St Endellion Summer Festival & the Cornish Countryside
St Endellion Summer Festival & the Cornish Countryside
29 JULY–7 AUGUST 2027 (10 DAYS) | SIX CONCERTS AT THE ST ENDELLION SUMMER FESTIVAL, GUIDED TOURS, GOURMET FOOD & AN EXPLORATION OF THE BEAUTIFUL CORNISH COUNTRYSIDE
Experience the magic of North Cornwall on an unforgettable musical journey combining exceptional performances with the timeless beauty of the Cornish landscape. At the heart of the experience is the celebrated St Endellion Summer Music Festival, where musicians come together for opera, orchestral, choral and chamber concerts in the atmospheric surroundings of the historic Collegiate Church of St Endellion.
Between performances, discover the extraordinary landscapes of the North Cornwall coast, with its rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, picturesque fishing villages and rolling countryside. With elegant accommodation, beautiful scenery, exceptional dining and outstanding music at its centre, this is a quintessentially luxurious Cornwall experience.
Single supplement: AUD$XXXX
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due on 29 March 2027)
Final payment due: 24 May 2027
tour leader
Overview
Overview
Premium tickets to six concerts at the St Endellion Summer Festival, held at the beautiful Collegiate Church of St Endellion.
Tour leadership and exclusive private talks by Michael Downes about each of the performances we attend.
A private guided tour of Broughton Castle, en route from London to Worcester on the first day of the tour.
A guided tour of The Firs: Elgar's Birthplace, to discover more about the life of Sir Edward Elgar, a composer closely linked with the Three Choirs Festival.
A guided tour of the impressive Worcester Cathedral, a stunning Gothic building dating back to the 11th century.
A guided tour of nearby Tewkesbury Abbey, one of England’s finest surviving Norman buildings.
A guided tour of Harvington Hall, a remarkable Elizabethan moated house in the Worcestershire countryside.
A guided backstage tour of the Royal Albert Hall, one of London’s most celebrated cultural landmarks and home to the BBC Proms since 1941.
A private guided tour of Chiswick House, an 18th-century retreat, inspired by the villas of Renaissance Italy.
An exclusive out-of-hours private tour of Kensington Palace, with its grand State Apartments, beautiful gardens and fascinating royal connections.
And finally, an exclusive guided tour of Leighton House, the extraordinary former home and studio of Victorian artist Frederic Leighton.
Five nights staying at the historic Stanbrook Abbey Hotel, a country-house hotel set within 26 acres of beautiful Worcestershire countryside.
Five nights staying at the stylish and centrally-located 5-star Kensington Hotel, London, located in the heart of South Kensington.
A welcome dinner and other delicious meals as listed in the itinerary, at restaurants carefully selected by Hayllar Music Tours.
Travel in a small group (maximum 20 people) giving you the opportunity to get to know your fellow guests and to enjoy one-on-one time with your expert Tour Leader.
Michael Downes is a conductor, writer and lecturer on music with particular interests in opera and music of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. In 2008, following two years as Director of Music at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, he was appointed to the same position at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where he leads a busy and varied music programme for students, staff and the local community and directs many of the University ensembles.
Michael’s new book, Story of the Century: Wagner and the Creation of the Ring, was published to great acclaim in the UK in 2024 by Faber and in the US in 2025 by Pegasus; an Italian translation is forthcoming. It was named as one of the five best music books of the year in the UK’s Presto Music Awards and described by Gramophone magazine as ’the best introduction to The Ring out there’. Michael’s previous publications include books written both with and about British composer Jonathan Harvey, and a collaboration with Nike Wagner, great-granddaughter of Richard, on the English version of her book about her family’s history, The Wagners: Dramas of a Musical Dynasty. He is currently working on a new biography of Elgar for Oxford University Press.
Michael particularly enjoys writing and speaking about music and opera to audiences beyond the academy. He regularly contributes articles on musical topics of current interest to publications including the Guardian, and writes programme notes for organisations including Wigmore Hall, the Aldeburgh Festival and Scottish Opera. He has lectured on opera for the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne, and most of the UK’s other leading opera companies, and leads online courses for the New York-based Roundtable by the 92nd Street Y. Michael was awarded an OBE in the King’s 2025 Birthday Honours List for services to music and education.
