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Tresco Abbey Gardens- St Peter Port
- Falmouth's sweeping coastline
- The Isles of Scilly
Guernsey Isles of Scilly and the Cornish Coast: June
Spirit of Adventure departing Dover
11th June 2024
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No fly
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Chauffeur service
Cruise to Guernsey and Cornwall’s scenic coast
Cruise to Guernsey and its charming capital St Peter Port, explore the vibrant port town of Falmouth on Cornwall’s scenic coast and visit Tresco Abbey Garden on the Isles of Scilly.
Your two included excursions will be in
- Falmouth
- Tresco Abbey Gardens, Isles of Scilly.
This cruise also operates on July 5, 2024 aboard Spirit of Discovery - Guernsey, Isles of Scilly and the Cornish Coast: July 5.
Itinerary
Dover
Embark Spirit of Adventure.
Depart 1700.
St Peter Port ⚓, Guernsey
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Set on low hills, St Peter Port has a quaint collection of wooden-fronted shops and boutiques which are great for a spot of window shopping. Highlights include the town church, which was completed in 1466, and hilltop Candie Gardens which offer excellent coastal views. Listen out for the Noon Day Gun fired daily from 13th-century Castle Cornet, set on an island in the harbour.
Optional excursion
Imagine life during German occupation on a tour exploring Guernsey’s World War Two underground fortifications or visit the nearby island of Sark.
⚓ Land by launch or tender.
Falmouth
Arrive 0900. Depart 2030.
Falmouth is a thriving port town, well-known for its rich maritime heritage and was converted into a seaport at the suggestion of Sir Walter Raleigh. Positioned on the Cornish coast at the Fal Estuary, today the town is the start and finish line for many record-breaking sea voyages including those of Dame Ellen MacArthur and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. Included excursion Discover the highlights on an included panoramic excursion.
Isles of Scilly ⚓
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
This unspoilt archipelago of over 140 islands is fringed by sandy beaches, lapped by crystal clear waters. These low-lying islands have a unique beauty, and are a haven for wildlife. Tresco is known for its outstanding collection of subtropical flora at the Tresco Abbey Garden which you will visit during an included excursion.
Alternatively, discover St Mary’s, the largest of the Scilly Isles.
Included excursion
An included excursion visits the sub-tropical gardens of Tresco Abbey, which were established by Augustus Smith in the 19th century in the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey.
⚓ Land by launch or tender.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Dover
Arrive 0730.
Disembark Spirit of Adventure after breakfast.
11th June 2024
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Spirit of Adventure
2020
Year built
987
Guest capacity (maximum)
540
Ship crew
All inclusive
Enjoy an unlimited selection of drinks in all the on-board bars and lounges.
The Living Room
Relax in one of the many sociable spaces on the ship.
Spa
Look forward to included access to a range of wellbeing services.
Entertainment
Enjoy a colourful show in The Playhouse theatre.
Enjoy fine cuisine
Make the most of free-to-dine speciality restaurants.
The Dining Room
The main restaurant brings you the finest in British and international cuisine.
The Verandah
Dine with stunning alfresco views.
On board activities
Try shuffleboard and deck quoits, or play virtual golf at sea.
The National Maritime Museum, Cornwall - Included Excursion
Walking difficulty: Easy Activity
A choice between two included excursions is offered during your visit to Falmouth – please book either the National Maritime Museum visit or Discover Truro. It is not possible to join both 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
A choice between two included excursions is offered during your visit to Falmouth – please book either the National Maritime Museum visit or Discover Truro. It is not possible to join both excursions. 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.
Discover Truro - Included Excursion
Walking difficulty: Moderate Activity
A choice between two included excursions is offered during your visit to Falmouth – please book either the Discover Truro excursion or the National Maritime Museum visit. It is not possible to join both excursions.
