4-Day England Trip: In Search of King Arthur

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. Do you want to tour the back roads of Devon and Cornwall but don't want to join a large coach group? Looking for flexibility and spontaneity in your itinerary? Do you have a few days to really get deep into the west country?

These are the counties of the great prehistoric ruins such as Stonehenge, England's great maritime tradition, picturesque fishing villages and seaside resorts. It is here you can see the apple orchards of Somerset, patchwork countryside of Devon, awe-inspiring moorlands, rugged cliff-top coastlines and the famed surfing sandy beaches of south-west England.

Tradition and culture have remained true to the English spirit here and you feel spirited back into another, less busy age. It's also a land of Celtic legend and of the romantic King Arthur whose own life you will discover.

With a maximum group size of 11 and a university educated guide/driver, you are sure to have a memorable and personal experience.

Schedule details

Departure Dates:

Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.

Departure Point:

The Park Inn Hyde Park, 66 Lancaster Gate, W2 3NZ, London

Departure Time:

8:30am

Return Details:

Returns to central London at approximately 5:30pm (Day 4)

Pricing information

Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Additional information

Inclusions:

• Entrance fees
• Professional driver/guide
• Transport (maximum 11 people)
• 3 nights accommodation with breakfast and dinner
• Hotel pickup (selected hotels)
• Hotel drop off (central London hotels)

Exclusions:

• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and drinks, unless specified

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
• Child rates are available on request
• Not recommended for child aged 4 and under

Itinerary:

Day One:
Departing London, drive south-west through Hampshire and the ancient kingdom of of Wessex to its capital Winchester, where you will see Arthur's Round Table in the medieval hall and then its nearby spectacular cathedral from where you take a stroll through the city. From here you cross the amazing Salisbury Plain, littered with ancient burial sites and the remains of Iron Age hill forts, to the great prehistoric temple of Stonehenge. Drive through the scenic counties of Somerset and Dorset, an area with lovely thatched cottages before you arrive at a traditional accomodation for a welcome meal.

Day Two:
Today you will explore the timeless country of Dorsetshire. This is real back-roads country where you'll believe time has stood still amidst the villages and harbors of the region. Jane Austen's Lyme Regis is one of the highlights of the day. Surrounded by beautiful coastlines and countryside, the area has now been awarded World Heritage Site Status, famous for its geology and fossil finds. Follow the Dorset coast, high above Chesil Beach, to the quaint town of Dorchester and its Thomas Hardy connections passing the Cerne Abbas Giant on the chalk hillside as you meander towards Devon.

Day Three:
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, 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, a day in Cornwall would not be complete without a stop for a famed Cornish "pastie" somewhere on route, perhaps in a thatched-roofed country pub?

Day Four:
Head west for the first highlight of the day is the mystical town of Glastonbury and its Abbey, the reputed site of Arthur and Guinevere's burial and the 'new age' capital of England with its esoteric collection of shops. Take the opportunity to visit the great cathedral city of Wells, where you may enjoy a coffee or admire its attractive cathedral. Drive back to London partly by the old coaching road through Marlborough, where Merlin is reputed to be buried and pass by the mysterious Celtic-built Silbury Hill. Yet another highlight is waiting for you on your way, the World Heritage Site of prehistoric Avebury, one of Europe's largest prehistoric stone circles.

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.