DAYS
7
TOUR CODE
ARCO-27
COST
£2495
DAYS
7
TOUR CODE
ARCO-27
COST
£2495
No legend captivates the British imagination like that of the medieval King Arthur. Journeying into the southwest of England, a region steeped in Arthurian lore, we will delve into the mythology surrounding the 'Once and Future King' within the landscape that inspired them.
Overview
First referenced in two early medieval sources, Annales Cambriae and Historia Brittonum, the legendary King Arthur was a central figure in medieval literary tradition. His historicity remains a subject of debate, and he is generally considered an amalgamation of early medieval kings, English folklore heroes and Welsh epic tales, with early Welsh sources, including the poetic Y Gododdin, portraying him as a heroic leader of post-Roman Britons in their battles against the Anglo-Saxons. While many people and regions lay claim to him, no area is more imbued with tales of Arthur than the southwest of the UK. Throughout this tour, from bases in Somerset and Cornwall, we will delve into a selection of reputed Arthurian sites while considering the overarching historical narrative of the region.
“So many scholars have spent so much time trying to establish whether Arthur ever existed at all that they have lost track of the single truth that he exists over and over”
– John Steinbeck
Enchanting landscapes, overflowing with folklore and legend, serve as the backdrop for the pivotal events of Arthur’s life and death. We will travel through the bewitching Bodmin Moor, which, being the reputed site of the Battle of Camlann, evokes a powerful sense of awe and imagination. The enduring presence of these natural, religious and historical wonders helps bridge the gap between legend and reality: a common theme of this tour, allowing travellers to step back into bygone eras where the lines between history and folklore overlapped.
Growing to become one of England’s wealthiest and most powerful monasteries by the 14th century, Glastonbury Abbey was patronised by several Saxon and medieval kings, cementing its position within early medieval history. By the 12th century, following the discovery of the alleged resting place of Arthur and Guinevere by monks, it famously became associated with the Isle of Avalon. Nearby, the towering Tor appears to rise from the low-lying Somerset Levels in an otherworldly display. This evocative optical illusion, Fata Morgana, a term derived from Morgan Le Fay, causes the hill to appear as an ‘island’ floating in the mist. Lionised by Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Historia Regum Britanniae, these twin landmarks are cornerstones of the Arthurian epic, commanding a symbolic significance comparable to Camelot, which we will further explore at South Cadbury Hill Fort.
Continuing to Tintagel, the imposing coastal site which Geoffrey of Monmouth claimed as the conception and birthplace of Arthur, we will discover the extensive clifftop medieval ruins, marvelling at the rich amalgamation of archaeological treasures and dramatic landscapes, and how this awe-inspiring combination has encouraged the enduring fascination with Arthur. We will also visit King Arthur’s Hall, which houses approximately 72 stained glass windows illustrating the Arthurian sagas by Veronica Whall. This collection is considered the largest grouping of stained glass panels depicting King Arthur and is a magnificent example of the Arts and Crafts movement.
To further enhance our understanding of the origin stories of these legends, we will also consider the overarching historical narrative of the region. Thought to have served as a crucial bridge between the fading Pagan world and the emerging Christian Britain, much of the Arthurian symbolism, including that of his knights and heroic endeavours, is heavily associated with early medieval symbols such as the ‘Celtic Cross’. A blend of Christian and Pagan iconography, it garnered an increased interest during the Celtic Revival of the Victorian era.
Many of the legends themselves also portray parallels between Arthurian tales and knightly piety, depicting Arthur as a messianic figure whose eventual return mirrors the Second Coming of Christ, while the tragic Fall of Camelot acts as a moral allegory for sin and temptation. Visits elucidating these themes will include St Piran’s Church, one of Britain’s oldest Christian sites, and St Just, which is abundant in local folklore, including tales of George and the Dragon, the ‘mighty little giant of Just’ and the lost land of Lyonese, which links to the Arthurian knight Tristan and his tragic love story with Isolde.
“In this enticing exploration of the West Country, we will be seeking out traces of the Age of Arthur at iconic and dramatic sites such as Tintagel, South Cadbury and Glastonbury, and in the process we shall also discover the unique culture of this area, especially west Cornwall, through its beautiful and inspiring historic and artistic heritage, from late antique, medieval and more recent times”
– Tour Director Mike King
Tour Director
Mike King
Mike King, is an expert in archaeology and early medieval culture who has worked as a museum professional for over 30 years.
Mike King, BA, MA has a passion for British archaeology, early medieval culture, European pilgrimage and carved stones, and has enjoyed a long career in museums, including curating an exhibition on the megaliths of Northern Ireland. He has always been fascinated by the legacy of the Romans, with his studies at Durham University enabling him to explore the transition from the Roman to early medieval era.
ACE customer on a previous UK tour led by Mike King
Our Accommodation
For the first two nights, we will be based at the four-star Grade II listed Castle Hotel, Taunton. This welcoming, family-run establishment is steeped in history, having served as the center of Bishop William Giffard’s estate in the 12th century and later developing into a defense fortification in the early 13th century. We will then spend a further five nights at the four-star Grade II listed Alverton. Located within walking distance of the center of Truro, this comfortable and luxurious building is surrounded by verdant gardens, serving as an ideal base for which to explore Cornwall.
