Experience South West Tours

28/01/2025

Starring Great Britain

Visit Britain have celebrated all things big screen, and small screen, in this short video.
One huge draw for visitors to the UK, especially here in the South West, is the connections to film and British TV production locations.
They call it 'Set Jetting' and it's big business. A new, on trend way to travel and enjoy your favourite locations as well as their connection to your favourite movies and shows.

Over to the real star of the show.....and "action"

Celebrated Experiences
VisitEngland
Visit Devon
Bovey Castle
Eden Hotel Collection
Dartmoor National Park
Lympstone Manor - Relais & Châteaux
Gidleigh Park
Original Travel
Visit South Devon
Routescape

Visit the real star of the show. www.visitbritain.com/en/things-to-do/film-tv

27/01/2025

The South West has had a fun 24hrs in the recent run of 'turbulent' weather.
Not so bad on the wind side, although it could pick up today, but we have had a fairly consistent light show in our skies overnight!
All part of the fun of island life on the edge of the Atlantic.
Great weather watching.

Visit Devon
VisitEngland
Visit South Devon
Eden Hotel Collection
Dartmoor National Park
Bovey Castle

22/01/2025

A belated new years resolution crept in this afternoon.....
The all new ESW Tours Blog Page on the website.
See it online now and let me know it works and is not just a bleary eyed "I've been on the laptop all day" mash up of random text!

It will be great to have some followers enjoy a more personal account of our travels, tours and shenanigans which will be shared more so on there, rather than on Facebook.

Find it here,

2024 saw Experience South West Tours go from strength to strength and the number of touring dates delivered pushed through the 100 barrier in only our second fully independent year as an operator. A...

17/01/2025

- New look home page
- More Tour choices
- Competitive pricing

Gearing up for a busy 2025 ahead.
Get in touch to discuss your logistics, bespoke tour options and itinerary planning.

www.experiencesouthwesttours.com
www.esw-tours.com

Experience driver guided tours across the South West inc Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset

15/01/2025

Tonight's moon rising over Torbay, Devon.
Very high humidity and after a cold clear day the stars are shining well.
There is actually a planetary alignment ongoing with Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn all lining up in the night sky.
Quite the treat to see.
East to West they follow a line across the night sky.

VisitEngland
Visit Devon
Visit South Devon
Celebrated Experiences
Toursbylocals
GetYourGuide
Bovey Castle
Eden Hotel Collection
Lympstone Manor - Relais & Châteaux
Original Travel
Gidleigh Park
Routescape
Night Sky
Brend Collection

11/01/2025

Another coastal and countryside hike today.
This time nearly 7 miles of a walk that included wetland areas, marshes, fields and farmland, coastal footpaths & old villages.
Lunch at the Otterton Mill Restaurant & over 20k steps taken.
Herons, buzzards, egrets, field birds, pheasants, sea birds & ducks of all species.

East Devon is a great natural haven as well as being the gateway to the

Visit Devon
Visit South Devon
Celebrated Experiences
VisitEngland
Toursbylocals
GetYourGuide
Lympstone Manor - Relais & Châteaux
Routescape
VisitBritain

10/01/2025

After a day of adventure in the heavy snow on Dartmoor, yesterday my lovely wife Amanda and I undertook a coastal hike to make the most of the amazing weather that was a huge contrast to the previous days.
One of our favourite coastal treks, our family named one known as the Witches Tower walk....
On the walk down to Brownestone Point, where there are many forgotten WW2 battlements and cliff edge gun mount posts, is the Daymark Tower. said aptly named "Witches Tower."
A 25mtr high navigational aid structure built in the early 1800s to assist our Navy fleet in and out of the treacherous River Dart mouth.
A location I have championed over the years in my photography journey and a favourite subject due to its unique structure and position.
The hike then takes in the wild and rugged South Devon limestone cliff path from Kingswear to Brixham, eight miles should you tackle it all.
Not today.
The first quarter or so was enough after the 6 mile hike the previous day in the snow.

The South West Coastal Footpath is the real star here though.
In total, it is 660 miles in length from end to end. Minehead to Lyme Regis and the whole journey will take you a while.
A walk documented by Raynor Winn and her husband Moth.
This journey was undertaken by them in hope of re-establishing themselves and their place in all that the world threw at them.
A journey of re-discovery and a true testament to the enduring human sprirt.
This journey was later penned into a novel based on their experiences of just how this all came to be and unfolded.
has now been adapted further into a heart wrenching tale for the big screen and is due for release in spring of 2025.
A must watch for anyone who has felt they are at the end of all available resources and energies. The spirit for life and adventure winning over. For those who also appreciate the landscape and seascapes of the South West.

