Art, History & Culture in London & the West Country - 13 Days

Day 1: Arrive in London, Afternoon Tea at Sketch, Covent Garden Walking Tour

Welcome to England! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be met by your driver and whisked to your central hotel in London, the nation's historic capital with a legacy that spans almost 2,000 years, from the Roman conquest to the Tudor dynasty and Victorian era to today's multicultural metropolis. Once you've arrived and settled in at your hotel, you'll kick-start your vacation with one of England's time-honored traditions—afternoon tea. This custom began in the 1800s when Queen Victoria's confidante, the Duchess of Bedford, asked for something to satiate her afternoon hunger pangs.

What was once a "light bite" has transformed over the centuries into a beloved ritual, and today, you'll experience it in the deeply luxurious and highly Instagrammable setting of Sketch in Mayfair. Against the backdrop of a string trio, you'll be waited upon by your own tea master and even a caviar expert, if you choose. Teas run the gamut from jasmine pearl to roasted iron Buddha oolong, while savory treats include brioche buns with black truffle cream cheese. No afternoon tea is complete without scones, and yours will be served with signature fig jam and an array of cakes and tempting pâtisserie.

After an indulgent start, you could spend the rest of your afternoon on a leisurely two-hour walking tour through Covent Garden, the city's main theater and entertainment district in the West End. The elegant main plaza is flanked by the Royal Opera House and luxury boutiques beneath porticoed arches. See the street entertainers who have performed here since the 17th century and spot landmarks, including St Paul's Cathedral, an English Baroque masterpiece designed by Sir Christopher Wren. In the evening, you'll be perfectly placed to catch a West End show or dine at one of the buzzy French bistros. 

Day 2: London's Landmarks & Hidden Gems by Vintage Bike, Tate Britain Museum

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll spend the morning touring London's streets by bike. No ordinary cycling tour, you'll be cruising around on a vintage Pashley bicycle, the epitome of British cycling. From the grandeur of Big Ben to the cobbled streets of the East End, you'll ride along atmospheric back streets and cycle lanes to discover a side of the capital beyond the guidebooks. Pedal through elegant royal parks to urban squares and witness London's dynamic street art scene before finishing at one of the city's historic pubs, where you'll toast your fellow cyclists with real ale or craft gin. 

Grab a bite to eat after your cycle and spend the rest of the afternoon admiring great British artists from the 1500s to the present day. The Tate Britain Museum holds the largest collection of British art in the world, and you'll spend a few hours visiting the museum's newest collection. Discover Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces and paintings by J.M.W. Turner and William Hogarth and contemporary works by Francis Bacon, David Hockney, Barbara Hepworth, and Bridget Riley. Highlights include "Ophelia" by John Everett Millais and Lowry's "Industrial Landscape."

Day 3: Drive to Bath via Avebury, Visit the Roman Baths

Today, you'll pick up your rental car and leave the capital behind for a 2.5-hour drive west to Bath, one of England's most enticing and picturesque cities. Its elegant Georgian architecture has earned it UNESCO World Heritage Status, and the surrounding countryside is quintessential England: rolling green hills dotted with honey-colored villages, country lanes, and church spires. Around two hours into your journey, you'll stretch your legs and discover one of the area's most important historic sights.

The village of Avebury and its wealth of prehistoric monuments in and around it are part of an extraordinary set of Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial sites that, together with Stonehenge, form a UNESCO World Heritage site. Park in the village and spend a couple of hours exploring Abury Henge, which contains the world's largest prehistoric stone circle, while a mile to the south is Silbury Hill, the largest human-made mound in Europe. 

Hop back in the car, and in half an hour or so, you'll reach Bath. Once you've had a chance to settle in at your hotel, you'll visit the city's ancient Roman Baths complex, which gives the town its name and is recognized as one of the world's best-preserved Roman bathhouses. The hot springs here bubble up to a toasty 115°F (46°C), and on a tour of the site, you'll walk the original Roman pavements and see the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva. Afterward, choose one of the city's wine bars or microbreweries and settle in for an evening of locally sourced fare with a glass or two of your favorite tipple.

