South West England Small Group Tours
Ready to explore Southwest England? We’re talking stunning Cornwall, Devon, Bath, and the Cotswolds, giving you a quintessential English experience. Traverse coastal paths, try cream teas, and spot villages unchanged for centuries. Head to Bath’s Roman baths, the Eden Project, and quaint St Ives. You’ll see a huge difference between this region and London, with a slower pace of life, and a deeper focus on nature.
10 best South West England small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouth West England travel expert at TourRadar
- Star Hiking Cornwall - In the British Caribbean 7 Days
- From London: 5 Day Devon & Cornwall
- Cornwall Tour Starting in London
- 3-Day Stonehenge & Bath Tour from London with Hotel, Breakfast & Entry Tickets
- From London: 3 Day Isle of Wight & the Southern Coast
- Taste of England | 8 Days Tour
- Cornwall and Devon with Kids: Easy Days in Nature
- Walking South Devon's Coastal Path
- Cornwall - South West Coastal Path: From Penzance to Mevagissey 8 Days
- Cornwall - South West Coastal Path: From St. Ives to Penzance 8 Days
Duration 7 days Destinations St Ives, Lelant, Hayle, Zennor, Sennen, Land's End, Porthcurno Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Group Size Max Group Size 1 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$1,362
From London: 5 Day Devon & Cornwall
“Everything about the trip was great. It was great to have a small group van instead a huge bus for many reasons.”
Lee, traveled in April
The intimate group size of 16 allows access to South West England's narrow country lanes and hidden villages via Mercedes mini-coach. Guides offer personal attention while visiting Dartmoor's wilderness, Cornwall's fishing villages, and historic coastal towns.
Duration 5 days Destinations London, Winchester, Exeter, Dartmoor National Park, Tavistock, Boscastle, Tintagel, Port Isaac, Falmouth, Saint Michael's MountSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Rabbie's Tours From
- US$1,164
Cornwall Tour Starting in London
“The small group size made it a very personal experience. The castle stays were unique, the food was good & views outstanding.”
Howard, traveled in May
Groups cap at 14 travelers, so personal attention comes naturally as you ride a comfortable 19-seat Mercedes mini-coach through South West England. Guide David Warner shares local stories while visiting Lanhydrock's National Trust property from the 1600s, taking walking tours at Exeter Cathedral, and spending time at St Ives' beaches and Tate gallery.
Duration 7 days Destinations London, Tintagel, St Austell, Charlestown, Port Isaac, Marazion, St Ives, Land's End, Porthcurno, PenzanceSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Daceys Cornish tours From
- US$1,980
3-Day Stonehenge & Bath Tour from London with Hotel, Breakfast & Entry Tickets
“getting there without having to arrange every detail separately was a big relief.”
Victoria, traveled in August
Duration 3 days Destinations London, Stonehenge, Bath Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type Group Operator BTOURS From $637
5% off- US$605
From London: 3 Day Isle of Wight & the Southern Coast
“I had a great time visiting Portsmouth, Isle of Wight and Runnymede which I've never been to before. I enjoyed my time on this tour.”
Andrew, traveled in October
Limited to 16 travelers, this tour showcases southern England's coastal treasures. The intimate group size opens opportunities for spontaneous stops at St. Catherine's Down cliffs and detailed tours of Osborne House, while a Mercedes mini-coach provides smooth transitions between sites.
Duration 3 days Destinations London, Portsmouth, Isle of Wight, Shanklin, The Needles, Winchester Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Rabbie's Tours From
5% off- US$642
Taste of England | 8 Days Tour
“the tour is good help. those are major and only valuable.”
Cheng, traveled in September
This private tour accommodates you and up to 5 others, setting your own pace through South West England. You'll see Bath's Roman Baths and Royal Crescent (both UNESCO sites), then head to Cheddar Gorge where traditional cheddar makers still operate. The Cotswolds villages are worth the visit—Bourton-on-the-Water has stone bridges, and there's time for Painswick's gardens too.
