Cornwall Tours: Exploring the County with a Local Guide
There is so much to see in Cornwall. I've lived here for years – so still not a proper local! – and there are many corners I haven't explored. Our county is vast, varied and stunning, and having a bit of local knowledge can make all the difference if you want to discover the treasures of coast and moor rather than simply follow the obvious route.
That is where a local guide can really come into their own. Cornwall Discovery Tours, run by Cornish guide Barry Pengelly, offers private tours shaped around the places and subjects that interest you.
Why explore Cornwall with a local guide?
Driving around Cornwall can be an adventure in itself. Some of our prettiest villages are reached by tiny lanes, parking isn't always straightforward and it is surprisingly easy to spend more of the day looking at a satnav than at the scenery.
Barry has the local experience, historical knowledge and familiarity with the county to take much of that away. You can sit back and enjoy the journey while somebody else works out which turning leads to that hidden cove or how best to fit several places into a day.
I have to admit that idea really appeals to me. I'm usually the driver in my family, so being able to sit back, relax and actually look out of the window for a change sounds rather lovely.
A Cornwall tour shaped around you
One of the nice things about Cornwall Discovery is that you don't have to choose somebody else's idea of the perfect Cornwall itinerary. Barry's private tours can be tailored around your own interests and the pace at which you want to explore.
You might want dramatic coastline and fishing villages, Cornwall's mining history, gardens, food and drink or places connected with your own family history. Film and television fans can seek out locations from Doc Martin, Poldark and other productions filmed around the county.
Port Isaac is an obvious favourite for fans of Doc Martin and Fisherman's Friends, while Cornwall's old mining landscapes and harbours will be familiar to anyone who has watched Poldark. There are plenty of less familiar places to discover along the way too, which is really where having somebody local starts to pay off.
For me, I am still yet to really explore the far west of Cornwall properly. That part of the county holds plenty of intrigue, with its ancient landscape, tiny coves, fishing villages and wonderfully wild stretches of coast. It is exactly the sort of place where I'd happily hand over the driving for the day.
If one day isn't enough, Cornwall Discovery also offers multi-day tours, and Barry can help with step-on guiding for groups, airport transfers and private shore excursions for visitors arriving by cruise ship.
The local knowledge makes the difference
The real gem of Cornwall Discovery Tours is Barry himself. He was born and raised in Cornwall and has spent his working life in all sorts of corners of the county, from the slate quarry at Delabole and time on fishing boats to work connected with film productions.
That gives him the sort of knowledge you don't really get from a guidebook. The history matters, of course, but so do the stories, little detours and snippets about the people and places you pass along the way.
His Tripadvisor reviews regularly mention Barry's knowledge, storytelling and ability to adapt a day around his guests, which probably says rather more than any list of statistics ever could.
I think a guided tour is particularly worth considering if you are new to Cornwall, have limited time here or simply want to discover a bit more of the locals' Cornwall. Even after living here for years, I'm still happily discovering it myself.
Have a look at Cornwall Discovery's guided tours for ideas, or speak to Barry about putting together a route of your own.
Tour options and arrangements can change, so check the Cornwall Discovery website for the latest information before planning your trip.
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