Day 4: Bath Food Heroes Tour, Follow in the Footsteps of Jane Austen & "Bridgerton"

Combine Bath's excellent foodie reputation and the city's elegant Georgian architecture this morning on a walking tour that introduces you to the town's leading artisan food producers while seeing Bath's landmarks. Discover tasty morsels, such as fennel salami and fresh sheep's ricotta, at a selection of the city's leading independent cafés and street food sellers while you hear directly from the innovative individuals driving the current culinary scene. 

In the afternoon, you can explore Bath's Regency history and centuries-old connection to author Jane Austen, who called the city home in the early 1800s, at a time when the town was a destination spot for fashionable society. Walk in the footsteps of Austen with a 2.5-hour tour that reveals the nuances of life in Regency England as you explore the Royal Crescent, Sydney Gardens, and the Jane Austen Centre, where guides in period costume help bring the era to life.

Eagle-eyed "Bridgerton" fans will have spotted more than a passing resemblance between the architecture of Bath and the "ton," and you have the option to spend the rest of the afternoon immersed in the sights and sounds of Bridgerton with a 1.5-hour tour of the series' filming locations. With headphones and music to help set the mood for early 19th-century England, you'll visit key sights, including the handsome abode of Lady Danbury, and, in true "Lady Whistledown" fashion, catch a few snippets of behind-the-scenes gossip, too. 

Day 5: Drive to Padstow, Free Afternoon on the Cornish Coast

Your destination is Cornwall, a county on England's southwestern tip that's home to some of the UK's most spectacular countryside and encompasses hundreds of sandy beaches, towering rugged cliffs, artistic fishing villages, and a storied past filled with myth and legend. The first stop on your six-night itinerary is Padstow, a 3.5-hour drive southwest. This chic, bustling fishing village is home to some of Cornwall's finest restaurants, and foodies will be well-catered for whether it's a casual affair of fish and chips on the beach (mind the seagulls) or sparkling fresh seafood at Rick Stein's eponymous restaurant.

Spend the rest of the afternoon browsing the boutiques and galleries on the labyrinthine-like streets that wind their way back from the harbor, or take a walk along the South West Coast Path for glorious views of the Camel Estuary. For a more challenging hike that's steeped in local folklore, follow the path to Stepper Point and see the views over the famous Doom Bar, a sandbar that has accounted for more than 600 shipwrecks and, according to local legend, was created by a mermaid's curse. In the evening, seek out live music at one of the local pubs and sample the excellent local cider.

Day 6: Explore Tintagel Castle, Coastal Adventures in Padstow

Today is yours to explore Padstow and the highlights of the nearby coast. It would be remiss not to visit Tintagel and the 13th-century ruins of Tintagel Castle, rumored to be the birthplace of King Arthur. It's a scenic 50-minute drive north, and you'll have the morning to soak up the terrific clifftop views and see the fortress, which was once a stronghold for medieval Cornish kings. 

If you can drag yourself away from the wonders of the castle, don't miss Merlin's Cave on the shore below. At low tide, it's an atmospheric spot to visit and adds to the air of Arthurian mystery that shrouds the area. To better understand rural life in centuries past, visit the Tintagel Old Post Office, a 14th-century building and a well-preserved example of a medieval manor house. If all the exploring has helped work up an appetite, head to the Camelot Castle Hotel, a great spot for lunch with sweeping sea views from the terrace. 

In the afternoon, you'll have the option of working up an appetite for tonight's dinner with a private kayaking or standup paddleboarding tour around the coast. Meet your guide in Padstow and transfer 30 minutes to Port Quin, a nearby hamlet and cove with plenty of caves to paddle to and explore. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned kayaker, your local expert and guide will tailor your session to meet your needs. Afterward, you'll transfer back to Padstow in time for your dinner reservation. 

