Exploring the enchanting South Coast of Cornwall doesn’t have to be a hassle. This exclusive full-day guided tour promises an immersive adventure through charming destinations like Falmouth, St Mawes, and the legendary Lost Gardens of Heligan. With a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, you’ll discover hidden gems, snap stunning photos, and gain insider insights that elevate your Cornwall experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this meticulously curated tour offers a chance to uncover the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage in a seamless, stress-free manner.
Key Points
- Comprehensive full-day guided tour of South Coast Cornwall, covering highlights like Falmouth, Pandora Inn, St Mawes, Lost Gardens of Heligan, and Mevagissey.
- Priced at $737.21 per group (up to 4 participants), with a duration of 8 hours and live English-speaking guide.
- Opportunity to explore the historic port town of Falmouth, including Pendennis Castle and lively harbor.
- Scenic photo stops at Pandora Inn, King Harry Ferry, and St Mawes, capturing the charm of coastal scenery.
- Guided visit and free time at the 19th-century Lost Gardens of Heligan, featuring exotic plants and unique garden features.
Tour Overview
This exclusive full-day guided tour of South Coast Cornwall offers visitors a chance to explore the region’s picturesque coastline, charming towns, and rich history.
Priced from $737.21 per group (up to 4 participants), the tour lasts 8 hours, starting at 9 am and returning by 5 pm. A live English-speaking guide leads the way, with pickup included from your accommodation.
Priced from $737.21 per group (up to 4 participants), this 8-hour guided tour explores South Coast Cornwall’s picturesque coastline and charming towns.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve your spot without immediate payment.
The itinerary includes stops in Falmouth, Pandora Inn, St Mawes, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, and Mevagissey.
Looking for more options in Falmouth England? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Highlights of the Itinerary
The tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Cornwall, setting off for the historic port town of Falmouth, where visitors can explore the lively waterfront for about 45 minutes.
Next, the group will stop at the Pandora Inn, a scenic photo opportunity with local mining history, before taking the King Harry Ferry across the river.
In St Mawes, there’s a quick photo stop and village drive for an hour.
The highlight is the guided visit and free time at the renowned Lost Gardens of Heligan, followed by sightseeing in the bustling fishing village of Mevagissey.
The tour concludes in Fowey.
Exploring Falmouth
Falmouth, the historic port town, kicks off the guided tour through South Coast Cornwall. Guests explore the charming streets, taking in the maritime atmosphere.
Falmouth, the historic port town, kicks off the guided tour through South Coast Cornwall. Guests explore the charming streets, taking in the maritime atmosphere.
The tour guide highlights:
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Falmouth’s historic roots as a bustling seaport, once home to a thriving fishing and shipbuilding industry.
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The imposing Pendennis Castle, a well-preserved coastal fortress that dominates the skyline.
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The opportunity to wander the lively harbor, admiring the colorful boats and bustling waterfront activity.
After 45 minutes in Falmouth, the tour continues along the scenic Cornish coast, heading towards the next destination.
Scenic Photo Stops
After exploring the historic town of Falmouth, the tour continues along the scenic Cornish coastline, stopping at a few picturesque locations for photo opportunities. The first stop is the Pandora Inn, a local landmark with a mining history. Guests can snap photos of the charming inn and its surrounding countryside. Next, the tour crosses the King Harry Ferry, providing a unique photo op from the boat. The final scenic stop is in the quaint village of St Mawes, where guests can admire the coastal scenery before moving on to the next destination.
| Location | Duration |
| — | — |
| Pandora Inn | 30 minutes |
| King Harry Ferry | 30 minutes |
| St Mawes | 1 hour |
More Great Tours NearbyAdventure at King Harry Ferry
Crossing the King Harry Ferry is a unique experience on the South Coast Cornwall tour. This historic vehicle ferry transports visitors across the Fal River, offering panoramic views of the scenic coastline.
