Guernsey and the Cornish Coast

A choice of included excursions are offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option, and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

This tour takes you to see some of Guernsey’s highlights – first arriving by tender into St Peter Port Harbour to board your coach and head inland. Pass some of the islands most prestigious historic town houses as you leave St Peter Port and travel across the island to the picturesque Cobo Bay. As you head towards the south-west corner of the island, pass the craggy rock formations at Albecq and the long crescent shaped beach at Vazon Bay. Drive through the RAMSAR-designated L’Eree area, where natural reed beds and salt marshes attract migrating birdlife, before the sweeping coastline of Rocquaine Bay comes into view, crowned by the dominating Napoleonic Martello Tower of Fort Grey.

The tour continues past the fort (known locally as the Cup and Saucer), before leaving the coast road for Guernsey’s winding country lanes. You will then arrive at Les Vauxbelets, the geographical centre of the island and home to the world-famous Little Chapel. Here, enjoy a short stop to admire the chapel covered in a mosaic of broken porcelain and shells. The tour then continues by coach for the final descent back into St Peter Port, via Les Val des Terres with its winding roads. Take in views of the Castle Cornet standing guard over the main harbour as you pass the 12th century church and arrive back to the port.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour is primarily on the coach. Walking at stops will be at your discretion. There will be two photo stops. There are 20 steps at the Little Chapel to go inside (optional) and uneven ground at the clifftop at Pleinmont. The tour may operate in a different order to described.

A choice of included excursions are offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option, and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

Join your guide through the heart of St Peter Port, where history and natural beauty intertwine. Stroll through the cobbled streets of St Peter Port and admire the architecture, shops and waterfront. Your walk takes you to the 12th Century Church, where your guide will provide a short overview of the history here. Then pass the War Memorial and the Old Government House Hotel – a past residence of the Governors of Guernsey. Upon arrival at the Candie Gardens, stroll along the paths and take in the seasonal planting, unusual plants and trees. These public gardens were laid out in 1900 and include the largest Canary Palm in the Channel Islands; from the upper garden, take in the view over the harbour and surrounding areas. There will be time to visit the museum shop or stop at the little cafe before returning downhill on foot with your guide to the tender boat.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour is entirely on foot; expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles with some steps and uneven ground. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes.

A choice of included excursions are offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option, and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

Join Victor, Le Petit Train, and his minder Andy for an informative journey through the streets of St Peter Port. During this 35-minute ride, you will learn about life in Guernsey – both past and present. The route will pass local sites such as the historic Castle Cornet, the outdoor bathing pools and Military Underground Museum at La Valette. You will also continue through the banking districts of Le Pollet and St Julian's Avenue – offering a glimpse into the island’s commercial heart and rich maritime heritage. Travelling along the quayside you can sit back and enjoy the floral displays decorating the shops and restaurants along the seafront of this busy town.

Additional Information

Please note: There is a short walk from the tender drop off to the train, approximately 50 yards. Some of the seats on the train require guests to travel backwards.

A choice of included excursions are offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option, and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

Step on board a local tender boat operated by the St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association to visit the spectacular Tresco Abbey Gardens.

Arrive ashore and walk to the gardens, where you will be free to explore at your own pace. The gardens are home to an astounding 20,000 exotic plants from 80 countries as diverse as Brazil, South Africa and New Zealand. Many species would not withstand the climate on the Cornish mainland, less than 30 miles away, yet even at the winter equinox, more than 300 plants can be found in flower here.

It was Augustus Smith who first built the walled enclosures around the Priory ruins, erecting tall windbreaks to protect the three terraces he carved from the rocky, south-facing slope looking towards St Mary’s. He was a wealthy merchant banker who purchased the islands from the Duchy of Cornwall in the 1830s. Work on the gardens commenced in 1834, incorporating the ruined walls of the old Benedictine Priory.

Today the lush paths which criss-cross the gardens are fringed by cacti, date palms, giant red flame trees, rarities like lobster claw, great white spires of echia, brilliant furcraea, strelitzia and eye-catching pink drifts of pelargonium. Specialist guides will be on hand to answer any questions whilst you enjoy the gardens.

Additional Information

Please note: Local tender boats will take you between the ship and Tresco. Getting on and off these boats often involves a steep step. The boats are uncovered and have basic bench-style seating. The times and duration of this excursion may change depending on tides and the local boat schedule. Please attend the destination presentation on board your ship for further details. Walking between 600 and 1500 yards is required from the quayside to the garden. However, a limited shuttle service will be available for those who require it. There will be up to one mile of optional walking at the gardens and you will encounter some uneven surfaces, gradients and steps.