Perched above the beautiful Camel Estuary in Rock, North Cornwall, the St Enodoc Hotel is a stylish coastal retreat combining relaxed luxury with the warmth and hospitality of The Ainsworth Collection. Many of its thoughtfully designed rooms and suites enjoy sweeping views across the estuary and gardens, creating a peaceful base from which to experience this spectacular corner of Cornwall. Dining is central to the experience, with the Estuary Grill celebrating Cornwall’s finest meat and seafood, while the Flour Garden offers relaxed Neapolitan-style pizzas in the landscaped gardens. With beaches and coastal paths on the doorstep, and Padstow just a short ferry ride away, St Enodoc is ideally placed for exploring the North Cornwall coast.
The tour cost includes a XXXX Room.
If you would like hotel upgrade options please contact us on 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181.
Single supplement: AUD$XXXX
Itinerary
Itinerary
1ST OF 9 NIGHTS AT ST ENODOC HOTEL
Transfer from London Paddington, with stop en route
Possible options for stop:
Tyntesfield
Discover Tyntesfield, one of Somerset’s most spectacular Victorian country estates. This magnificent Gothic Revival house, transformed by the Gibbs family in the 19th century, is filled with richly decorated interiors, remarkable craftsmanship and an extraordinary collection of art and furnishings. Surrounding the house are 540 acres of beautiful parkland, woodland and gardens, including formal terraces, a historic Rose Garden, Orangery and productive Kitchen Garden. A visit offers a fascinating glimpse into Victorian country-house life, while the tranquil estate provides wonderful opportunities to explore the Somerset countryside.
09:45 - Meet at London Paddington Coach Parking
10:00 - Depart from London Paddington for Tyntesfield (approx. 2.5 - 3 hours)
c. 13:00 - Arrive at Tyntesfield
Group check in and free time to explore and have independent lunch at cafe
14:30 - Depart Tyntesfield for Rock (approx. 3 - 3.5 hours)
18:00 - Arrive and check in
19:30 - Welcome drinks on terrace and dinner at hotel
Arrive and check in
Welcome drinks at hotel or dinner at hotel?
Walk to Rock
Welcome dinner at Four Boys Restaurant in Rock (emailed but not yet booked)
2ND OF 9 NIGHTS AT ST ENODOC HOTEL
Walk to ferry pick up
Private Ferry to Padstow (will require two water taxis with a pick up staggered time of 10 minutes, 12 passengers on each)
(emailed but not yet booked)
Guided walking tour of Padstow (booked)
Padstow is a historic harbour town on the Camel Estuary, with roots stretching back to prehistoric times. Its name is linked to St Petroc, who established a monastery here in the sixth century, making Padstow an important early Christian centre. By the Middle Ages, its sheltered harbour had developed into a thriving trading port, with links to Ireland, Brittany and South Wales. Fishing, shipbuilding and maritime trade later became central to the town’s prosperity, with several shipyards operating during the nineteenth century. The arrival of the railway in 1899 ushered in a new era, helping to establish Padstow as a popular holiday destination. Today, its medieval street pattern, historic harbour, ancient church and traditional fishing heritage remain central to its character, offering a fascinating glimpse into Cornwall’s rich maritime past.
https://www.thepadstowhistorywalk.com/the-walk
12:15pm - Group lunch at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant (emailed but not yet booked)
Return ferry to Rock and walk to hotel
Early evening pre-concert talk
Evening concert at St Endellion Festival (TBC)
Possible optional late night concert
3RD OF 9 NIGHTS AT ST ENODOC HOTEL
Coach to Eden Project
Guided tour of Eden Project plus free time for independent lunch and further exploration (not yet booked)
The Eden Project is one of Cornwall’s most extraordinary attractions, transformed from a former china clay pit into a spectacular global garden. Its iconic Biomes house enormous Rainforest and Mediterranean environments, filled with exotic plants, dramatic landscapes and fascinating displays. Beyond the Biomes, explore beautiful outdoor gardens, contemporary art and inspiring exhibitions celebrating the natural world. Opened in 2001, Eden has become a symbol of environmental regeneration and sustainable living, offering a remarkable experience that combines horticulture, architecture, education and creativity.
