Five Days With Rabbies in Devon and Cornwall
 

I've been a member here for 10 years and have never written a trip report. Oh I've always had good intentions, but my propensity for procrastination ( arguably another term for laziness ) has always interfered. By the time I get home, unpack and plunge into normality, all pretense of doing a report has disappeared. However, there have been questions recently about Rabbies tours and, although, I have done day trips with them and like others on this forum have recommended them, this past summer was the first time for a trip of any length. I hope this report answers some questions and proves helpful for any wanting more information about Rabbies and their tours.

The Beginnings: Why would an independent traveler do a tour?

Like most on this forum I consider myself an independent traveler.I have done a number of tours so have some knowledge as to how they operate. I lived abroad ( Australia, South Africa and Germany ) for nearly 8 years due to husband's job. About a year after returning home, I was ready for another dose of travel. I headed to Europe for five weeks with a Eurail Pass and a vague idea of where I wanted to go, I've been traveling ever since.

I've always considered myself an intrepid traveler, but that first solo trip was nearly 30 years ago. Now reaching a certain maturity :-& and having had a bout with cancer, I've found I'm not quite as intrepid as I once was. :( I still get great satisfaction knowing that I can usually keep up with those 20+ years younger, but also recognize that keeping my trips as stress free as possible and less itinerary loaded is important. Not too many years ago, I used to jog up the stairs and escalators while negotiating the underground. The past couple of years, I'm quite happy to stand to one side and read the mini billboards. At least a few concessions need to be made when one reaches a certain age. Not that I'm old by any means./:)

For my 2014 trip, I decided to intersperse my independent travel with a tour of some kind and Rabbies seemed to fit the bill. A tour would provide a respite between my other travels. A time to just sit back, relax and enjoy. The hardest part was in allowing someone else to take control of the sights I'd be visiting and the places I'd be staying. A bit of type A personality. With any plan I think there has to be compromises, and I quickly decided that I'd be fine with someone else making the decisions after all that was the point. By the time I was ready to commit to a tour, my independent itinerary had me in northern Scotland and my dates were not terribly flexible. I looked at the Edinburgh and Glasgow departures but nothing really excited me. Having traveled in the UK for more than 25 years, it became a case of been there, seen that. While I often enjoy returning to places I've been, I just couldn't get too excited about any of my options. I then looked at London departures and the Devon and Cornwall trip did appeal. I have been to both Devon and Cornwall. I was at Exeter for a conference several years ago, had spend Easter weekend one year near Polperro and remember being at Lands End during a hasty trip through Cornwall. Time to see Cornwall /Devon again. Having read reviews of the tour, I easily decided that this was the one I wanted to do.

One more point about taking a tour instead of doing this by myself. We covered a considerable area on this tour. If I had been driving, there is no way I could have seen as many places as we did. In fact, unless one is familiar with the roads in Cornwall, including the back roads which we frequented, I don't think anyone could have managed this itinerary. Another plus with not having to drive was that I didn't have to rely on road maps or GPS ( which I often find doesn't work well on back roads ). I didn't have to worry about traffic, traffic jams and overly large tour buses trying to make their way through impossibly narrow streets. Dave our driver/guide handled it all with the patience of Job, and I was able to sit back, relax and listen to Dave point out and comment on all the sights along the way.

Breather: Then back with more on our itinerary and the ins and outs of a Rabbies tour.

I'm looking forward to hearing about your tour! I'm also more open these days to looking into this type of travel.

I've never heard of the tour company so i was a bit confused by the title. I thought you were on a tour with rabbis or you had rabies...glad to know the later is not the case!

Hi HISORYTRAVELER,

Thanks for describing your Rabbies Tour of Cornwall and Devon. I believe that I was one of those who requested it on another of your posts.

WELLTRAVELEDBRIT, indeed the company has an unusual name, but I believe it refers to that quintessential Scot, Robbie Burns.

Looking forward to your adventure...

Over the past few years, I have supplemented my solo trips to Scotland with tours from Rabbies. I can't recommend them enough. We see so much on their tours and don't have to worry about all the things you've mentioned. I have been thinking of trying a tour from London so looking forward to hearing more.

IMO you would be doing some people around here a HUGE favor if you would tell us just how old you really ARE. Why? Because it might do just a little to vanquish the many who think life and travel stop after age 40. Thank you for the consideration.