Visit Truro, Cornwall’s only city and the county’s administrative centre. Truro dates back to the 12th century, however, its main growth was with the development of the tin mining industry when elegant Georgian town houses and streets were built by local mine owners and merchants. After an introduction from your local guide, you will have time to explore Truro at your own pace. The town is dominated by its cathedral, a fine example of Victorian Gothic revival architecture. Perhaps visit inside and admire its Victorian stained-glass windows and decorative interior. Alternatively, you may choose to wander the historic streets and discover some of the independent boutiques or treat yourself to a Cornish cream tea in a local cafe. At the agreed meeting time, return to your tour vehicle for the drive back to Falmouth.
Additional Information
A choice between two included excursions is offered during your visit to Falmouth – please book either the Discover Truro excursion or the National Maritime Museum visit. It is not possible to join both excursions. You will have approximately 90 minutes of free time in Truro. Walking is entirely at your discretion, but this excursion has been graded as moderate on the assumption of a good exploration. Whilst entrance to Truro Cathedral is free, you are encouraged to make a donation. If your visit falls on a Sunday, there will be no inside access to the cathedral before 11:30am and some shops and cafes may be closed.
Exotic Tresco Gardens - Included Excursion
Walking difficulty: Moderate Activity
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
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 a distance of between 600 and 1,500 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.
Vintage Guernsey
Walking difficulty: Moderate Activity
Relive leisurely bygone days as you travel slowly through the passage of time in ‘Twinkle’, a 1954-vintage Albion Victor coach. Leaving the harbour, Twinkle will take you first to Saumarez Park, where a short stroll brings you to the National Trust of Guernsey Folk and Costume Museum. A visit here will take you back to a simpler time and you can see how the people of Guernsey learned, worked and played over the past 250 years. Alternatively, you can choose to take a walk in Saumarez Park, which has a delightful Victorian walled kitchen garden. Returning to Twinkle, resume your drive down to the west coast, to view the beaches of Cobo and Vazon, before turning inland to visit the Little Chapel, built by a devoted Brother in 1914 and beautifully decorated with seashells and pieces of coloured china. It is the smallest consecrated church in the world. Twinkle waits to take you up to Les Cotils, above the town of St Peter Port. Enjoy a Guernsey cream tea with scones and jam prior to re-boarding Twinkle for the downhill ride to the harbour.
Additional Information
There is approximately three quarters of a mile of walking in total, with at least 21 steps at the Little Chapel. The Folk and Costume Museum is fully accessible. Access to ‘Twinkle’ is via steep steps and a narrow entrance. Leg room is less generous than on most modern coaches, and there are no seat belts or air conditioning. Regrettably this vehicle is not suitable for wheelchair users. We reserve the right to substitute an alternative vehicle in the unlikely event of 'Twinkle' being unavailable.
Guernsey Gardens and Wildflower Walk
Walking difficulty: Strenuous Activity
Your coach will take you to Sausmarez Manor, where you can spend time exploring the historic grounds on foot. The original manor house was built in the early 13th century, but little remains of the original as it has been rebuilt over the following centuries. The façade you see today dates from 1714 and the reign of Queen Anne. The surrounding natural woodland gardens are a delight throughout the year, with many species of Mediterranean plants thriving in this climate. The Giant Echium are a special feature of the grounds, reaching heights of six to seven metres, and during the spring and summer months, the camellias, tree ferns, hydrangeas and fuchsias provide a colourful backdrop to the modern sculptures scattered throughout the garden. After some time at the manor, you’ll continue to Icart – a viewpoint over the south coast bays. You may wish to join a guided 15- 20-minute ramble along the cliff path to see the wildflowers and more stunning views. Your coach will continue to Candie Gardens, which were once part of a private estate but are now a public garden. There are numerous mature trees and shrubs, including the largest Canary Palm in the UK, a huge Gingko Biloba which was brought back from China in 1900, and a Magnolia Grandiflora Goliath. The two original glasshouses are home to a variety of tropical plants, including the Nerine Lilly from South Africa, which is also Guernsey’s national flower. You will also see two statues in the grounds, one of Queen Victoria dating from 1900 and one of Victor Hugo which was gifted to the island by the people of France in 1914. After your visit, you’ll be driven back to your ship.