Coach to hotel
Early evening pre-concert talk
Evening concert at St Endellion Festival (TBC)
4TH OF 9 NIGHTS AT ST ENODOC HOTEL
Free morning
Traditional Sunday Roast at good pub (not St Kew Inn as no group bookings)
Maybe no concert this evening and free evening
Afternoon birding activity or something? All seem a bit rough
If free evening, suggest coastal walk from Rock to Polzeath via Daymer Bay in the South West Coast Path (5.4km from Rock to Polzeath one way)
5TH OF 9 NIGHTS AT ST ENODOC HOTEL
Guided tour of Tintagel Castle (not yet booked - bookings only open to March 2027)
Perched dramatically on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, Tintagel Castle is steeped in history, romance and legend. The site was an important stronghold of Cornish rulers from the 5th to 7th centuries before Richard, Earl of Cornwall, built a medieval castle here in the 1230s. Its enduring fame comes from its association with King Arthur, after Geoffrey of Monmouth named Tintagel as the place of his conception. Today, the atmospheric ruins, dramatic cliffs and sweeping Atlantic views make Tintagel one of Cornwall’s most evocative historic landmarks.
Blue Badge Guide Viv is £370 per day
She has recommended Hopley’s Coaches
Lunch at Ye Olde Malthouse Inn (not yet booked)
Early evening pre-concert talk
Evening opera concert at St Endellion Festival (TBC)
6TH OF 9 NIGHTS AT ST ENODOC HOTEL
08:45-09:00 - Meet in hotel foyer
09:00 - Coach to Pencarrow House (25 minutes)
09:30 - Guided tour of Pencarrow with morning cream tea (currently booked for Monday but might need to shift days)
Discover Pencarrow House, a magnificent Georgian country estate nestled in the beautiful Cornish countryside near Bodmin. Home to the Molesworth-St Aubyn family for almost 500 years, this elegant Palladian mansion is surrounded by 50 acres of enchanting gardens, woodland, parkland and a lake. Explore the richly decorated interiors, historic collections and Grade II* listed gardens, including a spectacular Victorian rock garden, Italian Garden and ancient woodland. With its fascinating history, architectural splendour and tranquil setting, Pencarrow offers a wonderful glimpse into the heritage and grandeur of Cornwall’s great country estates.
11:00 - Morning tea in private rooms
12:00 - Continuation of guided tour
13:00 - Time allowed to explore gardens
14:00-14:15 - Meet at designated meeting point
14:15 - Coach to hotel (25 minutes)
14:45 - Arrive at hotel
Free afternoon
Early evening pre-concert talk
Evening concert at St Endellion Festival (TBC)
Possible optional late night concert
7TH OF 9 NIGHTS AT ST ENODOC HOTEL
09:00 - Coach to St Ives (1hr 30 minutes)
Discover the enchanting seaside town of St Ives, celebrated for its golden beaches, picturesque harbour and remarkable artistic heritage. Visit the Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden, the former home and studio of one of Britain’s most important twentieth-century sculptors. Hepworth lived and worked here from 1949 until her death in 1975, creating sculptures inspired by Cornwall’s landscape and light. Her studio, workshops and tranquil garden remain wonderfully preserved, offering an intimate insight into her life and work.
10:30 - Arrive in St Ives and walk to Barbara Hepworth Museum
11:00-12:00 - Guided tour of Barbara Hepworth Museum (booked)
£80 for 1 hour tour, plus £6 per person entrance fee
12:00 - Free time to explore gardens and then stroll to restaurant
12:30 - Group lunch afterwards at St Eia or Ardor (emailed but not yet booked)
14:30 - Free time to explore St Ives
15:30 - Coach return to hotel (1hr 15 minutes)
16:45 - Coach arrives at hotel
Repeat performance so no evening concert
Free evening
8TH OF 9 NIGHTS AT ST ENODOC HOTEL
9:45-10:30am - Morning talk on the music
10:30-10:45am - Meet in hotel foyer
10:45am - Coach to Lanhydrock
Blue Badge Guide Viv is £370 per day
11:30am - Walk to entrance (15 minutes)
11:45am - Visit to Lanhydrock with hopefully a guided introduction (booked)
Discover Lanhydrock, one of Cornwall’s finest country houses, set amid almost 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland and woodland. Rebuilt in lavish Victorian style following a devastating fire in 1881, the house offers a fascinating glimpse into aristocratic family life, from elegant reception rooms to the servants’ quarters. The surrounding gardens are equally impressive, renowned for their magnificent magnolias, colourful borders and formal parterre. With tranquil riverside walks, ancient woodland and sweeping views across the Fowey valley, Lanhydrock provides a captivating combination of history, architecture and Cornish landscape.
