Doc Martin and The Legend of King Arthur Tour

If you’re considering a day trip through Cornwall that blends cinematic charm with legendary history, the Doc Martin and The Legend of King Arthur Tour promises an engaging experience. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, plenty of details point to a well-rounded outing that caters to those who love scenery, storytelling, and a touch of local flavor.

What I really like about this tour is its flexibility. It’s private, which means you can customize your schedule a bit, and it covers a wide range of highlights—from the rugged coastlines and historic sites to the charming villages made famous by TV and legend. Plus, the fact that it’s designed to be a stress-free way to see Cornwall’s top sights without the hassle of planning all the logistics is a big plus.

That said, it’s not perfect—at over a thousand dollars for a group of four, it’s on the pricier side. Parking issues mentioned in reviews, especially in Port Isaac, are something to consider if mobility is a concern. Still, if you’re after a comprehensive day that hits all the major points with a personal touch, this tour could be a good fit.

This experience suits folks who prefer guided trips and want to see a variety of sites without the hassle or the need to drive themselves. It’s especially good for those interested in the TV series Doc Martin, King Arthur legends, or simply wanting to soak up Cornwall’s stunning coastal scenery with a knowledgeable guide by their side.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience allows you to focus on what interests you most
• Comfortable transportation with WiFi makes the day more relaxing and connected
• Coverage of iconic sites like Port Isaac, Tintagel Castle, and Bedruthan Steps
• Good value for those wanting a comprehensive tour that saves on planning stress
• Potential parking issues in Port Isaac might be a challenge for some travelers
• Perfect for fans of Doc Martin, Arthurian legends, or scenic coastal adventures

This tour is designed to give you a broad taste of Cornwall’s natural beauty, historical intrigue, and pop culture. It’s a solid choice if you don’t want to spend hours figuring out how to see everything independently, yet still want some flexibility to tailor your day.

The 8-hour duration is ample time to soak in the sights without feeling rushed. The inclusion of pickup and private transportation means you won’t need to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or finding parking—something many travelers appreciate, especially in popular spots.

With an average booking window of 89 days in advance, it suggests that this tour is in demand but still accessible if you plan ahead. The price of around $1,026 for a group of four might seem steep at first glance, but considering the personalized service, private vehicle, and wide range of stops, it’s generally a fair deal for a full-day custom tour.

Let’s walk through what you’ll experience, step by step, and why each stop matters.

Stop 1: Fistral Beach

Starting at Fistral Beach, you’ll get a quick but vivid look at one of Cornwall’s premier surfing spots. Watching surfers carve through the waves is always a thrill, and it’s also home to an original Huers Hut—a relic of Cornwall’s fishing past used to spot incoming shoals of pilchards. From the outset, it’s a great spot to soak up the lively coastal vibe with just a 5-minute visit.

Stop 2: Wheal Coates Tin Mine

Next, the tour takes you to Wheal Coates, an abandoned tin mine perched dramatically on the coast. The scene here is quite striking—surrounded by heather and gorse, with views over the Atlantic. It’s easy to imagine the tough lives of miners in olden days. You get about 30 minutes here, enough to take photos and appreciate the rugged beauty without rushing. It’s free to visit, which adds value.

Stop 3: Watergate Bay

This long, sandy stretch is one of Cornwall’s top surfing destinations. If you’re into water sports or simply love seeing beaches with big, rolling waves, you’ll enjoy this quick stop. It’s a brief 5-minute stop, just enough to admire the scenery or snap some photos.

Stop 4: St. Mawgan Church

The charming village of St. Mawgan offers a peek into local life, with a 13th-century church, a pub, and a cricket ground. Walking around, you’ll see traditional cottages and the peaceful countryside. It’s a 20-minute stop that lets you stroll and soak up the local flavor.

Stop 5: Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps

Arguably one of the most dramatic sights, this spot features towering rock stacks and seabird colonies. It’s also famous for being the filming location of Poldark’s opening scenes. The 45-minute stop here includes optional cafe visits, so you can rest and enjoy the scenery without feeling hurried. Admission isn’t included, so if you plan to go down to the beach or explore the stacks, budget accordingly.

Stop 6: Prideaux Place

A private Elizabethan manor with a history dating back to 1592, Prideaux Place is a lovely spot to walk in the grounds or take a house tour if available. Overlooking a deer park, it gives a glimpse into Cornwall’s historic architecture and aristocratic past. It’s a 45-minute visit, providing a peaceful break amidst your busy day.

Stop 7: Padstow Harbour

Known as a foodie haven thanks to Rick Stein’s influence, Padstow is a bustling working fishing port. It’s a good place to stretch your legs, people-watch, or grab a quick bite. It’s a 30-minute stop, so plan to make the most of it quickly.

