One of the highlights of our weekend away was a stop at Tintagel Castle. Located in Cornwall, this spot is supposedly the birthplace of King Arthur. A once magnificent castle stood on the rocky coastline, but today all that remains is ruins. Located underneath this grand cliffside is a mysterious cave. It is rumored that Merlin lived in the hallow until Arthur was born.

We started by following our fearless group leader Tony down the road to the starting point.

When we made it around the last curve, we were treated to this glorious view!

We saw a sneak peak of Merlin's cave before we ascended to the castle ruins. Don't worry, a full tour of the cave is to come...

Step after step we climbed to the top.

**Can you spot the little red kayaker?**

Chloe enjoyed playing daredevil for the afternoon and gave me multiple heart attacks while precariously posing.

The rocky coastline is truly stunning!

Finally we made our way back down to the beach to explore the shore and the CAVE!

I was really geeking out over it! I was one of the lucky few who wore waterproof shoes, so nothing could stop me from wading in.

**"I really hope there aren't any snakes in here."**

Photo op in front of a waterfall on a beach?! I'm comin for ya Sports Illustrated!

Back on the bus for our last stop of the weekend, we headed for Glastonbury! Unfortunately we were one week late from crashing their famous yearly music festival. But that didn't stop us from exploring the town. Starting with the Glastonbury Abbey!

We all got a chuckle out of this guy who was very sternly ordered to climb down from the ruin walls. There's an adventurist in all of us!

**"I think a chunk just came down with him."**

The lovely tour guide Eleanor led us around the grounds of the once magnificent abbey. We have King Henry VIII to thank for tearing this down during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536. He wanted a divorce, and the Pope wouldn't give it to him. So he decided to remove the Church of England from papal authority, then it was so long to all the monasteries.

Enjoying lunch al fresco in a beautiful oasis in downtown Glastonbury.

Next on the itinerary, a stop at the Chalice Well Gardens. This is considered the holiest place in all of England as it is believed to be the resting place of the Holy chalice.

Attractive gardens sprawl the grounds, and an eternal spring snakes down a long path.

It is believed that the holy water cures all ailments, so here's us taking a shot at it. It surprised me how much the water tastes like iron!

Photo cred by Ashley — **Photo cred by Ashley**

The final (I promise) trek of the day was up to Glastonbury Tor. Passing through a field of sheep was one of the most hilarious things I've ever experienced.

Tess and I stopped to take in the Glastonbury countryside. The top of the hill provides a great 360° view of its surroundings, including all of the sprawling patchwork farms.

Phew! That was a long post! But I just had to share with you the stunning vistas of Southwest England. Such a fun weekend that I'll cherish forever. I'm back in London as I'm typing this, so you have much more city fun to look forward to!