Private Guiding Across the South West
The South West of England — Devon and Cornwall together — is one of the most diverse and rewarding touring regions in Britain. Two counties, two coastlines, one national park, thousands of years of history, and a landscape that changes character every few miles.
As a South West tour guide, Michelle McHale offers private, bespoke journeys across the whole region — from the ancient moorlands of Dartmoor to the far Atlantic tip of Land's End. Learn more about Michelle on the about page.
Devon and Cornwall: Two Counties, One Journey
Most visitors to the South West see Devon or Cornwall — rarely both, in depth, in the hands of a single guide who knows both counties equally well. Travelling with a Blue Badge Guide for Devon and Cornwall means both counties open up fully: the right places for the right interests, the hidden connections between history and landscape, and the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and an exceptional one.
We offer two ways to travel — driver-guided in a luxury Mercedes V Class, or guided alongside a professional driver. Read more about our travel options.
Multi-Day South West Itineraries
A single day can show you the best of Devon or the best of Cornwall. But the South West really reveals itself over time. Multi-day touring — staying in the region and exploring outward from a comfortable base — allows for a depth of experience that a single day simply cannot offer.
An extended itinerary might take in Dartmoor on day one, the south Cornish coast and Falmouth on day two, and the far west of Cornwall on day three. Every multi-day journey is planned around your interests, pace, and accommodation. Enquire about a multi-day South West tour.
UK-Wide Collection & London Transfers
For overseas guests arriving into the UK, Escape South West offers guided transfers from London airports, mainline stations, and hotels. The journey from London to the South West — across the rolling Wiltshire downs, through Somerset, and into Devon — is itself a pleasure when guided well.
Many guests from the USA, Spain, Australia, and Latin America choose to begin their South West experience from the moment they land. Read more about UK-wide guiding and transfers.
Bespoke Travel Planning
Every Escape South West journey begins with a conversation. Whether you have a detailed wishlist or simply know you want to see the best of the South West, the planning process is collaborative and unhurried. Interests, group size, pace, accommodation preferences, and dates all feed into a suggested itinerary — refined until it feels exactly right.
There is no fixed menu and no pressure. The aim is a journey that feels genuinely designed for you. Start planning your South West tour.
Your Guide: Michelle McHale
Michelle holds the Blue Badge qualification for Devon and Cornwall — the highest tourist guide qualification in the UK, awarded by the Institute of Tourist Guiding after rigorous independent examination. She is also a Plymouth Green Badge Guide and a fluent Spanish speaker, making Escape South West a natural choice for visitors from Spain, Latin America, and beyond.
With over 20 years of professional guiding experience and two decades living and working in the South West, she brings a rare combination of world perspective and genuine local depth to every journey. Read more on the about page.