Trip Overview

Explore the Cornwall Coastline and charming fishing ports and villages during this 8-day adventure in the southwest of England with AdventureWomen!

Meet your guide and fellow AdventureWomen travelers in the charming maritime city of Plymouth, then embark on a scenic train journey through the picturesque Cornish countryside. Explore the rugged coastline of Cornwall, engage in a standup paddleboard adventure on the seas, and visit a 13th-century castle ruin perched atop dramatic cliffs. Cherish these experiences and share the joy with your fellow travelers.

Welcome to the Cornwall Coast

Arrive in Plymouth by train and settle into your hotel overlooking Plymouth Sound, setting the stage for a scenic exploration. Discover the rich history of Plymouth, taking in panoramic views from Plymouth Hoe. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of spirits with a tour of the oldest working gin distillery.

Board a train for a coastal ride to a working fishing harbor, Looe, taking in the picturesque Cornish countryside. Kick off your exploration with a hike along the South West Coast Path.

In Looe, delve into the town’s history at the Old Sardine Factory before venturing by boat to St George’s Island, where marine wonders await.

Transition to Padstow for a two-night stay, where you’ll balance relaxation with a unique Pilates session on a stand-up paddleboard. Spend the afternoon exploring Padstow’s bustling harbor.

Continue your coastal adventure with another hike along the South West Coast Path, reveling in breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Your penultimate day is dedicated to the legendary Tintagel Castle, linked to the tales of King Arthur. Conclude your hiking adventure with a scenic trek from Tintagel to the medieval harbor of Boscastle.

Bid farewell to Plymouth, cherishing the memories and newfound friendships forged along this captivating journey.

 

Main Attractions

  • Discover the coastal charm of the city of Plymouth, England.
  • Embark on a scenic train journey, meandering through the picturesque Cornish countryside.
  • Immerse yourself in nature by hiking along the rugged coastlines of both the north and south shores of Cornwall.
  • Experience the thrill of stand-up paddle boarding.
  • Explore the beauty of a 13th-century castle ruin perched atop dramatic cliffs.

What You'll See and Do

  • Cultural Exploration
  • Hiking
  • Historical Sites
  • Paddleboarding
  • Train
  • Women-To-Women Exchanges

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Trip Itinerary

The AdventureWomen itineraries are subject to change depending on the chosen departure date. To view a specific departure itinerary, simply click on the "Browse Detailed Itinerary" button above and select your date.

Day 1

Arrive in Plymouth, England

Arrive at the Plymouth railway station (Plymouth, Devon, England) by 2:00 PM today. We strongly suggest that you consider flying a day early to London (LGW or LHR) to ensure timely arrival and to account for unforeseen circumstances.

One group transfer from the Plymouth railway station to your hotel. Private transfers at other times are available for purchase (taxis are dependable and can be found at the exit of the train station). The hotel is situated approximately 1 miles from the station.

Settle into your hotel located near the historic area of Plymouth Hoe.

Next, enjoy a lively welcome dinner where you can meet and connect with your fellow travelers. Share stories and discover the unique reasons each woman in your group is excited to explore England and its Cornwall Coasts and Ports.

Dinner 

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hotel

Day 2

Explore Plymouth

After breakfast, embark on a walk around Plymouth Hoe, a historic and iconic area with significant maritime and military associations. Special points of interest are the Smeaton’s Tower and the Armada Memorial, both offering incredible views of the harbor.

After lunch as a group on the harbor side, head to the oldest part of the city, The Barbican, which dates to the 14th century. Enjoy a tour of the oldest working gin distillery in England, the home of Plymouth Gin.

Savor dinner as a group tonight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hotel 

Day 3

The Village of Looe

Following breakfast, you’ll cross the River Tamar from Devon into Cornwall. Transfer to Liskeard train station and board a small steam train that winds its way through the beautiful Cornish countryside, offering glimpses of rolling hills, valleys, and rivers all the way to the charming fishing village of Looe.

After lunch as a group, embark on your first hike on the South West Coast Path to one of the most picturesque fishing villages in Britain.

Enjoy dinner as a group tonight.

Hike details: 5 miles, 864 feet of elevation gain.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Portbyhan Hotel

Day 4

Exploring Looe

After breakfast, visit The Old Sardine Factory, just a short stroll from your hotel. Now the site of the Looe Harbour Heritage Centre, immerse yourself in the stories of maritime Looe, of the harbor, river, and bridges. Plus, discover everything there is to know about sardines!

Following lunch as a group, transfer by boat to St. George’s Island just offshore of the mainland. Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful marine nature reserve which provides a quiet haven for wildlife, surrounded by waters that are teeming with life.

Enjoy dinner as a group tonight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Portbyhan Hotel

Day 5

Padstow

Enjoy breakfast and transfer from the shores of the English Channel to the shores of the Celtic Sea at the mouth of the River Camel. Padstow is your base for the next two nights. Boasting a charming harbor, picturesque streets, and a lively atmosphere, Padstow is a cherished destination along the Cornish coastline.

After lunch, embark on a Pilates session with your local female instructor while floating on a stand-up paddleboard amidst the beautiful tranquility of the Camel estuary. If you’re not keen on participating in the SUP activity, consider strolling across Padstow to explore Prideaux Place. One of Cornwall’s oldest historic houses, it is still habitable, and offers stunning views of the Camel Estuary and its ancient deer park. You can opt for a scheduled tour of the house or simply wander the gardens, enjoying a peaceful moment in the tea room with a view of the deer park.

Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to explore Padstow’s bustling harbor and seaside setting before dinner as a group.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Old Custom House

Day 6

South West Coast Path Hike

Set out from your Padstow hotel to hike another portion of the South West Coast Path. The hike takes you around Stepper Point, Gunver Head and Roundhole Point on your way to Trevone Bay. Along the way, you’ll experience rugged cliffs and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Keep your eyes peeled and binoculars at the ready for sightings of seabirds, seals and other marine life that can be spotted from your vantage point on the clifftops.

Enjoy dinner on your own tonight. Venture out to discover the culinary delights that Padstow has in store, or indulge in the offerings of the Old Custom House restaurant.

Hike details: 6 miles, 400 feet of elevation gain.

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Old Custom House

Day 7

Boscastle

Following breakfast, start your day with a visit to Tintagel Castle, a site that dates to the Roman period. However, the castle whose ruins you can see today was built in the medieval period, in the 13th century by Richard, Earl of Cornwall. The castle is believed by some to be the place where the legendary King Arthur was conceived.

After lunch, embark on your final hike which will take you from Tintagel to Boscastle, a natural harbor sheltered by surrounding cliffs. The harbor has been in use since medieval times and was historically important for the export of local produce such as slate, grain, and timber. Many of its buildings reflect traditional Cornish architecture.

Enjoy a farewell dinner with your new AdventureWomen friends. Reflect on the cherished memories you’ve created and celebrate the conclusion of an amazing journey through this truly remarkable country.

Hike’s details: 5 miles, 1,000 feet elevation gain.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: The Wellington Hotel

Day 8

Depart Plymouth, England

After breakfast, and perhaps one last stroll along the harbor, transfer with the group to Plymouth (1 hour 15 min) where you can catch a train to the airport anytime after 12:00PM.

Breakfast

 

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants.

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Traveling to England



Arrival and Departure Information

June 13, 2025 Departure

Arrive: Arrive at the Plymouth railway station in Plymouth, UK on June 13, 2025 after 2:00PM.

Depart: Depart the Plymouth railway station in Plymouth, UK on June 20, 2025 before 12:00PM.

One group transfer from the Plymouth railway station to your hotel will be provided when most guests arrive (exact time to be determined). Private transfers at other times are available for purchase.

We strongly suggest that you consider flying a day early to London (LGW or LHR) to ensure timely arrival and to account for unforeseen circumstances.

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Preparation and Packing  

Please use the following guides as a reference when preparing for your adventure. We also encourage you to adapt the guides to your travel style as well as the destination’s forecasted weather.  

Gratuities  

Gratuities are a personal decision and are at your own discretion based on your level of satisfaction with the service provided. Gratuities are dependent upon the number of guests on your departure, and they vary greatly from trip to trip. As a general reference, AdventureWomen suggests you plan for 100-250 GBP (or more) worth of gratuities for this adventure. Specific tipping recommendations for your trip will be provided to you closer to your departure date and may fluctuate due to inflation, exchange rates, and the number of travelers on your trip. 

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond your travel dates with at least two blank facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

Activity Level

We rate this trip as High Energy. Our High energy adventures are designed for women who enjoy more of a physical adventure and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing. Please note that this is a general description of what you might encounter; for specific details about your trip, please consult the itinerary.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission) to make the most of your adventure. With this itinerary in mind, we have a partnership with Trailblazer Wellness, a woman-owned, women-run company that will design an individualized fitness plan just for you! Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 10% discount with the code AVW. Learn more on the Trailblazer Wellness website.

Health Considerations

Make an appointment with a travel clinic, as they may have recommendations for vaccines and medications based on the destination as well as your age, health, and past vaccination history.

For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the page about England.

How to Register

Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $800, and is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (Photo Page)
  • Supplement Health and Safety Form

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

June 13, 2025 Departure Final Payment Due Date: March 15, 2025

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

What's Included

Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • One group transfer on arrival and departure
  • English-speaking guide(s) throughout the tri
  • Drinking water to refill personal bottles
  • All gratuities except for the main guide

Not Included

  • International airfare to/from the United Kingdom
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Optional activities
  • Gratuities for the main guide

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Accommodations

Crowne Plaza Plymouth

Overlooking Plymouth Hoe's greenery and the coastline, the Crowne Plaza Plymouth is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Plymouth city center. Guests can use the onsite fitness center and relax in the pool and sauna.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, coffee/tea maker, cable/satellite TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning

Portbyhan Hotel

The Portbyhan Hotel is situated in an unrivaled position right in the heart of Looe, allowing guests to relish the panoramic views of the vibrant harbor with only a short stroll into Looe town. Tastefully and extensively renovated in 2013, and renowned for its excellent location and service, it won "Best Individual Hotel" at the prestigious National Coach Tourism Awards.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, coffee/tea maker, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi

Old Custom House

Nestling within sight of the open sea at the mouth of the tranquil Camel Estuary, Padstow, in Cornwall, has always been a thriving fishing port and commercial center for north Cornwall. At the heart of the town and overlooking the medieval harbor is the Old Custom House, now a stylish and intimate place to stay. Standing on the quayside, the Old Custom House is still one of the finest buildings in the town. Today it is famous for its fine food, award-winning ales, elegant, intimate accommodation, and for its luxurious Beauty Studio.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi

The Wellington Hotel

Overlooking the harbor in the Cornish fishing village of Boscastle and surrounded by the beautiful North Cornwall coastline, the Wellington Hotel has been providing a warm welcome to its guests for many years. A Listed 16th Century Coaching Inn, the Hotel has 14 bedrooms, a traditional pub serving Cornish real ales and home-cooked food, and a fantastic. There are 10 acres of private woodland walks and the Hotel is in an ideal location for walking the Coastal Path and for discovering Cornwall.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi

 

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686