Very much looking forward to hearing about your experiences!

I think we have a name for a rock group Rabbis and Rabbits with Rabies.

some of my best friends are rabbits!

Thanks for the comments. latedaytraveler is right. The company takes its name from Robert Burns' nickname Rabbie, Scots for Robbie.

Okay Dukey1, I'll fess up. I had my 69 th birthday this past August, but I don't look a day over 58. :) I am pretty fit and proud of it. I did marathons in my 40,s and 50's and triathlons well into my 60's. The reason I quit participating in theses events was because I got tired of getting up at 4:00/4:30 in the morning in order to get to event site. I didn't like getting my stuff organized ( putting bike together etc. ) in the dark with just a flashlight and the worse part other than getting up so early was getting in the water for my swim when the sun was just rising...often freezing standing there in your swim suit in the predawn.

Still keep active just revamped my exercise program much as I've done my itineraries.

More on a Rabbies and Cornwall/ Devon....

Oh -- this will be great. Rabbies is such a good company, but until I'd read one of your posts a while ago, I'd never really thought about them for down south.

A Rabbies a Tour: What's included and what's not

The price for this years tour of Devon and Cornwall during the summer season is £ 299 for a concession and £ 319 regular. This does not include accommodations, meals or admissions, but, I think that's one of the beauties of the tour. They allow for a great deal of flexibility regarding one's budget. They gave me 5 options for lodging...4* Hotel, 3* a Hotel, B&B ensuite, B&B and Hostel. The site is currently giving a cost estimate of Guest House B& B at 30/45 £'s, Hostel at 15/20 £'s. When I signed up a 4* Hotel was 80 £s per person, per night. They also state that a single supplement may be applied.

As any savvy traveler knows, the number of stars a hotel has only pertains to the amenities they offer and not necessarily to the quality of the room. I have no need for a fitness room, a swimming pool, a conference room etc. A lounge/ bar is nice as is a restaurant for those nights when there's a thunderous down pour and one doesn't feel like trying to find a restaurant in adverse conditions. I've stayed in B & B's where the rooms were nicer than 4/5 * hotels and 3* hotels that were much nicer than 4* but, having to make a decision, I chose 4* as my first choice and B & B en suite as my second.More later on the hotels, suffice to say I was very happy with their selections as was everyone else on the tour.

Meals are not included either but, again, I liked the idea that one had a choice. Whether you just want a sandwich, a pub meal or prefer a 3 course dinner, it's your choice and your budget. You must also pay any admission fees. We actually didn't have very many and, again, you never have to visit a site if you don't want to. The driver gives you all the information you need regarding the various sights and places of interest and often includes a map. Then you are on your own. I especially liked this aspect as it's definitely geared to the independent traveler. You can visit the museum, castle or whatever the main tourist attraction is, or you can shop, explore a place on your own or have tea and scones. It's your choice. No need to become a lemming and follow a guide crocodile style.


So what does the tour include?

Short answer is an expert driver and guide. I've already expressed my enthusiasm for leaving all the hassles of driving to some one else. Our driver, Dave, was very knowledgeable on a wide variety of topics. I've never been much of a fan with guides other than blue Badge or those on a London Walks. Most guise are efficient at getting people organized, into their hotel rooms etc. but usually fall short when it comes to actually providing relevant information. I remember a Tauck trip when most of those arriving in Rome had very lengthy flights due to bad weather. When we finally got underway for our trip to Sorrento, our guide briefly gave us the pertinent information as to hotel, dinner time etc. she added that since she knew most of us were exhausted from our flights, she would be quiet and let us sleep only pointing out a few things enroute to Sorrento. She then proceeded to talk non stop for the next three hours. Having arrived in Rome a day early, I wasn't tired, but I could not remember anything she talked about. She talked a great deal but really had little to say.

Most trips involve getting from point A to point B. With Rabbies, certainly on this tour, there were numerous points of interest between A and B. Without a guide such as Dave, one would have missed most of them. He gave us a short lesson in geology before we got to the Dorset Coast and a plethora of local history through out the tour. In short, I found our guide very well informed.


Coming up next...an itinerary and a note about fellow travelers.

Rats! Please forgive the typos. My fault and auto correct which it apparently is not...that is correct.:)

janisj, I never knew about the London departures until I started my trip search. They also have tours out of Dublin and our guide mentioned that they want to start doing tours in Europe.

