| Highlights: Stonehenge * Cadbury Castle * Lyme Regis * Dorchester * Dartmoor * Tintagel Castle * Glastonbury * Bath
Day One
Departing London, we drive through England's oldest county, Wiltshire, across the amazing Salisbury Plain where you'll see the great prehistoric temple of Stonehenge and a landscape simply littered with ancient burial sites. You'll also see the evidence of Iron Age hill forts, possible sites of where the great Celtic king, Arthur and his Round Table knights took on the Saxon invaders. Then to Winchester to see the great Round table in the mediaeval hall. Then, we'll take time to explore Cadbury Castle, perhaps the site of Camelot, and some lovely surrounding thatched villages before arriving at our accommodation base.
Day Two
Today, we explore the lovely, timeless country of Dorsetshire.This is real back-roads country where you'll believe time has stood still amidst the villages and harbours of the region. Jane Austen's Lyme Regis is one of the highlights of our day, as will be Thomas Hardy's cottage and monument. We'll introduce you to a few matyrs (such as the trade unionists of Tolpuddle, and those who died at the 'bloody Judge' Jefferies hand). You'll also see the famed Chesil
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beach and the quaint town of Dorchester. And there'll be time for shopping in the lace and antique town of Honiton.
Dependent on time and group interests we might find time to include Lawrence of Arabia's home, a carved giant and England's smallest pub! Day Three
Today is a day packed with a range of memorable sights and experiences. You'll cross the beautiful and awesome landscape of the Dartmoor National Park, en route to the north Cornwall coast. Here, you'll visit Tintagel castle, the reputed birthplace of King Arthur. The castle sits on top of the wild cliffs accessible only by walking. Later, we'll visit a selection of the quaint fishing villages of the north Cornwall and Devon coasts. This is a day where photographers need to ensure a plentiful supply of film! Finally, our day in Cornwall would not be complete if we didn't stop for a famed Cornish 'pastie' somewhere on route, perhaps in a thatched-roofed country pub?
Day Four
On today's itinerary is Cheddar Gorge and the mystic town of Glastonbury, site of Arthur's burial and 'New Age' capital of England. Here you'll see the ancient abbey and the mysterious 'Tor'. Next, we'll visit Wells and its famed Norman 12th century cathedral before travelling the short distance to the stunning city of Bath. You'll have time to explore this elegant Georgian city and its Roman remains before we drive back to London partially by the old coaching road.
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Departures every Saturday from March to October
Pick up points:
The Royal National, Bedford Way 08.15 (underground Russell Square)
The Corus Hotel, Hyde Park 08.25 (underground Lancaster Gate)
The Grosvenor Thistle, Victoria Station 08.30 (underground Victoria Station)
The Holiday Inn Forum 08.40 (underground Gloucester Road)
The Chiswick Hotel, Chiswick 09.00 (underground Turnham Green)
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