Personalised, Customisable Tours of South West England and Beyond.
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    • Day Tours
      • Poldark Locations Tour: West
      • Poldark Locations Tour: East
      • North Cornwall Tour
      • West Cornwall Tour
      • Devon Choices Tour
      • Exeter Cathedral and City Tour
      • Dartmoor Hiking Experience
      • Falmouth & The Lizard Tour
      • Magical Dartmoor: One Day Luxury Private Guided Tour
      • Cornish Mining Heritage and the Great Cornish Emigration Tour
      • Devon or Cornwall in a day from London!
      • Private Historic Plymouth Walking Tours
    • Multi-Day Tours
      • Cornwall Guided Highlights Tour • 3 Days
      • Devon Guided Highlights Tour • 3 Days
      • South West England Highlights Tour • 5 Days
      • South West England Deluxe Tour • 7 Days
      • South West England Grand Tour • 9 Days
    • Mayflower 400 Tours
      • Mayflower Pilgrims Devon Discovery tour
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South West England Highlights Tour • 5 Days

  • Visit England Recommended
  • Airport Pick Up & Drop Off
  • Customisable
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Join us on an unforgettable five day adventure across the beautiful South West of England. You’ll experience unmissable architecture, soak in the unique culture and enjoy stunning landscapes throughout the region. All the while being guided by your local, expert guide. Within no time at all, you’ll see why this wonderful tour is featured and suggested by Visit England.

This Tour Can Include Visits To

  • Stonehenge • Bath
  • The Jurassic Coast • St Ives
  • The Cotswolds • Exeter
  • Plymouth • Dartmoor
  • Dorchester • Lulworth Cove
  • Padstow • Port Isaac

Tour Information

  • Daily Rate: 1-2 people £395
    3-4 people £445
    5-7 people £495
  • Maximum group size: Our regular vehicle can comfortably accommodate up to 7 guests. If you're group is larger, simply get in touch to discuss pricing and itineraries.
  • Included: Pick up and drop off from cruise ship terminals and London airports • All transport • Your knowledgeable guide
  • Not included: Accommodation • Meals • Admission to selected attractions Click here to find out more about meals

    While food is not included, your guide will have a network of recommendations including cosy pubs or traditional cafes. We have an option for everyone. The choice is yours!

  • Please bring: Sensible footwear for strolls along coastal paths. Click here for clothing suggestions

    One of the joys of the South West is the possibility of experiencing four seasons in one day so remember to bring suitable clothing.

  • Don't forget... We offer you the chance to delve into your family’s ancestry and history. Click here to find out about incorporating our Family History & Genealogy Tour into your trip.
  • Add-On Experiences Knowing the area as well as we do means we have access to some of the region's hidden gems. Get in touch with us today to learn about our exclusive add-ons. Think secluded castles, aristocracy or even sheepdogs!

An Unforgettable Five Day Adventure

Day 1: Stonehenge, Shaftesbury and The Jurassic Coast
Day 2: Exeter, Dartmoor and Plymouth
Day 3: Porthcurno, St Michael’s Mount and St Ives
Day 4: Padstow, Port Isaac & Tintagel
Day 5: Bath and The Cotswolds

Remember all our tours can be adapted to your wishes. Simply get in touch to arrange your dream itinerary.

Day 1: Stonehenge, Shaftesbury and The Jurassic Coast

Start exploring as soon as you arrive. We don’t waste any time, from the moment we pick you up at your preferred location we’ll head straight to some of the most iconic locations in the region.

Today’s itinerary could include visits to: Stonehenge | Shaftesbury | Lulworth Cove | Weymouth | Dorchester | Dorset

  • Click To Learn More About Day 1

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    After collecting you from your hotel or flight, we’ll journey westwards to Stonehenge in Wiltshire. It is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site on the tour and the best known prehistoric monument in Europe. Marvel at the standing stones and the engineering skills of our ancestors, and learn how they lived over 5,000 years ago.