1:45-2:00pm - Meet at designated meeting place
2:00pm - Drive to Duchy of Cornwall Nursery (15 minutes)
2:15pm - Walk to Orangerie
2:30pm - Afternoon cream tea at Duchy of Cornwall Nursery (booked)
https://www.duchyofcornwallnursery.co.uk/cafe
Early evening pre-concert talk
Evening concert at St Endellion Festival (TBC)
9TH OF 9 NIGHTS AT ST ENODOC HOTEL
Visit to Port Isaac
Port Isaac is a picturesque fishing village on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, with a history stretching back to the Middle Ages. First recorded as a fishing settlement in 1338, its sheltered harbour later became an important centre for fishing, grain and coastal trade. Today, explore its narrow winding streets, whitewashed cottages and historic harbour, where fishing boats still land crab and lobster. Wander the South West Coast Path for spectacular views, discover the village’s artistic and musical heritage, and enjoy its charming galleries, cafés and restaurants. Made famous internationally as the fictional Port Wenn in Doc Martin, Port Isaac retains an authentic Cornish character and timeless maritime charm.
Lunch at Fish Kitchen (booked - but need to contact again in early December 2026)
Early evening pre-concert talk
Evening concert at St Endellion Festival (TBC)
Transfer to London
Please note: There may be some changes to the itinerary depending on the final confirmation of performances.
Inclusions
Inclusions
Single supplement: AUD$2,850
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due on 29 March 2027)
Final payment due: 24 May 2027
Performances: Premium tickets to six concerts at the St Endellion Summer Festival.
Tour Leader and Talks: Tour Leadership and exclusive background talks by Michael Downes.
Tour Manager: An experienced Tour Manager to accompany the group throughout the tour.
Hotels: Nine nights' accommodation at the welcoming St Enodoc Hotel in a XXXX Room.
Travel: Land travel by private air-conditioned coach.
Meals/Drinks: Breakfast each morning at the hotel. XXXX lunches/dinners with wine, water and tea/coffee, a welcome drinks reception and two Cornish Cream Teas.
Entry Fees and Guided Tours: Entrance fees for museums, art galleries etc. as stated in your itinerary. Expert local guides will be used at some sites.
Tips: Tips for drivers, local guides and meals included in your itinerary.
Information Pack: Comprehensive pre-tour information pack.
International/Domestic Travel: Hayllar Music Tours can provide you with a quote. Phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com
Airport Transfers: Transfers to/from airports and hotels at the beginning and end of tours. These can be arranged at an additional cost.
Special Taxes: Special taxes and airport levies that can only be paid in cash at the destination. We will endeavour to advise you of these charges (if any) before you depart.
Visas/Entry requirements: Costs associated with obtaining visas for countries visited on your tour. Please note that from January 2025, travellers entering the UK will be required to complete an ETA (electronic travel authorisation). For further information on ETA applications visit https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/how-to-apply
Travel Insurance: Please note that you are required to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for the duration of your tour. If you live in Australia, Hayllar Music Tours can organise your travel insurance for you. Please contact them at phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com
Meals: Lunches and dinners not nominated in your itinerary.
Personal Expenses: Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and mini-bar.
Activities in Free Time: Costs associated with any activities suggested for you in your free time.
The tour will operate with 8 people. The maximum number on the tour will be 20 people.
For the benefit of the tour group, all members of the tour must have the ability to:
negotiate airports and railway stations without wheelchair assistance;
use a combined shower/bath (please note that we cannot guarantee walk-in shower facilities at all hotels);
undertake walking tours of two to three hours duration, including using stairs and walking on uneven ground;
stand for one to two hours in galleries and museums at a time without a break;
embark / disembark coaches, trains, boats and other methods of transportation without assistance;
handle your own luggage (where porterage services are unavailable).
Please note that booking terms and conditions apply. Click here for the booking terms and conditions.
Booking
Booking