Cornwall lies on England’s southwestern corner. It is rugged and beautiful and the tip of the peninsula encompasses wild moorland and hundreds of sandy coves. The south coast, dubbed the English Riviera, is home to picturesque harbour villages and inns and some of England’s most stunning coastal scenery. The coast path twists and turns its way along the coastline.
This relaxed 7 night itinerary includes private transfers throughout and some of our best short walks, often with flexible distances and slopes that are rarely steep. There are many other points of interest too - a fabulous castle, numerous boat/ferry rides, gorgeous gardens, stunning estuaries and quirky Cornish villages, outstanding food options, and 3 unique hotels.
Holiday details
Price
- Luxury
-
from £2,725 per person
Based on two people sharing a room
What’s included?
Arrival and departure transfers to nearest stations, entry to St Michael's Mount and Gardens, Cruise on the Helford River. See what’s included as standard
Duration
7 nights
Start & Finish
Starts Sundays from Penzance and finishes St Austell - other start days may be available
Hotels
- Luxury
-
Three unique hotels - two boutique properties with amazing views and a 4 star golf and spa hotel.
Holiday type
Self-guided
This tour is priced without a guide and you are free to explore on your own. If you would like a guide for part or all of your trip, we are happy to provide a knowledgeable, local guide
Activity level
Gentle walking (1) More info...
Mileage
optional walks up to 4.5 miles
Terrain
Varied - coastal path, river side and village lanes
Options
- Play golf at Budock Vean
- Take a guided kayak trip along the Helford River
- Use your own car for transfers and we will upgrade your rooms
Itinerary day-by-day
Luxury
-
1. Day one
Arrive Penzance
We will meet you at Penzance station on Sunday and transfer you to the nearby village of Marazion on the coast, overlooking St Michael’s Mount. Breathe the sea air with a walk as far as you want along the sea shore - and relax...you are here for 2 nights.
optional
-
2. Day two
St Michael's Mount
Today is your chance to enjoy Cornwall’s best castle, located on an island, reachable by a walkable causeway at low tide and a ferry ride at high tide. Still lived in by the St Aubyn family, who also own your hotel, you can explore the island, castle and gardens on foot from your front door.
optional
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3. Day three
Helford River and Cruise
A private transfer this morning of 45 minutes will take you to a totally different scene on the Helford estuary. After lunch, enjoy a 1.5 hour cruise of the estuary on a small craft that moors at the bottom of your hotel’s estate (exact timing subject to tide). This stunningly beautiful estuary with its many creeks has a foot ferry which you should then take to walk along the far side of the water.
optional
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4. Day four
Helford River, Glendurgan and Trebah Gardens
Some time to relax today and a short walk if you fancy it, exploring the nearside of the estuary. This will take you to the wonderful gardens of Trebah and on to the characterful waterside hamlet of Glendurgan before returning along the coast path to your hotel. You may want to explore further with a guided Kayak trip along the river; practice your swing on the golf course, swim in the indoor pool or just pamper yourself in the hotel's spa - choices, choices!
optional 2 mile (3 km) walk
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5. Day five
St Mawes and Falmouth
You depart after breakfast for St Mawes, a little more than an hour away by private transfer. This lovely village is on the waterfront of the vast Fal estuary and is connected by short ferry hops to Falmouth and the Roseland peninsula and longer boat rides to Truro. Explore St Mawes and its Tudor castle with our headland walk and then hop on the ferry to discover Falmouth, a major naval and maritime base, characterful Cornish town and location of numerous excellent restaurants including Rick Stein's
4 miles (6.5 km)
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6. Day six
St Mawes and The Roseland Peninsula
The Roseland peninsula lies a quirky ferry hop away to the south, with gentler walking first along the estuary and then along the coast to the quaint fishing village of Portscatho. Here there are two great lunch options – a traditional inn or a beach side real food haunt. We will transfer you back to St Mawes after lunch for an afternoon at leisure.
4 miles (6.5 km)
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7. Day seven
Enjoy St Mawes
Relax today however you choose. If gardens are your thing, then hop on the ferry boat to National Trust Trelissick Garden and back taking you along the wide and deep Carrick Roads estuary. Or just soak up the Cornish vibe in St Mawes, or hop over to buzzy Falmouth.
optional
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8. Day eight
Depart Cornwall
After breakfast, we transfer you to St Austell station for your onward journey.