    Next we’ll take the short drive to Shaftesbury in Dorset. Set in beautiful countryside, the town is full of historic buildings and has great literary connections with Thomas Hardy. There are many lovely shops and restaurants and the town features one of the most recognised streets in the UK, Gold Hill, which featured in the famous ‘Hovis’ TV commercial.

    Leaving Shaftesbury, we’ll pass picturesque Dorset villages on our way to Lulworth Cove on the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast. This stunning, horseshoe shaped bay is a must see, and the coastal walks and views are equally breathtaking. Head to Weymouth, Dorchester or the Dorset Coast for an overnight stop.

Day 2: Exeter, Dartmoor and Plymouth

Day two will take you into Devon, which offers a whole range of places to visit. From the stunning cathedral city of Exeter to magnificent National Parks, not to mention a visit to the natural and historic harbour in Plymouth.

Today’s itinerary could include visits to:  Exeter | Powderham | Dartmoor National Park | Widecombe in the Moor | Princetown | Plymouth

  • Click To Learn More About Day 2

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    Today we’ll venture into Devon to the cathedral city of Exeter, which was the most south westerly fortified town in Roman Britain. After a visit to the impressive cathedral, we’ll make the short journey to Powderham Castle. Prepare to be in awe of this magnificent manor!

    From Powderham we’ll head inland to Dartmoor National Park. This wild landscape was the inspiration behind Conan Doyle’s epic Sherlock Holmes story The Hound of the Baskervilles. Next, we can visit the village of Widecombe in the Moor.

    Postbridge is next to see the ancient Clapper Bridge, before journeying to Princetown, which provides the location of Dartmoor Prison. You’ll get to hear the tales of some of the more notorious inmates and their daring escapes. Now we’ll head to the Maritime City of Plymouth where you’ll have a guided walk around the historic Barbican area, learning about the important history of the location. Tonight’s accommodation will be in Plymouth.

Day 3: Cornish Coastal Delights

Today’s all about quaint harbours, mighty castles and picturesque artistic villages. We’ll discover all the gems of western Cornwall including a UNESCO world heritage site made famous by the BBC TV programme Poldark.

Today’s itinerary could include visits to: St Michael’s Mount | Penzance | Minack Theatre | Porthcurno | Botallack | St Ives

  • Click To Learn More About Day 3

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    Our first destination on day three will be the iconic St Michael’s Mount. We’ll learn all about its historical significance whilst taking in some of the best sea views in the UK. Our journey now takes us through to Penzance as we follow the coast road. We’ll stop at some of the many pretty little coves as we head to the stunning Minack Theatre. This impressive theatre is carved into the cliff above Porthcurno and from here you’ll have one of the best views in Cornwall.

    Next stop will be Botallack, home to the iconic engine houses from Cornwall’s unique mining heritage. This will be the third UNESCO world heritage site on our tour! This is also one of the main locations for the hit TV series Poldark. Later we’ll arrive at St Ives an old fishing port and long time haven for artists. It is home to the Tate Modern Gallery. You’ll get the chance to enjoy St Ives’ winding streets, full of shops, galleries and restaurants..

Day 4: Padstow, Port Isaac and Tintagel

The order of today is taking it easy and soaking up the atmosphere and history of north Cornwall. In the morning we’ll enjoy the famous harbour of Padstow and the village of Port Isaac. The afternoon will see us set off to the breathtaking village of Tintagel.

Today’s itinerary could include visits to: Padstow | Port Isaac | Tintagel | Plymouth

  • Click To Learn More About Day 4

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    After a relaxing night we will set off to explore all the wonders of north Cornwall. We’ll head to Padstow which has been made famous by celebrity Chef, Rick Stein. We can wander the harbour side and through all the winding streets, soaking up the jovial seaside atmosphere. Next up we’ll take a short trip to the tiny harbour village of Port Isaac which is the setting for the hit TV series Doc Martin.

    Then its onto the small town of Tintagel, a place shrouded in myths and legends and famed for its connection to King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. Here we will take a journey back in time and see the remains of the 13th century castle. You may also choose to explore some of the town’s other attractions such as the Old Post Office which dates back 600 years! Then its back your hotel for a good night’s rest.

