We enjoy some free time in Charlestown, an amazing unspoiled example of a late Georgian working port, constructed in response to the growth of the local mining industry. Other businesses were established including pilchard curing and ship building, with many attractive period properties built up in the village. Charlestown is a popular filming location with credits including the BBC’s hugely successful Poldark TV series and there are often square rigger ships in the harbour.

The rest of the day is spent at St Michael’s Mount, reached by a short boat ride. 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 17th century, a harbour and village with a close-knit island community.

Later, we check in to the Rose in Vale Hotel in St Agnes, our base for the next two nights with dinner included.

The stunning and unspoilt north Cornish coast is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We enjoy a short coastal walk along the coast path near St Agnes, taking in the wildly beautiful landscape of rugged cliffs, hidden coves and glorious beaches.

We then travel to the charming fishing port of Padstow where we enjoy a traditional fish and chip lunch before continuing on to Lanhydrock, one of the most fascinating and complete late 19th-century houses in England. Bursting with period atmosphere and with extensive servants’ quarters, we discover two sides of Victorian life. We also enjoy the extensive gardens with their beautiful herbaceous borders and a formal parterre.

Back at the hotel this evening, we enjoy a fascinating talk by a guest speaker.

We visit Castle Drogo, a striking granite castle overlooking the Teign Gorge. The castle is in fact only 100 years old, designed by Edwin Lutyens, with a beautiful terrace garden offering dramatic views of Dartmoor. The castle is nearing the end of a five year project to make it watertight and three artists have created installations within the castle that tell the untold stories of Castle Drogo.

We continue on to Stourhead where we enjoy lunch. Stourhead is renowned for its 18th-century landscaped garden, featured in the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice, and is a delight of classical temples, exotic trees, hidden grottos and a magnificent lake. The grand Palladian house is no less of a draw, with its Chippendale furniture and one of the finest Regency libraries left in existence.

We stay overnight at the Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath and enjoy dinner together in a local restaurant.

We journey to Chavenage House, an Elizabethan era manor house constructed of grey Cotswold stone and largely unchanged for 400 years. The house has a rich history and many Civil War associations including the rooms where Cromwell stayed and an interior packed with stunning period furniture, historic tapestries and fascinating relics from the Cromwellian era. Chavenage has also been used as a film location including Poldark. After our guided tour by the owners themselves, we enjoy lunch here.

From here we travel back to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together.

A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home.

Please note: Our stay in the Greenway Estate Holiday Cottages is on a bed and breakfast basis. Dinner will be included at local restaurants on two nights of your stay at Greenway but please note drinks are not included.

This tour will involve a fair amount of walking on uneven surfaces, especially at St Michael’s Mount and St Agnes, and may not be suitable for people with limited mobility. Good walking shoes are recommended.

Access to St Michael’s Mount is limited by tides therefore visiting times will vary.