Experience South West Tours

Name: Experience South West Tours
Address: Newton Abbot, GB
Telephone: +447584169090
Rating: 5

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Newton Abbot
Experience South West Tours

South West UK Tour specialist for Dartmoor, Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset as well as into the Cotswolds. Personalised driven guided tours.
(1)

Fully licensed & ready to deliver the South West to you. Follow my footsteps, check out the
esw-tours.com

26/11/2024

Did you know Dartmoor National Park is ideal for night sky star gazing & planet spotting. With very little light pollution it's an excellent area to gaze and contemplate your existence in this universe.

Best conditions, I've always found, are clearing skies at sundown with a light North or North Westerly wind.
This seems to clear the atmosphere enough to allow best possible results.
The Milky Way rises in the South & drifts across on a North South axis before twisting in the sky as it sinks into the horizon.

Personally, I've found the best months are July / August as the axis works out well, however that means late nights as it doesn't get dark enough until gone 10.30/11pm to view the sky full of stars.

How better to reset & get the best possible grounding moments than taking in this view as our own planets place in this cosmos spins onwards.

Photo was taken by me, on the hills above Widecombe In The Moor with half decent camera gear. Phone cams on night mode will do a fairly good job these days too.

Visit Devon
VisitEngland
Visit South Devon
Night Sky
Eden Hotel Collection
Gidleigh Park
Bovey Castle
Original Travel
Celebrated Experiences
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Devon Life Magazine
Universe and Astronomy

25/11/2024

When Autumn looks like this in the folds of Dartmoor National Park in Devon.
The river Teign deep inside the Teign Gorge, below the prominent form of Castle Drogo on the valley side above.
This location always puts on an autumnal colour spectacle. The nature of the sheltered valley & potential for the colour to last week into the autumn or until a seasonal storm does its damage, this weekend for instance, and all the leaves fall thus preparing the area for its winter ahead.

Glad I caught it a few weeks ago before the storm over the weekend.
Devon & the wider West Country made the National news as our flooding and high winds damage was of regional concern.
Many rivers bursting banks, flooding and tree damage. All that you'd expect from a storm.
Blue skies and a fresh breeze today.
A storm is just a storm.
Departs as quickly as it arrives leaving brighter weather and hopeful days ahead.

Visit Devon
Visit South Devon
VisitEngland
Celebrated Experiences
Eden Hotel Collection
Gidleigh Park
Original Travel
Toursbylocals
GetYourGuide
Expedia
Viator
Devon and Cornwall Travel Guide
Devon Life Magazine
Dartmoor Outdoor Festival

23/11/2024

Lacock Manor in the village of Lacock, near Chippenham in the southern Cotswolds.

Features in many films, TV dramas and novel adaptations so a great stop for
A venue I have taken guests to a few times this season and all have been humbled by it's history, the fantastic architecture as well as the picturesque village itself.

Could Lacock feature in your 2025 ESW Tour?
Get in touch to start to plan your tour and secure dates into 2025.

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VisitEngland
Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa
Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa
Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa
Expedia
Eden Hotel Collection

23/11/2024

A group of proud "older" adventurers who have been friends since their college room mate days were an absolute blast back in September. Their collective feedback was most valued and appreciated.

I do not usually post feedback or reviews on here but John, my co-pilot "riding upfront in prime position" from the Bronx in NYC was a great sport, full of valued and at times challenging questions, which I like.

Here is a subsequent email from them, most eloquent and a true wordsmith.

"With Mark as our guide, we traversed the Dartmoor National Park on a day which exemplified the wind-swept, barren yet elegiac landscape surrounding Postbridge, our gateway to the Moors. The morning mist was heavy, a chill premonition of a sodden day in this desolate, haunting landscape of undulating hills and dales and ceaseless tors, punctuated by peculiar granite structures on hilltops, seemed like relics from ancient Druids, chiseled by eons of relentless wind, rain and erosion, but adorned gloriously with maize gorse and purple heather, a shire of birth, flourish, decay and rebirth, a rhythm and cadence of weather and landscape played endlessly since time primordial.