HISTORYTRAVELER, enjoying your report. Just curious, what type of lodgings did most of the group choose?

69????? Hey, you're just getting started and thanks for the so-far great report!!!

hi HT, I remember your planning thread so I'm really happy that you've come back to tell us about how the tour worked out.

more please!

Since my spelling is not so good I thought we were going to have dogs foaming at the mouth, ah well

lo, bilbo, no rabies here. Even I got the Rabbie Burns reference!

Sounds like my kind of tour! How large was the group?

When I started this trip report, I assumed most people knew about Rabbies. Obviously, I was wrong (with references to Rabbis and Rabbits :)). I thought I should make a few more comments about the company before I begin on our itinerary of Devon and Cornwall. With headquarters in Edinburgh, they have tours departing form either Glasgow or Edinburgh. Rabbies also do tours departing from London and Dublin. They do a great many one day trips but offer 3, 5, and even 7 day tours. There are a couple of tours that you can link up with and make your trip even longer.

Rabbies is noted for their small group tours with no more than 16 passengers. There were 13 on this particular tour, 5 couples which included a 16 year old Austrian girl (probably the most mature 16 year old I've met ) and her aunt who I'm guessing was in her late thirties. There was a delightful couple in their 80's from New Zealand who took pleasure in everything and who were a joy to be with. They never stopped smiling and were well aware of their capabilities. We never had to wait on them. A couple from France...got to practice my French ;)and a young Japanese girl in her 20's. The rest of our group ranged in age from mid 50's to early 70's. We all got along famously . A very congenial group. I like traveling solo, but it was nice spending some time with other people and sharing our travel experiences.

The website for Rabbies is www.rabbies.com

Let me know if you have any further questions. Next up will be an itinerary assuming I can remember it all :) and a note about my accommodations.

Thanks, sounds like a very interesting tour.

Still on board...

Rabbies: Cornwall and Devon A Magical Land of Legends

Day 1 London to Exeter with stops at Winchester, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.

We departed from the Victoria Station Coach Terminal at 9:00 a.m. Rabbies provided excellent directions and our mini coach was there by 9:00 and we departed a few minutes later. Dave our driver pointed out a number of sights en route to Winchester including the fact that we crossed the Thames three times. I've spent a lot of time in Winchester on various visits. It is one of my favorite places, so I had a pretty good idea as to what places I wanted to see and how to maximize my two hours. Dave did go over the most important places and they just happen to match my itinerary. Clever man! ;) He dropped us at the Westgate and gave everyone a map and told us to meet him at Alfred's ( the Great ) statue at the opposite end of High Street in two hours. Yea for the independent travel part. Loved being on my own.

I gave the Great Hall a quick look and l then literally ran up the stone steps on the Westgate Tower. Dave had commented on the view. Well, this was probably the only case in which Dave was overly enthusiastic. Not much of a view but I like going up old stone stairs and hadn't been up Westgate before. I then headed down High Street noting that little had changed since my last visit some 7 years ago. I knew I needed to keep at a steady pace to fit everything in, so next on my list was the cathedral.

Winchester happens to be one of my favorite cathedrals, and I was hoping to visit the crypt and the 12 th century wall paintings. Unfortunately, the crypt closed just as I got my ticket. Drat! The wall paintings, however, never fail to enchant me. They're lovely. The 13th. century medieval tiles are also a favorite. No matter how many times I visit a cathedral, I always find something new, something beautiful. Last time at was in the cathedral I was lucky to see its cathedral cat. However, no cat this time. I don't think they care much for tourists.

I had very quick bite in the cathedral cafe and walked their gift shop determined not to be tempted into any more purchases. Then I walked around the south side near Jane Austen's house and the Wykeham Arms. The Wykeham Arms is one of my favorite pubs but it's much more than a pub. Highly recommend a stop for lunch, dinner or drink. Excellent and quintessentially English. There are a nice few shops in this area, and I couldn't resist a stop in the print shop. Books and prints are my great weakness. I have been looking for old map of England and/ or Scotland. Unfortunately or fortunately ( I have prints I haven't framed yet ) the owner was on the phone, and I didn't have time to wait. Still looking.:) I passed Wolvesey Castle and, although, I've been there several times, I couldn't resist a short visit. No one else about, so I closed my eyes and tried to imagine what it would have been like in the 12 th century.

