Food & drink tour - 7 days

Day One 

Arrival in Wadebridge

Your first night of the tour sees you arrive in Wadebridge. Check into your accommodation for the night at The Slades House Country Inn.

Wadebridge is full of brilliant pubs, cafés, shops and restaurants to explore. The Orchard is a highly regarded restaurant, while the Bridge Bistro is quietly building up a brilliant reputation.

To blow away any early morning cobwebs head to Relish Café and deli to sample some of their award-winning coffee before setting off on the day ahead.

Your accommodation: The Slades House Country Inn

Day Two

Wadebridge to Lanlivery - 16 miles (25 km)

Leaving Wadebridge your tour begins with a gentle cycle along the Camel Trail from where a short detour takes you to the award-winning Camel Valley Vineyard.

Camel Valley has been producing award winning world class wines for over twenty years. On most days of the year they offer tours of the vineyard followed by the all-important wine tasting. Leaving the wine behind (if you can) follow the route down to Lanlivery and The Crown Inn, your accommodation for the evening.

The Crown Inn is one of the oldest pubs in Cornwall dating back to the 12^th century. The bar is an atmospheric place to enjoy a drink or a meal alongside the roaring log fires. On the menu you are guaranteed great seasonal local produce, be it Cornish new potatoes, Cornish asparagus or local game during the season.

About your accommodation: The Crown Inn, Lanlivery

The Crown Inn, Lanlivery is one of the oldest pubs in Cornwall offering relaxed bed & breakfast accommodation. Besides the B&B accommodation, The Crown Inn also serves award winning food and drink both lunchtimes and evenings every day of the week. Located close to the historic town of Lostwithiel, The Crown Inn has been sympathetically restored to its original style. The bar is an atmospheric place to enjoy a drink or a meal alongside the roaring log fires. The Crown Inn has nine comfortable en suite rooms all awarded 3 Diamonds by the AA. Also if you arrive at the inn early after your day cycling, they are open for lunch and afternoon drinks as well as dinner.

Day Three

Lanlivery to Mevagissey - 14 miles (22 km)

In the morning you will pass The Eden Project and ride along parts of the Clay Trails. Then it's onto the historic port of Charlestown where the Rashleigh Arms has a full menu and specials board available from 12.00pm until 9.00 pm.

Just north of Charlestown is St Austell Brewery where you can take a tour of the brewery and try their award winning ales such as “Tribute”. Also in St Austell is Polmassick Vineyard who produce a selection of reds, whites and rosé.

After leaving St Austell the tour takes you due south to the picturesque seaside town of Mevagissey and your destination for the day. Mevagissey is a small working fishing village with narrow streets filled with gift shops, cafes, galleries and pubs and down on the harbourside you will find your accommodation for the evening. Serving local real ales at The Ship Inn you will find fresh fish on the menu almost daily - weather permitting - and all the food is locally sourced, lovingly prepared and home-cooked.

About your accommodation: The Ship Inn, Mevagissey

The Ship Inn is a traditional Cornish Inn with five letting rooms, set near Heligan Gardens and the Eden Project. Serving local real ales, The Ship at Mevagissey is one of Cornwall's most famous inns with a cult following from around the world, even as far away as Australia, attracted by its genuine unspoilt charm. You will find fresh fish on the menu almost daily - weather permitting - and all the food is locally sourced, lovingly prepared and home-cooked. The inn is always full of colour and is host to local musicians and players throughout the Winter.

Day Four

Mevagissey to Falmouth - 19 miles (31 km)

If you can bear to leave beautiful Mevagissey the route takes you through country lanes, past beaches and Caerhays Castle.

Arriving in St Mawes you catch the ferry across from St Mawes Castle to Falmouth, home to the world's third largest natural harbour and the National Maritime Museum.

Falmouth is an exciting town with a burgeoning foodie scene. Down a slipway in the high street is the popular restaurant The Wheelhouse which only serves what the local fisherman bring to their door.

