Cornwall Coastal Tour: Tintagel, St Ives & Land’s End
Cornwall is a land of dramatic coastlines, charming fishing villages, Celtic heritage, and timeless legends. Famous for its stunning scenery, vibrant food culture, and laid-back seaside atmosphere, it offers one of Britain’s most distinctive and captivating travel experiences.
- 7 days along the most distinctive coastline in England
- Tintagel Castle (the Arthurian birthplace), Land’s End (the literal end of England), and St Michael’s Mount (a tidal-island monastery and castle)
- Padstow for Rick Stein’s seafood, St Ives and Mousehole
- The Eden Project: the largest indoor rainforest in the northern hemisphere, built inside a former china clay pit!
- Surf coast at Newquay; gardens at Trebah and Heligan; Cornish pasties where they were invented
- Stay in 3 coastal hotels: north coast, far west, and the south
Your Day-by-Day Itinerary
London to Cornwall
Reaching Cornwall marks the start of a slower pace, with rugged coastlines, fishing villages, and sweeping Atlantic views setting the scene for the days ahead.
From here, make your way to your first stay on Cornwall’s north coast, usually in Padstow or Port Isaac. After settling in, take a stroll around the harbour and enjoy dinner at one of Rick Stein’s renowned Padstow restaurants, which helped establish the village as one of Britain’s leading food destinations.
Tintagel Castle & the North Cornwall Coast
Enjoy a scenic coastal journey to Tintagel, Cornwall’s legendary Arthurian landmark, where dramatic clifftop ruins and centuries of history create one of Britain’s most captivating heritage sites. After time to explore the village and enjoy lunch, continue through charming coastal landscapeS, visiting picturesque fishing villages and rugged Atlantic viewpoints. The day concludes with a memorable walk along the South West Coast Path, showcasing Cornwall’s spectacular cliffs, turquoise waters, and unspoiled coastal scenery.
Padstow to St Ives via Newquay
Discover Cornwall’s stunning Atlantic coastline, beginning in the charming fishing village of Padstow before continuing through the vibrant seaside town of Newquay and the sweeping beaches of Watergate Bay. The journey then leads to St Ives, one of England’s most beautiful coastal towns, renowned for its artistic heritage, picturesque harbor, and golden sands. End the day in St Ives or the nearby villages of Mousehole or Penzance, each offering its own distinctive Cornish character and coastal charm.
Land’s End, Mousehole & St Michael’s Mount
Explore the far west of Cornwall, beginning at Land’s End, the dramatic westernmost point of mainland England, where rugged cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to the picturesque fishing village of Mousehole, known for its charming harbor, narrow lanes, and rich maritime heritage. In the afternoon, visit St Michael’s Mount, a historic tidal island crowned by a medieval castle and gardens. The day concludes along Cornwall’s beautiful south coast, with an overnight stay in the coastal towns of Falmouth or Helford.
The Eden Project & the South Cornwall Gardens
Experience the gentler side of Cornwall with a visit to the Eden Project, an award-winning attraction set within a former clay quarry and home to spectacular indoor biomes and landscaped gardens. After lunch, continue to one of Cornwall’s renowned gardens, such as the Lost Gardens of Heligan or Trebah Garden, both celebrated for their unique plant collections and beautiful coastal settings.
Truro, the Roseland & a South Coast Day
Discover the heart of south Cornwall with a day combining historic towns, scenic countryside, and coastal villages. Begin in Truro, Cornwall’s only city, before exploring the picturesque Roseland Peninsula, known for its winding lanes, lush gardens, and tranquil estuary views. Continue to the charming seaside village of St Mawes, with time to enjoy its waterfront setting and historic landmarks, before crossing the harbor to Falmouth, Cornwall’s vibrant maritime town.
Departure (or optional Isles of Scilly)
Transfer to Bodmin Parkway or Truro for your return rail journey to London, or continue to Bristol Airport for your onward flight. For those wishing to extend their stay, an optional excursion to the Isles of Scilly offers a unique opportunity to experience a remote archipelago renowned for its mild climate, white-sand beaches, and relaxed island atmosphere. This extension can be arranged as an additional day before departure.
The Route
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