The crossing takes approximately 12 minutes, allowing guests to appreciate the surrounding natural beauty.
Some key highlights of the King Harry Ferry experience include:
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Photo opportunities with the ferry and its picturesque setting
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Learning about the ferry’s rich history, dating back to the 16th century
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Feeling the gentle sway of the vessel as it navigates the calm waters
After the ferry ride, the tour continues to the charming village of St Mawes.
Discovering St Mawes
Following the picturesque King Harry Ferry crossing, the tour continues its journey to the charming village of St Mawes. Nestled on the Roseland Peninsula, St Mawes boasts stunning natural scenery and a rich maritime history. The tour stops for a quick photo opportunity, allowing visitors to capture the quaint harbor and pastel-colored cottages. Afterward, the group embarks on a scenic drive through the village, taking in the sights and sounds of this quintessential Cornish town.
| Attraction | Description |
| — | — |
| St Mawes Castle | A 16th-century coastal fortress built by Henry VIII |
| St Mawes Harbor | A picturesque harbor with fishing boats and yachts |
| Church of St Mawes | A medieval church with a distinctive tower |
| Roseland Peninsula | A scenic peninsula with coastal walking trails |
Guided Visit to The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The next stop on the tour is the renowned Lost Gardens of Heligan.
The guide leads the group through these historic 19th-century gardens, which were lost for decades before being rediscovered and restored.
The historic 19th-century Lost Gardens of Heligan were lost for decades before being rediscovered and restored.
Visitors are captivated by the stunning array of flora, including:
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Exotic plants from the Himalayas and South America
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The towering Burmese Rope Bridge
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A fascinating "jungle" area with tropical plants
With free time to explore, guests can wander the serene pathways, admire the unique garden features, and enjoy this enchanting horticultural oasis on the Cornish coast.
Sightseeing in Mevagissey and Fowey
After exploring the tranquil Lost Gardens of Heligan, the tour heads to the charming fishing village of Mevagissey.
Guests have half an hour to wander the quaint streets, browse local shops, and take in the lively harbor.
The tour then concludes in Fowey, a picturesque town known for its literary connections and smuggling history.
Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, admire the colorful houses, and perhaps enjoy a Cornish cream tea before the return journey.
Throughout the day, the comfortable air-conditioned vehicle provides scenic coastal views, making for a delightful sightseeing experience.
Things To Know
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Dietary Restrictions?
The tour doesn’t explicitly mention accommodating dietary restrictions, but the ability to enjoy local delicacies like pasties and cream tea suggests some flexibility. Guests with specific dietary needs should inquire about the tour’s ability to accommodate them.
Are Photography Opportunities Available Throughout the Tour?
Yes, there are numerous photography opportunities throughout the tour. The itinerary includes stops at scenic locations like Falmouth, the Pandora Inn, St Mawes, and Mevagissey, providing guests with chances to capture the picturesque coastal landscapes and quaint Cornish villages.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Meet Specific Interests?
The tour can be customized to meet specific interests. Guests can work with the guide to adjust the itinerary and focus on areas of particular interest, such as coastal scenery, historic villages, or local cuisine.
Does the Tour Provide Any Historical or Cultural Insights?
The tour provides historical and cultural insights into the region. It includes guided visits to sites like the Pandora Inn, which has a local mining history, and the quaint fishing village of Mevagissey, known for its smuggling past.
What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather During the Tour?
The tour operates rain or shine. The itinerary is flexible to accommodate weather conditions, so guests can still enjoy the scenic coastal drives and explore the quaint towns regardless of the weather. The tour guide will adjust the schedule as needed.
Sum Up
This exclusive full-day guided tour of South Coast Cornwall takes you on a picturesque adventure through charming destinations like Falmouth, St Mawes, and the renowned Lost Gardens of Heligan. With engaging insights from a knowledgeable guide and ample time for stunning photos, you’ll learn about the region’s natural beauty and literary heritage, culminating in the coastal town of Fowey.
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