Day 5: Bath and The Cotswolds

On our final day we’ll head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bath. We will explore this wonderful Roman city before venturing to one of the many towns and villages surrounding the area, each bursting with old world charm and the tranquil atmosphere of a different age.

Today’s itinerary could include visits to: Bath | Royal Crescent | Tetbury | Cirencester | Cotswolds | Stow-on-the -Wold | Bourton-on-the-Water

  • Click To Learn More About Day 5

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    An early start is needed for our journey to the city of Bath, which is a must see for everyone visiting the UK and is the fourth UNESCO World Heritage site visited on this tour. We arrive in time for a morning walking tour of the magnificent Roman city.

    Set in lovely countryside, the Georgian architecture is one of this city’s delights and the Royal Crescent is an iconic British image. There are unique shopping opportunities and the Roman Baths are also a must do experience.

    After sampling the delights of Bath, we’ll head north eastwards through the lovely Gloucestershire towns of Tetbury and Cirencester. Then it’s into the Cotswolds to see more quintessential English landscapes of honey coloured limestone villages set in a beautiful rural setting.

    There are dozens of lovely towns and villages to choose from, each bursting with old world charm, chocolate box scenes and the tranquil atmosphere of a different age. Some of the most popular towns include Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water and as well as Burford and Bilbury. We can visit some of these beautiful spots before heading back to your drop off location.

Don't Miss Out!

England has so much on offer, why not take the chance to get out and explore new areas of our beautiful country? Given that your tour is totally bespoke, we can add additional days to your 5 day tour based specifically on your interests. We have previously taken visitors to explore some of the North of England’s great towns and cities. Below are some examples of the wonderful places Select South West Tours have visited. So, let’s hit the road to pastures new! 

  • Click To See Some Suggested Destinations

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    Chester

    We will set off nice and early ready for the drive to the beautiful town of Chester. It is home to Britain’s largest Roman Amphitheatre and a thousand-year-old cathedral. Visitors also flock here to see its Roman-era city walls. Your knowledgeable guide will tell you all about the town’s exciting history while you wander through the streets to gaze at the beautiful Georgian and Tudor architecture. There are also tonnes of little coffee shops and bistros to refuel after all your exploring.

    Liverpool

    We can take a trip to the famous city of Liverpool. Options for the day include visiting the sites which were made world-famous by the Beatles, such as the Cavern Club and Penny Lane. The city also has a rich maritime history which you can learn about while strolling through the city’s seafront and visiting the numerous museums that reside here. Art lovers can pop into the Tate Art Gallery and there are tonnes of local eateries to stop for a bit of lunch.

    York

    Visit the historic walled city of York! Discover history at every turn as we navigate our way around the winding cobbled streets of this medieval city. One of the highlights of the day will surely be a visit to the immense York Minster cathedral, one of the world’s best examples of Gothic architecture. There is also the wonderful circuit of walls that enclose the city, dating back to the 13th century not to mention the plethora of traditional pubs and cosy cafes.

    Stratford-Upon-Avon

    Why not take a trip to the birthplace of Britain’s greatest playwright? Stratford-Upon-Avon is synonymous with the great William Shakespeare and this picturesque medieval town in the heart of the West Midlands offers a wonderful day out. Located on the River Avon, visitors can enjoy a stop at the town’s world famous theatres. There is also the chance to wander along its beautiful canal while learning all about the town’s rich cultural and historical significance.

  • Jerry Kraze
    Five wonderful days with James Coulton touring merry old, and new, South West England created for my wife Suzanne and I enough precious memories to fill our memory boxes to overflowing. We visited historic, and prehistoric, sites --- well and not so well-known. We strolled through marvelous gardens, castles, and homes.
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  • alitaalitaalita – Columbus
    With his knowledge of the area, we were able to avoid crowds and visit places known only to the locals. The scenery in SW England is spectacular and the history of the area James shared with us was fascinating.
    Read more
  • J and S Krase, Brooklyn, New York June 2016
    Five wonderful days with James Coulton.
    Read more
South West England Highlights Tour • 5 Days
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