Devon & Cornwall Explorer new tour
Monday 08 June 2026 to Friday 12 June 2026
£730pp
- Destination
- Itinerary
- Full inclusions
- Hotel
- Booking request
Why visit the south west? Stay in Plymouth and be rewarded with the best of both worlds. Its location on the border of two famously beautiful summer holiday hot spots - Devon and Cornwall - makes it the perfect coastal city destination. Plymouth is known for its historical, unique and pretty waterfront, stroll along the Hoe and soak up stunning views over the English Channel, which at this time of year can feel more like a Mediterranean harbour. In June, the days and warm, the nights are light and the tourist season is beginning to buzz, but not too loudly.
Why visit with Shaws? In 2024 99% of our holiday customers said they would book again and 99% also said they would recommend us to a friend. In 2025 passengers rated our holidays 4.7/5 for value for money and we've earned the same 4.7/5 star rating on Google reviews. Shaws Coaches has a strong reputation for a dependable service, with a proven track record for punctuality and professionalism. Our friendly booking team and highly-rated tour drivers are ready to welcome you.
What do our customers say? "Our driver was exceptional, nothing too much trouble" • "Everyone on the coach was friendly and helpful and made the trip so good"
Holiday Insurance. We always recommend taking out adequate holiday insurance, that's why we’ve partnered with Everywhen & David Oliver Associates who offer cover specifically designed for your coach holiday. Find out more and get your free quote.
Tour code: C3512
Monday
Settle in to your accommodation inside one of Plymouth's most historic buildings.
Tuesday
Spend a summer’s morning in the glorious town of Looe, a picturesque fishing harbour with a wide sandy beach and winding streets filled with lovely little shops and tempting pasties! This afternoon, continue to Port Eliot for a State Rooms & Art Collection Tour with access to the Sir Humphrey Repton landscaped gardens and grounds. See the Round Room, Saloon and Drawing Room with viewings of Joshua Reynolds and Robert Lenkiewicz paintings, inside this incredible Grade I listed property, remodelled by Sir John Soane in the 18th century. Note: No lift at Port Eliot, stairs and varied surfaces on the tour.
Wednesday
After a leisurely start, make your way on foot (or take the coach) to the famous Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers are believed to have departed from in 1620. Set sail on a one hour Plymouth Harbour Cruise, passing Plymouth Hoe and Drakes Island with spectacular views of Mount Edgcumbe and interesting commentary along the way. Spend a free afternoon exploring this mighty naval town. The fascinating Mayflower Museum is just above the Tourist Information Centre (small entry free) or visit one of Plymouth’s newest attractions - The Box (free entry).
Thursday
Watch the world go by on a scenic drive through Dartmoor National Park this morning, to the only town in Devon to hold World Heritage status - Tavistock. This friendly market town is the home of the cream tea with quaint independent shops and a bustling pannier market. This afternoon, visit Buckland Abbey (NT), once the home of our Plymouth friend, Sir Francis Drake, and formerly a Cistercian monastery - the knowledgeable volunteers are always happy to share historical snippets. It’s surrounded by beautiful summer gardens and be sure to see the incredible, medieval Great Barn.
Friday
Time to head home.
- 4 night stay with breakfast
- 3 course dinner with tea/coffee each evening (min 3 choices)
- Entry to Port Eliot with a State Rooms & Art Collection Tour
- One hour Plymouth Harbour Cruise with commentary
- Entry to Buckland Abbey (NT)
- Free time in Looe, Plymouth & Tavistock
- Scenic drive through Dartmoor National Park
- Porterage
- All travel including home collection*
- International Passenger Protection
- Reserved coach seat
- 18kg suitcase pp
- Executive touring coach featuring a refreshment station, reclining seats, reading lights, curtains, foot and arm rests, toilet, safety belts, air suspension and individual air-flow control
- An experienced, friendly, highly-rated and professional tour driver
- Friendly booking team on hand to answer any questions you might have in the run up to your holiday
- £5 DISCOUNT for National Trust Members
- LOW DEPOSITS! Just £50pp with the balance due 8 weeks prior to departure
- LOYALTY DISCOUNT! Book 3 holidays (in any calendar year) and save £15pp, book 4+ and save £20pp, just let us know in special requests that you'd like to redeem your discount
- SAVE £10pp by meeting the coach at Maxey, Stamford Bus Station or Peterborough Extra Services
- *Providing you live in Bourne, Stamford, Peterborough, Uppingham, The Deepings, Spalding, Whittlesey, Oakham and most of the villages between them and Maxey (we're happy to collect from outside of our free pick-up area with a small additional charge)
- *We’re pleased to offer home collection from the Welwyn area following our successful partnership with Reg’s Coaches. Departures from Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City, Codicote, Woolmer Green, Knebworth, Hatfield, Stevenage and many of the nearby villages incur a small supplement of £30pp. We’re happy to pick up outside these areas, please enquire
The Duke of Cornwall, Plymouth 
- Plymouth's first luxury hotel, built in 1863, boasting splendid Victorian gothic architecture
- Situated on the edge of the city centre, just a ten minute walk from Plymouth Hoe - the town’s famous promenade where you can soak up endless ocean views across Plymouth Sound
- 73 uniquely decorated bedrooms
- Ensuite rooms with TV (Freeview and radio), desk, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries and tea/coffee tray, ironing equipment on request
- Restaurant, lounge and bar
- Lift to all bedrooms
ACCESS: Some steps along some corridors and in some bedrooms, most rooms have shower over bath (limited walk-in showers on request), single/twin rooms feature 1m wide single beds, steps at the entrance (alternative level access available)