Explore wonderful coastlines, cruise through rugged scenery and take in two of the most impressive gardening projects in the UK. Our base at the Rosemundy House Hotel is a favourite with Woods customers and the area has become famous as the BBC location of Poldark’s Nampara Valley.
Day 1 We travel through Dorset and Devon with a stop in the small and historic city of Exeter for a refreshment break, arriving in St Agnes late afternoon.
Day 2 Travelling south, we visit the marvellous Lost Gardens of Heligan, rescued from dereliction in 1990 and now covering more than 200 acres with formal gardens, summer houses and ornamental woodland. We then have a short visit to the pretty harbour town of Mevagissey.
Day 3 A free day to relax in our hotel and to explore St Agnes. This picturesque village lies in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is close to spectacular coastal paths and sheltered beaches, although some of these will be challenging to those with limited mobility.
Day 4 We explore the gorgeous scenery of the west coast today, with views of St Michael’s Mount and a stop in Penzance for our lunch. This afternoon we visit the delightful harbour town of St Ives, one of Cornwall’s best-loved resorts with its cobbled streets, winding alleyways, quaint fishermen’s cottages and historic harbour. The town is home to the Tate Gallery St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden (entry not included). We return to our hotel late afternoon.
Day 5 We visit Padstow, its narrow streets leading past pretty pastel houses to another picturesque harbour. Look out for the 16th- century courthouse of Sir Walter Raleigh and the fantastic medieval architecture. Our afternoon is in Truro, Cornwall’s only city and home to many independent shops and cafés, the Royal Cornwall Museum and the magnificent cathedral with Gothic architecture, green spire and fine rose window.
Day 6 Our day is spent at the marvellous Eden Project, a fantastic development where huge biomes house the largest ever rainforest in captivity with a breath-taking variety of plants, exhibitions and thirty acres of stunning outdoor garden displays. You can also see world-class sculpture and art and enjoy some delicious locally sourced food in the café. We return to St Agnes mid-afternoon.
Day 7 Back to the south coast for a visit to Falmouth, with its fascinating maritime heritage, pretty gardens and free Art Gallery. After free time we take a 2-hour pleasure cruise though the rugged landscape and scenic waters of the Helford River & Frenchman’s Creek*.
Day 8 Leaving our hotel after breakfast, we travel east, making suitable refreshment stops along the way, and reaching the local area late afternoon.
This delightful and elegant hotel has been tastefully extended and is set in its own secluded gardens and woodland, and only 100 yards from the main street of the unspoilt village of St Agnes. All rooms have TV, telephone, WiFi, hairdryer and hospitality tray. The hotel has a seasonal outdoor plunge pool and hot tub. There is no lift, but some ground floor rooms are available.
