Art, History & Culture in London & the West Country - 15 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 East London, 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'll 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 could 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 eight-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, running alongside a disused railway line and following 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, you'll 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 9: Visit the Minack Theatre, Afternoon in Mousehole

St Ives is well-placed to explore many of Cornwall's top attractions, and one of the region's best-loved is the open-air Minack Theatre. It was brought to life by the extraordinary vision of Rowena Cade, who, in 1930, bought the rocky headland at Minack for £100 and, with the help of just her gardener, set about transforming the site, brick by brick, into a local theater. Set high above the white sands of Porthcurno Bay and carved into the towering granite rock, the site, which resembles an ancient Greek amphitheater, is perched on a cliff edge above the Atlantic Ocean. 

If you want to catch a Royal Shakespeare Company performance here, you'll need to book well ahead. Spend time touring the tropical gardens and admiring the sweeping views, then check out the pristine beach at Pedn Vounder, a 10-minute drive away. Regularly described as Cornwall's most beautiful beach, you'll find immaculate golden sands and turquoise waters reminiscent of the Caribbean. Continue driving for around 25 minutes northeast to the nearby fishing town of Mousehole (pronounced Mowzul), where you'll find plenty of excellent restaurants near the 13th-century harbor.

Later on, you'll return to St Ives in time to settle in for a pint at one of the local pubs, where you can find live music, or go for a predinner stroll along Porthmeor or Porthminster beach. For exceptionally fresh seafood dishes that combine Asian and Mediterranean influences, head to the Porthminster Beach Café, whose stylish whitewashed restaurant and terrace command sweeping views of the bay.

Day 10: Drive to Penzance, Polgoon Vineyard Tasting

This morning, you'll check out of your hotel and drive 20 minutes south to Penzance, a glorious town that will be 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 as a 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, head just outside town to the Polgoon Vineyard, a thriving vineyard and orchard nestled on slopes overlooking Mount's Bay that produces award-winning artisan Cornish wines and ciders. See 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.

Day 11: Coastal Hike to St Michael's Mount, Explore the Island

If the walk has helped build an appetite, you'll find plenty of excellent lunch stops, ice cream kiosks, and cafés bringing out mounds of freshly made scones and bowls heaped with clotted cream and strawberry jam, ready to be devoured by hungry visitors. Once you've sated any hunger pangs, wind your way through the medieval cobbled streets to explore the castle at the top and the exotic gardens that have been blooming since 1780. After a day's exploring, you can take a return hike to Penzance or grab one of the regular busses for an easy 30-minute journey. 

Then, hire a bike and head to the island's rugged northern coast for windswept walks and dramatic views along the headland. Afterward, reward your efforts with lunch at the Ruin Beach Café, where you can enjoy wood-fired pizza, Cornish crab linguine, seafood platters, and a laid-back beachside setting. You'll return to Penzance in time for dinner and ready to toast your last night in Cornwall. 

Day 13: Drive to Exeter via the Eden Project, Exeter's Underground Passages

Soak up the sea air one final time this morning before heading back in the car 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 back 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 14: Drive to London, Hidden Pubs or Soho Evening Food Tour

It's time to return 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 15: 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!