Day 7: Cycle the Camel Trail to Wadebridge, Drive to St Ives

The 17-mile (27 km) Camel Trail is a scenic recreational path that stretches between Padstow and Wadebridge, runs alongside a disused railway line, and follows the Camel Estuary. After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you'll spend the morning exploring the trail by bike. Wind your way through woodlands and fields on a well-maintained track punctuated with rest stops, picnic areas, and information boards highlighting the local flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled, and you may even spot the odd otter or two lazing along the riverbanks. 

After lunch, say your goodbyes to Padstow and drive an hour south to one of Cornwall's most popular destinations, St Ives. For centuries, artists and painters have flocked to the picturesque seaside resort seeking the town's exceptional quality of light, said to arise from St Ives' vast quartet of golden beaches. Spend the rest of the day exploring the picturesque bustle of whitewashed fisherman's cottages, art galleries, and independent shops, or follow the coastal path out of town and past Tregenna and Trelotan for sweeping views of the St Ives Peninsula. 

Day 8: Tate St Ives, Minack Theatre, Polgoon Vineyard Wine Tasting

You've got time this morning to soak up St Ives' unique atmosphere before setting out to explore the area's highlights, so grab a coffee and pastry from the harbor and follow the short path to Porthminster Beach for an exhilarating walk along the sands. Return to the Old Town and stroll through the maze of whitewashed cobbled streets until you reach the Tate St Ives. The art museum (part of the Tate family of galleries) is filled with contemporary and Cornish artists, including Alfred Wallis and Jessica Warboys. 

When you're done at the gallery, you'll drive 20 minutes south to a local winery. Polgoon Vineyard, nestled on slopes overlooking Mount's Bay, is a thriving orchard and vineyard that produces award-winning artisan Cornish wines and ciders. Spend an hour or so learning how the vines and fruit are meticulously cared for, then follow the tour with lunch in the Vine House Kitchen and a tasting of five award-winning wines. Afterward, you'll continue driving southwest for a further 20 minutes to one of Cornwall's undisputed gems, the open-air Minack Theatre.

The site, which at first glance resembles an ancient Greek amphitheater, was built by Rowena Cade, who bought the rocky headland at Minack for £100. In 1930, determined that the plot would one day be home to local productions, she set out to build an incredible open-air theater carved into the towering granite rock and set high above the white sands of Porthcurno Bay. Now, almost 100 years later, the Minack regularly shows performances by the Royal Shakespeare Company, although if you're planning to catch a performance, you'll need to book well ahead. 

Day 9: Drive to Penzance, Lost Gardens of Heligan

After a couple of hours exploring the gallery, you'll check out of your hotel and drive 20 minutes south to Penzance, a glorious town familiar to Gilbert and Sullivan fans as the pirates' base in their comic opera, "The Pirates of Penzance." Nowadays, western Cornwall's largest town is known for its exotic gardens, beautiful coastline, thriving arts scene, and gateway to some of Cornwall's most famous destinations, including St Michael's Mount, which you'll have an opportunity to visit tomorrow.

Once you've had a chance to settle in and grab a bite to eat, one way to spend the afternoon is a trip to the evocative Lost Gardens of Heligan. Originally created in the 19th century by the Tremayne family, the gardens fell into neglect after World War I and all but disappeared into a wilderness until they were rediscovered and restored in the 1990s. An hour's drive northeast of Penzance, you'll be greeted by over 200 acres (81 ha) of themed gardens and pathways. Immerse yourself in the vast Jungle Garden with its subtropical plants, and discover intriguing sculptures like the Mud Maid.

Day 10: Hike & Explore St Michael's Mount or Scilly Islands Day Trip

It's your last full day in Cornwall, and you have two great options for a memorable finale. If you're keen to stretch your legs, embark on a scenic 3-mile (5 km) walk to St Michael's Mount. This tidal island, reminiscent of Mont St Michel in Normandy (the history of the two was entwined until the dissolution of the monasteries), is crowned by a towering castle and lush, subtropical gardens. If the tide is in and you can't cross the walkway, don't worry; the island is serviced several times a day by boats that leave from the mainland.