Additional Information
There will be walking of approximately one-and-a-half miles in total, over uneven ground with inclines and a few steps. You will need to remain standing for lengthy periods at each venue.
Discover Guernsey and Little Chapel
Walking difficulty: Easy Activity
Beautiful scenery awaits you on this memorable drive to the north. Passing through St Sampson and Bordeaux Harbour, you arrive at Pembroke Bay for a short stop to take photographs of the rugged coastline. Continue to ancient Vale Church, consecrated in 1117, and along the west coast to Cobo Bay where the distinctive pink-red hue of the rocks can be seen. Discover the beautiful wide expanse of sandy Vazon Bay before turning inland at Rocquaine Bay. Pause for tea or coffee and a slice of Guernsey ‘gache’, a type of fruit bread, before continuing to the Little Chapel. Like the fabulous buildings designed by Gaudí in Barcelona, the Little Chapel’s exterior has been created using thousands of broken pieces of china, pebbles and glass. Unlike the landmarks in Barcelona however, this tiny chapel is the work of a little-known monk, Déodat, and his friend, Brother Cephas. Modelled on the grotto at Lourdes, the Little Chapel is barely 16 feet long and can accommodate no more than a dozen people. Originally erected in 1914, it was rebuilt in 1923 after the Bishop of Portsmouth was unable to fit through the door! In more recent years it has undergone a major restoration to safeguard its future.
Additional Information
There is approximately 300 to 400 yards' walking at the Little Chapel, plus 21 steps up from the roadside and one or two more to go inside.
Occupied Guernsey
Walking difficulty: Moderate Activity
Over many centuries, the Channel Islands have been seen as a strategic gateway to invading British soil and were the only part of the British Isles to end up under enemy rule during the Second World War. On departure from St Peter Port Harbour, your coach heads inland to the German Underground Hospital, consisting of more than 75,000 square feet of tunnels housed within the largest WWII structure in the Channel Islands. After time to visit this fascinating museum, the coach heads out to the most south-westerly part of Guernsey’s coastline, Pleinmont Point. Explore a fully-restored German gun emplacement, Batterie Dollman, as well as passing a high observation tower. Descend back down to sea level, passing fortifications from both the Napoleonic era and the more recent German Occupation. Spot one of the most iconic historic constructions - the Martello Tower - situated at Rocquaine Bay. We stop here for a short while for free time to visit Guernsey Pearl if you should wish to purchase refreshments. We then continue our drive along the west coast to another Martello Tower, Fort Hommet, overlooking the spectacular Vazon Bay.
Additional Information
Expect to walk at least 600 yards on this excursion. Visiting Pleinmont Point involves a 600-yard stroll along an uneven clifftop path, although you may remain in or near the coach if you prefer.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Tour
Walking difficulty: Moderate Activity
On the June 19, 1940 Winston Churchill ordered the demilitarisation of the Channel Islands. Unaware of this decision, the German Luftwaffe bombed St Peter Port, killing 33 civilians. Two days later German troops arrived and so began nearly five years of occupation. The implementation of the Nazi regime brought food shortages and curfews: themes explored in Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows’ award-winning novel The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, subsequently transformed into a popular film. On this tour enjoy a guided tour of the island, through each of the characters’ eyes: See the pretty cottages which inspired the creation of Elizabeth and Dawsey Adams’ homes. Continue along rutted lanes and perhaps foggy meadows past the farmhouses within which the fictional literary meetings might have been held. Also drive to the ‘Little Chapel’, considered to be the smallest consecrated church in the world, before continuing along the west coast, stopping for tea or coffee and a piece of Guernsey Gâche. After your refreshments stop, pass the witches stone and the memorial to those that lost their lives in the German bombing raid of 28th June 1940 before re-joining the ship.
Additional Information
There will be approximately 1,500 yards to negotiate on this tour and at least 20 steps.
