Soldiers, Miners and Fairies. (Private Tour of West Cornwall.)
Helston, GB
100% of travellers recommend this
Non-refundable - Your booking can not be cancelled, modified or refunded.
Guaranteed Lowest Prices - Find a lower price? We'll match it!
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
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Private tour experience
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Duration 5 to 13 hours
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Includes bottled water
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Use of torches provided
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Wheelchair accessible transport
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Ideal for all fitness levels
Experience the magic of West Cornwall with the Soldiers, Miners, and Fairies tour. This private tour offers the flexibility to see and do the things that truly interest you, with the option to add in any additional sights or attractions. Explore picturesque villages, visit underground chambers, and marvel at the breathtaking views from the Lizard Peninsula. Take a stroll along the causeway to St. Michael's Mount and explore the castle (entry fee applies). Discover the ancient village of Chysausester and visit Geevor Tin Mine to learn about Cornwall's rich mining history. Take in the stunning Crowns Engine Houses at Botallack and visit the monument at Cape Cornwall. End the tour with a visit to Pendennis Castle, a historic fortress steeped in history. With a private guide and plenty of time for shopping and ice cream, this tour provides a truly personalized and memorable experience of West Cornwall.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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5 hours
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Available in English
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Wheelchair accessible
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore the enchanting landscapes of West Cornwall on a private tour, tailored to your interests with local insights and stunning sights.
Included
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Private transportation -
Bottled water
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Use of torches to explore halligge fogou.
Excluded
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Lunch -
Entry fees for st. michaels mount are not included. entry is £15 at the time of writing.
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Entry fees for chysauster village are not included. entry is £7.50 at the time of writing.
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Entry fees for pendennis castle are not included. entry is £12.50 at the time of writing.
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Entry fees for geevor mine are not included. entry is £18.90 at the time of writing.
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
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.
30 minutes
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.
30 minutes
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.
120 minutes
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.
15 minutes
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.
120 minutes
Admission Not Included
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
60 minutes
Admission Not Included
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.
60 minutes
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.
180 minutes
Admission Not Included
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.)
20 minutes
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.
30 minutes
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.
60 minutes
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
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Wheelchair accessible -
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What our experts say
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Try the local pasties at Gweek shop. -
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.
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Consider a picnic at Cape Cornwall.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Soldiers, Miners, and Fairies: Embark on a private tour of West Cornwall and unlock the mysteries of its rich history and breathtaking landscapes. This personalized experience allows you to tailor the itinerary to your preferences, ensuring a truly unforgettable day. Led by the knowledgeable guide Glenys, you will delve into hidden corners, iconic landmarks, and enchanting tales that make West Cornwall a true gem. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or seeker of unique experiences, this tour promises a blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.What to expect?
Throughout the tour, you can anticipate a mix of charming villages, awe-inspiring viewpoints, and captivating attractions. Explore a picturesque village and indulge in local produce and freshly baked goods. Venture into an underground chamber called Fogou, which holds secrets from the Bronze Age. Marvel at the views from the Lizard Windmill and soak in the history of Lizard Town, Britain's most southerly point. Visit the famous St. Michael's Mount, accessible via causeway or boat, and explore the castle and grounds. Immerse yourself in Penwith, a region known for its stunning scenery and rich mining heritage. Experience the Geevor Tin Mine, where you'll go underground and witness the mining process. Discover Men-an-Tol, a mystical holed stone with healing properties. Conclude the journey with a visit to Botallack's Crowns Engine Houses, Cape Cornwall, Ballowall Barrow, and Pendennis Castle in Falmouth.Who is this for?
This tour caters to adventurers who yearn for a comprehensive understanding of West Cornwall's landscape and history. History buffs will relish in the abundance of ancient sites, mining legacies, and historic landmarks. Nature enthusiasts will be mesmerized by the stunning coastal vistas, wildlife sightings, and serene countryside. Whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or as a family, this tour offers flexibility in pacing and a private experience designed exclusively for you. Embrace the opportunity to shape your own adventure and create lasting memories in the captivating surroundings of West Cornwall.Why book this?
What sets this tour apart is the freedom to fully immerse yourself in the attractions that genuinely ignite your curiosity. Glenys, your seasoned guide, will provide invaluable insights and local knowledge throughout the journey, ensuring a fascinating and engaging experience. Unlike crowded group tours, this private tour grants you the luxury of exploring at your preferred pace and enjoying the undivided attention of your guide. You'll have the freedom to refine the itinerary, add your preferred stops, and make spontaneous choices along the way. From wandering through ancient villages to descending into historic mines, this tour unveils the wonders of West Cornwall while tailor-made to your desires.Good to know
During the tour, you'll have ample time for souvenir shopping and indulging in delicious ice creams. Feel free to personalize your experience by adding extra attractions that pique your interest. Entry fees vary depending on the sites, ranging from £7.50 to £19.00 for exclusive access to various landmarks and museums. Remember to check the official websites for accurate pricing information. With duration options ranging from 300 to 780 minutes, you can shape the tour to fit your schedule and preferences. Sit back, relax, and let Glenys guide you through Cornwall's captivating history and natural wonders.Reviews
Visitors who have embarked on this tour consistently praise Glenys's expertise and passion for West Cornwall. They highlight the flexibility, personalized approach, and insider knowledge that make the tour truly exceptional. Past participants rave about the stunning vistas, fascinating underground chambers, and the rich historical insights unravelled throughout the journey. The seamless combination of breathtaking landscapes and intriguing stories has left travelers enamored with the unique experience of Soldiers, Miners, and Fairies. Join the chorus of satisfied explorers and discover the magic and wonder of West Cornwall.
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