FAQs

April, May, June, September and October are our favourite months — longer days, quieter paths and the landscape at its richest. July and August are warmer but busier. Every season has its own character, and your guide knows how to make the most of whichever month you choose.

Our groups are small — never more than eight — so popular dates can fill up quickly, especially in May and June. We'd recommend booking at least three to four months ahead for your preferred dates, though last-minute availability does sometimes come up.

All of our tours can be arranged as private departures for your group, on dates that suit you. Drop us an email at private@kernara.com or give us a call and we'll curate a private tour to suit you.

Many of our guests build a Kernara tour into a longer trip around England. We can arrange hotel stays in Cornwall before or after your tour, recommend places to visit elsewhere in the country, and help with onward travel. Just let us know what you're thinking and we'll take care of it.

If you're travelling from the US or Canada, you'll need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. The ETA is quick to apply for online and is valid for multiple visits over two years. We'd recommend applying as soon as you book. Full details and the application process can be found at gov.uk/eta.

Most of our guests take the Great Western Railway train from London Paddington — it's a scenic four-to-five hour journey through the English countryside and one of the most picturesque rail routes in Britain. Your guide will meet you at the station in Cornwall, so from the moment you step off the train, everything is taken care of. If you are travelling by car or from a different location, that also works well — all our hotels have free on-site parking.

Yes. We can book your train tickets, arrange private transfers from London or any UK airport, and coordinate your travel so it connects seamlessly with the start of your tour. Just let us know where you're coming from.

Most international visitors fly into London Heathrow and take the train from Paddington. If you'd prefer a shorter transfer, Exeter and Newquay both have domestic airports with connections from London. We can advise on the right option for your itinerary.

No. All transport during the tour is included — your guide handles every transfer between hotels, walks and experiences. You won't need a car at any point.

You'll have breakfast at your hotel, then head out with your guide for the day's walking and experiences. Typically, the mornings are more walking-focused, with activities and excursions in the afternoon, returning to the hotel by late afternoon. Some days include a lunch stop at a restaurant, others might be a picnic or a café along the route. Evenings are for unwinding at the hotel and enjoying dinner, either at the hotel or a nearby restaurant. The pace is relaxed and your guide will always adapt the day to suit the group.

Every breakfast, lunch and dinner is arranged and included throughout the tour. Dinner on your first night at each hotel is always at the hotel itself — a great way to settle in and experience the kitchen. On the second evening, we'll book a restaurant we know and love nearby, but you're also free to explore on your own if something else catches your eye. Some evenings the group eats together, others you'll dine as a couple or on your own — it's entirely relaxed and there's no pressure either way. On Fridays, the final night, we typically gather for a group dinner to celebrate the week together.

Our tours are capped at ten guests. It's small enough that your guide can adapt the day around you, but big enough to share the experience with like-minded travellers.

Not at all. Many of our guests travel solo. The small group size and the time spent walking together means you'll feel comfortable from day one. Dining is flexible too — join the group or enjoy your own company, whatever you prefer.

That's fine. Every day is flexible, and your guide will never make you feel like you have to keep up. If you'd rather spend a morning at the hotel spa or explore a town at your own pace, your guide will arrange the day around you.

This is Cornwall — the weather is part of the experience, and our guides are experts at adapting. If conditions change, your guide will adjust the route or swap in an alternative that's just as memorable. Waterproof layers are a must, but no day is ever lost.

If you love the idea of a Kernara tour but prefer not to walk long distances, we can adapt any of our tours to a lighter format — up to two miles of gentle walking daily, with your guide driving you between the highlights. We also offer dedicated driving tours for guests who'd rather experience Cornwall entirely from the comfort of a vehicle. Get in touch and we'll find a fit that suits you.

Our tours range from light to moderate intensity, typically covering four to eight miles a day. You don't need to be a serious walker — just comfortable on your feet for a few hours at a time. Your guide sets the pace to suit the group, with plenty of stops along the way.

Most of our walks follow the South West Coast Path and other well-maintained trails, but this is real coastal walking — expect uneven ground, steps, and some climbs. The coast path has regular elevation changes as you descend into coves and climb back up to the clifftops, so even on lighter days there will be some up and down. Your guide will always brief you on what to expect each morning.

Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes or boots, waterproof layers and clothes you can move in. Cornwall's weather can change quickly, so layers are essential. Nothing fancy is needed for dinners — smart casual is the dress code everywhere we go. Your guide will send a detailed packing list before you travel.

Don't worry — if you need new boots, we can arrange a quality pair to be ready and waiting for you when you arrive in Cornwall. Just let us know your size when you book and we'll take care of it.

Yes. Walking poles are included as standard on every Kernara tour. They'll be waiting for you at the start of the trip — no need to pack your own.

Your guide carries refreshments throughout every walk — water, snacks and treats to keep you fuelled between stops. You'll never have to worry about going hungry or thirsty on the trail, although we recommend you bring water of your own too.

Every hotel on a Kernara tour has been personally chosen by the guide who leads that tour. They range from four-star boutique hotels to five-star estates, and each one is selected for its character, location and quality. You'll stay at places like the Carbis Bay Hotel, where G7 leaders dined in 2021, the PIG at Harlyn Bay, where every ingredient comes from within 25 miles, and Fowey Hall, said to be the inspiration for Toad Hall in The Wind in the Willows.

Almost everything. Six nights' luxury accommodation, all breakfasts, all lunches, all dinners, all guided walks, transport between locations, entrance fees, walking poles, and refreshments on the trail. The only extras are alcoholic drinks with dinner and any personal spending.

Please let us know about any dietary requirements or allergies when you book and we'll make sure every hotel and restaurant is fully briefed. Cornwall has plenty of options for most dietary needs, and our guides know which kitchens handle them with care.

Of course. While every dinner is arranged and included, you're welcome to make your own plans on any evening. Cornwall is full of fine restaurants, and your guide will happily recommend alternatives or help with a reservation.

You can book directly through our website, or get in touch by email or phone and we'll walk you through it. If you'd like to speak to us before committing, we offer free video consultations — book a call and ask us anything.

A 20% deposit secures your booking, with the balance due 30 days before your tour starts. For bookings made within 30 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.

We offer free cancellation up to 30 days after booking your tour, with a full refund of your deposit. Cancellations after 30 days are subject to our standard cancellation terms, which are provided at the time of booking. We strongly recommend travel insurance.

All Kernara bookings come with complete financial protection, so your money is safe from the moment you book. Full details of our financial protection arrangements are provided during the booking process.

If you're based in the US or Canada, our website will display prices in USD. We set a fixed dollar price so you know exactly what you're paying — no exchange rate surprises.

Tipping is never expected in the UK, but always appreciated. If you've had a memorable week and want to show your appreciation, your guide will be genuinely grateful. For restaurants and hotels, 10–15% is the usual custom in England, though many places add a service charge automatically.

A downloadable digital brochure is available on our website. Individual tour itineraries can also be downloaded as PDFs from each tour page.