Yet despite this haunting vista, the people here in Dartmoor were relentlessly cheerful and most affable, ceaselessly smiling, the food sumptuous, and the British ale most piquant and refreshing. Our expert and articulate guide, Mark, who seemed to know well every curve and corner in the cramped sheep paths masquerading as roads, and every proprietor where we stopped, would regale us along the way with countless, entertaining anecdotes about geography, places, history, fables, mysteries, prior civilizations, languages and cultures, and an array of other amusing tales, medieval history or fascinating facts. Despite the sodden weather, it was a day most clement, made enjoyable by the company you keep, including Mark."

“After traveling to Europe for 28 years with my college roommates and our wives, and wandering about independently — and ignorantly — on our own devices, but also furiously consulting the Rick Steves guidebooks, this time we decided to use local, knowledgeable guides — like Mark Lakeman of Experience South West Tours— to assist, inform, describe and “genuinely enhance” our travel adventures, furnishing a most pleasant, memorable and informative odyssey. The money devoted towards a knowledgeable guide was a wise and fruitful investment.”

Fond memories of these few days in the company of a group of true friends and their charming Wives.
Thank you to Gidleigh Park for looking after them so well as they raved about your hospitality, staff and characterful location.

It is why I do what I do.
and making those lasting memories, especially between friends.

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Dartmoor National Park
Visit South Devon
GetYourGuide
Original Travel

22/11/2024

Glastonbury Tor in the mists of Avalon.
Somerset.
England.

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Toursbylocals
GetYourGuide
Viator
Expedia
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20/11/2024

Every day is a school day.
Something I didn't know.

There is a theory that the face of the Statue of Liberty is apparently that of Isabella Eugenie.

Isabella Eugenie Boyer's face is rumoured to have inspired the design of the Statue of Liberty’s face. The image dates back to June 17, 1885, and features Isabella Eugenie Boyer, whose facial profile was used as a model for the Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty and the statue's head were designed before being transported to the United States.

Isabella was the widow of Isaac Merritt Singer, inventor of the Singer sewing machine who was in residence at Oldway Mansion in Paignton Devon.

She met sculptor Frederic Bartholdi and that meeting inspired him, leading to her face potentially becoming the face model for the famous statue that stands proudly on the coastal entrance of the city of New York, USA.

After hundreds of tours delivered to guests from the US I can now directly link my home town to their grand city!

Visit Devon
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Toursbylocals
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Bovey Castle
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20/11/2024

When winter looks like this on your home town beaches.

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Devon bay Paignton

15/11/2024

Dartmoor National Park today.
Meetings, visits, appointments in preparation for the 2025 touring season.
What better conditions to be up on the high moor.
Clear, fresh sunshine and autumnal colours in the landscape everywhere the journey took me.
Want to experience Dartmoor in autumn?
Reach out, get in touch.
There is still time this year as week as booking well ahead for next year also.

Visit Devon
VisitEngland
Bovey Castle
Celebrated Experiences
Original Travel
Eden Hotel Collection
Toursbylocals
GetYourGuide

12/11/2024

It won't be long before this majestic beast is chugging the dark tracks on the run up to the festive season.
Looking forward to photographing it at my favored spots along the Paignton to Kingswear line.

Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company
Visit Devon
Visit South Devon
VisitEngland

10/11/2024

Remembering those lost to conflict throughout history as well as currently serving.
Service not only for their country, but the hope of peace across the world.

Services taking place all across the UK today.

Visit Devon
VisitEngland
VisitBritain

07/11/2024

A few photos from the World Travel Market 2024 in London's Excel centre at the Docklands.

It does feel like half the world are here which was encouraging as the industry continues to build post pandemic.

Nearly every country on the planet is represented. Some of the trade stands were very grand indeed.

Caught up with some faces who were just names, chatted to folk from the organisations I work with & spending time taking in the spectacle and performances unfolding all around the venue.

