Although it is in the far south west of England, the county of Cornwall is a first-class illustration of a TRAVEL LESS SEE MORE destination and in this week’s edition, I’m taking a closer look at what this rugged south western tip of England can offer enterprising travel counsellors.  Dubbed the Cornish Riviera, the south coast is home to picturesque harbour villages such as Fowey and Falmouth while the north coast is lined with towering cliffs seaside places like Padstow for is seafood and Port Isaac because of Doc Martin!

Independent travellers will love these ideas which can be tailored to suit their interests, time frame and budget.  There’s also great potential for small group travel as most garden tour planners, arts fundraisers and Methodist Ministers will probably not have seen these ideas before.

My daughter and her husband have just spent a week there and to keep her quiet about the great time they had, here are some thoughts as to how you can convert this Cornwall into a memorable travel experience for your customers.

Access is Easier than Ever

From 31^st March, Flybe started a 4x70 minute flights per day service between LHR and Newquay.  Alternatively, take the Heathrow Express to Paddington and then let the train and the nearby buffet car take the strain out of the 5-hour journey to Penzance. The third option is a first night in London and then an early train into the Land of Living Legends.

Scents of Spring in Cornwall

The Great Gardens of Cornwall comprise 12 of the best-known, largest, most historically and horticulturally important gardens in the county.  Enjoying the warmth of the Gulf Stream, these magical gardens are home to some of the most exciting, rare and beautiful plants in the UK.  Let’s time a tour to coincide with the Cornwall Garden Society Spring Flower Show (early April 2020 date TBC). 

Poldark, Doc Martin, Arthurian Legends and some Grand Houses

For fans of Doc Martin and Poldark, this close encounter with the On-Location worlds of these two popular TV series and the myths and legends of King Arthur will turn much loved fiction into touchable reality.  Also included, an upstairs/downstairs stately home visit, an alfresco picnic, some superb river valley gardens and at least one Cornish Cream Tea in an interesting location.

Have Sketchbook Will Travel

This exciting idea brings together the Newlyn School of Art, the Tate Gallery in St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.  I’ve added an evening at the open air Minack Theatre where the back drop is the English Channel, some stunning gardens and a Cornish Silver Band or Male Voice Choir and time for a pint of Skinners Betty Skogs.

John Wesley in the West Country

In 18^th century England, John Wesley travelled thousands of miles preaching and bringing new hope to the poor of the emerging industrial nation.  He visited Cornwall on many occasions and several important locations come together as a tour that he would recognise. On the way there, a Birthplace of America tour of Bristol and the embarkation point for the Pilgrim Fathers in Plymouth. 

In the Footsteps of King Arthur

This 9 day tour uses the myths and legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table as the foundation for a tour that starts in Winchester before taking in key sites including the final home for Excalibur, the haunting ruins of King Arthur’s birthplace at Tintagel, the alleged site of Camelot and his final resting place at Glastonbury Abbey.