Itinerary
Day 1
Assemble at Castle Hotel, Taunton for two nights. Welcome and introduction.
Day 2
Morning visits in Glastonbury including Abbey (Isle of Avalon and a possible burial location of King Arthur and Guinevere) and museum. Followed by South Cadbury Hill Fort (military stronghold during the reign of King Arthur and location of Camelot). Free evening.
Day 3
Morning visits in Taunton: Museum of Somerset (Low Ham Roman mosaics and sword in the stone sculpture) and Taunton Minster (founded by Saxon King Ine). Transfer to Truro via Jamaica Inn (smuggling history and Daphne du Maurier museum) and check in to the Alverton for four nights. Visit in Truro to Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery (‘Artognou’ stone and archaeological finds from Tintagel). Evening lecture.
Day 4
Tintagel (birthplace of King Arthur): St Materiana’s Church (Roman milestone and excavations) archaeological site, ‘King Arthur’s Great Halls’ (Pre-Raphaelite stained glass window collection), Old Post Office and ‘Aelfnoth’ Anglo-Saxon cross. Afternoon visit to St Piran’s Church and holy well (one of Britain’s oldest Christian sites) and St Nectans Glen (baptism site of Arthur and his knight before quests). Free evening.
Day 5
St Michael’s Mount (legendary site of Lyonese and previous 12th century Benedictine monastery) followed by Breage Church (roman milestone and restored medieval wall painting of St Christopher and Christ). Return via Loe Pool (possible excalibur myth location). Free evening.
Day 6
St Just Church (medieval Grade II building, crosses, Selus Stone and Chi-Rho Symbol), St Ia’s Church, St Ives (Byzantine female saint who arrived from Constantinople with the tin trade) and Penzance cross and Penlee Art Gallery. Evening lecture.
Day 7
Morning visits in Truro to cathedral and museum (gothic revival architecture, stained glass and ancient celtic stone cross).Tour disperses after lunch approx 1200 at hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
To read our full list of frequently asked questions please visit our general FAQs here.
What is the maximum group size of this tour?
What is the deposit cost for this tour?
What tour staff will be on this tour?
Am I fit enough to travel on this tour?
Fitness Requirements
The majority of ACE Cultural Tours are active in nature. To make the most of our time in a destination and provide excellent value for money, they are busy – there are often several visits included each day. As such, our tours require a certain minimum level of physical and mental fitness, mobility and stamina.
Many visits will involve navigating several steps, uneven ground, steep ascents and descents, and could involve embarking and disembarking aircraft, coaches, trains and cruise vessels. Plenty of walking, punctuated by lengthy periods of standing, is the norm. Some tours may involve long coach journeys.
It is essential that all customers are sufficiently fit and able enough to fully participate. Furthermore, every tour comprises a group of guests. We cannot allow the entire group to be negatively impacted by one participant, either holding up the pace we reasonably need to maintain or disproportionately requiring the attention and support of the tour staff.
We carefully consider the intensity, fitness and other requirements of each itinerary and describe them on the tour pages of our brochures and website. Please study these descriptions closely. When you call to book, we will reiterate those requirements and ask you to confirm that all group members are indeed fit enough and otherwise able to meet the criteria. It is your responsibility to answer fully and honestly. If it transpires that you are not able to keep pace with the tour and/or it reasonably appears you are negatively impacting (or are reasonably likely to negatively impact) the enjoyment of the rest of the group (including their ability to complete all scheduled visits), we may ask you to sit out certain days/visits, take a taxi at your own expense (if available in the location), or even, if we consider there is no other reasonable alternative, ask you to leave the tour and make your own way home.
A very good level of fitness, stamina and mobility is required for this tour, and participants should be aware that the terrain at the sites is often uneven with slippery and rocky sections, and few opportunities to sit down. For more details on our minimum fitness requirements, please see our Booking Terms & Conditions.
As a minimum, participants should be able to successfully complete the following self- assessment tests:
- Walk for one hour at a reasonable pace and without needing to take a break to rest
- Climb at least two flights of stairs at a reasonable pace
- Stand unaided for at least 30 minutes
- Stand up and sit down ten times in one minute
- Carry or otherwise move your own luggage
Please ensure you have read and understand our full fitness requirements as described in our terms and conditions.
Practicalities
Please note that many of these sites, often of strategic or spiritual importance, are frequently located at altitude or in areas that cannot be easily reached by car or coach. Specifically, accessing Glastonbury Tor and South Cadbury Fort involves strenuous walks up exposed hilltops via 'desire paths,' where cover from the elements is minimal. Furthermore, the ancient ruins of Tintagel are located on two clifftops with each side joined by a large bridge, offering stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. Please note that we do not advise descending to Merlin’s Cave as the route is very precipitous, however, this can be viewed from above. St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island with access dependent on tidal timings. Depending on whether the tide is high or low, you will need to walk across a wet stone causeway that can be slippery or take a boat. To access the castle on the Mount involves a steep walk up an uneven path.
UK Government Travel Advice
For additional travel information from the UK government please consult the following pages.
Cost Details
Echoes of Avalon: Archaeology & Legend in the West Country
April 22 - 28, 2027
Included: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, six breakfasts, one lunch, three dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.
Not Included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £425.
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