Description
Life slows down in South East Cornwall, but not to the point where you won't find anything to do. From the bustling working port and sandy beaches of Looe to the old-world charm of Polperro there is something for everyone. The Eden Project in Cornwall is home to the largest indoor rainforest in the world. People flock from all over the country to see this spectacular attraction. The huge biomes create tropical and Mediterranean environments and house thousands of unusual plants from all over the world. The Eden Project, an educational charity, connects us with each other and the living world, exploring how we can work towards a better future.
New for 2024 - Mount Edgcumbe House & Plymouth Cruise! Please note: this excursion is not suitable for wheelchairs or mobilty issues.
Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).
Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.
The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.
*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.
NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.
Itinerary
Highlights
- Hotel for 3 or 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Tea / coffee after dinner- Porterage- Visit and entrance to the Eden Project- Visit to Charlestown- Cornish Coastal Drive to Fowey & Polperro (2023 only)- Mount Edgcumbe visit & Plymouth Boat Cruise (2024 only)- Some hotel entertainment
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, enjoy a scenic drive to Looe, a popular fishing village set in South East Cornwall. 3, or 4 nights DBBDays 2 - 3 (or 4) - At leisure with two included excursions.
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Eden Project & Charlestown
Visit the Eden Project, - once a barren landscape - a former clay mine with no soil or plants. It has been transformed into a beautiful global garden, which sets the stage for an extraordinary day out where you'll rediscover the natural world as you've never experienced it before.
Explore massive covered Biomes to trek through the world's largest indoor rainforest and immerse yourself in the calm fragrance of the Mediterranean Biome. Enjoy extensive Outdoor Gardens, contemporary artworks, performance and storytelling. Discover places to rest, play and eat, and pick up inspiring ideas to take home on how to care for the planet that cares for you. Spend the whole day or choose to go onto Charlestown - much to see and do with its Shipwreck Treasure Museum located above the Historic Port of Charlestown, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Shipwreck Museum (admission not included approx. £12) shows a unique insight into the history of Charlestown with an opportunity to venture through underground tunnels that were once used to load clay onto ships moored in the harbour. You will also be able to view the largest private collection of shipwreck artefacts in Europe with nearly 8,000 artefacts from over 150 shipwrecks. You'll also find shops, restaurants and two beautiful beaches waiting to be discovered.
Fowey, Polperro & Cornish Coast (2023 only)
Start the day in the resort of Fowey, designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. With a natural harbour, it is a haven for yachtsmen and over the last few years Fowey has become a popular destination for passing cruise liners. The village of Polperro squeezes down the valley to a small harbour where tiny fisherman's cottages and sail lofts hang off the rocks. You can wander through the narrow streets and browse the shops full of handicrafts. (The main parking area is approximately 1/2 mile from the harbour - a gentle slope on the way down but of course, uphill on the way back up).
Mount Edgcumbe House & Plymouth Boat Cruise (2024 only)
Step aboard the Mount Edgcumbe cruise and set sail across Plymouth Sound, taking in stunning coastline views and learn about its history as you journey to the Royal Naval Dockyard, where mighty warships and submarines await. Stop off at Cremyll Quay in Cornwall, to visit the beautiful village of Cremyll and enjoy Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park, the former home of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe. Decorated in a classical style and home to some of the treasures collected by the family over the centuries, the house is a haven of calm for visitors to explore the past.
The House was built between 1547 and 1550 to a revolutionary design for that period, built to look outwards for the views rather than be inward facing. Local Staddon Grit with its distinctive red colour was used for the walls whilst carved granite was used for the facings. The stylish ogival (curved to a point) leaded windows used throughout give the House a very distinctive look.
Mount Edgcumbe is home to many notable works of art by famous artists such as Sir Joshua Reynolds, Willem van de Velde and Gerard Edema. The property has been the inspiration for many stunning paintings. Cruise & entrance to the house included. Please note: this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users or any persons with mobility issues
Last Day - Homeward today with lots of memories and with comfort stops on the way to interchange. You can expect to be back in your local towns mid-evening.
Venue Information
Portbyhan Hotel, The Quay, Looe
Portbyhan Hotel, The Quay, Looe
The excellent 3* Portbyhan Hotel is situated in an unrivalled position right in the heart of Looe, allowing guests to relish the panoramic views of the vibrant harbour with only a short stroll into Looe town.
The owners have invested heavily over recent years and have refurbished the exterior, bedrooms, restaurant, bar and public areas. These renovations, the location and the excellent services that the hotel offers have all contributed to the Portbyhan Hotel recently winning "Best Individual Hotel" at the prestigious National Coach Tourism Awards.
There is tea/coffee in all rooms plus a hotel lift. WiFi
Hotel/Attraction Links