Visit Devon
Visit South Devon
Celebrated Experiences
Toursbylocals
VisitEngland
GetYourGuide
Original Travel
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U.K. Travel Planning

06/11/2024

today.
Wow.
What an event.
Very, very busy.

First time there for me & made some useful connections.
A good overview of the travel market & the sheer scale of the industry.
Tens of thousands of attendees, every country on the planet represented.
You could literally travel the globe inside London's Excel.

Speaking to UK inbound operators & destination management folk with some overseas interests too. Championing the South West, Dartmoor National Park, South Devon as well as the Jurassic Coast too.

Celebrated Experiences
Original Travel
VisitBritain
VisitEngland
Visit Devon
Visit South Devon
National Geographic Travel
Bovey Castle
Eden Hotel Collection
Dartmoor National Park
Gidleigh Park
Toursbylocals
GetYourGuide

05/11/2024

Today's the day.
The world is watching the USA as its people cast their vote.
It's too close to call and probably the closest Presidential race in history.

Regardless of the outcome,
however the results pan out,
we, the travel and tourism sector of the UK, want you to know, we'll still be here.
Here to showcase one of the most inspiring countries with the grandest of history, landscapes that fill your soul with joy and wonder,
locations that can provide pure escapism as well as grounding your inner spirit.

However you choose to run the next four years, we're here.
Ready to deliver to you the glory of the UK and especially my patch here in the South West.

Good luck today and we'll see you again soon.

Celebrated Experiences
USA TOURISTS
world Tour and Travel agents
GetYourGuide
Toursbylocals
VisitEngland Original Travel

04/11/2024

Nothing beats a
walk in autumnal woodland.
Dartmoor National Park has some of the UKs best seasonal colour & it's a great time to visit.
No crowds, calm weather & fantastic seasonal produce from current harvests.

Wellness & mindfulness opportunities are around every corner, twist in the river & peaceful depths of the forest.
Not to mention sat atop the high tors with the wilderness providing the cleansing breezes & soul filling vistas.

Taking time out to lift the energy levels, clear the mind & connect with nature.

Visit Devon
Celebrated Experiences
VisitEngland
Visit South Devon
Gidleigh Park
Bovey Castle
Eden Hotel Collection
Toursbylocals
GetYourGuide
Brend Collection
Lympstone Manor - Relais & Châteaux
Original Travel
National Trust
Visit Dartmoor
Boringdon Hall Hotel
National Trust South West
National Geographic Travel

02/11/2024

Autumn colours at Cockington Country Park, Torbay, Devon.

Always a great time of year to experience the seasonal shift and calm weather conditions.
Even guests from Maine & New England are impressed with the South West 'fall' colours.

Visit Devon
Visit South Devon
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
VisitEngland
Celebrated Experiences
Original Travel
Lympstone Manor - Relais & Châteaux
Gidleigh Park
Brend Collection
Eden Hotel Collection
Bovey Castle
Toursbylocals
GetYourGuide
National Trust

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Newton Abbot

Telephone

+447584169090

Website

http://www.experiencesouthwesttours.com/

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Glastonbury Tor in the mists of Avalon. Somerset. England. VisitEngland Visit Somerset Somerset Live Celebrated Experiences Toursbylocals GetYourGuide Viator Expedia Explores UK Visit Britain

When winter looks like this on your home town beaches. Visit Devon Visit South Devon Devon and Cornwall Travel Guide Devon Life Magazine Celebrated Experiences Original Travel Toursbylocals GetYourGuide Bovey Castle VisitEngland VisitBritain U.K. Travel Planning Devon bay Paignton

#WTM2024 today. Wow. What an event. Very, very busy. First time there for me & made some useful connections. A good overview of the travel market & the sheer scale of the industry. Tens of thousands of attendees, every country on the planet represented. You could literally travel the globe inside London's Excel. Speaking to UK inbound operators & destination management folk with some overseas interests too. Championing the South West, Dartmoor National Park, South Devon as well as the Jurassic Coast too. Celebrated Experiences Original Travel VisitBritain VisitEngland Visit Devon Visit South Devon National Geographic Travel Bovey Castle Eden Hotel Collection Dartmoor National Park Gidleigh Park Toursbylocals GetYourGuide