A choice of included excursions are offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option, and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

From your ship, step on board a local boat operated by the St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association. Embark on a boat tour of the coastal scenery of the Isles of Scilly and marvel at the wildlife these waters boast.

Your adventure starts as you cruise around the islands, fringed by sandy beaches and lush greenery. The Scillies are a stopover place for many migrating birds in spring and autumn and a wildlife paradise year round. Your sea safari will take you to a seal colony, where you have the chance to observe these blubbering creatures. Throughout the tour, keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife, such as puffins, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, dolphins and basking sharks.

Throughout, your knowledgeable skipper will point out any sightings and share their broad knowledge with you before heading back to shore.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion will take place on an open-air boat with very little or no under-cover seating. Binoculars are recommended and not provided. This excursion does not involve walking, but a good level of mobility is required to embark and move around on the boat. There are no restroom facilities on the boat. The route taken on the day will depend on sea conditions and tides; wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

A choice of included excursions are offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option, and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

Pendennis Castle is a coastal fortress offering a panoramic view over Falmouth. At its heart lies the original 16th-century Device Fort, encircled by a ring of outer defences based on Elizabethan ramparts and later adapted through the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. This castle is considered one of the finest examples of a post-medieval defensive promontory fort in the country – showcasing a long history of different defensive approaches, and one of England’s best preserved coastal fortresses. A short unguided coach drive takes you here, where you can enjoy some time at leisure to explore this historic gem surrounded within acres of green space.

Additional Information

Please note: There is approximately 550 yards of essential walking required, and any additional walking is at your discretion. Walking will be over uneven, grassy, gravel ground and there may be some inclines. There is a spiral staircase in the castle to access the upper floor and keep.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

The National Maritime Museum provides a voyage of discovery as you explore the influence of the sea on Cornwall’s history and culture. After a short drive from your ship to the museum, a member of staff will welcome you inside and give you a taste of what to expect during your visit.

After your introduction, you are free to explore the museum independently. 15 galleries, located throughout five floors await – beginning in the Main Hall, where a flotilla of small boats will hang above your head. The exhibition also reveals the historical importance of Falmouth port, the world’s third-largest deep-water harbour. On the top floor, you can look forward to the Lookout Tower – providing you with a panoramic view over the harbour, docks and estuary.

There will also be time to enjoy a complimentary hot drink in a private area before you leave – either for some independent time in Falmouth town centre or to make your way to the shuttle bus service for your return to the awaiting ship.

Additional Information

Please note: There will be a walk of approximately 100 yards between your coach drop-off point and the museum entrance. Inside the museum, the amount of walking is at your discretion and a voucher will be given to you for your complimentary refreshment. The museum is fully accessible with all five levels serviced by a lift. Whilst your departure time from the ship is specified, your return time is at your discretion and a shuttle bus service will operate throughout the day.

A choice of included excursions are offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option, and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

On this guided walking tour take the South West Coast Path to Pendennis Point, enjoying coastal views and the scenic Gyllyngvase beach. Departing from the quayside on foot, join the South West Coast Path as it winds through woodland around the headland towards Pendennis Point. This panoramic location of Pendennis Point offers sweeping views of the Carrick Roads and out to the open ocean and is also home to the historic Pendennis Castle.

Continuing around the headland, you will pass Castle Beach before venturing through the tranquil Gyllingdune Gardens. The upper section of the gardens is set out formally and is well cared for, being an exquisite vista during the spring and summer season.

After a few minutes stroll, you will head past the secret grotto and monolithic arch, through the rose garden and Princess Pavilion, before arriving at the seafront boasting views back to Pendennis Castle and across Gyllyngvase beach. Falmouth’s largest and most popular beach, ‘Gylly’ known to the locals, is a golden crescent of sand with vistas that stretch out along the South Cornwall coast.

Your walk comes to an end at Events Square where there’s time at leisure in the town, or head directly back to the ship via the port shuttle bus.

Additional Information

Please note: There is over three miles of walking required on this excursion. Some of the walking is over grassy, sandy and uneven terrain as well as 30 steps. Wear flat and comfortable shoes.

For a unique way to explore Guernsey, climb aboard a safari-style jeep and set off to discover the islands hidden delights. Your driver-guide will welcome you on board and drive out of the town area slowly passing the house where Victor Hugo lived in exile and wrote Toilers of the Sea. Dipping down a narrow country lane you will encounter La Gran' Mère de Chimquiere, a large granite fertility statue dating from Neolithic times and guarding the gateway into St Martins Church.

