Cornwall's Coastal Wonders

Morning: After breakfast, journey along the spectacular coastal road to Land's End, mainland Britain's most westerly point. Stand on the dramatic granite cliffs, 200 feet above the Atlantic, where the next landfall is America, 3,000 miles away. On clear days, you can see the lighthouse on the Isles of Scilly. Take time for photos at the famous signpost and explore the rugged clifftop paths.

Continue to the picturesque fishing village of Mousehole (pronounced "Mowzul"), with its tiny harbor, granite cottages, and winding lanes. This quintessentially Cornish village is famous for its Christmas lights and traditional boat launch on Christmas Eve. Browse the independent shops and perhaps try a traditional Cornish pasty from a local bakery.

Afternoon: Visit Penzance, Cornwall's most westerly major town, with its subtropical gardens and palm-lined promenade. Explore the fascinating Morrab Gardens with exotic plants thriving in the mild Gulf Stream climate. Time permitting, visit the charming artists' colony of Newlyn, Cornwall's largest fishing port, where you can watch fishermen unload the day's catch and browse galleries featuring marine-inspired art.

Evening: Return to your accommodation. Optional visit to a traditional Cornish pub for local ales and perhaps a Cornish pasty cooking demonstration or tasting experience (can be arranged by guide, additional cost).

Morning: Depart for the Eden Project, one of Cornwall's most spectacular attractions. Built in a former china clay pit, the Eden Project features massive geodesic biomes housing the world's largest indoor rainforest and a Mediterranean landscape. Spend the morning exploring the Rainforest Biome with its towering tropical trees, cascading waterfalls, and exotic plants from Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.

Afternoon: Continue exploring the Mediterranean Biome, featuring plants from South Africa, California, and the Mediterranean region, along with exhibits on sustainability and human dependence on plants. Walk through the stunning outdoor gardens showcasing plants from temperate climates, including Cornwall's native flora. The site's educational exhibits explain the vital relationship between plants, people, and resources.

On the return journey, stop at the picturesque fishing village of Polperro, often described as Cornwall's most beautiful village. Explore the narrow winding streets, ancient cottages built into the hillside, and the tiny harbor that seems impossibly small for working fishing boats. Browse local craft shops and galleries, or enjoy an ice cream while watching boats bob in the harbor.

Evening: Return to your coastal accommodation. Free evening to relax, perhaps with a clifftop walk to watch the sunset over the ocean, or explore nearby coastal paths at your leisure.

Morning: Journey along Cornwall's dramatic north coast to Tintagel, site of one of Britain's most atmospheric castle ruins. Legend has it that King Arthur was conceived here, and the windswept clifftop ruins certainly evoke Arthurian romance. Cross the new footbridge (opened 2019) spanning the dramatic chasm separating the mainland from the castle island. Explore the medieval ruins, visit the beach cave traditionally identified as Merlin's Cave, and enjoy spectacular coastal views.

Visit the charming village of Tintagel with its slate-built cottages, artisan shops selling Arthurian memorabilia, and the historic Old Post Office, a rare surviving example of a 14th-century manor house. Browse galleries featuring local artists and craftspeople inspired by Cornwall's legends and landscapes.

Afternoon: On the return journey, stop at St Michael's Mount, Cornwall's iconic tidal island crowned by a medieval castle and chapel. At low tide, walk across the ancient cobbled causeway; at high tide, take the boat across (tide-dependent, seasonal opening). Explore the castle's historic rooms, subtropical gardens clinging to granite slopes, and harbor village. Learn about the Mount's 1,000-year history from Benedictine monastery to private home.

Late Afternoon: Tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation or departure point in Cornwall. Those extending their stay can receive recommendations for further exploration of Cornwall's countless beaches, gardens, and coastal villages. Excellent transport links make it easy to continue to other destinations or return to London.