Today's the day. The world is watching the USA as its people cast their vote. It's too close to call and probably the closest Presidential race in history. Regardless of the outcome, however the results pan out, we, the travel and tourism sector of the UK, want you to know, we'll still be here. Here to showcase one of the most inspiring countries with the grandest of history, landscapes that fill your soul with joy and wonder, locations that can provide pure escapism as well as grounding your inner spirit. However you choose to run the next four years, we're here. Ready to deliver to you the glory of the UK and especially my patch here in the South West. Good luck today and we'll see you again soon. Celebrated Experiences USA TOURISTS world Tour and Travel agents GetYourGuide Toursbylocals VisitEngland Original Travel

Colorado? New England? Californian hills? Nope. Devon, England. We do #autumn well. Dartmoor National Park Visit Devon Visit South Devon Bovey Castle Eden Hotel Collection Gidleigh Park Boringdon Hall Hotel Brend Collection Bon Travel Celebrated Experiences Original Travel Visit Dartmoor National Trust National Trust South West

Misty mornings upon #GlastonburyTor today. The usual crowd in attendance including some regional fæ chanting, a few meditating folk as the sun arose above the horizon & the accompanying dawn chorus from the residential bird life. In all, not a bad start to the day. Celebrated Experiences VisitEngland Visit Somerset Glastonbury Folklore, Customs, Legends and Mythology. Folklore Festivals In The World Glastonbury, Somerset, United Kingdom Toursbylocals GetYourGuide National Geographic Travel

Dartmoor National Park yesterday provided the stunning scenery with added wildlife. Autumnal seasonal colours & great stops to immerse ourselves in some ancient history, classic Dartmoor views as well as a great lunch at the Rugglestone Inn near Widecombe. Guests from Colorado staying at Bovey Castle were charmed by the difference in terrain & mood of the classic English moorland landscape. Celebrated Experiences Visit Devon Visit South Devon Toursbylocals VisitEngland GetYourGuide National Geographic Travel Eden Hotel Collection Collette

Dartmoor National Park today. Autumnal colours & plenty of narrow lane driving as well as sweeping views such as this. Celebrated Experiences Bovey Castle Lympstone Manor - Relais & Châteaux VisitEngland Visit Devon Toursbylocals GetYourGuide Eden Hotel Collection National Geographic Travel

Stunning views out from the iconic The Minack Theatre on the cliffs above Porthcurno sands in far SW Cornwall. A morning of adventure including St Agnes UNESCO heritage tin mine ruins followed by a walk around Marizion & views to St. Michael's Mount, a great lunch at No.2 Fore Street in Mousehole before our visit to the greatest theatre in the UK. A short stop at Cape Cornwall before the most scenic route in the West through St Just to St Ives and back to The Headland Hotel and Spa . Thanks Cornwall, you've performed well this week.... Celebrated Experiences VisitEngland I love Cornwall National Geographic Travel Collette Toursbylocals #FeetFirst

To start the day. The Headland Hotel and Spa I love Cornwall VisitEngland Celebrated Experiences #FeetFirst

Up high on the cliffs near Tintagel Castle this afternoon with my guests from Nashville. Staying at the rather lovely The Headland Hotel and Spa overlooking Fistral Beach in Newquay. We spent the morning visiting Watergate Bay & the spectacular Bedruthan Steps before heading to Port Isaac for some Doc Martin appreciation. Then, to Tintagel to discuss Arthurian legends and plan our quest with the knights across the round table over the next few days.... Celebrated Experiences I love Cornwall VisitEngland GetYourGuide Toursbylocals National Geographic Travel Collette #FeetFirst

The inspiring #jurassiccoast A walk with guests from Virginia, USA, from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door & beyond to the white chalky cliffs. A wet, showery start that soon cleared to glorious skies that really highlighted the coastal geology. Celebrated Experiences VisitEngland Jurassic Coast Trust Visit-Dorset GetYourGuide Toursbylocals Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa #FeetFirst