Castles, Great Houses and Gardens of Cornwall

Welcome to Cornwall - or Kernow, as it is called in Cornish! Although part of England, Cornwall has long regarded itself as a separate place, with it's own identity and culture - something which I can help you get to know. Although I am a Londoner by birth, I have been coming to Cornwall all my life and have lived here for the past 10 years. My name is Pete and I am passionate about the place where I live! When not working, I love nothing more than walking the coast and moorland and taking photographs of this wonderful place. I specialise in getting off the beaten track and going to the places that most tourists don't get to experience - and when you see our narrow lanes you will realise why the big tour companies don't go there - their buses don't fit! However, you will travel in luxury in my Land Rover Discovery - a 7 seat 4x4 SUV - in air-conditioned comfort, while I take you safely to those places you have always wanted to see. You can relax and feel safe while in my care - during my 30 years in the Police I qualified as an advanced driver, a close protection officer (bodyguard) and as a first aider. It also means I have many stories to tell! I can offer tours that cover all that Cornwall has to offer and I can tailor them to your exact requirements or design a unique tour just for you. Many people come here because of TV shows such as Poldark or Doc Martin - I can take you to the filming locations and help you get behind the scenes. I can also provide literary tours - Rosamunde Pilcher and Daphne Du Maurier are among those that I cover - you can even stop for a drink at the real Jamaica Inn! As an English Literature and History graduate these are a real passion for me. I also spent 2 seasons working for the National Trust as the Welcome Host at Lanhydrock House - the flagship Trust property in Cornwall - so I can guide you round the fabulous Houses and Gardens that the Trust manages here. Speaking of history, Cornwall has everything from prehistoric sites - stone circles and fogous (a uniquely Cornish site dating back 4, 500 years), through castles built by Henry VIII to sites connected to D Day and the allied forces that set off from here. I can offer tours that cover all these. Did you know that after the Pilgrim Fathers left Plymouth on the Mayflower, they allegedly docked in Cornwall before heading to the Americas? I can show you where that happened! Cornwall has long been associated with myths and legends - and King Arthur is a big part of this. I offer a tour that covers his birth, life and death, including the scene of his final battle and the lake into which Excalibur was thrown. Tintagel Castle has just had a spectacular new bridge added to make access easier - but it is also breath-taking in it's own right. There are also many ghostly tails associated with Cornwall - and in Bodmin Jail we have, reputedly, the most haunted building in England - and they still have the gallows where public hangings took place! Another great place to visit. Cornwall is also famous for it's unique food and drink - we have numerous wineries, as well as artisan beer and cider makers that you can visit with me - sample the produce, knowing that I will drive you safely for the day. I also have good connections within the hospitality sector here so I can guide you to the best places to dine, whether it is a Cornish Pasty or Cream Tea or fine dining in the best Michelin starred restaurants! So whatever your interests I can show you the best of what Cornwall has to offer. I look forward to sharing this stunning place with you soon! I have lived here in Cornwall for 15 years and have been running private guided tours for 6 years. Previously I worked for the National Trust as the Welcome Host at a large historic property. Before that I was a Police Officer for 30 years and am qualified in advanced driving, first aid and close protection so your safety and security are assured. I have an Honors degree in English Literature and English History and am fully insured to look after you during your stay. I have been accredited by Visit England as "Good to Go" - in other words my tours are fully Covid-19 compliant. Masks, hand sanitiser and wipes are available on my tours at all times and my vehicle is properly cleaned and disinfected before and after every tour. I do not have any restrictions in regard to my guiding.