Grand Tour of the West Country Carousel

Day 1

We head south this morning to visit the historic city of Gloucester before a one-night stay in Somerset at the Best Western The Shrubbery, Ilminster (3*).

Day 2

After breakfast, we cross the border into Devon with a visit to Torquay, the jewel of the English Riviera. This afternoon, we continue towards the Dartmoor National Park and onto Buckfast Abbey, the home of a Benedictine Monks community. While here, why not explore the stunningly reconstructed abbey and beautiful gardens or learn more about the Benedictine way of life? Tonight, we travel to the Duke of Cornwall Hotel in Plymouth (3*), where we'll stay for three nights.

Day 3

We start the day with a cruise around Plymouth's famous harbour, from which you can take in Plymouth Hoe, Drake's Island, views of Mount Edgcumbe, Royal William Yard and one of the largest Naval Dockyards in Western Europe. Afterwards, you'll have a chance to explore maritime Plymouth on dry land, where we recommend exploring the Barbican Plymouth Hoe and the iconic Smeaton's Tower lighthouse.

Day 4

Today, we enter Cornwall for the first time, heading to the historic Liskeard to board the Looe Valley Line Railway. Take in beautiful views of the picturesque valley and glorious estuary views on our journey towards Looe; this charming resort is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. The town prides itself on its soft, golden beaches, fresh fish and a stunning harbour home to many award-winning restaurants to visit!

Day 5

After checking out of our hotel, we head deeper into the heart of Cornwall with a visit to the incredible Eden Project. Home to the largest indoor rainforest in the world, this former clay pit is a botanist's dream. From here, we travel a short distance to the ancient smuggler's port of Mevagissey; this Cornish gem is where you can try traditional Cornish Pasties or cream teas (just remember to spread your jam first). This evening, we check into the Falmouth Hotel, Falmouth (3*), for two nights.

Day 6

Today's itinerary includes visits to two jewels of the West Country crown - the iconic tidal island of St Michael's Mount and stunning St Ives. Linked to the mainland by a causeway, St Michael's Mount is home to a unique village, a legendary castle and centuries of history. We also head to the picturesque harbour town of St Ives, where we have plenty of time to wander the cobbled streets, home to independent shops, fishing cottages, and galleries of the artists who flock to the resort.

Please note that today's itinerary will be dictated by the tide times, allowing access to St Michael's Mount via the causeway on foot.

Day 7

This morning, enjoy a leisurely start to explore fantastic Falmouth; famous for its fascinating maritime heritage and home of the National Maritime Museum, you'll also find a sandy beach and quirky quayside waiting for you. We depart north, travelling through the stunning beauty of Bodmin Moor and stopping at Jamaica Inn along the way. Made world-famous by Daphne du Maurier, Cornwall's most notorious smugglers' inn is now home to a museum and collection focusing on the famous author. After heading back over the border into Devon, we arrive in Barnstaple for two nights at the Park Hotel (4*).

Day 8

Today's first visit is to the UK's only remaining glass factory, Dartington Crystal. Here, we have arranged a fascinating tour of the factory, where you can watch skilled glass makers in action safely from the factory floor. We later head to picturesque Clovelly, an ancient fishing village built into a wooded cliffside. The Queen of England once owned this unique destination and has been in private ownership since the Elizabethan days, which has helped to preserve its unique atmosphere. As Clovelly is free of vehicles, don't forget to say hello to the village's working donkeys, who help make deliveries to its villagers.

Please note - Clovelly is built at a 20% gradient and can be slippery when wet.

Day 9

This morning, we bid the wonderful West Country a fond farewell as we begin our homeward journey.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner