Select South West Tours
Select South West Tours
5
Cultural ToursHistorical & Heritage ToursSightseeing ToursPrivate Tours
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Multi Award Winning luxury guided day tours around Devon and Cornwall Experience the real Devon and Cornwall in style, comfort and safety Let me create your memorable visit to the most beautiful region the UK. Door to door collection in Luxury Mercedes Benz Viano. Local guide, fully licensed and insured. Gold awards Best Overseas Visitor experience 2017, 2018 and 2019 Cornwall Tourism Awards, Gold award Best Guided Tour 2018 Cornwall Tourism Awards, Silver and bronze Awards at SW England Tourism excellence awards 2018 and 2019
Plymouth, Devon, England
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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5.0
164 reviews
Excellent
162
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Linda F
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Solo
I did a 7 day tour with James to the Cotswolds and Devon and then over to Cornwall with Mark. Our travels covered a lot of ground. I saw MANY fantastic places and sights. I went to places off the beaten track away from the Tourist Trap, and was totally blown away by the beauty and history of this part of Britain. I am a vey proud Scot so this is high praise indeed as I love my country very much!!!
James and Mark were superb in their delivery, professionalism, and knowledge of all things. As a solo Traveller, they catered to my every need and I enjoyed this tour very much. They were ...Simply the BEST!!!
I wrote a daily blog of my travels and shared this with my friends as I progressed through the tour. They loved it....and some are thinking about this tour for themselves in the future.
If you are reading this review...I will tell you what I told my Friends..."If you are visiting this part of the world......Do NOT do it on your own...you will miss magical places and ALL of the history....Do NOT explore any further than this company ....you will not be disappointed "
I even met Nigel, one of the other tour guides on my travels, so I was spoiled :>)))).
I am an avid fan of Poldark......past and present series...read all the books but discovered on my tour that I was two books missing!! Since coming home...I have re-visited all 5 series of the most recent Poldark series..(sad I know),.....seen loads of places that I visited during my tour whilst watching this, and I will read my two new books during the Winter.
Thank you all for a cracking and memorable experience and long may you continue delighting people all over the world!!
Best
Linda F
James and Mark were superb in their delivery, professionalism, and knowledge of all things. As a solo Traveller, they catered to my every need and I enjoyed this tour very much. They were ...Simply the BEST!!!
I wrote a daily blog of my travels and shared this with my friends as I progressed through the tour. They loved it....and some are thinking about this tour for themselves in the future.
If you are reading this review...I will tell you what I told my Friends..."If you are visiting this part of the world......Do NOT do it on your own...you will miss magical places and ALL of the history....Do NOT explore any further than this company ....you will not be disappointed "
I even met Nigel, one of the other tour guides on my travels, so I was spoiled :>)))).
I am an avid fan of Poldark......past and present series...read all the books but discovered on my tour that I was two books missing!! Since coming home...I have re-visited all 5 series of the most recent Poldark series..(sad I know),.....seen loads of places that I visited during my tour whilst watching this, and I will read my two new books during the Winter.
Thank you all for a cracking and memorable experience and long may you continue delighting people all over the world!!
Best
Linda F
Written 12 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow!
Thanks so much Linda, for your wonderful review. We had a great time showing you around the SW , and I am delighted that you enjoyed it so much and we could create some memories that will stay with you.
Thanks once again
kind regards
James
Written 14 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SixTarHeels
13 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Had an awesome four days with Nigel as he whisked me around numerous scenic and historical spots in Cornwall and Devon. Nigel planned an itinerary that suited me perfectly with just the right amount of time at each location. He has a deep knowledge of this area and enthusiastically shares it! You cannot go wrong with this company. The flexibility of the itinerary and the communication before and during makes choosing them a no-brainer if you want an in-depth, personal visit to this beautiful part of England.
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your kind words. We are delighted that you enjoyed your trip with Nigel so much.
hurry back!
