 nights in a Classic King Room at St Michael’s Hotel, Falmouth
- 3 nights in a Estuary View Double Room at Harbour Hotel, Padstow
- Daily breakfast
- Dinner at Falmouth hotel on day 1
- Wood-fired Feast lunch on day 2
- Dinner in Falmouth area on days 2 & 3 • Informal lunch at Queens Arms, Botallack on day 3
- Lunch at Ruin restaurant on day 4
- Dinner in Padstow hotel on day 4
- Lunch at Nathan Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, Port Isaac (tapas style fixed menu) on day 5
- Foraging lunch at Padstow Kitchen Garden on day 6
- Dinner at Paul Ainsworth’s, Padstow on day 6
- Scheduled return helicopter transfers between Penzance and Tresco
- All experiences as described in the itinerary
- Dedicated vehicle and driver on hand throughout
- 24/ 7 on the ground co-ordinator for the duration of the trip
We have 3 tours planned on 22nd May, 19th June and 10th July, although bespoke individual tours can also be arranged. We can tailor make your own itinerary based holiday with your availability, dates and budget, along with your choice of activities and excursions.
Date | Duration | Price |
---|---|---|
22nd May 2021 | 6 nights | £2,990 |
19th June 2021 | 6 nights | £3,110 |
10th July 2021 | 6 nights | £3,195 |