7 Days: The Needles - Stonehenge - Winchester - St Michael's Mount - Osborne House - King Arthur Statue

Tour overview:

In 7 days, travel from London to the sunny Isle of Wight through the dramatic landscapes of England’s southwest on this scenic journey. Explore coastal towns, historic cities, and legendary sites including Winchester, Stonehenge, Dartmoor National Park, Tintagel Castle, and Land’s End. From charming fishing villages and rugged moorlands to Cornwall’s stunning coastline and ancient myths, this tour reveals the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of southern England

Day 1 - Portsmouth and Quarr Abbey

Depart London and head to the southern Isle of Wight. The island is blessed with beautiful beaches, epic white sea-cliffs, and remnants from the Romans, Normans, and two World Wars. 

Travelling through parts of the South Downs National Park, gently undulating chalk hills, lush green valleys and peaceful farms await us on our way to Portsmouth.. This ancient port city is a bustling spot that blends modern marvels with centuries of sea-faring stories. Head to the top of the 170-metre-high Spinnaker Tower for the best views of the city, the Isle of Wight and the South Coast. Follow the historic harbour trails or visit the remains of King Henry the VIII's tragic warship Mary Rose before joining your guide for your ferry at Gunwharf Terminal.

As you step off the ferry onto the Isle of Wight, we begin with a unique gem: Quarr Abbey, an important religious site with striking architecture that blends French, Byzantine, and Moorish designs. Next, we head to Ryde, a town that's sure to capture your heart with its Victorian elegance, historic pier, and breathtaking coastal scenery.

In the evening, we arrive at the unforgettably quaint village of Shanklin in time for an early dinner.

Day 2 - Osborne House & The Needles

Today you'll discover why Queen Victoria favored spending her time here. Set off for the Yarborough Monument, the tallest structure on the island. This impressive landmark honors the life of a distinguished 19th-century earl and offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

Next, you'll head to Osborne House, where Queen Victoria famously said, “it is impossible to imagine a prettier spot”. Osborne House was Queen Victoria's holiday home and as you explore the Italian-style building, you discover pristine green gardens, ornate golden rooms, and historically fascinating artefacts.

After that magnificent man-made marvel, it's time to see the Isle of Wight's most beautiful natural wonder, the Needles. These dramatic white chalk stacks rise majestically from the sea, creating a breathtaking sight.

Day 3 - Exploring Winchester & Stonehenge

In the morning, you say goodbye to Shanklin and the beautiful Isle of Wight and head on the ferry back to Portsmouth. We then take you to one of England's most history-soaked cities, Winchester.

Step back in time at the stunning Cathedral, with its awe-inspiring architecture and history. See the legendary King Arthur's Round Table at the Great Hall of the Castle, and walk through cobbled streets lined with timber-framed houses. At the end of your visit, you change buses and meet your new group and driver-guide for the second part of the tour. Then, you head Stonehenge, one of the greatest marvels of the Neolithic period. 

Next, we journey to Devon, home to Dartmoor National Park with its wild ponies, rugged tors, and hidden gems. Devon's beauty leads us to Exeter, your home for two nights. Once the most westerly fortified settlement in Roman Britain, this historic city is famous for ancient city walls, a Norman castle, gothic cathedral, Tudor heritage, a quayside. You've got free time in the evening.

Day 4 - Dartmoor & the birthplace of Sir Francis Drake

We leave Exeter and travel to the heart of the remote windswept magnificence of Dartmoor National Park, to Widecombe-in-the-Moor. 

Our first stop is Widecombe-in-the-Moor, a picture-perfect village nestled among the rugged hills and ancient stone tors of Dartmoor. Next, we journey through Dartmoor's vast, open landscapes to Clapper Bridge, an ancient stone bridge that has stood the test of time, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's past. Next stop is Tavistock for lunch.

Start your exploration with a true taste of Devon cream tea. This treat consists of fresh scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, all accompanied by a pot of tea. When you've finished, walk off the calories and wander through the town's streets, lined with Georgian and Victorian buildings, and visit the Tavistock Abbey ruins, a reminder of the town's medieval past. We then travel back through the windswept expanses of the moors back to Exeter to explore some of its highlights, like Exeter Cathedral.

Day 5 - Tintagel Castle, the legendary birthplace of King Arthur

Arthurian legend mixes with genuine Celtic history in Cornwall, England's most western county. 

Our first stop is the enchanting North Cornish coast, where the Elizabethan fishing village of Boscastle awaits. Next, we visit Tintagel, home to the dramatic ruins of its cliffside castle. Perched on a rugged Cornish peninsula, this awe-inspiring medieval site, rumored to be King Arthur's birthplace, blends history and legend. Finally, we journey south to Falmouth for a two-night stay. 

You've got a free evening in this little town, and you can decide how you want to spend it. Explore the town's lively streets filled with cozy pubs, and waterfront restaurants and try local specialties.

Day 6 - Minack Theatre & Land’s End

Today, we embark on a journey to the most westerly tip of England, where the land meets the wild, untamed beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. This rugged and breathtaking corner of Cornwall is known for its dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and timeless landscapes.

We make a brief stop at the picturesque Long Rock Beach, where you can enjoy stunning views of St Michael's Mount, a tidal island with a medieval castle, a village, and beautiful gardens, all with a rich history dating back to the 8th century. Next, we continue to the dramatic Minack Theatre, perched above the roaring sea, with the stunning National Trust beach at Porthcurno below. 

Upon return, spend another lovely evening in Falmouth and indulge in the town's local specialties

Day 7 - Bodmin Moor & Glastonbury

Leave Falmouth behind. Your driver-guide takes you through Bodmin Moor, the vast wilderness covered in rugged heathland and dotted with historic standing stones and weathered tors.

Next, we stop at Jamaica Inn, a historic inn famous for its connection to Daphne du Maurier's novel and its intriguing tales of smugglers, travellers, and mystery. Explore the museum, which delves into the area's smuggling history, or grab a quick refreshment before we continue our journey.

Bid farewell to Cornwall as we set off towards Glastonbury, a town renowned not only for its world-famous music festival but also for its legendary ties to King Arthur and the Holy Grail. If you're a fan of Arthurian legends, be sure to visit Glastonbury Tor, a hill that some say marks the mythical island of Avalon. From here, you start your return journey to London.

As the capital's iconic skyline looms ahead, you carry with you the magic of the southwest its stunning landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable experiences.