Written 14 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Raymond S
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
We went with James in late August on a 6-day tour. We saw so much and learned a lot thanks to James and his tremendous knowledge of SW UK! It was a lot to take in a compressed amount of time but thankfully I took a lot of pictures so we can continue to enjoy and relive the experiences later. I had no idea the UK was so picturesque from the lush green farms to the rugged cliffs and turquoise coasts. Not to mention the historical architecture and ruins with stories attached. The old tin mining history is fascinating and visiting those old mines on the SW coast was one of the highlights for me. Glad we took this tour as we would not have found the quaint villages and pubs on our own. Logistically, the trip could have been planned better. We ended up in St. Ives on our last day, the furthest point of our route from LHR so made for a 6+ hr drive back. However, we did manage to fit in a quick visit to Stonehenge. So I suggest, when planning with James to stay closer to LHR on that last day. Otherwise, we highly recommend this tour!
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review, i am pleased you enjoyed the tour so much. I suppose it had to happen one day, but this is the only review I have ever had which wasn't 5 stars. it is disappointing, as we tried hard to effectively fit a 5 day tour into 4 days, due to your lunchtime flight arrival and departure. This meant that we had the early start on the last day, which we did advise you of well in advance.
Nevertheless , I am pleased you enjoyed the tour .
Written 14 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve S
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
On August 21 - 22, 2023, my husband Steve and I were picked up at our hotel in Exeter by Nigel Makin of Select South West Tours Limited for our tours focusing on various places where Steve’s ancestors had lived and worked in the 1800’s. Based on our requests, Nigel planned our first day to visit a number of places, including residences, graves and work areas to follow in the footsteps of the identified family forebears.
Nigel provided visual experiences, enhanced by his study and planning as well as expanding upon the information provided by Steve. He also showed excitement about what he had learned and was able to share with us.
The second day Nigel focused on sharing more about the areas to be explored including monuments, parks, open range livestock areas and topographical features. We were delighted to see and begin to understand the varied areas through our guide’s eyes and experience. We heartily recommend Select South West Tours Limited,
specifically, Nigel, who served as a knowledgeable, pleasant and most interesting guide.
Nigel provided visual experiences, enhanced by his study and planning as well as expanding upon the information provided by Steve. He also showed excitement about what he had learned and was able to share with us.
The second day Nigel focused on sharing more about the areas to be explored including monuments, parks, open range livestock areas and topographical features. We were delighted to see and begin to understand the varied areas through our guide’s eyes and experience. We heartily recommend Select South West Tours Limited,
specifically, Nigel, who served as a knowledgeable, pleasant and most interesting guide.
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for leaving your review, and I am delighted you enjoyed your tour with Nigel. We love doing the family history tours and try hard to make sure we give you the best experience we can. I am so glad that it met your expectations.
Thanks again
James
Written 30 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lizzyloowho
Marco Island, FL9 contributions
May 2023
Our group of two couples had the best time of our lives with our four day tour with Nigel. We wanted to see everything we could in the shortest amount of time we had, and Select South West Tours definitely delivered. Nigel was very knowledgeable about the area and was quick to make adjustments if necessary. He showed us the real beauty of Cornwall and Devon and didnt mind when we squealed at the Poldark filming locations! He made the whole trip so much fun! We still talk about Nigel and our tour and say it was the best experience ever.
Written 8 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much ! Nigel said he had great time as well , and I am delighted you enjoyed your trip around Devon and Cornwall. Thanks again for taking the trouble to leave your review..come back soon !
Best wishes
James
Written 21 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deborah E
1 contribution
Aug 2023
We have taken many private tours and our day with Tim from Select South West Tours was one of the best yet. Tim met us at our rental house and took our family (including 4 little girls) on a fantastic tour of the North Cornwall Coast included Bedruthen Steps, Boscastle, Port Issac and Bodmin Moor/Minions stone circles. Tim's enthusiasm and knowledge of the area made our day most enjoyable. With little children in mind, Tim made sure to incorporate regular stops with fun activities, including ice cream at the cafe at Bedruthen Steps. As for the adults, we particularly enjoyed learning about the history of Cornwall and we appreciated Tim booking a table at Boscastle Farm Shop where we enjoyed a lovely lunch. We will definitely book another tour with Tim at Select South West Tours next time we visit the area.
Written 7 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am delighted you enjoyed your tour with Tim, and thanks so much for taking the trouble to leave your review. We try hard to tailor or adapt each tour to the needs of our customers and I am so glad Tim was able to deliver you a memorable experience. I k ow he enjoyed showing you around.