Rick Stein, more commonly known as a north coast resident, has also set up shop in the town and promises to deliver the best fish and chips around.

About your accommodation: The Gyllyngvase House Hotel, Falmouth

Gyllyngvase House Hotel offers quality accommodation and all the facilities of a small hotel. They are a friendly, family run hotel, and are situated 200m from the seafront at Gyllyngvase beach with Falmouth town centre and historic harbour just a few short minutes walk away. The Hotel has thirteen bedrooms, comprising of doubles, twins, family rooms and singles. Paul and Emma Lower are the proprietors of this family run hotel and have many years experience in tourism and hotels and will personally supervise all your arrangements during your visit.

Day Five

Falmouth to Porthleven - 23 miles (37 km)

Heading around the Helford Passage is the Ferryboat Inn, a perfect location to break for a mid-morning coffee before turning inland to cross the Lizard Peninsula.

Despite the longest day of the tour, you’ll soon arrive in Helston, home of the The Blue Anchor Pub. The history of the Blue Anchor Inn dates back to the 15th century, when it began brewing its own 'SPINGO' ale at the rear of the premises. It is now one of few pubs left in the UK which brews and serves its ale on the premise. In fact, a 100 years ago the Blue Anchor became so popular with local tin miners that they were paid their wages at the bar.

From Helston there is a short ride down to the fishing village of Porthleven and The Harbour Inn, nestled on the edge of the harbour side. As well as The Harbour Inn, good food and views are available at Amélies at The Smokehouse, and the pricier Kota.

About your accommodation: The Harbour Inn, Porthleven

The Harbour Inn is a lively pub situated on the harbour in the small Cornish village of Porthleven. The Harbour Inn has 14 rooms in total each featuring a telephone, television, tea and coffee making facilities and a hairdryer. All the food served at The Harbour Inn uses fresh local produce and there is also entertainment in the bar on Friday and Saturday evenings until 11 pm, with a quiz night on Thursday evenings. To all cyclists finishing their route earlier in the day, check-in is available after 1.30 pm.

Day Six

Porthleven to Mousehole - 17 miles (27 km)

From Porthleven you cycle along coastal lanes to the seaside village of Marazion. From here you can enjoy breathtaking views over St Michael's Mount and Mounts Bay as you snack on a pasty.

From Marazion there is an easy, level ride around Mount's Bay to Penzance and neighbouring Newlyn. Both Penzance and Newlyn are famous for their fish and are the perfect place for a late lunch.

Also in Penzance is Polgoon Vineyard where the owners have successfully developed a derelict farm into an award winning winery.

After leaving Penzance you take the coast road to Mousehole, a cosy fishing village with real charm and character. Here you will find your accommodation perched on the harbour edge - The Ship Inn, a visit Britain rated four-star establishment. 

About your accommodation: The Ship Inn, Mousehole

The Ship Inn is right in the heart of this traditional Cornish fishing village with most rooms overlooking the harbour towards the sea. Of the eight double en suite rooms (all with showers), 6 over-look the harbour and have sea views. As a result, The Ship Inn, Mousehole has been awarded a four star inn by Visit Britain Quality in Tourism Rating. The food served at The Ship Inn makes use of the abundance of fantastic seafood in the local waters. Check-in time is 2pm and check out is 10am.

Day Seven

 Mousehole to St Just - 17 miles (27 km)

The final day of the tour takes you along the coastal trail to Lamorna, and further west to Porthcurno. Just before Porthcurno is the Logan Rock Inn, Treen. With a homemade menu, great history and a snug full of cricket memorabilia it’s well worth a visit.

Approaching Lands End is Sennen, the most westerly village in the country. As such it was a popular spot for pirates and smugglers as confirmed by the presence of The First & Last Inn, one of the most famous inns in Cornwall.

So before you finish your South Coast Leisure Tour why not stop off for a well-earned rest at what is reputed to be the headquarters of smugglers and wreckers since the 1600’s.