It promises to place the West Country on the world stage of dramatic settings and capture the spirit of those who live down here on the peninsula. Myself included.

The images were taken on the move on our walk, stopping occasionally to take the view.
My South Devon and North Devon Tours can include sections of the coastal footpath that feature in the novel and movie.
As well as this, Cornwall also features so it really is a cross county affair.

See here for information about tours that can include these inspiring locations.
South Devon - https://www.experiencesouthwesttours.com/south-devon-coast-tour.html
North Devon - https://www.experiencesouthwesttours.com/north-devon-coast-tour.html

Celebrated Experiences
VisitEngland
Visit Devon
Toursbylocals
Visit South Devon
GetYourGuide
Eden Hotel Collection
Brend Collection

09/01/2025

When walking in the countryside.... Expect a different type of traffic.

To finish our coastal footpath walk today a farmer was moving sheep from field to field & we were treated to the passing by.


Visit Devon
VisitEngland
Toursbylocals
GetYourGuide
Visit South Devon
Celebrated Experiences
Original Travel
Routescape

09/01/2025

International traveller;
"Cornwall has the best cliff walks and views right?"
Devon;
"Hold my beer..."

What a difference a day makes.
Yesterday I was in sideways blizzards up on Dartmoor, today we walked past the Daymark, down to Brownstone Point then the South West Coastal Footpath to Collaton Fishacre and up through the fields in near perfect weather.
Clear blue skies with a light chill on the wind.
Dartmoor in the distance, still white with snow.

With the release soon of the film based upon the moving story of the novel by Raynor Winn , I can safely say the West Country is going to shine though & with walks like this only a short distance from home in Torbay, I will continue to champion Devon's coastal footpath even more!

Visit Devon
VisitEngland
Visit South Devon
Toursbylocals
GetYourGuide
Celebrated Experiences
Original Travel
Lympstone Manor - Relais & Châteaux
Routescape
VisitBritain

08/01/2025

From April 2025, the UK are requesting all visiting tourists & visitors have an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) issued and in place to enable access to the country.
This is the first of many changes across Europe regarding new requirements and a shift in taxation in the industry.
It is a simple form fill application & in the USA will equate to approx $13 to apply and achieve.
Once secured, and this can reportedly take anything from a few hours to a couple of business days, they will last a couple of years & permit up to 6mths of access travel inside the UK.
Please see the gov.uk website for all the details and how to fill the forms and apply.

My attempt at a "public service announcement!"

Celebrated Experiences
Original Travel
Toursbylocals
GetYourGuide
Routescape
VisitEngland

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-opens-pre-travel-requirement-to-non-europeans #:~:text=Next%20year%2C%20we%20will%20open,status%20will%20need%20an%20ETA.

GOV.UK - The best place to find government services and information.

08/01/2025

Never usually see a forecast like this in the South of the UK.
It's usually way up north that see the white stuff.
The pink on the map is forecasted snowfall areas.
I can vouch for that....
Dartmoor National Park was pretty impressive today.
Bonehill Rocks to Haytor, Templar Way to Saddle Tor and the quarry that supplied some central London granite
20k steps in deepening snow & occasional blizzard conditions.
Great adventures.

Celebrated Experiences
Bovey Castle
Gidleigh Park
Lympstone Manor - Relais & Châteaux
Eden Hotel Collection
Visit Devon
VisitEngland
Toursbylocals
GetYourGuide
Visit South Devon
Routescape
Original Travel

03/01/2025

Yesterday saw a road trip into Somerset and my favourite city in England, Wells.

It has it all.
A grand Cathedral, the Bishops Palace, the Medieval Vicars Close, a cobbled market square & even the draw of being the filming location for the now iconic 2nd installment of The Cornetto Trilogy, Hot Fuzz.
A comedy spoof spin police adventure involving classic country mystery, secret cult meetings, a pub shoot out and a missing swan!

Wells itself is a quiet & peaceful place, great eateries & a twice weekly market, one of the West Country's best farmers and artisan markets.

Definitely on my touring inclusion, especially for itineraries that involve transferring from counties & airports further afield to the sleepy West Country.

Nearby Glastonbury is the ultimate in alternative existence with a vibrant high street & quirky storefront selections. Street is also a great stop with its outlet discount village for those must have retail purchases.