You will then drive to the Little Chapel for a short visit to this tiny, consecrated church decorated with shells and pieces of porcelain. Continuing through country lanes your route takes you down to the west coast, passing through green fields and hedgerows leading down to the sandy beaches. There will be time to stop at a beach kiosk where you may choose to purchase refreshments or have a quick paddle at the beach at Portelet. Finally, reboard your vehicle for the return journey from west to east to reach St Peter Port and your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Boarding the safari jeep involves climbing a short, vertical ladder, and therefore a high level of mobility is required to participate. The vehicle has a covered top but with open sides, and blankets are provided if required. The drive may be bumpy at times and therefore please consider the suitability of this excursion if you have pre-existing medical conditions. Walking during your short stops is entirely at your discretion.

The Channel Islands have always been seen as a strategic gateway to invading British soil. They were the only part of the British Isles to succumb to enemy rule during World War Two, and became known as Hitler's Atlantic Wall. Festung Guernsey is an initiative instigated by professional groups and individuals with an interest in Guernsey’s World War Two fortifications. Some of the locations have been subject to extensive restoration, while others are secured in their original condition as they were soon after the end of the war.

During this tour you will have private access to a site not usually open to the public. Most of these fortifications were built by the Organisation Todt (OT) during 1942-43 and show just how much effort went into Hitler’s directive of October 1941, making Guernsey into an impregnable fortress. Travel by minibus with your expert guide, firstly, visiting Stutzpunkt (Strongpoint) Rotenstein at Fort Hommet on Guernsey's west coast – one of twelve defensive strongpoints on the island. Here, you will look inside a restored Personnel Shelter and an M.19 Automatic Mortar Bunker – one of only five situated on the island.

Next, drive from sea level to the most south-westerly point of Guernsey's rugged coastline, at Pleinmont Point, where you will have the opportunity to explore the fully-restored Batterie Dollmann gun emplacement, one of 11 heavy gun batteries the army and navy constructed on Guernsey during World War Two. These batteries had maximum ranges between 16km and 32km. Finally, visit the German Occupation Museum which is home to one man’s dedicated collection. Since 1966, the owner has amassed an extensive collection of original occupation items and documents housed within his family’s Guernsey cottage.

Additional Information

Please note: This small group experience will have a maximum of 12 participants. Expect to walk just under one mile in total during this excursion. Access to the fortifications will involve some uneven ground and gradients which require a good level of mobility to negotiate.

This tour takes you on a guided walk around St Peter Port – finishing with a visit to the distillery of the Channel Islands Liquor Company. Take a stroll along the Victoria Marina towards the Liberation Monument at the Weybridge, before passing in front of the Ship and Crown – famously mentioned in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Then reach the Town Church Square for a photo stop on Victor Hugo’s bench before continuing along the quayside to the huge breakwater at Havelet Bay for scenic views.

After, visit the distillery of the Channel Islands Liquor Company, based in the historic Vivier Bunker on Castle Pier. Originally built by the German occupying forces during the Second World War to house fuel tanks, and subsequently used by fisherman for storage, the Vivier Bunker offers a unique setting for gin tasting. Enjoy a tasting experience of four different spirits inspired by the island’s wild beauty and coastal character. There will be some time towards the end to purchase your favourite tipple or a souvenir before your short walk back to the pier.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour is entirely on foot and there is approximately one-and-a-quarter miles of walking required and some steps. This is a small group tour with limited capacity.

This excursion begins with a scenic ferry journey past the smaller islands of Herm, Jethou and Brecqhou en route to Sark.

This tiny island has an area of just over two square miles and a population of about 600. Part of the historic Duchy of Normandy, Sark remains a possession of the British crown. Since the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the island has been leased to a local Head of State known as the ‘seigneur’, and the island retained a form of feudal government until its first general election was held in 2008. View the fishermen in the harbour laying lobster and crab pots before taking a ‘tractor-bus’ up the steep path to the main village.

Next, enjoy a horse and carriage ride around the island, stopping at La Seigneurie gardens. You then have free time for lunch, shopping for souvenirs and perhaps taking a short walk, before heading back to the harbour where you take the ferry back to St Peter Port.

Additional Information

Please note: There are up to 30 steps to and from the ferries in Guernsey and Sark, and there is a 200-yard walk to the carriage, which has three or four steps up to it. In addition, there may be a walk of 500 yards between the tender quay and the ferry departure point. Walking on Sark is at your discretion: you should expect to cover between 500 yards and one mile if you wish to view the island’s main sights. Roads are reasonably flat, but most are simple dirt tracks. The duration of this tour can vary between six and six-and-a-half hours, depending on the return ferry timings.

