Tea in Cornwall - The Southwest Coast of England

Arrive in London early in the morning and take a taxi or the tube to Paddington Station.  We'll meet in the first-class lounge before our train departs for Exeter. 

Upon arrival in Exeter, we'll make our way to our hotel, Southern Hay House. Nestled in a beautifully restored grade II listed Georgian townhouse that once belonged to M. After checking in and unpacking, we'll meet in the tearoom for high tea.

Rest will come easy after a busy day. 

After enjoying a full English breakfast, we'll set off for our adventures!

Our first stop will be Quicke's Farm for an indulgent English cheese tasting. Don't worry, we'll be able to see how cheese is made.

A Puffin Water Taxi, which will whisk us away to our delightful lunch destination.

Our midday meal awaits at the River Exe Café, Devon’s unique floating Gastro Shed on the River Exe, just upstream from where it meets the English Channel. The menu features succulent mussels, but you might also be tempted by local crab, clams, or scallops, perfectly complemented by a refreshing English cider.

After lunch, we'll head back to Exeter for shopping. First up, a local chocolate shop. You'll want to buy some for now and some for later. Then we'll head to Exeter Cathedral for evensong, a choir recital. 

Fish and chips at Hook Fish and Chips is the plan for dinner.

Today, we will set off for Galmpton, where we'll visit Greenway, a National Trust property and the former home of renowned author Agatha Christie. Situated on the River Dart in Devon, England, Greenway House appears just as it did in Agatha's day, as if she might return at any moment. In our view, Greenway House and Garden is one of the most enchanting spots in England.

Following our visit, we'll enjoy a lunch by the quay at The Crab Shed in Salcombe, where the motto is "From boat to quay to table."

After lunch, we'll embark on a private cruise to explore the Salcombe Estuary and its abundant wildlife. During the cruise, we'll celebrate our journey with a glass of bubbly.

With our driver leading the way, we’ll then travel to Boringdon Hall Hotel, our residence for the next two nights. The Hall once belonged to members of the British Royal family. Boringdon Hall, now an award-winning 5-star hotel and spa, invites you to stroll its manicured grounds and unwind at the spa and indoor pool. Tonight, we will dine at Boringdon’s Brasserie, savoring a delightful dinner.

This morning, we'll explore the ancient Pannier Market in the heart of historic Tavistock. Granted its Royal Charter in 1105, this market has thrived for over 900 years, offering a delightful shopping experience and standing as one of Tavistock’s hidden gems. 

In the afternoon, we'll visit Cotehele, a National Trust property and a stunning Tudor mansion dating back to 1353. Located just across the border in Cornwall, Cotehele is renowned for its extensive gardens and world-class tapestry collection.

Tonight, we'll return to our hotel for an unforgettable dining experience. Chef Scott Paton at Àclèaf will prepare a four-course tasting menu, featuring the finest local ingredients paired with exquisite wines.

After a hearty breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and embark on a scenic hour-and-a-half drive to St Ives, nestled on the north coast of Cornwall. This idyllic seaside town, a true gem of the Cornish coast, has long been a haven for artists, dating back to the era of renowned portrait and landscape painter J.M.W. Turner. 

Our adventure begins at gin school, where we'll delve into the rich history of gin in England. Dating back to 1689, when Dutchman William III introduced Genever to the English, gin has become an integral part of British culture. At Tarquin's Gin distillery, we'll craft our own gin recipes, selecting from an extensive range of citrus, herbal, floral, and spice botanicals.

Following our gin-making experience, we'll enjoy a delightful meal at the seaside Portminster Kitchen, savoring the flavors of Cornish cuisine.

Our afternoon will be steeped in art, starting with a visit to the Tate Gallery of St Ives, a pivotal hub for post-war modern artists in Cornwall. Next, we'll explore the home and garden of sculptor Barbara Hepworth, a trailblazing artist known for her abstract sculptures and significant contributions to the art world over her 50-year career.

We'll then check in and settle for the next two nights at the utterly charming Boskerris Hotel St Ives. With the summer solstice just a couple of days behind us, we can enjoy the extended daylight until 9:30 p.m.

Today's itinerary will be shaped by the tides as we set out early to capture the surrounding beauty. First on our agenda is the enchanting St Michael’s Mount, a National Trust property steeped in history. This medieval castle, perched on an island and connected to the mainland by a causeway only accessible at low tide, boasts a rich history from the Norman Conquest to the War of the Roses. Legend has it that four miracles occurred here between 1262 and 1263—stories you can judge for yourself after hearing them. The St Aubyn family has called this rocky isle home since the 17th century. We'll enjoy a simple, refreshing lunch at St. Michael's Mount Island Cafe.

Later, we’ll wander through the extraordinary Trebah Gardens near Falmouth. These subtropical Cornish gardens, located on the southern coast, are steeped in heritage and creativity, earning their place as one of the great gardens of Cornwall.

Tonight, we will dine at the Seafood Café back in St Ives. Select your fish from the counter, and the chef will prepare a delectable meal just for you.

After breakfast, we’ll check out and head to Newquay to catch the 11:18 a.m. train back to London’s Paddington station, enjoying a simple lunch aboard. We’ll arrive back in London by approximately 4:30 p.m. to say our sad goodbyes. Hop onto a night flight back home or stay a while longer in London town.