The Isle of Wight Stonehenge Cornwall and the Southern Coast – 7 Days

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: London – Portsmouth
On this day of your Isle of Wight and the Southern Coast Tour, you’ll leave London and head to the sunny Isle of Wight via a ferry from Portsmouth. Before boarding the ferry, take some time to explore Portsmouth’s historic harbour trails and visit the remains of King Henry VIII’s warship, the Mary Rose. From there, you’ll board the ferry and enjoy a short ride to the Isle of Wight.

Your first stop on the Isle of Wight will be at the Quarr Abbey, an important religious site with an intriguing blend of French, Byzantine, and Moorish designs. In the evening, you’ll arrive at the quaint village of Shanklin, where you can indulge in some delicious seafood for dinner.

Day 2: Isle of Wight – Osborne House
You’ll explore the best of the Isle of Wight. Begin your day at the Yarborough Monument, the tallest monument on the island, before stopping at Brading Downs for some picturesque views of the green fields. You’ll then visit the grand Osborne House, a stunning Italian-style building once Queen Victoria’s holiday home. Afterwards, you’ll marvel at the natural beauty of the Needles, a group of sharp white stacks rising out of the ocean. Your last stop for the day will be at St. Catherine’s Down, where the epic cliffs and green valleys provide a stunning backdrop for a beautiful sunset.

Day 3: Winchester – Stonehenge
On your final day, you’ll head back to the mainland via ferry and then travel to Winchester, one of England’s most history-soaked cities. You can visit the magnificent cathedral, the ancient mill, and numerous museums here. In this bustling city, you join a new coach and driver-guide and head to a quieter but equally profound place: travel to Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the award-winning visitor centre to view the exhibition of prehistoric items. Take a land train shuttle to see the famous standing stone circles up close. Finally, head to Exeter, an important Roman settlement and your base for two nights.

Day 4: Dartmoor and Tavistock
Experience the beauty of Dartmoor, a remote wilderness, and see the wild ponies grazing close to the striking rock formations. Cross the Clapper Bridge, a medieval miner’s bridge, before exploring Tavistock, the historic market town and birthplace of Sir Francis Drake. Return to Exeter to explore the city’s ancient riches, including the city walls, Norman cathedral, Royal Albert Memorial, and Quayside.

Day 5: Cornwall and Port Isaac
Travel west to Cornwall, England’s most western county, known for its Arthurian legend and Celtic history. Visit Boscastle’s charming Elizabethan fishing village and indulge in a cream tea, stroll to the dramatic headland, or learn about witchcraft at the Museum of Witchcraft. Continue to Tintagel Castle, the legendary birthplace of King Arthur, before heading to Port Isaac, a picturesque fishing village made famous by the TV show Doc Martin. Finally, head to Falmouth, a bustling port town, for the next two nights.

Day 6: St. Michael’s Mount and Land’s End
Visit St. Michael’s Mount, an island community, before heading to the unique setting of the Minack Theatre, perched above a thundering ocean and the beautiful National Trust beach at Porthcurno. If available, visit Land’s End, the most westerly point of Great Britain, before exploring the Cornish tin mining heritage relics and visiting St. Ives, with its plethora of artists’ galleries. Return to Falmouth for the night.

Day 7: Bodmin Moor and Glastonbury
Travel across Bodmin Moor, an area of outstanding natural beauty known for its Arthurian legends and smugglers at Jamaica Inn. Visit the world-famous site of Glastonbury, known for its association with King Arthur and the annual music festival. Here, you can visit the ruins of 7th century Abbey, relax over lunch, or scale Glastonbury Tor for views across five counties. Return to London, a busy city far removed from the magical experiences of Devon and Cornwall.