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. 

On arrival in Exeter, we'll make our way to our hotel, Southern Hay House, a beautifully restored grade II-listed Georgian townhouse that once belonged to Major General William Kirkpatrick from the East India Company. After checking in and unpacking, we'll meet for dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Rest will come easy after a busy day. 

After enjoying a full English breakfast, we'll embark on our adventures!

Our first stop will be Quicke's Farm, where we will learn how English cheddar is crafted and then enjoy a cheese tasting. 

A Puffin Water Taxi will whisk us to a delightful lunch destination at the River Exe Café, Devon's unique floating Gastro Shed on the River Exe. It's just upstream from where the river meets the English Channel. The menu features succulent mussels, but you may find the local crab, clams, or scallops more tempting. A refreshing English cider perfectly complements the food.

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

Fish and chips are on the menu 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. It's as though 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 lunch at the quay at The Crab Shed in Salcombe, where the motto is "From boat to quay to table."

After lunch, we'll take a private cruise, exploring the Salcombe Estuary and its abundant wildlife. 

With the driver leading, we’ll 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'll have a delightful dinner at Boringdon’s Brasserie.

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

After lunch at a local tea shop near the hotel, we'll all get spa treatments at the hotel. Called one of the best spas in Cornwall, the spa at Boringdon Hall offers the perfect relaxation! Everyone will receive a massage, body scrub, or facial. You can also access the other amenities, including the Finnish sauna and the crystal salt steam room. 

Tonight, we will dine at the Michelin Star Àclèaf, a showcase of inventive British fare using only the finest locally sourced ingredients; Àclèaf is a unique dining experience exclusive to Boringdon Hall, where Scott Paton's seasonal menus take center stage. 

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

We'll start our morning with a visit to the Tate Gallery of St Ives, a pivotal Cornwall hub for post-war modern artists. Then, free time to explore or shop.

We'll enjoy a delightful meal at the seaside Portminster Kitchen, savoring the flavors of Cornish cuisine before we 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. 

Afterward, wander the town before checking into the hotel, the utterly charming Boskerris Hotel St Ives. With the summer solstice just a couple of days behind us, we can enjoy dinner at the hotel enjoying extended daylight until 9:30 p.m.

The tides will shape today's itinerary 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 refreshing high tea at Harbour Loft for lunch.

As we head back to St Ives and our hotel, we drive along the coast and appreciate the views. We'll stop at places of interest like Land's End or the area where Poldark was filmed.

Tonight, we will dine at The Ugly Butterfly back in St Ives. The chef will prepare a delectable meal just for you as you watch the waves crashing along the shore and reminisce about our time together.

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