This excursion begins with a scenic ferry journey past the smaller islands of Herm, Jethou and Brecqhou en route to Sark. This tiny island has an area of just over two square miles and a population of about 600. Part of the historic Duchy of Normandy, Sark remains a possession of the British crown. Since the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the island has been leased to a local Head of State known as the ‘seigneur’, and the island retained a form of feudal government until its first general election was held in 2008. View the fishermen in the harbour laying lobster and crab pots before taking a ‘tractor-bus’ up the steep path to the main village. You will have free time for lunch, shopping for souvenirs and perhaps taking a short walk, before heading back to the harbour where you take the ferry back to St Peter Port.

Additional Information

Please note: There are up to 30 steps to and from the ferries in Guernsey and Sark. There may be a walk of 500 yards between the tender quay and the ferry departure point in Guernsey and similar to the ‘toast rack’ in Sark. Further walking on Sark is at your discretion: you should expect to cover between 500 yards and one mile if you wish to view the island’s main sights. Roads are reasonably flat, but most are simple dirt tracks. The duration of this tour can vary between six and six-and-a-half hours, depending on the return ferry timings. You will have approximately four hours of free time.

St Mary’s, the most populous island, is home to Hugh Town, the islands’ tiny capital, where a local guide will entertain and inform you about the rich history of one of the most impressive coastal defence systems in England, plus observations and insights on local wildlife and island life.

Your walk across St Mary’s touches on thousands of years of human inhabitation in the islands and their key role in England’s defence since Elizabethan times. The walk comes through the main part of Hugh Town, up over Buzza Hill where you can see a wonderful view across the archipelago.

From there continue down into the Old Town to visit the Old Town Church, where you can see the grave of Harold Wilson and look inside the medieval church. Continue across Old Town Bay, and then through Lower Moors to the west side of the island, with its picturesque harbour and pilot gig racing history.

Finally, return to the quay for the tender journey back to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Walking of approximately two-and-a-half miles will be required with some uneven paths and steep gradients. A high level of physical mobility is required to participate.

From your ship, step on board a local boat operated by the St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association. Embark on a boat tour of the coastal scenery of the Isles of Scilly and marvel at the wildlife these waters boast.

Your adventure starts as you cruise around the islands, fringed by sandy beaches and lush greenery. The Scillies are a stopover place for many migrating birds in spring and autumn and a wildlife paradise year round. Your sea safari will take you to a seal colony, where you have the chance to observe these blubbering creatures. Throughout the tour, keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife, such as puffins, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, dolphins and basking sharks.

Throughout, your knowledgeable skipper will point out any sightings and share their broad knowledge with you before heading back to shore.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion will take place on an open-air boat with very little or no under-cover seating. Binoculars are recommended and not provided. This excursion will involve no walking but a good level of mobility is required to embark and move around on the boat. There are no restroom facilities on the boat. The route taken on the day will depend on sea conditions and tides; wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

This walking tour begins in the heart of St Mary’s and winds through the main town before gradually ascending into the dramatic Peninnis Headland. Along the way, you’ll be introduced to the character and rhythm of island life, with time to take in the sweeping coastal views and the distinctive landscape that defines the Isles of Scilly. From the elevated vantage points on the headland, three of Scilly’s iconic life-saving lighthouses can be observed, each playing a vital role in the island’s rich maritime history. Throughout the walk, your local guide brings the island to life, sharing insights across a wide range of subjects. Topics include the natural history of the islands; the maritime defences that have protected Scilly over the centuries; and the practical realities, traditions, and unique ‘ins and outs’ of living within this remote island community.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour involves up to two-and-a-half miles of walking over some uneven paths and both inclines and declines. There are up to 12 steps to negotiate. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes. This tour has limited capacity.

On St Mary's Island, enjoy a scenic half mile walk along the quayside before ascending a steep hill through the historic Garrison Archway. At the top, you will reach Star Castle, originally built in 1593 by Queen Elizabeth I to defend Britain from the looming threat of the Spanish Armada. Here, you will be welcomed by your host, Robert Francis, and guided to the Conservatory Restaurant, adorned with a century-old vine that stretching across the ceiling. Robert will share the backstory of the castle – now a hotel – and introduce you to his Holy Vale Vineyard, planted in 2009. Enjoy a curated tasting of wines from around the world, including from Robert's own vineyard. As you sip, Robert will continue to share insights, anecdotes, and his enduring passion for exceptional wine.

Additional Information

Please note: There is up to one mile of walking throughout the tour. Most of the time spent at Star Castle will be sat down. This tour has limited capacity.

