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England's Glorious West Country (9 nights) |
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Head westwards to Bath, perhaps stopping en route to visit Windsor Castle, the Queen of England's own castle. Bath is one of the most attractive and elegant towns in England, both by night and day. You may wish to spend the evening getting your first view of the elegant 18th century houses built of honey-coloured stone, or perhaps eat in one of the many pubs or restaurants - there is a vast range to suit all tastes and pockets.
Overnight for two nights in the Bath area. |
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Continue your exploration of Bath. It is a celebrated spa town, with hot springs contained within the walls of the Roman Baths, which were built around 75 AD. The Royal Crescent is a delightful collection of residential town houses, which bring to mind the works of famous author Jane Austen. Other delights include Bath Abbey, the beautifully laid out parks and squares, or, just outside the town, is an American Museum. Alternatively, take advantages of the many and varied shopping opportunities - perhaps the best outside London. |
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Leave Bath to continue your journey into Devon. Drive along the unspoilt Somerset and North Devon coastline, through the Exmoor National Park via the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, with a pretty harbour and cliff railway.
Overnight in the Bideford/Barnstaple area for two nights. |
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Today, drive west to Clovelly, a popular fishing village with streets so steep, cars have to be left at the top (don't worry, there are jeeps available to take you back up to your car). Further west is Hartland Point where the sea crashes onto spectacular cliffs. An alternative day trip is on a boat from Bideford to Lundy, a little island 30 kms out to sea, and a major bird sanctuary. |
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Drive further south into Cornwall, crossing Bodmin Moor, breaking your journey at Lanhydrock, near Bodmin, an interesting mansion with superb grounds high above the River Fowey. Continue to Falmouth/Penzance on the south Cornwall coast.
Overnight in the Falmouth/Penzance area for two nights. |
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A day to explore this charming part of the West Country. The Lizard Peninsula has some spectacular coastline and beaches, particularly Kynance Cove. St Michael's Mount is a small island capped by a castle, just off the coast. At low tide you can walk to the island, otherwise take the ferry. Nearby is the popular fishing village of Mousehole, and a short drive will take you to Land's End, the most westerly point of England. For art lovers, a trip across the Cornish peninsula will take you to St Ives, and the Tate Gallery which features the work of local artists. |
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Today, you leave Cornwall and drive east to the Torquay area. Break your journey at Polperro, a charming Cornish fishing village. Just before you cross the River Tamar which forms the border with Devon, visit Cotehele Estate, featuring a mansion that has survived largely unaltered since medieval days.
Overnight in the Torquay area for two nights. |
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Torquay is the principal town of Torbay , on the South Devon coast. Visit the pretty fishing villages of Paignton and Brixham to see the charming harbours full of fishing vessels, and perhaps sample the catch. Further south on the coast is the famous naval town of Dartmouth, with a beautifully sheltered river estuary protected in former times by two castles. Further south still is Salcombe, overlooking a beautiful bay which is a major yachting centre. There are lovely coves and beaches in this area, and garden lovers will enjoy Overbecks Museum and Garden. A visit to the artists' town of Totnes provides excellent boutique shopping. |
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Travel east through Devon alongside a largely unspoilt coast. You will pass the charming old seaside town of Sidmouth , and the quaint villages of Beer and Branscombe. Stop at Abbotsbury, a village in a beautiful valley. Apart from the charm of the village itself, there is a ruined abbey, subtropical gardens, and a swannery. There is also access to Chesil Beach, a 29km bank of pebbles protecting a lagoon.
Overnight in Bournemouth area. |
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Head eastwards back towards home. |
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