In the land of Rosamunde Pilcher - 8 days

Love is in the air, but you don't have to be a romantic to fall in love with the picturesque locations of Rosamunde Pilcher's famous romance films. The enchanting atmosphere in the south of England casts a spell over every visitor.
From the picturesque hills of Kent to the rugged cliffs of Cornwall, the region is rich in history and culture, which is reflected in its charming towns and villages. The delightful countryside is home to magnificent stately homes and the world's most famous stone circle, Stonehenge, which should definitely be on your bucket list.
The rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park, with its wild moorland, rushing rivers and breathtaking cliffs, has also served as the backdrop for numerous films. If you're lucky, you might spot some of the wild ponies grazing on the open moorland. The Benedictine monastery of St Michael's Mount, the most westerly point of England, Land's End, the harbour town of Penzance and the magnificent country estate of Prideaux Place are also well-known filming locations for romances.

Day 1: Travelling to the south of England - A
From northern France, take the ferry across the English Channel to Dover, where the famous white chalk cliffs of the coast shine from afar. ‘Welcome to Great Britain!’ Depending on the time, we recommend a stop in Rye, whose church tower rises above the horizon and heralds the charming little town. In the Middle Ages, Rye was part of the mighty ‘Cinque Ports’ harbour and economic alliance and was known as a fishing port and smugglers' nest. The economic decline could not be halted when the harbour basin dried up, but the town with its cobbled streets, listed houses, antique shops and traditional tea rooms has become a popular tourist destination. Depending on the location of your hotel, it is also worth making a photo stop at Beachy Head just behind Eastbourne, where the South Downs end abruptly and form an almost 150 metre high chalk cliff that juts out into the sea as a striking snow-white headland. The view is breathtaking.

Day 2: Along the south coast to Devon – 280 km - F/A
Brighton, together with Eastbourne, is the most famous seaside resort on the English south coast, inviting the illustrious high society to stroll along the promenade even in the days of King George IV. On a guided tour of the city (optional), you will get to know the lively facets of Brighton. It combines maritime idyll with artistic diversity. Another popular photo motif is the 19th century Victorian pier, which juts out over 500 metres into the sea. Another highlight of the tour is North Laine, the alternative heart of the city. With its colourful murals, independent shops and hip pubs, this district shows Brighton's rebellious and artistic character. The street art in particular is a feast for the eyes. Then it's off to England's most famous landmark, the stone circles of Stonehenge (optional). The mystery of this site has still not been solved, but it is thought to have been a sun sanctuary around 5000 years ago, which is still surrounded by a mystical aura today.

Day 3: Excursion Exeter und Dartmoor – 150 km - F/A
Exeter is the capital of the county of Devon and, with its Roman walls and medieval town centre, was the location for the film adaptation of Rosamunde Pilcher's novel ‘The Magic of Love’. The magnificent cathedral (optional) and the Guildhall are particularly worth a visit. In the afternoon, you should take a trip to Dartmoor, one of the most unspoilt landscapes in southern England. This former royal hunting ground, now a national park, is characterised by graceful valleys, rolling hills, bizarre granite rock formations and vast areas of moorland through which many rivers and streams meander. With a bit of luck, you may see some of the 2500 or so wild ponies grazing on the open moorland. The area is steeped in history and is best known for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’. Widecombe-in-the-Moor has been the location for numerous Pilcher films, including ‘Flame of Love’ and ‘Sail of Love’. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel from the previous day.