Stop 8: Port Isaac

This quintessential Cornish fishing village is famous as the home of Doc Martin. You’ll get a self-guided walk through the narrow streets, seeing filming locations and maybe catching some behind-the-scenes moments if filming is underway. It’s one of the highlights for fans, and a 45-minute visit allows enough time to soak up the atmosphere.

Stop 9: Tintagel Castle

No tour of Cornwall would be complete without mentioning King Arthur. Tintagel Castle, perched dramatically on the coast, is steeped in legend. The recent addition of a stunning new bridge connects the two halves of the site, offering breathtaking views. Visiting the castle involves timed entry, so check ahead if you want to explore inside. The 30-minute stop here is a teaser but enough to appreciate the setting and legend.

Stop 10: Boscastle Harbour

A picturesque, historic fishing village, Boscastle is famous for its whitewashed cottages and the devastating flood of 2004—an event still remembered locally. It’s a scenic, easy walkaround spot, and a good place for a quick photo or a stroll.

Stop 11: St. Nonna’s Church

This small church is notable as the wedding place of Doc Martin’s alter ego, Martin Clunes. It’s also linked to John Wesley’s visits, adding a layer of religious history. A 30-minute stop that’s both charming and meaningful.

Stop 12: Colliford Lake

Finally, the tour visits Colliford Lake, a sizeable man-made reservoir that supplies drinking water. If you’re into engineering or just love beautiful lakescapes, it’s a peaceful place to end your day. The 15-minute stop allows a quick look, especially meaningful if you’re a local or into infrastructure.

This tour balances sightseeing, history, and cinematic nostalgia. The private vehicle keeps things comfortable, with WiFi available, so you can share your photos or look up tidbits during the day. The stops are well-paced, with most around 30-45 minutes, giving you enough time to explore but not so long that you get bored.

The guide’s role is key—reviews praise guides who are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience both informative and enjoyable. The tour’s flexibility means you might be able to tweak the schedule or spend more time at your favorite spots if you wish.

The cost might seem high, but considering the private transport, the variety of sites, and the personal service, many travelers find it offers good value—especially if you’re visiting with a small group and want a curated experience without the hassle.

About the Logistics

Start time is at 9:30 am, and the tour lasts about 8 hours, which is enough to see a wide swath of Cornwall without feeling rushed. Parking can be tricky in some locations like Port Isaac, and if mobility is an issue, the walk down to Port Isaac could be steep, as one review pointed out.

What’s Not Included

Entry fees for some attractions like Bedruthan Steps or Tintagel Castle aren’t included, so budget accordingly if you plan to explore inside those sites. Also, coffee and parking fees are extra, but that’s typical for guided tours.

If you’re after a comprehensive, guided day that hits all the major Cornwall sights—especially if you’re a fan of Doc Martin or King Arthur legends—this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s perfect if you prefer relaxing in an air-conditioned vehicle and having someone handle the logistics.

However, if you prefer independent exploring, don’t mind driving yourself, or want a very budget-friendly option, you might find this tour a bit on the pricier side. Also, if walking steep hills and uneven terrain is a concern, consider the physical demands of some stops like Port Isaac or Bedruthan Steps.

This experience is most suited to travelers who value expert local guides, personalized service, and a full day of sightseeing in comfort and style.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am, with a variety of stops throughout the day.

What’s included in the price?
You get private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi onboard, and a flexible itinerary. Entry fees for some locations and meals are not included.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, there is some flexibility to tailor the schedule to your interests, but check with the provider if you have specific sites in mind.

Is parking a problem?
Parking can be difficult, especially in Port Isaac, and steep walks are part of the experience in some locations.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for walking around villages and scenic spots. Also, bring some cash or cards for optional entries and snacks.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly family-focused, older children who can handle walking and some uneven terrain might enjoy it, especially if they’re fans of the TV show or legends.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Yes, many reviews praise guides for being well-informed and friendly, adding a lot of value to the experience.

What about weather?
Cornwall weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers, bring rain gear if needed, and don’t forget sunscreen on sunnier days.

This Doc Martin and King Arthur Tour offers a well-rounded way to experience Cornwall’s coastal beauty, historical sites, and pop culture landmarks all in one day. It’s particularly appealing for those who love guided trips, want to travel comfortably, and enjoy a mix of scenery, stories, and local flavor. While the cost is notable, the private nature of the tour and the variety of highlights make it a compelling choice for travelers seeking a curated, hassle-free experience.

If you’re looking for a way to see Cornwall without the stress of planning, and if you’re curious about the legends and TV scenes that make this part of England so unique, this tour could be just what you need. Just keep in mind the physical demands and plan accordingly—parking and walking hills are part of the adventure, after all.

Disclosure: This review is based on available information and reviews and does not reflect personal experience. Always confirm current details with the tour provider before booking.