From coast to countryside: Exploring southern England and Wales
Combining history, culture and natural beauty, this scenic journey takes you through some of southern England and Wales’ most captivating landscapes and intriguing features. Starting in Wales, work your way up the Pembrokeshire coast before heading inland to the picturesque Cotswolds and historic Bath. Return to the coast to finish your journey on the beautiful beaches of Cornwall.
Trip highlights
- Navigate sections of the breathtaking Pembrokeshire Coastal Path on a guided hike
- Wander through the quintessential English villages of the Cotswolds
- Discover Roman history at Bath’s famous Roman Baths
- Learn about Georgian high society through Bath’s well curated museums and houses
- Marvel at the stunning beaches and quaint fishing villages of the Cornish coastline
- Explore the island of St Michael’s Mount and its breathtaking castle
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your journey.
Days 1–4
Start in St Davids
Start your journey in Britain’s smallest city. Perched on the southwest coast of Wales, St Davids and its 12th century cathedral have been a pilgrimage site for centuries. Aside from the resting place of St David, visitors can make a pilgrimage of another kind along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, which weaves along the scenic Welsh coastline for 186 beautiful miles.
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Coastal Hike
Pembroke Castle
Ramsey Island
Guided Pembrokeshire coast hike
Embarking on a day of hiking along the Pembroke Coastal Path’s breathtaking scenery, with rugged cliffs plunging into the sea and hidden coves dotting the shoreline. As you traverse the undulating path, you’ll encounter windswept heathlands, colourful wildflowers and an array of coastal wildlife, from soaring seabirds to basking seals. With the support of your expert guide, you’ll go off the beaten path, far from the crowds. Pausing for a picnic lunch, you’ll soak in the endless vistas before continuing your journey. Listen as ancient Welsh myths and legends, told by a local storyteller, breathe life into the magical landscapes.
A visit to Pembroke Castle
Visit Pembroke Castle, rising like a majestic fortress above the tranquil River Cleddau. Its impressive stone gates, grand halls and labyrinthine staircases will transport you back in time. Learn about the history behind these ancient walls and the battles which shaped Wales. Continue to St Brides Bay to explore its charming fishing villages and coastal scenery.
Charter a yacht and visit Ramsey Island
Board a private yacht charter and set sail across the glittering waters of St Brides Bay to Ramsey Island, where you’ll circumnavigate the dramatic cliffs and secluded coves. Afterwards, board the ferry over to the island to explore, spotting colourful flowers and diverse wildlife along the trails.
Penderyn Distillery tour
On your way to the Cotswolds, stop in at Penderyn Distillery for a private tour. You’ll learn how their award-winning whisky is made, as well as what makes it unique, while observing each part of the production process. Finish your tour with a tasting in the distillery’s bar.
Days 4–6
Soak up the English countryside in the Cotswolds
Proceed to the quintessential English countryside region of the Cotswolds, a picturesque tapestry of rolling farmland divided by historic stone walls and storybook villages. Walk or cycle through the beautiful countryside, taking in seasonally changing landscapes of blooming flowers and grazing animals, or pay a visit to some of the notable larger towns and cities including Cheltenham and Gloucester.
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Broadway Tower
Castles and Cookery
Village tours
A visit to Broadway Tower
Visit the iconic Broadway Tower, offering a captivating blend of history, nature, and panoramic views. Originally built as a folly in the 18th century, the tower’s rich past includes roles as a residence, artist’s retreat, and wartime signalling station. Take the chance to climb to the rooftop and admire breathtaking views of patchwork fields, meandering rivers, and distant landmarks such as the Malvern Hills, before continuing your walk to the charming market town of Chipping Camden.
Sudeley Castle and Daylesford Cookery School
Visit Sudeley Castle and take a stroll through its manicured gardens, bursting with vibrant blooms and ancient hedges. Immerse yourself in the castle’s history by exploring its well preserved interiors and exhibits, before heading to the picturesque village of Daylesford for a farm to table lunch and a hands-on course at the Daylesford Cookery School.
A tour through local villages
Your guide will take you to tour the surrounding charming Cotswolds villages, explaining the history and notable aspects of each. Meander through Stow-on-the-Wold’s quaint market square and antiques shops, before admiring the scenic stone bridges at Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the Venice of the Cotswolds. Savour a classic pub lunch at Moreton-in-Marsh before continuing on to Bibury, often described as the most beautiful village in England.