Duration 8 days Destinations London, Salisbury, Bath, Bristol, Stratford-upon-Avon Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type Private Operator BTOURS From $1,768
25% off- US$1,326
Duration 10 days Destinations Bristol, Exeter, Torquay, Babbacombe, Buckfastleigh, Dartmoor National Park, Plymouth, St Ives, Sennen, Saint Michael's MountSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Worldee From
25% off- US$947+$1,005 upfront costs
Designed for ages 16+, this small-group tour reveals South Devon's coastal jewels from Plymouth Sound to Dartmouth Castle. Visitors receive dedicated attention at historic sites, while enjoying carefully chosen accommodations at the Imperial Hotel 4* and local guesthouses along the Southwest Coast Path.
Duration 8 days Destinations Plymouth, Dartmouth Age Range Ages 16+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Private Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
25% off- US$2,125
Duration 8 days Destinations Penzance, Marazion, Saint Michael's Mount, Porthleven, Mullion, Lizard, Coverack, Porthallow, Falmouth, St MawesSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Group Size Max Group Size 1 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator ASI Reisen From
25% off- US$1,250
Small private groups of 4 or individual travelers walk South West England's coastal path with personalized pacing through St Ives, Sennen Cove, and Penzance without large tour crowds. The intimate group size allows flexible time in Cornwall's artistic villages, historic lighthouses at Pendeen Watch, and secluded beaches like Lamorna with daily luggage transfers between traditional accommodations.
Duration 8 days Destinations St Ives, Zennor, Pendeen, Botallack, Land's End, St Just, Sennen, St Levan, Porthcurno, LamornaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Group Size Max Group Size 1 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator ASI Reisen From
25% off- US$1,386
What our customers ask about South West England Small Group Tours
What is the ideal group size for exploring South West England?
The optimal group size for South West England tours ranges from 14-16 travelers using Mercedes mini-coaches. These smaller vehicles can navigate narrow country lanes and reach places larger buses cannot. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The small group size made for a good journey; our bus was able to squeeze through streets and roads which would not have been possible on larger buses." The compact size lets travelers get more time at key sites like Stonehenge while staying at local spots such as the Telstar Hotel in Exeter.
Which locations are more accessible with a small group tour in South West England?
Mini-coaches carrying 16 passengers can reach places that larger tour buses must skip including the village of Boscastle quiet coves and secluded areas of Dartmoor National Park. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We went down some impossible lanes and discovered hidden gems like Porthcurno Beach and Minack Theatre that big tour buses can't reach." The size allows stays at local establishments like the historic Tinners Arms in Zennor where larger groups cannot fit.
What is the typical daily schedule like on a small group tour in South West England?
Tours generally start at 9:15 AM featuring 2-3 main destinations daily plus photo stops. Major attractions like Bath get 1-2 hours while smaller spots have flexible timing. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The amount of time in each stop was well planned. We had free time to explore while our guide was always nearby for questions." Nights are spent at places like Chapter 1 Hotel in Weymouth letting travelers choose local restaurants for dinner.
What kind of accommodations can you expect on small group tours?
The tours select unique lodgings inaccessible to larger groups from historic properties like the Dolphin Inn in Kingston to coastal hotels like Sea View House in Porthcurno. A TourRadar traveler remarked: "The B&Bs were wonderful with friendly hosts and great breakfast options. The Pines Hotel in Swanage had amazing sea views and was perfectly located." Family-run establishments are common offering personal attention and local knowledge.
What is the price difference between small and large group tours?
Small group tour costs run USD 215-457 daily about 30-40% more than large coach tours. The premium covers stays at distinct properties like Waverley Guesthouse in Salcombe and access to off-the-beaten-path locations. As one TourRadar traveler put it: "Worth every penny for the personalized experience and ability to visit hidden spots that big tours miss."
How much luggage can you bring on small group tours?
Luggage limits are set at 14kg (31lbs) per person including one carry-on sized bag and a personal item. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The luggage restriction meant we could easily store our bags in the mini-coach and quickly move between accommodations like the Fortress Inn in Salcombe and the Church House Inn in Stokenham." These limits ensure comfortable travel for all passengers in the 16-seat vehicles.