Devon & Cornwall Road Trip
The Lizard Heritage Coast is one of Cornwall's breathtaking drives
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Meander through some of England’s prettiest landscapes and enjoy an eclectic selection of welcoming accommodation along the way.
England’s western- and southernmost points contain such a diversity of features – golden, ocean-blown beaches, picture-perfect villages and the very wildest of moorland to name a few – so it’s not difficult to figure how this corner of the UK has risen over the years to become the go-to holiday destination for so many. This road trip encompasses some of Devon and Cornwall’s many highlights. We also offer trips that include the Isles of Scilly, either as a road trip or an entirely car-free getaway.
Day One – Arrive and Set Off Along the North Devon Coast
There are several easy options for accessing North Devon, and we’ll be happy to tailor-make the perfect solution for you. Once on the road, you’ll soon be skirting the Quantock Hills and Somerset coast – perhaps taking in a coastal village or vast beach along the way – as the road twists and pitches towards your first base in the classic North Devon town of Lynton.
Separated by a 450-foot cliff, the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth offer an ideal getaway whatever you wish from your holiday. Ride the famous cliff railway, the highest and steepest water-powered railway in the world; pack a picnic and spend the day exploring nearby Valley of Rocks and Glen Lyn Gorge; take tea in the garden at Watersmeet before setting off on a woodland or seaside stroll; or lose yourself in the captivating landscape of Exmoor.
Your accommodation in Lynton
Your base for the first couple of days of your holiday is an award-winning guest house of the utmost quality. Spacious, high-spec bedrooms, many with quite staggering views across Lynmouth Bay, couple with modern, user-friendly bathrooms to make your stay as relaxing as possible. Breakfast is served in the front-facing, period-built conservatory, affording further opportunity to enjoy what may well be one of Devon’s finest vistas.
Day Two – A Private Guided Walk on Exmoor
Enjoy a fine breakfast in the conservatory this morning before setting off for the short drive to the heart of Exmoor National Park. Here, you’ll be met by a friendly and knowledgeable local guide, ready to take you on a fun and informative walking tour of this most dramatic landscape, tailor-made to your exact requirements according to ability, interests and any specific requests you may have. Wildlife, geology, history and local legend combine to make this a terrific day out. At tour’s end, enjoy a picnic prepared by your guide of produce from their own smallholding, the very tastiest of lunches!
Day Three – Off to Cornwall
You have a choice of routes as you make your way south into Cornwall; via the western side of Exmoor and through a number of evocative villages, or via our preferred course along the north Devon coast. You’ll drive past the beautiful beaches of the Combes and through the postcard-perfect village of Croyde, perhaps taking a detour to visit cliff-side Clovelly (not for the faint-hearted!) before dropping further south in to north Cornwall.
Your accommodation in North Cornwall
Despite the secluded setting, your accommodation in North Cornwall is within minutes’ drive of some of Cornwall’s must-see spots, both on the coast and further inland,. Hosted by the friendliest of couples, tea and cake served in the modern farmhouse kitchen upon arrival makes the perfect welcome. Each of the four spacious bedrooms contain every feature you’ll need to make your stay stress-free.
Day Four & Five – At Leisure in North Cornwall
From the rural idyll of your accommodation, a mere 15-minute drive will take you to both Tintagel with its wonderful clifftop castle, and the chocolate-box village of Boscastle. A little further down the coast will see you at Padstow and Rock, must-sees on any trip to Cornwall – not forgetting, of course, the wild and unique landscape of Dartmoor.
Day Six – Southwards to Penzance via the Lizard
Today it’s time to make your way south – indeed, as far south as it’s possible to travel on mainland U.K. Our favourite route is to drive an hour or so to the wonderfully picturesque fishing port of Mevagissey to wander its tiny, twisting streets. Later, head around the Carrick Roads estuary dropping to the Lizard Heritage Coast and to Lizard itself, whose lighthouse represents the southernmost point of the mainland before arriving in Penzance.
Your accommodation in Penzance
Set on a hill overlooking the town, your accommodation in Penzance is a Georgian townhouse, built in 1790 to the most exacting standards of the day. Home to several notable figures over the centuries, today the house has been restored and upgraded, providing lavish accommodation over six rooms, coupled with the finest service from the amenable owner and her small team.
Day Seven – Exploring South Cornwall
Penzance is the perfect place from which to explore this fascinating location. Stroll along the harbour-side all the way to evocative St Michael’s Mount. A little further afield, enjoy an outdoor show at the unique Menack Theatre and find your way towards Lands End, where you’re sure to wish to record your visit, while just 15 minutes away by car will find you near lively and lovely St Ives, easily reached by one-minute train-ride from Carbis Bay (driving in St Ives can be something of a challenge!)
Day 8 – Onward Journey Home
Unfortunately today your exploration of this most spectacular part of England comes to a close as you begin your journey home.
This is a a three centre holiday and includes stays in North Devon, North Cornwall and Penzance.
£795 per person in March, £825 per person in April & October, £855 per person from May to September.
This price is based on two people sharing a twin or double room for seven nights on a bed and breakfast basis. This price also includes a private guided half-day walking tour of Exmoor with a local-produce picnic lunch.
Though not included, car rental is available from around £25 per day – please just ask for details.
Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
All our holiday prices include a service charge of £9 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.
We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.
This holiday can be arranged from March to October.
To check the latest availability for this holiday complete the form below or call us. We will respond to your availability check within one working day if at all possible. Please bear with us on this - we work with a hand-picked selection of smaller hotels, guest houses, and other independent businesses, ensuring that you have the chance to explore off the beaten track and really get under the skin of the destination.
Please note: All form fields are required unless otherwise stated optional.
