One epic week in the West Country

We caught up with Barbara, visiting from the States, after five days on our Cornwall & Cotswolds tour from London. Cliffs, castles, cream teas, and a refreshingly honest ruling on the Cornish pasty.

Thanks for chatting with us, Barbara. First things first: why Cornwall?

I'd always seen pictures of the English coast, the cliffs, the castles, the blue water, and I knew I couldn't fly back to the States without seeing it for myself. London is awesome, don't get me wrong, but it's intense. I needed to see the "green and pleasant land" I'd read about. I looked at renting a car, but then I read about the roads down there. I figured it was safer to let a professional handle the driving while I just stared out the window.

Smart move. Was the booking process easy enough?

Super easy. I found the tour, saw the itinerary hit all the big spots like St Ives and Tintagel, read a few reviews, and then just clicked book. I didn't have to worry about hotels or mapping out a route. It was literally "click and go."

So, who else was on the bus?

It was a great mix. We had a couple from Australia, a family from Canada, and a few other Americans. There were fourteen of us in total. It's funny, you start off doing the polite "nod and smile," but by the time you hit Stonehenge, you're swapping travel stories. By day three, we were sharing snacks and taking group selfies on the cliffs.

We have to ask about your driver-guide. We heard you had Len?

The lanes in Cornwall are basically paved hiking trails with ten-foot hedges on both sides. There were times I held my breath thinking we were going to get stuck, but Len just threaded that Mercedes Sprinter through like it was nothing. He'd be reversing into a tiny pull-out to let a tractor pass, all while finishing a story about smugglers. Unbelievable skills.

What was the standout moment for you?

That's tough. Tintagel was incredible, very moody and atmospheric with the fog rolling in. You could totally believe King Arthur lived there. But I think the Minack Theatre blew my mind the most. I'd seen photos, but standing there? It's carved right into the granite cliff, hanging over the Atlantic Ocean. Just sitting on those stone seats, watching the waves crash below, it was a spiritual experience.

Did you get to try a proper Cornish pasty?

I did, and, look, don't come for me, but I found them a little overrated. I know, I know, blasphemy. Everyone told me I had to have one. I tried a traditional steak one in St Ives, and honestly? It was just a bit heavy and dry for my taste. Lots of crust, lots of potato. It was fine, but I wouldn't write home about it.

So, not a fan of British food then?

No, wait! The cream tea. I loved it. We stopped at this little tea room and I ordered the scones. They came out warm, with strawberry jam and clotted cream. Apparently in Cornwall you do the jam first, then the cream on top. I took one bite and I was sold. I think I had a cream tea every single day for the rest of the trip. Forget the pasty, give me the scones.

Any funny stories from the road?

We went to Port Isaac, the place where they film Doc Martin. Half the bus were superfans and were freaking out recognising the buildings. One night we all ended up in a pub near the hotel. The locals were chatting with us, asking where we were from. It was just a really wholesome, fun evening.

So, how did the trip match up to your expectations?

It blew them out of the water. I thought I was just signing up for a sightseeing shuttle. I didn't expect to make actual friends or learn so much history.

Last question: where to next?

Well, Len mentioned the Wales tour has castles and mountains. So I think that's on the list for next summer. I just hope the roads are a little wider!