After departing from London, our first stop will be the tiny market city of Wells – known for its Gothic cathedral and peaceful Vicars’ Close. After we’ve spent some time exploring the cobbled streets and medieval buildings, our path will take us from the quaint country lanes of Somerset to the heather and gorse-clad tors of Dartmoor National Park. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner together. (D) Stay: Two Bridges Hotel (or similar)

Today we’ll leave Dartmoor for Cornwall’s northern coast – starting with a stroll around Port Isaac, the fishing village made famous by the Doc Martin television series. Next, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at The Seafood Restaurant, Rick Stein’s flagship restaurant in Padstow. Here, you can take your pick from a menu of fresh-off-the-boat Cornish seafood and international favourites. Then: we’ll take it easy as we travel further west to Falmouth. (B/L) Stay:Greenbank Hotel (or similar)

After a hearty breakfast we’ll set off for St Michael’s Mount, a tidal island just off the coast of Penzance. Here, we’ll explore the village and the medieval castle and gardens – which are full of treasures and stories from the past. Next, we’ll visit St Ives, one of England’s prettiest towns, before returning to Falmouth for the evening. (B/D)

There’s a treat in store for the green-fingered today: we’re off to explore Tregothnan, Cornwall’s largest estate (and the historic seat of the Boscawen family). A member of the gardening team will give us a private tour of the grounds and the tea plantation, where we’ll learn all about the only tea grown in England – with a chance to sample some of it for ourselves. Afterwards, we’ll make our way to St Austell – passing by the quaint Georgian village of Charlestown along the way. Please note: We are unable to visit the Tregothnan Estate on weekends as it is closed to the public. In the event that day 4 of the tour occurs on a Saturday, we will visit Lower Lanner Farm instead – where we’ll enjoy a cream tea before touring the tea plantation. (B/D) Stay: Carlyon Bay Hotel (or similar)

We have no set plans today, leaving you free to explore the sandy beaches and boutique shops of St Austell at your leisure. (B)

Today we’ll make our way along the south Cornish coast, stopping at the beautiful Antony Woodland Garden before our road takes us to Dorset. We’ll have plenty of time to walk in the footsteps of Jane Austen’s heroines and take in sweeping views of the Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis before we move on to Hawkchurch – where a farewell dinner awaits. (B/D) Stay: Fairwater Head Hotel (or similar)

Our last scenic journey will take us along the Old Roman Road to Salisbury, a city set in a landscape of grassy plains and rolling downs. After exploring the magnificent Cathedral, we’ll return to London. (B) Stay: Fairwater Head Hotel (or similar)