Things to do in

Devon

Experience a 1-hour naval and harbour cruise that departs daily from The Barbican Landing Stage, off Mayflower Steps, Plymouth. Relax as you discover the majestic scenery of the Decon and Cornish coast. Start your adventure by departing from the Mayflower Steps. Listen as your skipper provides you with informative commentary as you sail across the Plymouth Sound flanked by the beautiful Devon and Cornish coasts. Pass the Plymouth Hoe, the famous Drakes Island, and head for the river Tamar. Pull into one of the largest Naval Dockyards in Western Europe – where the mighty warships and nuclear submarines await. All boats have toilets on board and a licensed bar, where a full range of hot and cold drinks can be purchased, whilst sitting back and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Returning down the beautiful coastline to return 1-hour later back at the Barbican.

Walk in the footsteps of the “Queen of Crime”, Agatha Christie, "the world’s best-selling author". After meeting with your guide, begin your tour discovering Agatha’s early years in Torquay. Learn about her servants, her home schooling, her siblings and how her father's death impacted her writing. We hear about her time growing up in Torquay and how the people she met and places she visited inspired her plots and characters. The route follows the beautiful English Riviera coastline, passing Torquay’s famous Pavilion which originally opened as a concert hall. It's here Agatha and her first husband, one of Britain's first pilots, watched a concert and afterwards he proposed to her. We stop at the Princess Pier where Agatha and her friends used to roller skate alongside wealthy Victorians promenading in their finest clothes. Stroll through the gardens at Torre Abbey. Hear how a soiree arranged for Belgian refugees in 1916, at which Agatha was attending, she met the man who provided the inspiration for Hercule Poirot. Guests will also discover how Miss Marple was created. En route, guests will discover how a bet encouraged Agatha to write her first published novel. We talk about her time as a nurse in the first World War and how working in the dispensary inspired her use of poison! At Torre Abbey, the oldest building in Torquay, the tour recounts Agatha’s 11 day disappearance that led to the biggest manhunt in British history and how she fled to the Middle East. The tour ends close to the Grand Hotel, where Agatha and Archie spent their honeymoon. Here, we will discuss her huge impact on keeping up the nation's morale during World War 2 Agatha Christie was an extraordinary lady. Her literature has touched the lives of billions of people across the world and even today she still sells 5 million novels per year. Everyday you can watch a Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot on TV! Without doubt, she is the world's most successful murder mystery writer and one of the greatest Britons of all time!

Day 1 Depart London and travel through the old kingdom of Wessex to the historic city of Winchester. The former capital of Anglo-Saxon England boasts a magnificent cathedral and the Norman Great Hall. From this bustling city, head to a quieter but equally profound place, the standing stone circle of Stonehenge. Having explored this mystical place, your tour will continue to Exeter, the Romans most southwesterly fortified settlement and your base for 2 nights. Day 2 Your morning is spent exploring the magnificent wilderness of Dartmoor, the ancient "Clapper Bridge" at Postbridge, and the historic market town of Tavistock, home to Francis Drake. Return to Exeter in the early afternoon to explore the Roman town, with its underground passages, ancient walls, Royal Albert Memorial Museum and famous 12th-Century Norman Cathedral. Day 3 Head west to the North Cornish coast and the Elizabethan fishing village of Boscastle. Indulge in a cream tea, take a stroll out to the dramatic headland or learn a spell or two in the Museum of Witchcraft. Travel to the village of Tintagel and the ruins of its headland Castle, whose romantic cliff-top setting is purportedly the birthplace of King Arthur. After lunch, the tour heads to Port Isaac where you can get your Doc Martin fix and fall in love with this picturesque fishing village, before heading south to the bustling port town of Falmouth for the next two nights. Day 4 Explore the most westerly tip of England on this magnificent day, taking in St. Michael’s Mount, the incredible Minack Theater, built into the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful National Trust beach at Porthcurno. You visit Land’s End before following a landscape dotted with the relics of the Cornish tin mining heritage, and now a filming location for the Poldark series. St Ives is the final stop of the day with its plethora of artists’ galleries in the maze of narrow, harbour-side streets. You return to Falmouth for the night. Day 5 This morning, you say farewell to Cornwall and travel across Bodmin Moor, a wild moorland that’s designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty. We’ll take a break before leaving Cornwall and continuing to Glastonbury. Here you can visit the ruins of 7th century Abbey, relax over some lunch or scale Glastonbury Tor for the views across five counties. From here, you travel back to London, a busy city far removed from the experiences you’ve enjoyed in the magical counties of Devon and Cornwall.

Take a trip down memory lane to reminisce and enjoy the story of Fawlty Towers, which is set in Torquay. This show was and remains Comedy Gold. Nearly 50 years ago the British public were introduced to Basil, Sybil, Manuel & Polly at the most chaotic hotel in Torquay! There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments along the way and great photo opportunities! Discover how a stay at a Torquay hotel gave John Cleese and Connie Booth the idea to write Fawlty Towers. Hear how Manuel was created and why he was made Spanish. Of course, we'll talk about the hotel's dodgy sign posts! After the tour, test your knowledge of Fawlty Towers with a quiz.

