Tours of the Ancient Sites of West Cornwall.
Guided tours of the prehistoric sites and monuments of the far west of Cornwall, lead by the author of the book ‘Ancient Stones of Kernow. Tours operate throughout the year for groups of up to four people. Our standard full-day tour is designed to visit a representative selection of the most notable monuments and settlements across the final five thousand years of prehistory in the West Penwith area. We now also offer three half-day tours, details of which can be found below. Tours are personalized by the author, who is an experienced historical tour guide and illustrated with visual reconstructions of the monuments, and maps showing their position within this ancient landscape. There is also an atmospheric soundtrack commentary giving a background to the changing environment of prehistoric Cornwall. Reviews of the tour experience can be found on our tripadvisor profile.
Tours to Botallack and the 'Poldark' Locations.
Due to the interest generated by the popular BBC television series 'Poldark' we have added the option of visiting Botallack in the heart of West Cornwall's World Heritage mining area, with the opportunity to view the mine locations used in the series and learn about the history of mining in Cornwall.(Click for a details).
The 'Ancient Stones of Kernow' Tours.
In addition to our Standard Tour and the alternative Stone Circle Tour, we are now operating three half-day tours. The full-day tours operate between 9.30 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. and the half-day tours between 9.00 a.m. and 12.30 p.m or 1.30 and 5.00. All tours involve short moorland walks along footpaths over easy terrain, suitable all-weather clothing and sturdy footwear is highly recommended. If mobility is a issue a revised itinerary can be devised to suit most needs.
Half-Day Tours: We now run a selection of three half-day tours departing St. Ives by 9.00 a.m. and returning by 12.30 p.m. or 1.30 p.m. and returning by 5.00 p.m. They are 'The Botallack Mines Tour' which include the Poldark mine locations, details of which can be found on this link. 'The Lanyon Tour' which visits a selection of the famous monuments in the area around Lanyon and Chun, including Men an Tol and Lanyon Quoit. Or, 'The Three Quoits Tour' taking in the three largest and best preserved Quoit in the area; Zennor, Lanyon and Chun. These tours are limited to four persons at cost of £30 per person based on a party of two guests. There is a small discount for groups of three and four. Transport for this tour is arranged and complimentary. (Click for a detailed itinerary).
Full-Day Tours: The Standard Tour departs St. Ives by 10.00am to visit a number of the most notable prehistoric sites in the area, including ‘Lanyon Quoit’, ‘Men-an-Tol’ and the ‘Merry Maidens’ stone circle, returning to St. Ives by 4.00 pm. A refreshment break is enjoyed at Lamora Pottery, where a light lunch can be purchased.
Following a similar timetable to the Standard Tour, the Stone Circle Tour visits all four of the areas iconic stone circles, Boskednan, Tregeseal, Merry Maidens and Boscawen-Un, with their associate monuments. To maintain the atmosphere that surrounds these ancient sites, these personalised tours are limited to four persons at cost of £50 per person based on a party of two guests. There is a small discount for groups of three and four. Transport for this tour is arranged and complimentary. (Click for a detailed itinerary).
Alternatively, have your own bespoke tour created for you. If you have a limited amount of time or would like to visit specific sites, a tour can be designed to meet your personal requirements. The mining tour option can be included in a full day tour which would also includes visiting some of the Lanyon area's most famous ancient sites. Transport for all tours can be arranged and is complimentary.
Although we are based in St. Ives tours can commence from anywhere in the general St. Ives, Penzance area. (Click for more details, terms and conditions).
For further information and the availability of all tours please ring 01736 797312 or e-mail ancient.stones@btconnect.com
For details of tour prices and booking through this site. (Click for a details).