2027 West Country Highlights & The Isles Of Scilly

Itinerary

Holiday Highlights

• Hotel for 5 nights with dinner & breakfast 
• Porterage
• Plymouth Harbour Cruise
• Entrance to the Mayflower Museum
• One way GWR train journey Plymouth - Gunnislake
• Visits to Tavistock & Looe
• Scilly Isles - Day return ferry crossing Penzance - St Mary's - Penzance

West Country Highlights

Day 1 - After boarding your holiday coach, head west with a suitable refreshment stop en-route. Arrive at your well-located hotel in Plymouth, the 3* Duke of Cornwall Hotel, with porterage on arrival and time to freshen up before dinner. 3 nights DBB

Day 2 - Historic Plymouth & the Mayflower Museum
Spend a full day discovering the beautiful waterfront city of Plymouth, home of Sir Walter Raleigh & Sir Francis Drake. From its vibrant centre to the historic Barbican with narrow, cobbled streets and centuries' old seafaring heritage, Plymouth is a unique mix of green spaces and striking coastal scenery. An included one-hour harbour cruise is a wonderful way to see the spectacular sights including Plymouth Hoe, famous Drakes Island, Mount Edgcumbe and one of the largest Naval Dockyards in Western Europe. A visit to the Mayflower Museum is also included which charts the Pilgrim Fathers' voyage aboard the Mayflower to the New World. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the city's attractions - perhaps a visit to the Plymouth Gin Distillery established in 1793 (not included - tours start from £15 pp - advanced booking recommended) or the amazing National Marine Aquarium (entrance not included - approx. £26 pp in 2026)

Day 3 - Tamar Valley & Tavistock
This morning take a relaxing train ride (Great Western Railway) through the picturesque Tamar Valley AONB from Plymouth to Gunnislake with beautiful river crossings and rolling countryside. The highlight of the journey is when the train slowly creeps down over the Calstock viaduct and you are 120 feet high, looking down on the river below. Re-board the coach at Gunnislake and head to the Dartmoor market town of Tavistock. Home of the cream tea, Tavistock's roots date back over a thousand years and is, today, a vibrant world heritage town has a wide range of local independent shops, art galleries, cafes and tearooms. Tavistock's Heritage Quarter can be found in the Guildhall Complex, next to Bedford Square and the Town Hall. The return journey to Plymouth takes you on a scenic drive across the open moorlands of the Dartmoor National Park.

Day 4 - Looe & Falmouth
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and head west for a visit to lovely Looe with its picturesque fishing harbour. Famous for its day-caught fish and wide sandy beach, there is lots to discover. Looe has a rich history including the famous Looe Bridge that joins the east and west towns as well as the charming, cobbled streets lined with independent boutiques and inviting cafes. Continue west later on to the harbour port town of Falmouth, Cornwall's leading south coast resort. Falmouth has been shaped and influenced by its strong connection to the sea. Combining a fascinating maritime heritage and modern creativity, Falmouth enjoys a year-round mild climate allowing exotic sub-tropical plants to thrive. Enjoy some free time to explore the town and then check in for 2 nights at your centrally located hotel, the historic 3* Falmouth Hotel. DBB

Day 5 - Isles of Scilly for the Day
After an early start, head to Penzance to board the morning ferry for the crossing (2h45m) to the largest island, St Mary's, for a unique perspective of some of Cornwall's most iconic coastline. There are comfy, reclining seats as well as an on-board café. Only 28 miles west off the mainland, the Isles of Scilly feel like a different world - azure seas, white sand beaches, sub-tropical gardens and one of the warmest climates in the UK. Encompassing an area of less than 2.5 square miles St Mary's has an intimate atmosphere that exudes small island life. For those feeling especially spritely a walk around the island might be in order. Explore Hugh Town or take a local bus (fare not included) to enjoy the wonderful sights of the island. Return to the mainland in the afternoon with a later dinner this evening.

Day 6 - Check of the hotel this morning for the return journey to interchange with a stop for lunch on the way. Back to top

Accommodation

Your Hotels

Duke of Cornwall Hotel, Plymouth - 3 nights
Built in 1863, this striking hotel with its beautiful Victorian gothic architecture brings to mind 'The Grand Old Duke'. The 3* Duke of Cornwall is well located on the fringe of Plymouth's vibrant city centre, just a short stroll from Plymouth Hoe promenade. It combines historical features such as the Grade II listed staircase with sympathetic modernisations. The uniquely decorated guestrooms feature traditional furnishings and are equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The elegant restaurant has a domed ceiling and classic décor, while the spacious bar and lounge area features wood panelling and Chesterfield sofas. There is a lift























The Falmouth Hotel, Falmouth - 2 nights
The 3* Falmouth Hotel is perfectly situated on the seafront opposite Castle Beach with a 10-minute walk to the town and harbour. Built in 1865 as the town's first ever hotel, it boasts outstanding Victorian architecture and is set in 5 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with outdoor seating area and views across Falmouth Bay. The individually furnished guestrooms are spread over 4 floors with lift access to all and are equipped with tea / coffee making facilities, TV and hairdryer. There is an elegant restaurant with coastline views, spacious bar and lounge offering coastal views as well as leisure facilities with indoor pool, sauna and hot tub. NB Seaview rooms are on request only and subject to a supplement Back to top