From coast to countryside: Exploring southern England and Wales

Embarking on a day of hiking along the Pembroke Coastal Path’s breathtaking scenery, with rugged cliffs plunging into the sea and hidden coves dotting the shoreline. As you traverse the undulating path, you’ll encounter windswept heathlands, colourful wildflowers and an array of coastal wildlife, from soaring seabirds to basking seals. With the support of your expert guide, you’ll go off the beaten path, far from the crowds. Pausing for a picnic lunch, you’ll soak in the endless vistas before continuing your journey. Listen as ancient Welsh myths and legends, told by a local storyteller, breathe life into the magical landscapes.

Visit Pembroke Castle, rising like a majestic fortress above the tranquil River Cleddau. Its impressive stone gates, grand halls and labyrinthine staircases will transport you back in time. Learn about the history behind these ancient walls and the battles which shaped Wales. Continue to St Brides Bay to explore its charming fishing villages and coastal scenery.

Board a private yacht charter and set sail across the glittering waters of St Brides Bay to Ramsey Island, where you’ll circumnavigate the dramatic cliffs and secluded coves. Afterwards, board the ferry over to the island to explore, spotting colourful flowers and diverse wildlife along the trails.

Visit the iconic Broadway Tower, offering a captivating blend of history, nature, and panoramic views. Originally built as a folly in the 18th century, the tower’s rich past includes roles as a residence, artist’s retreat, and wartime signalling station. Take the chance to climb to the rooftop and admire breathtaking views of patchwork fields, meandering rivers, and distant landmarks such as the Malvern Hills, before continuing your walk to the charming market town of Chipping Camden.

Visit Sudeley Castle and take a stroll through its manicured gardens, bursting with vibrant blooms and ancient hedges. Immerse yourself in the castle’s history by exploring its well preserved interiors and exhibits, before heading to the picturesque village of Daylesford for a farm to table lunch and a hands-on course at the Daylesford Cookery School.

Your guide will take you to tour the surrounding charming Cotswolds villages, explaining the history and notable aspects of each. Meander through Stow-on-the-Wold’s quaint market square and antiques shops, before admiring the scenic stone bridges at Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the Venice of the Cotswolds. Savour a classic pub lunch at Moreton-in-Marsh before continuing on to Bibury, often described as the most beautiful village in England.

Your expert local guide will take you on a walking tour of the city, explaining everything from the Georgian architecture to the Roman history. Start at the Roman baths, immersing yourself in temple ruins and fascinating artefacts and admiring the remains of the original baths, where steam still rises from the water. Continue with a short walk to Bath Abbey and sit in awe as light from the stained glass windows dances across its serene interiors and vaulted ceilings. You may choose to climb the towers for panoramic city views.

Enjoy a tour of No. 1 Royal Crescent, led by a senior curator who’ll walk you through the meticulous restorations and give you a glimpse into what life in 18th century high society would have been like.

Step back in time at Castle Combe, exploring its historic cottages and the Medieval Market Cross. Stop in at St. Andrews church, home to one of the oldest clocks in Britain, which dates back to the 14th century.

For the afternoon, you will have a choice of visiting the 13th century Lacock Abbey, which has beautiful cloisters and gardens, or venturing to the Avebury stone circle. These ancient monoliths have stood for over 4,000 years, and a local expert will bring their mysteries to life, explaining the possible uses of the site and its subtle carvings and alignments.

Start in the charming harbour town of Padstow with a scenic boat trip along the striking coastline, past hidden beaches and stunning coves. Upon returning to the harbour, you’ll spend the afternoon exploring the town. Visit the Padstow Lobster Hatchery to learn about their marine life conservation efforts, or take the ferry across the estuary to Rock for its golden sands and dynamic beach life.

Take a scenic walk to Bedruthan Steps, where rugged cliffs rise dramatically above the crashing waves of the Atlantic. Admire the striking scenery of golden beaches and towering sea stacks, fabled for giants, that lays before you.

Spend a day at the enchanting St Michael’s Mount, taking a leisurely stroll along the causeway at low tide to reach the island. Explore this Medieval castle and its impressive gardens as you soak up the panoramic views of the coastline. Continue to Trebah Gardens, home to a sub-tropical paradise of vivid and exotic plants. Meander through towering bamboo groves and koi ponds down to an exclusive private beach called Polgwidden Cove.

Immerse yourself in Cornwall’s industrial heritage with a visit to Geevor Tin Mine. Your expert local guide will take you through the preserved underground tunnels and buildings as you learn about the lives of miners and the complex process of tin extraction. This is a fascinating insight into the lives and history of local people and economy.