Coast to Coast: Cornish Homes & Gardens

Check in to the Penventon Park Hotel, Redruth in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager, followed by dinner.

Our first visit is one of Cornwall's hidden gems, Trerice House. This romantic Elizabethan manor house remains little changed with fine interiors, featuring the Tudor Great Hall and a lovely re-created knot garden. This seat of the Arundell family was built in 1570-1573 by the fourth Sir John Arundell, thanks to the wealth gained by the third Sir John for services to numerous monarchs. Look out for the exquisite plasterwork ceilings, vast collection of longcase clocks and unique paintings, including a self-portrait by John Opie (the Cornish child prodigy), amongst other treasures here. We enjoy a light lunch here after our visit concludes.

A warm Cornish welcome awaits at Pencarrow House, nestled on the edge of Bodmin Moor and the family home of the Molesworth-St Aubyns for almost 500 years. Our guided tour uncovers the secrets of this magnificent house, along with hidden passageways, glorious portraits, fine porcelain and marble busts sporting a variety of hats upon the wishes of the Lady of the Manor! There is plenty to explore outside too, from a colourful Italian garden and wild woodlands to walking routes, an Iron Age hill fort and a grotto, believed to have once been a secret meeting place.

We begin with Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden, the former home and studio of the eminent British sculptor. Opened in 1976 by Hepworth’s family, it contains the largest collection of her works and a stunning garden with sculptures placed by the artist herself, decades ago. As we wander around here and feel the sea breeze, it's easy to see why 'finding Trewyn Studio was a sort of magic…here was a studio, a yard and garden where I could work in open air and space.'

Next is the holiday town of St Ives, home to the Cornwall branch of the Tate Gallery, where we have a little free time to stroll along one of the sandy beaches, watch the fishermen launch their boats from the harbour, wander through the maze of cobbled streets and admire the pretty cottages.

Our final stop is St Michael’s Mount, one of the most iconic of Cornwall’s sights. The little sister of Brittany’s Mont St Michel, this craggy island features a medieval castle, which has been home to the St Aubyn family since the 17^th century, a harbour and village with a close-knit island community. Depending on tide times, we either enjoy a boat ride over to the island or a 15-minute walk along the ancient, cobbled walkway.

This morning, we head to Roswarne House, once an ancient farmhouse and extended in 1810 by landed gentry. Nestled in six acres of picturesque parkland, the property has now returned to its former glory, after an extensive restoration project, and highlights include a delightful Orangery, Ballroom, Library and Drawing Room. We find out more about its history on our guided tour with the current owner, followed by a Cornish cream tea (jam first in Cornwall, of course)!

Finally, we head to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the historic, award-winning gardens of the Heligan Estate that were lost for decades in undergrowth after they fell into neglect during World War I. A groundbreaking restoration project brought the gardens back to life, spanning over 200 acres and offering Victorian gardens, pleasure grounds, walled flower garden and a sub-tropical jungle with exotic plantings, towering tree ferns and bamboo. We learn more on our Productive Gardens and Pleasure Grounds tour, while the wider estate reveals traditional and rare breeds, wildlife and ancient woodland.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.