Day 4: Along the English Riviera to Cornwall – 160 km - F/A
Before travelling to Plymouth, it is worth making a detour to Dartmouth, idyllically situated on the River Dart. The centre of the small town nestles around an inner harbour with winding alleyways. The centrepiece is the Butterwalk, whose half-timbered houses from the 17th century are adorned with colonnades. The promenade invites you to stroll and linger. Numerous restaurants offer fish ‘n’ chips as well as delicious freshly caught fish. Opposite the jetty is Kingswear, where the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway steam train terminates. How about a lovely trip along the beautiful coastline (optional). The ancient harbour town of Plymouth forms the border between the counties of Devon and Cornwall and is home to England's largest sea and naval port. It was from here that the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America on the Mayflower and Sir Francis Drake set off on his circumnavigation of the globe. Stroll through the old fishermen's quarter ‘The Barbican’, whose original houses reflect the historic Elizabethan era. Pass the two idyllic fishing villages of Looe and Polperro, made famous by the Pilcher film ‘Carousel of Life’, before reaching the county of Cornwall.

Day 5: Excursion to Land's End and St Ives – 170 km - F/A
Cornwall is a popular holiday destination thanks to its bizarre cliffs and moors, subtropical parks, beautiful sandy beaches, romantic fishing villages, old mining settlements and numerous myths and folklore. Follow in the footsteps of Rosamunde Pilcher today, as St Michael's Mount, Land's End and Penzance are often mentioned in her novels. The famous author was born near Penzance. At Land's End, the most westerly point in England, the Atlantic Ocean meets the English Channel. A special highlight is a visit to the Mediterranean-style town of St Ives with its bright green roofs and small alleyways lined with cottages in exotic gardens.

Day 6: A guest at the Prideaux Place – 320 km - F/A
You drive along Cornwall's wild coast. We recommend a photo stop at the Betruthan Steps. The spectacular and supernatural rocks are best seen at low tide. It is said that a mighty giant called Bedruthan once ruled the Cornish coast. He and his wife had a falling out and decided to separate. To reach their two children, they built a series of rock formations across the bay that served as a staircase. The rock formations along the coast can be seen in many aerial shots of the films. Prideaux Place, a magnificent mansion and historic estate near Padstow, has been proudly owned by the Prideaux-Brune family for more than 14 generations. It is the main setting for numerous Rosamunde Pilcher film adaptations such as ‘The End of a Summer’, ‘Flowers in the Rain’ and ‘Homecoming’ and is famous for its impressive architecture. The rooms are richly decorated and present a fascinating collection of artworks, furniture and historical artefacts that reflect the history and lifestyle of the former inhabitants. Take a stroll through the idyllic town of Padstow, a little paradise for foodies on the Cornish coast. With its narrow, cobbled streets, the fishing village enchants with its picturesque backdrop and maritime flair. The bustling harbour is surrounded by pastel-coloured houses, cosy cafés and pubs. It's a wonderful place to stroll while fishing boats and elegant yachts bob on the gentle waves. Visit Clovelly, a picturesque fishing village known for its steep cobbled streets and traditional white houses (optional) or simply plan a few photo stops along the way. For example in Cheddar Gorge, an impressive limestone gorge that stretches over 3 kilometres and is up to 137 metres deep. Archaeological finds and prehistoric artefacts have been discovered in the famous Cheddar Caves. Cheddar cheese also has its origins here and is traditionally produced near Cheddar Gorge. The strong, flavoursome cheese is matured in the natural caves of the Gorge, giving it a unique texture and unmistakable aroma. If you like, you can of course also sample it (optional).

Day 7: Trip to Kent and RHS Garden Wisley – 310 km - F/A
Today you will be travelling towards Kent. On the way, you can pay a visit to the Royal Horticultural Society's Garden, Wisley, probably the largest and most impressive show garden in the world (optional). Nestled in idyllic Surrey, around 40 kilometres south-west of London, a colourful oasis full of flowers and horticultural masterpieces awaits you. The extensive grounds are a wonderful example of English garden design. In addition to roses, camellias, wild plants and herb gardens, you will also find fruit and vegetable gardens. Naturally, plants can also be purchased here. In the Wisley Shop you will find high-quality plants, garden accessories and unique gifts - a wonderful souvenir of your visit.

Day 8: Journey home - F
A wonderful journey comes to an end. Via Dover and Calais or Dunkirk you return to your home country. Goodbye and see you again in Great Britain!