Devon & Cornwall: 5-Day Small Group Tour from London

Summary

Stonehenge sunrise, Dartmoor ponies, Cornish legends and sea air

You’ll swap city noise for ancient stones at Stonehenge, taste sharp cheeses in Tavistock markets, feel Atlantic winds at Tintagel Castle (entry included), and share laughs with your guide across Devon & Cornwall’s winding roads. Expect real weather, warm breakfasts each morning, and moments you’ll want to remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You don’t really know England until you’ve stood on Dartmoor in the rain,” our guide Tom said, grinning as we piled out of the mini-coach somewhere between Exeter and a horizon full of rolling green. I’d never been to Devon or Cornwall before—just knew them from stories and old TV shows—but right away it felt different from London. The air tasted damp and a bit peaty, and the sheep didn’t seem to care about us at all. We stopped at Winchester first, where I wandered into the cathedral (it smells faintly of old stone and candles) before grabbing a sausage roll from a bakery that looked older than my gran. Then Stonehenge—honestly, I thought it might be overrated but standing there, wind picking up around those stones, it felt heavier than I expected. Maybe it was just the weather or maybe it was something else.

The next day was all about Dartmoor. The ponies really do just wander about—one nuzzled my sleeve when I tried to take a photo—and Tom pointed out weird rock stacks called tors that looked like giants had left their toys behind. Tavistock was lively, with market stalls selling cheese that smelled so sharp I nearly sneezed (I bought some anyway). Back in Exeter that afternoon, I tried to find the best pasty in town but got distracted by the river instead. There’s something about these towns: they’re busy but not rushed, if that makes sense.

Boscastle felt like a place from an old book—tiny harbour, boats bobbing quietly, and a cream tea that made me question every scone I’d ever eaten before. At Tintagel Castle (entry included), the wind nearly knocked me sideways on the cliffs; someone said King Arthur was born here but honestly it’s wild enough without legends. Falmouth was our base after that—sea air everywhere, gulls yelling at each other above the roofs. One evening I walked down to the water just as it started raining again (of course), but the light over St Michael’s Mount made me stop for ages. You know when you try to take a photo but it never looks quite right? That.

The last day we crossed Bodmin Moor—grey sky pressing low—and then Glastonbury. Some people climbed up the Tor for views (I stayed below with coffee and watched locals chatting under umbrellas). By then everyone on our little bus felt like accidental friends; even Tom admitted he still gets goosebumps driving through Cornwall. Five days isn’t enough for everything here—but now when someone says “England,” this is what I picture first.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — London to Exeter via Stonehenge

• Leave central London
• Visit Winchester cathedral and Great Hall
• Explore Stonehenge stone circles
• Travel to Exeter for overnight

Day 2 — Dartmoor and Tavistock exploration

• Explore Dartmoor and see native ponies
• Cross Clapper Bridge at Postbridge
• Visit Tavistock market town
• Return to Exeter and explore city sights

Day 3 — Boscastle, Tintagel, and Falmouth

• Visit Boscastle harbour village
• Tour Tintagel Castle ruins
• Stop at Port Isaac fishing village
• Travel to Falmouth for overnight

Day 4 — Minack Theatre, Lands End, and St Ives

• Photo stop at St Michael’s Mount
• Visit Minack Theatre and Porthcurno beach
• Visit Land’s End
• Explore St Ives artists’ galleries
• Overnight in Falmouth

Day 5 — Launceston, Glastonbury, and return

• Travel across Bodmin Moor
• Visit Glastonbury Abbey ruins
• Relax or climb Glastonbury Tor
• Return to London

Top questions

How many people are in each group on this Devon & Cornwall tour?

The tour runs with small groups of up to 16 passengers per departure.

Is entry to Stonehenge included in the tour price?

Yes, admission fees for Stonehenge are included in your booking.

Where does this 5-day tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends in central London.

Are breakfasts included during the trip?

Yes, breakfast is included each morning at your accommodation.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in en-suite rooms at B&Bs or 3-star hotels along the route.

Can children join this small group tour?

No, children under 5 years old cannot be accommodated on this tour.

How much luggage can I bring?

You can bring one medium suitcase (up to 20kg) plus a small bag for personal items onboard.

Is transport between stops included?

All transport between destinations is by air-conditioned mini-coach with your driver/guide.

What’s included

Your five days include comfortable transport by mini-coach from London with pickup in central London; entry tickets for both Stonehenge and Tintagel Castle; four nights’ en-suite accommodation with daily breakfast in B&Bs or 3-star hotels; and guidance throughout from your knowledgeable driver-guide who shares stories (and sometimes bad jokes) along every winding road.