Back-Roads Touring Co

This Tour is on Special ~ See details below

Relive Arthur’s reign with a tour so magical even Merlin would be proud. Step inside centuries-old settings of romance, intrigue and honour and see legends come alive.

INCLUDES:

• 3 nights accommodation 
• Qualified guide/leaders
• Breakfast and dinner daily 
• All taxes, surcharges and entrance fees 

Itinerary:

Day 1 - (Saturday) London – Devon or Somerset
Departing London, we drive through England's oldest county, Wiltshire, across the amazing Salisbury Plain where you'll see the great prehistoric temple of Stonehenge and a landscape simply littered with ancient burial sites. You'll also see the evidence of Iron Age hill forts, possible sites of where the great Celtic king, Arthur and his Round Table knights took on the Saxon invaders. Then to Winchester to see the great Round table in the mediaeval hall. Then, we'll take time to explore Cadbury Castle, perhaps the site of Camelot, and some lovely surrounding thatched villages before arriving at our accommodation base. 

Staying in: Devon or Somerset borders 

Day 2 - (Sunday) Devon & Cornwall
Today, we explore the lovely, timeless country of Dorsetshire.This is real back-roads country where you'll believe time has stood still amidst the villages and harbours of the region. Jane Austen's Lyme Regis is one of the highlights of our day, as will be Thomas Hardy's cottage and monument. We'll introduce you to a few martyrs (such as the trade unionists of Tolpuddle, and those who died at the 'bloody Judge' Jefferies hand). You'll also see the famed Chesil beach and the quaint town of Dorchester. And there'll be time for shopping in the lace and antique town of Honiton.

Dependent on time and group interests, we might find time to include Lawrence of Arabia's home, a carved giant, or England's smallest pub! Or perhaps stand on a bit of Canadian soil as General John Simcoe's family plot is nearby at Wolford Chapel, Dunkeswell, and the small chapel is officially Canadian soil.

This is a day that we can really call getting down the 'back-roads'. 

Staying in: as above 

Day 3 (Monday) Devon & Cornwall
Today is a day packed with a range of memorable sights and experiences. You'll cross the beautiful and awesome landscape of the Dartmoor National Park, en route to the north Cornwall coast. Here, you'll visit Tintagel castle, the reputed birthplace of King Arthur. The castle sits on top of the wild cliffs accessible only by walking. Later, we'll visit a selection of the quaint fishing villages of the north Cornwall and Devon coasts. This is a day where photographers need to ensure a plentiful supply of film! Finally, our day in Cornwall would not be complete if we didn't stop for a famed Cornish 'pastie' somewhere on route, perhaps in a thatched-roofed country pub? 

Staying in: as above 

Day 4 (Tuesday) Devon & Cornwall – London 
On today's itinerary is Cheddar Gorge and the mystic town of Glastonbury, site of Arthur's burial and 'New Age' capital of England. Here you'll see the ancient abbey and the mysterious 'Tor'. We drive back toward London partially by the old coaching road, stopping at Merlin's burial town of Marlborough en route and also enjoying a brief look at the mysterious, Celtic built Silbury Hill and the World Heritage site at prehistoric Avebury.

Price:

Combine this tour option with our Red Dragon or Heart of England tours.

Tentative Itineraries:
Please note that Back-Roads itineraries are designed to be flexible. Because our groups tend to be smaller, we are able to adapt our day-to-day route and visits according to the interests of the group, weather conditions, and local events.

Pick-up Information:
You have a choice of the following pick-up points. Please advise your decision as soon as possible.
Please be ready at the time stated. If you wait at the hotel concierge desk your guide will come in and collect you. 

Relive Arthur’s reign with a tour so magical even Merlin would be proud. Step inside centuries-old settings of romance, intrigue and honour and see legends come alive.