Thanks again
James
Written 21 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brian P
Kitchener, Canada1 contribution
Jul 2023
I hired SW Tours to provide a driver/guide for me as I traced my family roots through Cornwall and Devon over 2 days. It was expensive but absolutely worth the money. Mark was friendly and knowledgeable and was able to help me track down and get to out of the way places I never could have got to on my own. The restaurants he recommended for me to eat in were without fail excellent and our conversation over the two days was unflaggingly companionable and entertaining. I highly recommend South West Tours to anyone interested in using them!
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thans so much Brian for taking the trouble to leave your review. I am so glad you enjoyed your tour with Mark , and I know he also enjoyed the 2 days.
Thanks again
James
Written 21 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Donna S
5 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
How can we sum up our experience with James Coulton? I I think by declaring it was the best tour of anywhere we have ever had, and we have the years (80+) and travel experience to prove it!
James had knowledge, maps, videos,
story-telling chops, personality, flexibility, driving prowess, and luggage strength — all that we could ever have dreamed of.
Thank you, James, for a fantastic holiday in Cornwall and Devon!
James had knowledge, maps, videos,
story-telling chops, personality, flexibility, driving prowess, and luggage strength — all that we could ever have dreamed of.
Thank you, James, for a fantastic holiday in Cornwall and Devon!
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much! It was so lovely to show you around Cornwall and Devon and I am delighted that you had such a good time. Thank you for your lively review
Written 21 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Allyson N
Toronto, Canada85 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Our family of two adults and a 14 yr old just completed a one-week ‘Agatha Christie/Arthur Conan Doyle’ tour of Cornwall and Devon with Nigel. Nigel’s passion for the area was contagious and he clearly loves what he does.
Nigel was knowledgable, punctual and kind and very accommodating with some changes we asked him to make to the itinerary. He also tucked in lots of references to Beatles-related sites, to the enjoyment of our teen.
We don’t normally do guided tours but it was such a delight to relax and let Nigel take care of all the details - and the narrow, twisty lanes!
We had a truly unforgettable tour and will be recommending Select South West Tours to our friends and family.
Nigel was knowledgable, punctual and kind and very accommodating with some changes we asked him to make to the itinerary. He also tucked in lots of references to Beatles-related sites, to the enjoyment of our teen.
We don’t normally do guided tours but it was such a delight to relax and let Nigel take care of all the details - and the narrow, twisty lanes!
We had a truly unforgettable tour and will be recommending Select South West Tours to our friends and family.
Written 21 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your very kind review. I am delighted you enjoyed the tour with Nigel so much. Thank you for taking the time to pass on your lovely comments.
Best
James
Written 22 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Meander07339217856
3 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
May I say what a wonderful service provided by Mark and James, outstanding. The investment in a private tour cannot be underestimated. I visited some incredible locations. I will not forget Port Issac - a gem. Mark and I will remember taking our shoes and socks to cross the causeway at St Michael’s Mount. Thank you again to Mark and James. Gary
Written 3 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is so kind of you to take the time to leave your lovely review. Thank you for your kind words I am glad you enjoyed the trip with Mark so much .
Thanks again
James
Written 22 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pamela H
Greenville, NC, United States7 contributions
We are looking for a guide for a one-day tour of Dartmoor National Park on September 12, 13 or 14. We mainly need a driver as we understand driving in the park can be a bit tricky. We do not need narration, as we mainly want to view scenery and do several short hikes. We plan to be in Cornwall with a rental car on the other two days. We can meet a guide for Dartmoor at any location that is convenient. Thank you for any help you can provide in finding a driver/guide for Dartmoor NP on one of those dates.
SelectSouthWestTours
Plymouth, UK
Hi
Thanks for your question.we could provide a driver guide on 12 or 14th at the moment. Suggest you check our website for more details Select South west tours
Thanks
CAROLYN L
Crestline, OH32 contributions
We are looking at the tour that includes Port Isaac and Tintagel. We will have our 86 year old parents with us. Is there any alternative way to get into Tintagel? My dad really wants to see it, he can walk but it is slow going. Your help is appreciated!
HPandDisprin
Plymouth, UK7 contributions
There are a couple of options Carolyn. Can you e mail me to discuss.?
Best wishes
James