Speaking of boats, another option is a sailing excursion to the Scilly Isles, an archipelago that lies just 28 miles (45 km) off the Cornish coast. Your cruise starts with a relaxed sail from Penzance to Land's End along the coastline, reaching the islands just in time for lunch. With miles of hiking trails and secluded sandy beaches to relax on (only five of the islands are inhabited, while others are havens for rare birdlife and flora), it's the perfect way to spend your final day before returning to Penzance in time for dinner.

Day 11: Drive to Exeter via the Eden Project, Exeter's Underground Passages

Soak up the sea air this morning before getting back behind the wheel and driving east. You'll overnight in Exeter, but for now, there's one last Cornish highlight to squeeze in. In around 1.5 hours, you'll reach the Eden Project, a vast botanical garden that includes several biomes, the largest of which contains the world's largest indoor rainforest. Marvel at the lush treetops as you walk along the canopy walkway then breathe in the heady scents of Italy, Greece, and Spain with a stroll around the Mediterranean Biome. 

When you're ready, jump in the car and drive 1.5 hours northeast until you reach Exeter. With over 2,000 years of history and one of the UK's finest Gothic cathedrals, the city's lively student population (the university is regularly ranked within the top 10 in Europe) gives the town a refreshing and independent vibe alongside its historic charms. 

Check into your hotel, and once you're all settled, head out to experience one of the city's foremost attractions: Exeter's ancient medieval Underground Passages, the only ones of their kind open to the public. This afternoon, you'll weave your way through these narrow passageways on a guided tour filled with interactive exhibits that show how clean drinking water was transferred into the medieval city via the passageways from springs outside the city walls. In the evening, drop in for a pint at one of the historic local pubs, then make your way to the waterfront for al fresco dining with quayside views.

Day 12: Drive to London, Hidden Pubs or Soho Evening Food Tour

It's time to head back east this morning to London, and while it's just under a four-hour drive from Exeter to London, you can stop halfway at the excellent Gloucester Services on the M5 motorway. Several notches above your average motorway service station, the family-run business works with more than 130 producers within a 30-mile (48 km) radius and is a great place to grab a bite or shop for quality artisanal gifts, including top-of-the-range culinary gifts. 

Eventually, you'll arrive back in London, where you can drop off your rental car, check back into your hotel, and get ready for your final afternoon in the capital. One excellent option is to spend it on a guided tour of some of London's oldest pubs. Meet your guide outside St Paul's Cathedral and wind your way through the city's ancient backstreets and rambling courtyards, stopping for a drink in at least four pubs that date back as far as the 1500s. You don't have to be a beer drinker to enjoy the tour. Nondrinkers can enjoy excellent alcohol-free wines and beers, while gin and wine aficionados are well-catered for. 

If you're hungry for something more toothsome, spend the evening savoring hidden foodie gems in Soho. The area is filled with eateries ranging from fine dining to secret speakeasies, hole-in-the-wall hidden gems, and a vast variety of international cuisine. In the company of an experienced and food-obsessed local guide, you'll stop at seven hand-picked local finds, nibbling delights such as mouthwatering croquetas and sipping Catalan vermouth to weaving your way through Chinatown in search of the city's best bao buns. 

Day 13: Morning at the Tate Modern, Depart London

Your England adventure is drawing to a close, and depending on your flight time, you could make the most of any extra time this morning with a visit to the Tate Modern in south London. One of the world's largest museums of modern and contemporary art, you'll find paintings, sculptures, and large-scale installations by artists ranging from Yayoi Kusama to Pablo Picasso, as well as immersive light sculptures by Anthony McCall. 

When you're ready, transfer to the airport in time to make your flight home or continue your European adventure. Safe travels!

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