With Bath & Cheddar Gorge also not far away, Somerset really is worthy of exploration.

See here for more info,
https://www.experiencesouthwesttours.com/somerset-tours.html

Celebrated Experiences
Visit Somerset
Wells, Somerset
VisitEngland
VisitBritain
Toursbylocals
GetYourGuide
Routescape
Original Travel

03/01/2025

First tour of 2025 today for a family staying at Bovey Castle down from Surrey together their little Cavapoo dog.
Dartmoor National Park looked incredible today with clear skies and zero wind too.
Perfect winter landscapes with ice in the springs & clean, sharp fresh air.
No crowds, empty hills & some of the best visibility I've had on the hills for a long time.
Exmoor was clearly visible from the east of the moor as was Bodmin Moor from the West side.

In all, cracking start to the year.

Visit Devon
VisitEngland
Visit South Devon
Celebrated Experiences
Toursbylocals
GetYourGuide
Routescape
Eden Hotel Collection
Lympstone Manor - Relais & Châteaux
Gidleigh Park
Boringdon Hall Hotel
VisitBritain

01/01/2025

Well, its been a busy December with a few late season tours and the obvious build up to the festive holidays.
As well as all this, I have been out and about photographing the spectacle that is the Dartmouth Railway Train of Lights for them to use in future media and publicity.
My photography business has been running longer than the tour operation and I have commissions and ongoing photo jobs that I still really enjoy and like to keep going.

The Dartmouth Steam Rail and Riverboat Company were kind enough to help me in the pandemic recovery year when touring was still a non started and international travel restricted.

This winter project involves setting up in pitch dark locations and then attempting to capture photos of a super bright steam train covered in thousands of lights as it sweeps past on the scenic line from Paignton to Kingswear.

Here are a small selection of the collection from the 2024 winter season. An insight into the other lives I lead!

Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company
Visit South Devon
Visit Devon
VisitEngland
Steam - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Steam Railway
Devon and Cornwall Travel Guide
Devon Life Magazine
Devon with Kids - things to do, places to stay and visit
Beautiful Britain

31/12/2024

A time for reflection.
So long 2024.
It's been an enlightening year.
One that has given me hope.
A year that saw me take business risks & it all came together.
Experience South West Tours was officially launched as an independent tour operator.
It proved a success with over a hundred touring days delivered across the season & the opportunity to meet interesting and engaging guests from all over the world.

My hopes and intentions for 2025.
More of the same.
Bigger, better & to shine brighter still.
Aim higher. Cast the net wider.
Become and evolve.

Roll on 2025.

Celebrated Experiences
Visit Devon
VisitEngland
Visit South Devon
VisitBritain
Eden Hotel Collection
Gidleigh Park
Lympstone Manor - Relais & Châteaux
Bovey Castle
Ilsington Country House Hotel
Boringdon Hall Hotel
Hotel Endsleigh
Original Travel
Dartmoor National Park
Toursbylocals
GetYourGuide
Routescape
Visit Dartmoor
The Holland Group
Beautiful Britain

29/12/2024

Last tour of 2024 today took us up onto Dartmoor National Park in great misty & foggy conditions. Very Baskerville and amazing light breaking through the fog.
Fresh & a winter chill but my guests from Bovey Castle were adventurous types so walks at the Merrivale ancient site with it's double stone rows, standing stones & cistvaens, Whiteworks tin mine ruins & Postbridge were all enjoyed.

Dartmoor in any weather is a soul filling experience.

Book your 2025 tour now to secure dates as bookings are already coming in.

Eden Hotel Collection
Celebrated Experiences
Original Travel
Visit Devon
Visit South Devon
Devon Life Magazine
Toursbylocals
VisitEngland
GetYourGuide
Lympstone Manor - Relais & Châteaux
Gidleigh Park
Routescape
Boringdon Hall Hotel
The Holland Group
Dartmoor Outdoor Festival
Visit Dartmoor

21/12/2024

Happy Winter Solstice to all those with a pre-history & Pagan interest of any sorts.

The shortest day, longest night.
A celebration of the shift to lengthening daylight hours & a chance to look ahead towards the abundance of bursting life in early Spring.

Visit Devon
VisitEngland
Dartmoor National Park
Celebrated Experiences
Visit South Devon
Toursbylocals
GetYourGuide
Bovey Castle
Gidleigh Park
Routescape
Beautiful Britain
Visit Dartmoor