Soldiers, Miners and Fairies. (Private Tour of West Cornwall.)

Helston, GB
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (2 reviews)

Highlights

  • Private and personalized tour
  • Flexible itinerary and pace
  • Visit unique and historical sites
  • Spectacular scenery and breathtaking views
  • Opportunity to explore ancient monuments and mines

Pickup

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Pickup Location
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What to expect

1

Gweek

We stop in this picturesque little village to visit the shop. Here we find an array of interesting local produce including fresh baked goods. The shop is also a tea/coffee stop. The shop carries a range of interesting teas.

Duration 30 minutes
2

Halliggye Fogou

Fogous are unique to Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly and are a bit of a mystery. It is an absolutely fascinating underground chamber of indeterminate age (possibly bronze age). It is man-made and its purpose is... well, tell me what you think after you have seen it. Chris, your guide, will lend you a little torch so you can go off and explore the subterranean passageways.

Duration 30 minutes
3

Lizard

Our first stop on The Lizard Peninsula is At The Lizard Windmill. Situated in a nature reserve, this windmill is over 400 years old. Marvel at the views whilst your guide tells you the tale of The Windmill Gang. Next, we visit Lizard Town itself. Explore the many little shops but don't ignore the architecture of the pretty buildings. We then go down to Lizard Point, Britain's most southerly point. We may see seals playing in the water as we enjoy the views.

Duration 120 minutes
4

Marazion

We stop at a viewpoint to look at the famous St. Michael's Mount and Mounts Bay from a high vantage point. We pass through the beautiful little village of Marazion on the way to Penwith. Of course, if you want to actually visit the island, that's fine. It's your tour, your day, your holiday. We can do whatever you like.

Duration 15 minutes
5

St. Michael's Mount

You'll stroll along the causeway (Or get the boat if the tide is in.) to access the island and explore the castle. An entry fee applies to access the castle and the grounds. At the time of writing it is £15, but check the website (www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk) to check for yourself.

Duration 120 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
6

Chysauster Ancient Village

Up above Penzance, we discover Penwith. Many describe this area as "True Cornwall". Spectacular scenery, ancient monuments, and a UNESCO World Heritage site on account of its mining history. Firstly we visit Chysausester: A c2300-year-old village. Unique for its layout and state of preservation, this type of courtyard house is peculiar to Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly. Said to be the oldest village street in the UK. Entry fees apply from £7.50

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
7

Men-an-tol

We take a little stroll along a farm track and into a field to see The Men An Tol or The Holed Stone. Used for many and various peculiar purposes including healing. The magic of this stone is said to be from the doing of a good fairy.

Duration 60 minutes
8

Geevor Tin Mine

You can't come to West Cornwall and not visit Geevor Tin Mine. Some mine workings date back to the 17th century. Mining stopped here in 1990. The heritage center opened three years later. You'll see inside the ore processing plant and the "dry" where the miners got ready for work. Look down the shaft where the cages took the men to the working levels. Go underground into the Wheal Mexico mine. Look at the exhibits in the museum. Talk to the guides who were miners when the mine was in production. Entry to the complex costs £19.00.

Duration 180 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
9

Levant, Botallack and the Crowns Trail

A short ride takes us to Botallack to look at the famous Crowns Engine Houses, perched spectacularly at the water's edge. We'll look at The Count House and have a chat about a famous singer who performed there. (The Count House is where the miners would have collected their wages and where other mine administration would have been carried out.)

Duration 20 minutes
10

Cape Cornwall

Leaving Botallack we go to look at Cape Cornwall and the monument there (you will be amazed at what the monument is for. I was!) and then a look at Ballowall Barrow, a 10,000-year-old burial chamber. We then head back to Falmouth for a look at Pendennis Castle.

Duration 30 minutes
11

Pendennis Castle

Depending on where Glenys and I have picked you up from we can also visit Pendennis Castle at some point. Construction of Pendennis Castle began in the 1540s, it was modernized several times and saw action in World War two. After over 400 years of service, Pendennis was decommissioned in 1956 and opened to the public a year later. Admission is £12.50.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by Little White Taxi

What our experts say

  • icon
    Try the local pasties at Gweek shop.
  • icon
    Check tide times for St. Michael's access.
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    Don't miss the seals at Lizard Point.
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    Visit nearby Geevor Mine for history.
  • icon
    Consider a picnic at Cape Cornwall.

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