Now I was next to the River Itchen which I think makes for the loveliest spot in Winchester although Keats Walk through the water meadows to St. Cross is also very nice. My walk along the Itchen was the perfect ending to my tour of Winchester. Beautiful, quiet, absolutely the best.

Hi historytraveler -- a good beginning to your TR. The author Jane Austen is buried in Winchester Cathedral, and wish I could have visited. I've done tours in the past. It does alleviate the stress of getting from A to B. This past summer I drove a rental car all over England, including Cornwall.. It was quite an experience, and I adapted fairly quickly to the driving. I would like to spend 10 days driving around Devon and Cornwall (I was in Fowey just 2 nights), so I look forward to reading more of your report!

So glad I decided to check in to your trip report -- I love the idea of this tour company combining group touring with independent travel. Exactly what my husband and I need as neither of us want to try driving in the UK.

Day 1 con't. Along the Jurassic Coast: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door

Shortly after leaving Salisbury we got caught in a traffic jam that would delay our arrival in Exerter by several hours. If I had been driving I would have been absolutely frazzled. Dave seemed unperturbed just passing on local information and giving us a short but lucid lesson on the geology of the Dorset coast. At Lulworth Cove thatched cottages seem to rival with the ubiquitous gift shops but it was a pleasant and very popular spot. I spent about 20 minutes in the small museum and tried to add to Dave's geology lesson. It is one of my many and varied interests. The museum displays were well organized but several million years of geology is a lot to comprehend. We didn't have a lot of time and most had headed straight to the small beach or wandered through the gift shops. The ice cream vendors were popular too. :) The cove is very pretty with steep cliffs offering shelter from both waves and wind and many were taking advantage of the hot day by swimming. It was tempting and I would have had a go too if there had been more time and I had a swimsuit.

Durdle Door is virtually around the corner. Dave warned us that the main path was very steep going down and even steeper coming back up. I think all of our group chose the shorter path which still gave good views. Not me. Dave, as usual was right. It was steep. It was tempting not to jog down, but I knew if I did I'd probably end up face down on the path. At the bottom, I was so glad I had taken the steeper route. It got me much closer to the ' Door' and views were fabulous. Durdle Door is about 150 million years old, a stone arch that plunges into the sea. There were beaches on both sides but not as many bathers as at Lulworth...too difficult to access. After nearly taking my fill of breathtaking views, I climbed back up and, yes, it seemed considerably steeper. I never had to stop but that was only by sheer determination. I had earned a ice cream, unfortunately no vendors at the top.

It took another hour to get to Exeter. With all the traffic we were delayed several hours, but we did get to see everything on the day's itinerary. A good day.

HISTORYTRAVELER,

"If I had been driving I would have been absolutely frazzled. Dave seemed unperturbed just passing on local information and giving us a short but lucid lesson on the geology of the Dorset coast."

Sounds like a beautiful day...

Interested in how this turns out . . .

Well, so much for keeping this succinct. I think I'll tighten it up a bit or else it'll take about as long to write this TR as it did to make the trip.

Day 2. If our first day was sunny and very warm, Tuesday started off a tad cooler with the hint of rain in the air. After leaving Exeter, it doesn't take long to enter Dartmoor National Park. Our first stop was at Widecomb- in- the - Moor. A very pleasant village with a number of pretty 15 th century buildings but , perhaps, best known for its Norman church usually referred to as the Cathedral of the Moor. We visited the church and were intrigued by the 17 th century tale of fire and brimstone when the during a storm a pinnacle from the roof fell onto the church killing several parishioners. Of course, the devil was to blame supposedly in search of souls.

Our tour through Dartmoor was replete with stone circles, ponies, sheep and tors ( a hill or Rocky out crop). The moor can be both bleak and beautiful, a wild place conjuring images of Doyle's " The Hound of the Baskervilles" and, yet, at times appear quite tranquil with streams running through green pasture land.

Our next stop was at Postbridge to see it's Clapper Bridge. A Clapper bridge is composed of granite slabs supported by stone piers or sometimes simply laid across a stream. Their purpose was to enable pack horses from the tin mines to more easily carry their cargo across the streams. The one at Postbridge is 13 th century. After photo opportunities and purchasing post cards, hot tea in take away cups at the shop we continued across the moor and onto Tavistock.

