Reasons Why You Should Join Our Corners of Cornwall Tour

• Discover Cornwall with Back-Roads Touring Touring

From windswept moors and wild coastlines to historic cities and picture perfect fishing villages, the county of Cornwall is filled with evocative sights and fascinating stories. Our Back-Roads Touring Corners of Cornwall tour seeks out the maritime heritage, rural beauty and culinary pride of this unique corner of South West England – here are seven reasons why it’s time to join the journey.

1) Tuck into lunch at Rick Stein’s seafood restaurant in Padstow

Internationally renowned for serving the very freshest fish and shellfish, sampling local Cornish seafood doesn’t get much better than at Rick Stein’s flagship restaurant: The Seafood Restaurant. Originating from humble beginnings, Stein’s restaurant started out as a quaint bistro in Padstow with red-checked tablecloths and candles in Verdicchio bottles. Fast forward over forty years later and The Seafood Restaurant has established a reputation for imaginative cooking, quality ingredients and a passion for food that can be tasted in every mouthful. On day three of our Corners of Cornwall tour we’ll have the opportunity to sample the classic seaside flavours on an included lunch sitting. Whether it’s fresh-off-the-boat Padstow lobster or a traditionally English serving of fish and chips, we know this is one lunch you won’t forget in a hurry.

2) Explore the medieval castle St Michael’s Mount

Cornwall’s answer to Mont St-Michel, this mesmerising tidal island off the coast of Penzance houses myths, legends and over a thousand years of incredible history. On day four of our Corners of Cornwall tour, we’ll have the chance to walk along the famous cobbled causeway that is only revealed at low tide and explore the treasure-filled village. Have the opportunity to get up close to the beguiling beauty of the castle-topped isle, scale the fairytale turrets for incredible views over the bay or infuse your senses with a stroll through the unique sub-tropical gardens. No tour of the southwest of England would be complete without a visit to the ‘jewel of Cornwall’s crown’ – you won’t want to miss this one.

3) Wander the honey-coloured heaths of Dartmoor National Park

Our journey on day two of our Corners of Cornwall tour will take us from the quaint country lanes of Somerset to the heather and gorse clad tors of Dartmoor National Park. Covering 368 sq miles, Devon’s idyllic wild heart feels like it belongs on the cinematic screen. In fact, the moss covered boulders, tinkling streams and eerie granite hills have played the setting for Steven Spielberg’s War Horse and the bleak backdrop for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles. After an afternoon of admiring this vast wilderness it will be hard to tear your eyes and camera lenses away.

4) Be inspired by the poetic Wells Cathedral in Somerset

Our very first stop along our Cornish journey is the tiny market city of Wells, known for its peaceful Vicars’ Close, medieval buildings and Gothic cathedral. After exploring the cobbled streets and historic architecture with our Tour Leader, there will be the opportunity to visit the magnificent cathedral at your leisure. The official residence of the Bishop of Bath and Wells since the 12th century, Wells Cathedral is recognised as one of the most beautiful of the great English cathedrals. Spend some time admiring over 300 intricately carved stone figures and famous scissor arches of the West Front. Take your time in exploring the palace gardens, admiring the breathtaking Jesse Window, and seeing the second oldest clock mechanism in Great Britain. We recommend a High Parts Tour to climb the spiral staircase high up into the cathedral roof; a behind-the-scenes experience that should not be missed.

5) Explore the quaint fishing village of Port Isaac

The epitome of a quaint English fishing town, the coastside village of Port Isaac is a cluster of cobbled alleyways and stacked up cottages collected around an idyllic medieval harbour. Made famous by the Doc Martin television series starring Martin Clunes, visitors can walk the short distance up Roscarrock Hill for a picture in front of the doctor’s home or enjoy a tipple at the charming Mote pub at the heart of the village. On day three of our Cornish tour we’ll have the opportunity to stroll the narrow alleyways and pick up a souvenir or two, or tuck into a freshly made Cornish pasty while overlooking the waterfront. Just watch out for the seagulls – they’re notorious for stealing your delicious treats!

6) Taste true English tea at Tregothnan Estate

The green-fingered enthusiasts are in for a treat on day five of our journey through Cornwall where we’ll visit the picturesque Tregothnan Estate. Cornwall’s largest estate and the historic seat of the Boscawen family, Tregothnan is famous for its beautiful botanic gardens and aromatic Cornish teas. Upon our arrival, a member of the gardening team will give us a private tour of the grounds, explaining the fascinating history of the gardens and its impressive plant collections. Then we’ll take a stroll around the famous Tregothnan tea plantation, where we’ll learn all about the only tea grown in England – with a chance to sample some of it for ourselves.

7) Take in the sweeping views at Lyme Regis

Walk in the footsteps of Jane Austen’s heroines as we start to round up our journey with a visit to the dramatic Jurassic Coast. On day seven we’ll visit the ‘pearl of Dorset’: Lyme Regis. Set against moody blue cliffs and surrounded by sandy fossil-filled beaches, Lyme Regis hosts some of the most spectacular scenery in England. While you’re here, catch a taste of fossil fever and go searching for the hard-rock relics of the past amongst the cliffs. Round up your visit with a Cornish high tea at one of the local cafes. Jam and cream, anyone?

Are you ready to take a Back-Roads Touring journey through county Cornwall? Browse the full itinerary of our Corners of Cornwall tour as well as our full range of UK tours here.

*Written by Erin Bunn. Originally from country Western Australia, Erin has a passion for all things travel. An advocate for taking the Back-Roads Touring, exploring hidden treasures and igniting your curiosity, Erin's favourite question is "where to next?"

Back-Roads Touring
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