Pepper Pot Ramble
Walking difficulty: Strenuous Activity
Enjoy the scenic bays on the south-east coast of Guernsey, as well as views of the neighbouring islands of Herm and Sark, from the high vantage point of the coastal cliff path, and fortifications along the way. Upon arrival by tender into St Peter Port Harbour, you'll take a coach transfer to the Napoleonic watch tower (known as the Pepper Pot) that overlooks the clear waters of Fermain Bay down below. Begin your walk by heading northwards, with the cliff path climbing through the woods. This leads you to a reminder of wartime Guernsey, the German military cemetery which dates back to the 1940s. The area is steeped in military history, with the former barracks of the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry situated just above the cliff path at Fort George, which since the 1970s has become the residence of many of the most wealthy residents in the Bailiwick. With the islands of Sark and Brecqhou just a few miles to the east, continue your walk and descend the granite lined pathway and steps to the restored Clarence Battery. Built in 1780, this is one of the remaining parts of Fort George – the island's principal fort during the French Revolution. As you drop down to sea level, the shoreline is dominated by the natural seawater bathing pools which are a popular choice for sheltered swimming throughout the summer months. Here you'll also find a cafe, where your guide will treat you to a well-deserved refreshment of your choice – be it ice-cream, tea, coffee or a soft drink. Guernsey has one of the largest tidal ranges in the world, and dependent on the tide, you'll take a walk across Havelet Bay (or otherwise follow the sea wall) as you return to the St Peter Port seafront, passing the yacht marinas and restaurants that make up the eastern seaboard before arriving back at the harbour.
Additional Information
This excursion covers a distance of approximately two-and-a-half miles. You will encounter multiple steps, steep inclines and uneven surfaces throughout the walk. A high level of physical fitness is required to participate along with suitable outdoor footwear and clothing.
The Herm Explorer Wildlife Voyage
Walking difficulty: Moderate Activity
Step on board a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) for an exhilarating and interactive small group experience, combining coastal scenery and wildlife. Your excursion begins with a short walk from the tender landing to your RIB where you will be met by your captain and host. You will be kitted out with a waterproof coat and life jacket whilst listening to a short welcome and safety briefing, before the fun begins! Travel around the neighbouring island of Herm with its beautiful islets, reefs and beaches. Your captain-guide will provide an informative commentary along the way, discussing local history, folklore and the local rich maritime heritage. During your ride, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – dolphins, seals, puffin and guillemots are often spotted. Continue to an abandoned Victorian fort which stands on its own island and learn more about its history. This unique and memorable experience ends as you return to St Peter Port.
Additional Information
This excursion involves very limited walking, but you will need to embark and disembark the boat independently which requires a good level of mobility. Your boat will travel at high speed and participants may get wet. We do not recommend this excursion for those suffering with back problems as the ride can get a little bumpy. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Fruits of the Valley
Walking difficulty: Moderate Activity
Visit a local family-run smallholding set in a beautiful valley to sample locally grown Rocquettes Cider in its orchard environment. A short drive to the cider orchard will take you through the heart of the Guernsey countryside to visit the home of Rocquettes cider, La Pommeraye. Cider making in the Channel Islands dates back to the 1700's when the skills were brought over the Channel from nearby Normandy in France. This tradition has been re-introduced with the planting of over 5,000 apple trees since re-establishing the industry in 1998. There is always something to see at this family-run cider farm, from bluebells, trees in full blossom, the rose garden and a buzzard or two hovering in the sky. You will be guided around the apple orchard and shown the cider making process. During your visit, you will be invited into the tasting barn, where you will be treated to a selection of different cider tastings, both carbonated and still, fruit liqueurs and apple juice, all produced on site. Nibbles of local cheese and biscuits will also be offered, along with a sample of the farm’s own apple chutneys, and the company’s latest product – Pomme d’Or, a Channel Island Cider Brandy. After an enjoyable visit you will re-board your coach for a scenic drive along the west coast back to the harbour.
Additional Information
Expect to walk a distance of approximately 500 yards at the farm, which may involve some uneven terrain, inclines and steps. The selection of items available for tasting on the day may differ to those mentioned.
Leisurely Sark
Walking difficulty: Moderate Activity
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
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.