Day 1 You begin your journey down into the south-west of England. You’ll stop in at cute villages and enjoy a scenic drive through Exmoor National Park, a beautiful mix of moorland, woodland, coast and rivers. We like to keep things flexible this morning, so your driver-guide will touch base with you throughout the day. Next stop is Dunster; this medieval village is dominated by its Norman Castle, which you can view as you wander the village. You will visit the incredible ruins of Tintagel Castle. Sitting snug on the clifftops of North Cornwall, this historic 13th-century castle is believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur. The time is yours to explore this wonderful site. We depart Tintagel and head for the coastal city of Falmouth, our overnight base for the next two nights. Day 2 The day begins with a visit to one of Cornwall’s most loved destinations: the fishing town of St Ives. Get in touch with your inner seaside dweller as you wander this idyllic harbour town. Your next destination is a must in our opinion. Land’s End is a legendary spot that has inspired people since ancient Greek times when it was referred to as ‘Belerion’, or ‘Place of the Sun’. We head for a lunch break to an open-air theatre perched atop rugged cliffs. Yes, we’re talking about the incredible *Minack Theatre. *Please note that due to availability, we may be unable to visit this theatre. Your guide will let you know as you go. The last stop of the day is in Marazion, where you’ll get a chance for a photo of the jaw-dropping St Michael’s Mount. This rocky island is home to a medieval church and castle, and is England’s very own Mont Saint-Michel. Day 3 This morning we keep things flexible, with possible stops as we start heading north again. You then arrive in Tavistock, an ancient stannary (tin-mining district) and market town. You have free time to explore the only town in Devon to hold world heritage status. Your journey continues east into Dartmoor National Park, a stunningly craggy landscape filled with forests, rivers, wetlands and tors. You’ll stop in the picturesque village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, where the folk song of “Widecombe Fair” has been immortalized. Your adventure in Dartmoor National Park continues with a visit to the rocky granite outcrops of Haytor before you head to Exeter for the evening. Day 4 The last day of your tour stops at Durdle Door, one of Dorset’s most photographed landmarks, and the uniqueness of Lulworth Cove. Then you’re off to Shaftesbury, which is the epitome of a quaint English market town. It also has a fascinating history going back to Saxon times. The final stop of the day is the iconic and mind-boggling Stonehenge. It’s been around for around 5,000 years and to this day, people still flock to it in wonder. You among them? There are plenty of legends surrounding these massive stones and how they ended in such a formation.

Embark on our Beyond Paradise tour to immerse yourself in the splendor of Looe. This 1 ½ hour walking excursion will guide you through the picturesque Cornish coastal town, unveiling the filming locations of the popular series. As fans bid farewell to Death in Paradise this spin-off, traces the journey of Humphrey and Martha from the Caribbean to the fictional Devonshire seaside town of Shipton Abbott, cleverly filmed in the captivating landscapes of Cornwall. As you traverse the charming harbor and meander through the historic town center, you'll tread the same paths as DI Humphrey Goodman, PC Kelby Hartford, DS Esther Williams, and Margo Martins. The tour includes a stop outside the Guildhall, doubling as the police station, and showcases local shops and restaurants featured in the series, such as The Sail Loft restaurant. Passing by the working fish market, a familiar backdrop in the show, adds an authentic touch to the experience. Strolling along the East Looe River, a key location in the first series, you'll witness the familiar sights of seagulls and fishing boats, capturing the essence of Beyond Paradise. The tour maintains a leisurely pace, allowing you to savor the beauty and allure of this Cornish town. A highlight awaits at East Looe Beach, a popular sandy retreat in Southern Cornwall. Breathe in the salty sea air and appreciate why the cast and crew chose this idyllic South West England location for filming. Throughout the tour, an amiable guide will regale you with anecdotes from the making of Beyond Paradise and share intriguing facts about the area's rich history, culture, and natural wonders. Immerse yourself in the enchantment of the show and uncover the Cornish paradise on our Beyond Paradise tour.