Days 6–9
Go back in time in Bath
Famous for its Roman baths built on natural hot springs, Bath has long been a destination for some rest and relaxation. Today, it’s an elegant city which blends Georgian architecture with Medieval gems. The baths still stand, and you can visit them on a guided tour, or relax in their modern counterpart spa, or immerse yourself in the world of Jane Austen and Georgian grandeur with excursions tailored to every interest.
Where you could stay
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Roman baths
No 1 Royal Crescent
Historic landmarks
A walking tour of the city and Roman baths
Your expert local guide will take you on a walking tour of the city, explaining everything from the Georgian architecture to the Roman history. Start at the Roman baths, immersing yourself in temple ruins and fascinating artefacts and admiring the remains of the original baths, where steam still rises from the water. Continue with a short walk to Bath Abbey and sit in awe as light from the stained glass windows dances across its serene interiors and vaulted ceilings. You may choose to climb the towers for panoramic city views.
A visit to No 1 Royal Crescent
Enjoy a tour of No. 1 Royal Crescent, led by a senior curator who’ll walk you through the meticulous restorations and give you a glimpse into what life in 18th century high society would have been like.
Explore local historic landmarks
Step back in time at Castle Combe, exploring its historic cottages and the Medieval Market Cross. Stop in at St. Andrews church, home to one of the oldest clocks in Britain, which dates back to the 14th century.
For the afternoon, you will have a choice of visiting the 13th century Lacock Abbey, which has beautiful cloisters and gardens, or venturing to the Avebury stone circle. These ancient monoliths have stood for over 4,000 years, and a local expert will bring their mysteries to life, explaining the possible uses of the site and its subtle carvings and alignments.
Days 9–11
Beside the seaside
The Cornish coast is famed for its beautiful beaches and adorable fishing towns and Padstow is no exception. This picturesque fishing port gazes out over a turquoise harbour, where you’ll find the freshly caught seafood that plays a starring role in the town’s renowned culinary scene. It’s the perfect place to explore some of Britain’s best beaches and areas of natural beauty.
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Padstow
Bedruthan steps
A land and sea tour of Padstow
Start in the charming harbour town of Padstow with a scenic boat trip along the striking coastline, past hidden beaches and stunning coves. Upon returning to the harbour, you’ll spend the afternoon exploring the town. Visit the Padstow Lobster Hatchery to learn about their marine life conservation efforts, or take the ferry across the estuary to Rock for its golden sands and dynamic beach life.
A scenic tour of the Bedruthan steps
Take a scenic walk to Bedruthan Steps, where rugged cliffs rise dramatically above the crashing waves of the Atlantic. Admire the striking scenery of golden beaches and towering sea stacks, fabled for giants, that lays before you.
Days 11–13
By the coast at Carbis Bay
Just a mile away from the cherished coastal resort of St Ives, Carbis Bay is a tiny coastal village overlooking a bay of the same name. Its mile long golden sand beach and clear blue waters will tempt you into the shallows, which are ideal for swimming or paddleboarding. Spend your days relaxing on the beach or navigating the coastal path to nearby towns.
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St Michael’s Mount
Geevor Tin Mine
A visit to St Michael’s Mount
Spend a day at the enchanting St Michael’s Mount, taking a leisurely stroll along the causeway at low tide to reach the island. Explore this Medieval castle and its impressive gardens as you soak up the panoramic views of the coastline. Continue to Trebah Gardens, home to a sub-tropical paradise of vivid and exotic plants. Meander through towering bamboo groves and koi ponds down to an exclusive private beach called Polgwidden Cove.
A guided tour of Geevor Tin Mine
Immerse yourself in Cornwall’s industrial heritage with a visit to Geevor Tin Mine. Your expert local guide will take you through the preserved underground tunnels and buildings as you learn about the lives of miners and the complex process of tin extraction. This is a fascinating insight into the lives and history of local people and economy.
I have made multiple trips with Jacada and I have always been pleased. Recent trip to England and France was outstanding. I made this trip to honor my mother who lived in East London and lost her house in the Blitz and my dad who served in the 30th Division and was wounded in Normandy. Jacada made this trip very…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