Shortly after we left Postbridge, the sun came out and it was once again a glorious day. When we arrived at Tavistock, Dave circled the town letting us know where the interesting sights were as well as places to eat. He highly recommended Devonshire Tea at a nearby hotel, but I've had a number of Devonshire Teas so decided to try one of the cafés he pointed out. The place was not exactly oozing charm but was crowded with locals which is usually a good sign. When I saw Welsh Rarebit ( not rabbit :) ) on the menu, I was sold. Welsh Rarebit is one of my favorite dishes although it's hard to find a really good one. This one was very good.

Tavistock is an ancient market town at the southwest corner of Dartmoor Park situated next to the River Tavy from which it gets it's name. As usual Dave dropped us off and told us where and when to meet him. After lunch, I visited the Pannier Market. The place was filled with crafts and antiques. I enjoyed wandering around looking at everything. I saw several items I really liked but none would have fit into my suitcase. ;) I did a decent job of exploring the town along with a nice walk along the River. I had hoped to see more of the abbey since it was a major Benedictine Abby during the Middle Ages having been founded in AD 974 but, unfortunately, all that remains of this once great Abbey is just a few stones.

I finally succumbed to my ice cream craving ( the Cornish have excellent ice cream ) and spent my last few moments in Tavistock sitting on a bench with that delicious ice cream cone. We arrived back in Exeter in plenty of time to explore the town and attend evensong. Great day!

Our first stop was at Widecomb- in- the - Moor. A very pleasant village with a number of pretty 15 th century buildings but , perhaps, best known for its Norman church usually referred to as the Cathedral of the Moor. >>

i think that it's even more famous because of the song, HT -

Tom Pearce, Tom Pearce, lend me your grey mare.
All along, down along, out along lea.
For I want for to go to Widecombe Fair,
With Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney,
Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, Harry Hawke,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all.

And when shall I see again my grey mare?
All along, down along, out along lea.
By Friday soon, or Saturday noon,
With Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney,
Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, Harry Hawke,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all.

So they harnessed and bridled the old grey mare.
All along, down along, out along lea.
And off they drove to Widecombe fair,
With Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney,
Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, Harry Hawke,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all.

Then Friday came, and Saturday noon.
All along, down along, out along lea.
But Tom Pearce's old mare hath not trotted home,
With Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney,
Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, Harry Hawke,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all.

So Tom Pearce he got up to the top o' the hill.
All along, down along, out along lea.
And he seed his old mare down a-making her will,
With Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney,
Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, Harry Hawke,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all.

So Tom Pearce's old mare, her took sick and died.
All along, down along, out along lea.
And Tom he sat down on a stone, and he cried
With Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney,
Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, Harry Hawke,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all.

But this isn't the end o' this shocking affair.
All along, down along, out along lea.
Nor, though they be dead, of the horrid career
Of Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney,
Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, Harry Hawke,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all.

When the wind whistles cold on the moor of the night.
All along, down along, out along lea.
Tom Pearce's old mare doth appear ghastly white,
With Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney,
Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, Harry Hawke,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all.

And all the long night be heard skirling and groans.
All along, down along, out along lea.
From Tom Pearce's old mare in her rattling bones,
With Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney,
Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, Harry Hawke,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all,
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all.

[if you want the tune, try googling it on You Tube and listening to the Jon Pertwee version]

it's the sort of song that families [used to?] sing in the car on long journeys, before the electronic ear hit us and all they do is nod along to their individual i-things.

we spent a few days in Tavistock last spring and had a lovely time; I ought to remind you though that it's actually in Devon so that lovely ice-cream would not have been Cornish, unless they'd imported it across the border that is.

Roll on Cornwall!

Hi again HISTORYTRAVELER,

Wonderful description of Dartmoor. I have always wanted to visit the place - love the setting of "Hound of the Baskervilles" etc.

Did you see or hear mention about the prison at Dartmoor? Just wondering...

The prison is no longer the foreboding place that it was, late day, since it was downgraded from a max security prison to a local one, though its situation is no less depressing. In fact the nearby village of Princetown is one of the least prepossessing places on the Moor with miserable grey houses and other buildings.

There is a prison museum which is quite interesting about a mile or so away from the prison itself.

