Ready to walk in the footsteps of legends?
King Arthur & Other Excursions
- Details
- Category: Tom's Days Out
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King Arthur's country
Tom’s Cottage is in King Arthur country, being just a ¼ hour away from:
- Tintagel Castle. Reputed to be where King Arthur was conceived, the castle ruins sit on what is now, in effect, an island attached to the cliffs by a footbridge. At low tide, find Merlin’s Cave on the beach below. An English Heritage site and worth a visit, whatever one’s interests.
- St Nectan’s Glen considered to be the spot that the Knights of the Round Table were blessed before setting off on their quest for the Holy Grail.
- The Arthurian Centre at the Vale of Avalon, Slaughterbridge. Site of the Ogham Stone known as King Arthur’s grave
- King Arthur’s Hall Bodmin Moor – an unusual sunken, rectangular stone circle in a remote spot (worth the walk)
- Dozmary Pool Bodmin Moor: this is believed to be where the Lady of the Lake received Excalibur on King Arthur’s death
Ride a steam train
Bodmin and Wenford Railway, Bodmin General Station
Distance from Tom’s Cottage: 13 miles
Running vaguely parallel to the Bodmin-Wadebridge section of the Camel Trail, timetabled steam and diesel trains run throughout shoulder and peak seasons.
Various ‘specials’ also run: some seasonal like the Easter Eggspress and Santa Special, some one-offs to mark occasions such as The King’s Coronation; and summer evening Murder Mystery trains.
Private hire also available for that special party – book a band to see the train off from the platform, organise champagne and canapes on-board, and ensure guests are dressed appropriately! We’ve become a trifle nostalgic: 1930s style!
Orchard and vineyard tours
Haywood Farm Cider, St Mabyn
Distance from Tom’s Cottage: 6 miles
These orchard tours are a perfect way to spend a Thursday afternoon (May – September) set in beautiful countryside, guided by the proprietor whose family have farmed Haywood for over a century. The cider’s good too.
Also famed locally for their ‘summer Sunday socials’ with live music, a bar-b-q and on-tap cider. Fresh apple juice also available, so we understand. Cycle, drive or organise a taxi.
Camel Valley Vineyard, Nanstallon
Distance from Tom’s Cottage: 12 miles
Or: cycle along the Wadebridge-Bodmin stretch of the Camel Trail, park bikes and walk up the footpath through the vineyard
Daily morning tours held Monday – Friday, and evening tours held on a Thursday during the summer.
Established over 30 years ago, Camel Valley wines have received many prestigious awards over the years.