Discover the rugged landscape and the scenic waters of the Helford River by boat, with tree covered inland creeks and a wide range of bird species flying overhead. Departing the ship, take a short coach transfer to the Princes of Wales Pier to board your river cruise boat. Leaving Falmouth Harbour, pass Falmouth Docks, Pendennis and St Mawes Castles and St Anthony’s Lighthouse.

Then enter the Helford River: a popular, large estuary renowned for its scenery and marine ecology. By boat, explore the river and discover the inland creeks. The steep sides of the tree-covered creeks rise sharply from the water whilst the mud banks provide habitats for a wide range of bird species, including little egrets, grey herons, cormorants and various divers, grebes and ducks. Other points of interest on the cruise include Trebah beach (embarkation point for American troops on D Day), Manderley House (famed by the author Daphne Du Maurier, in her novel ‘Rebecca’), Helford Passage and Village, and a view of Daphne Du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek.

Afterwards, return to Falmouth Harbour and take the short coach transfer back to the ship.

Additional Information

Please note: The sightseeing boat has both inside and outside seating. Minimal walking is required but depending on the tide levels on the day, there may be up to 25 steps to board the boat. These steps can be slippery when wet and have no handrail. The Explore Ashore team on board can provide additional information regarding the expected boarding process on the day.

Cornwall is home to many world-famous gardens and this tour takes you to visit one of the most intriguing: The Lost Gardens of Heligan, a restored Victorian garden.

Leave Falmouth behind and travel through the Cornish countryside, passing the cathedral city of Truro and the town of St Austell before arriving at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, where you will have free time to explore the different areas of the garden and enjoy the lush vegetation. The gardens at Heligan Manor were one of the glories of Victorian Cornwall, almost completely self-sufficient, they included a number of farms, quarries, woods, brickworks, a flour mill, sawmill, brewery, and productive orchards and kitchen gardens.

However, after World War One the gardens fell into disuse and gradually became lost in the overgrowth, where they would remain for over 70 years. The Lost Gardens of Heligan project, Europe's largest garden restoration, has returned the gardens to their former glory and has been documented both in books and on national television. Over 200 acres of working Victorian gardens and pleasure grounds, together with a complex of walled gardens are the result of ten years of restoration. Heligan is a unique time capsule, a testament to the Victorian vision and ingenuity which first created this subtropical paradise.

Enjoy a walk in the jungle with its dense vegetation and exotic plants, take a stroll in the pleasure grounds of The Northern gardens, go in search of the Mud Maid, Grey Lady and Giant’s Head sculptures hidden within the woodlands and admire the colourful displays within the Flower Gardens. After your visit you will return directly to the ship at Falmouth.

Additional Information

Please note: The gardens cover an area of approximately 200 acres, and you will have around two-and-a-half hours to explore at your own pace. The amount of walking is at your own discretion. The gradients of the pathways to some areas are steep and involve uneven ground, wooden boardwalks and steps.

Discover Cornwall off the beaten track, beginning with a ferry ride to the beautiful Roseland Peninsula, an area of unspoiled natural beauty that has inspired numerous authors and artists and historic St Mawes and its castle.

Departing from the quayside in Falmouth, walk to the ferry departure point for your foot passenger crossing of the River Fal. After the 20-minute crossing, arrive in St Mawes, a charming harbour town with a well-preserved coastal fortress. St Mawes has had a range of notable visitors in the past, including several members of the Royal Family. From the ferry, stroll up the hill to visit St Mawes Castle – among the best-preserved of Henry VIII's coastal artillery fortresses and the most elaborately decorated of them all. Built between 1539 and 1545, the castle is part of a chain of forts to counter the threat of invasion, and guarded the important anchorage of Carrick Roads. After a short introduction from your guide, wander around its clover-leaf shape which was originally surrounded by octagonal defences and notice the embellishment of Latin inscriptions in praise of King Henry VIII and his son Edward VI.

Following your castle visit, stroll back into the town and enjoy some free time. This old fishing port is full of character, with narrow streets, old flower-bedecked cottages and small shops. You will be given a voucher to enjoy a delicious ‘99’ ice cream from the local fudge shop. Perhaps enjoy it whilst sitting beside the water, before returning to Falmouth on the ferry. On arrival back in Falmouth, return to the ship on foot.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour requires approximately three miles of essential walking. This includes a walk of a little over half a mile between Falmouth port and the ferry departure point and the same on the return. The walk to St Mawes Castle is on a gradient which becomes steeper as you approach the castle, please consider the tours suitability if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. A good level of physical fitness is required to participate in this excursion. The guide will provide an introduction to the castle and then you will have a free-flow visit, the guide will remain on site for any questions. You may wish to bring a packed lunch from the ship or purchase refreshments during your free time. The timings of this tour may change.