My favourite place on the Moor is Belstone, just off the A30 near Okehampton. There is a great pub called The Tors with lovely food and excellent local beer and cider and the view of the Moors is wonderful. Chagford is a very nice little town too as is Moretonhampstead.

Really enjoying this and looking forward to more.

I'd not heard of that song -- will look for it on youtoub.

This isn't my photo of Widecombe-inthe-Moor (I have yet to find a photo site that works for me) but I took an almost identical shot a few years ago. There is only one pony in mine and the rock outcroppings are different, but it shows how the "Cathedral" looms over the village at the bottom of the valley.

http://www.traceyelliotreep.com/wp-c...nthe-Moor.jpeg

Your tour obviously traveled over some really narrow/remote roads

http://s3.amazonaws.com/presspublish...mbe_header.jpg

Also enjoying reading this, and thinking Rabbies sounds like the perfect way for me to return to Scotland.

~Liz

I'm really glad you decided to do a trip report - based on the many recommendations made on this forum I booked a couple of multi-day tours (back to back) with Rabbie's for next year and reading about how your tour was handled is very informative.

I am primarily an independent traveler, but I hate driving on vacation. From reading the information on the Rabbie's website it seemed pretty much like I would be getting a driver/guide but could be independent for the stops - you've confirmed what I thought and that type of tour sounds perfect for me.

Hi ANNHIG,

Thanks for your info on Dartmoor Prison. It must have been foreboding. Supposedly, a Irish kinsman of mine, John Boyle O'Reilly (1844-1990) spent some time there as a result of his Fenian activities. He escaped, went to Australia, finally landing in Boston where he became the editor of the Irish newspaper, THE PILOT. Who knows?

I would really like to return to West Country some day....

annig, you're right, of course, it was Devonshire ice cream, but guess if they do great cream teas, it stands to reason their ice cream is good too. I did have Cornish ice cream in Port Isaac. Excellent! I hadn't heard the song but will check out You Tube. We did pass the prison and, as usual, Dave gave us the details. He also related dome of the myths and legends associated wit the moor. Have you been to Okehampton Castle? Took the bus from Exeter on my first trip to Cornwell just to see the castle. I've not been to Belstone but am familiar with it through Michael Jecks medieval mystery series, but that's 13th century Belstone.;)

Day 3 Wednesday

Our first stop on yet another sunny, warm day was Boscastle. Some might be familiar wit the town when it was hit by a flash flood in 2004. It made international news. The picturesque village with its natural fishing sheltered by high cliffs has been completely restored. Boscastle with its stone- built cottages is yet another of Cornwall's lovely seaside villages. After a walk up the hill just for the views, I decided to make a quick stop at the museum of Witchcraft. I have an interest in witches ( that sounds a bit strange ) ;) at least in regard to their persecution but not so much in witchcraft itself. It's a small museum, so I thought I would have a quick look but, after paying the small admission fee, I found it very crowded. I politely making my way around the bottleneck as I was only interested in a few exhibits. On trip advisor the museum gets a high rating and the definitive description seems to be ' interesting'. I won't deny that but, personally, I thought it a bit dark in a gloomy, sinister sort of way and a little too disturbing for my tastes.

Next we were off Tintagel Castle. I have wanted to see Tintagel for years so was very excited when I saw it was part on the itinerary. The site is believed to have been occupied since Roman times ( Roman Britain) and thanks to Geoffrey of Monmouth, Tintagel has long been associated with King Arthur. In fact, excavations have revealed traces of a Celtic monastery ( c. 500 to c. 850 ). The present ruins which actually occupy a promontory that is only connected to the mainland by a rocky strip of land date from the 13 th century when the castle was built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall. It is a steep climb ( via stairs) to the ruins but well worth it if just for the views, and if you like crumbling walls as much as I do,then, you won't be disappointed. The town itself tends to be touristy but not in a bad way. Perhaps not charming but it does provide plenty of opportunities for lunch and shopping. :) The Old Post Office offers a fine example of a 15 c. traditional Cornish longhouse.

Some more criss- crossing of Cornwall and we were in Falmouth where we would spend the next two nights.

For those interested in a Rabbies tours, They are IMO an excellent addition to any independent travel.

Next: The Minack Theatre, not Lands End but a very good substitute, St. Ives and more.

Sorry for the typos. Must remember to edit!