Kents Cavern is one of the most important Stone Age sites in Europe and one of Britain's best showcaves! On your visit you'll go back to a time when the cave was home to ancient humans, sheltering from extreme weather, making fires, shaping tools and hunting Ice Age animals. As you walk through the extensive labyrinth of caverns, you'll be surrounded by 400 million-year-old rocks and spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. Make a day of it when you book guided tours of Kents Cavern! Your ticket includes a tour with an expert guide, access to site facilities, entry to the Woodland Trail, and access to the Stone Age Zone. All tours around the cave are guided and begin in the Vestibule Chamber, as you enter the cave you'll feel the temperature at a constant 14°C. Your tour guide will lead you through the caves to reveal how it was formed 2.5 million years ago and how stalagmite floors formed, sealing in the evidence of Ice Age occupations. You'll see an abundance of stalagmites and stalactites decorating our chambers, and learn all about Kents Caverns excavations in the Victorian era. In our Stone Age Zone you can view our extensive collection of artefacts and bones of the creatures which once roamed around inside these ancient walls. Children can embrace their inner explorer and dig for their very own gemstones to take home! Take a walk through our Woodland Trail to try your hand at shelter building and to discover an array of Ice Age animal sculptures - a perfect photo opportunity! Finally, you can well deserved rest in the Firestone Kitchen, our on-site cafe, serving a range of delicious sweet treats, lunch options and beverages.

Day 1: You travel through the ancient kingdom of Wessex to Stonehenge. These stunning stone circles give you a glimpse into the spirituality of the past, and offer an experience you’re sure to remember. After admiring the spiritual majesty of this Neolithic site, you continue to the incredible geological formations of the Jurassic Coast, where the cliffs are full of fossils from the age of dinosaurs. We travel along the coast to the Durdle Door, a beautiful natural limestone arch that juts into the ocean. Take your time exploring the coast before heading to the historic city of Exeter. Once the most westerly fortified settlement in Roman Britain, this town boasts ancient city walls, a Norman castle, gothic cathedral, Tudor heritage, a quayside, and a vibrant commercial and restaurant area. You stay in Exeter for the next two nights. Day 2: Explore the remote windswept magnificence of Dartmoor, where you can see strings of native ponies grazing close to the striking rock formations. Dartmoor is also home to an immense diversity of flora and fauna, so enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the moor’s isolated beauty. You cross the ancient Clapper Bridge at Postbridge before heading to Tavistock, the historic market town and birthplace of Sir Francis Drake. Arriving back in Exeter in the early afternoon gives you a chance to explore the city’s ancient riches at a leisurely pace. The city walls, the Norman cathedral, the Royal Albert Memorial, and the Quayside all await you. Day 3: This morning you head for Glastonbury, home to the world-famous Glastonbury Music Festival. Here, you can scale the Glastonbury Tor, long associated with the mythical kingdom of Avalon and King Arthur. You make your way to Bath in time for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. Recharge in one of the many restaurants, tea shops, or pubs before embarking on your exploration of this fascinating city’s heritage. You return to London in the evening.

Day One - These are two days fit for any goddess or knight in search for the Holy Grail or Excalibur. We drive through the lands of these legends and present the truth hidden in a landscape where dragons fly and crystals emerge from the ground, where you meet real earth energy workers, witches and saints. We begin the day by driving down the Michael ley line into the wilds of Dartmoor, where we cross bridges over 4000 years old and wander in the magical Wistman’s Faerie Wood. We then dine, as nobles do, at the Hunting Lodge in the middle of the moors. Afterwards we climb up the holy Templar hill, Brentor, where a church greets us, perched on its peak as if held up only by magic and the energies of the Michael ley line. We arrive in Tintagel where we settle into our B&B. Day Two - We start the day in the amazing town of Tintagel as the tide reveals one of the most magical places, where it is said Merlin himself worked and initiated druids, we will bravely clamber into ‘Merlin's Cave’ where we will do a visualization. As we emerge from the darkness of the cave, we will look up towards Tintagel Castle, which is perched on the cliffs above the cave. Then we walk back into the little village and have a taste of Cornwall for lunch - if you haven’t had a pasty in Cornwall you haven’t had a pasty. In the afternoon, we will explore the delightful landscape of Fairies and Gnomes through the woodland of Rocky Valley next to the river. Then we will walk into the mystically beautiful St Nectan's Glen and waterfall. Here a space is held for the Fairies and the spirit of the 5th century Celtic Christian Saint Nectan. This is said to be the place where the Knights of the Round Table came to be blessed before their quest for the Holy Grail. In the afternoon we travel back to Glastonbury.

Spend the day strolling through the RHS Garden Rosemoor, set in the beautiful Torridge Valley between Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. Encounter the sweet scents of the rose gardens and the vibrant colors of the many seasonal displays. Enjoy it at your own pace with this entry ticket. Gifted to the RHS by Lady Anne Berry in 1988, and known for its many garden ‘rooms’, RHS Rosemoor now spans 65 stunning acres. Start with a walk between The Queen Mother’s Rose Garden and the Shrub Rose Garden, and breathe in the cacophony of scents from over 250 varieties of blooms. Admire an abundance of produce ripe for the picking in the Fruit and Vegetable Garden. Celebrate the flavor of the seasons and explore a mouth-watering array of delectable edibles. Finish at the vibrant Hot Garden, famed for sizzling reds, oranges and yellows, gaze at waves of plants chosen for heat and vibrancy. Then, retreat to the serene pastels and blues of the Cool Garden, a tranquil Eden around a teardrop-shaped pond.