Cruise into the Helford River Estuary
Walking difficulty: Easy Activity
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
The sightseeing boat has both inside and outside seating. Minimal walking is required but there may be steps involved when boarding the boat. If the weather conditions are not suitable for cruising on the Helford River, you will instead enjoy a cruise on the River Fal.
Trebah Gardens
Walking difficulty: Strenuous Activity
Your trip begins with a short drive to Trebah Gardens, a 26-acre sub-tropical Cornish ravine garden, which is rated among the 80 finest gardens in the world and one of Cornwall's top five. This floral paradise is home to a unique collection of rare and exotic plants, trees and shrubs. Enjoy a tour with an expert guide and marvel at the water gardens complete with koi carp, the one-hundred-year-old tree ferns and 18-feet giant rhubarb. The paths through the gardens lead down to a private and secluded beach on the Helford River. Following your tour of the gardens, you may spend some free time exploring them on your own. Returning to your coach, enjoy a scenic drive back to Falmouth along the Cornish coast. Head towards Pendennis Castle, where you pause for photos. With its coastal setting, Pendennis offers panoramic views of Falmouth, St Mawes and the Fal Estuary. From here it is just a short journey back to your ship.
Additional Information
Trebah is a ravine garden, so there are steep sections on some paths and about 30 steps. The total walking distance covers approximately one mile, and we do not recommend this tour for those with limited mobility.
The Cornish Coast to Lands End
Walking difficulty: Moderate Activity
Head away from Falmouth on a scenic journey into an area of Cornwall which you may recognise from Rosamunde Pilcher’s romantic novels and film adaptations. Drive past the wide sweep of Mounts Bay to the village of Marazion, from where you can see the granite tidal island of St Michael’s Mount, crowned by its historic castle. Journey back through the countryside, through the harbour town of Penzance, on to Land’s End, the most westerly point of mainland Britain. Admire the dramatic scenery where cliffs plunge into the sea and the surf pounds the shore. The English Channel lies to the east and to the west is the Celtic Sea. After taking in the view, continue your tour inland along the tin mining route, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Relics of the mining industry, such as chimney stacks and derelict engine houses, can still be seen along the winding roads, which are fringed by heather and green fields and dotted with historic stone cottages. Then head back to Falmouth and your ship.
Additional Information
There will be walking of approximately half a mile to fully explore Lands End, but much of this is at your discretion.
A Hop Across to St Mawes
Walking difficulty: Strenuous Activity
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. Wander around its charming 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
There will be walking of approximately three miles in total during this excursion. 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. A good level of physical fitness is required to participate in this excursion. You may wish to bring a packed lunch from the ship or purchase refreshments during your free time.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Walking difficulty: Moderate Activity
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
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.
Scilly Isles Sea Safari
Walking difficulty: Moderate Activity
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 Scilly Isles 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. Your knowledgeable skipper will point out any sightings and share their broad knowledge with you before heading back to shore.
Additional Information
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.
Delights of St Mary's Walk
Walking difficulty: Strenuous Activity
Take a walk around the Garrison on St Marys to see the Elizabethan defences and Star Castle Hotel, as well as the far-reaching view across to the outer islands and the famous Bishop Rock Lighthouse. The Isles of Scilly are comprised of just five inhabited islands within a windswept archipelago of numerous isolated rocky islets situated 28 miles from Land’s End, the most south-westerly point of the British Isles. 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. Perched high on a hill above Hugh Town, the Garrison is a well-preserved coastal fort with the Elizabethan-era Star Castle (now a hotel) at its centre. The main fortifications date from the 17th Century with a fascinating history spanning over 350 years, from providing a Royalist refuge in the English Civil War to being at the forefront of the Battle of the Atlantic in World War Two. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at the Star Castle Hotel before returning to your ship.
Additional Information
Walking of approximately one-and-a-half miles will be required with some uneven paths and steep gradients. A high level of physical mobility is required to participate.
St Mary's History Walk
Walking difficulty: Strenuous Activity
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
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.11th June 2024