Viv Robinson

Profile updated 30/05/23

Regional Qualification(s):

South West

Language(s):

English

Phone Number(s):

01209-821295, 07775-774083

Read more about me:

Contact guide

Introduction:

I grew up in Cornwall like my ancestors some of whom emigrated from Cornwall to countries where they could make a living seeking out gold and other treasures from hard rock mines of the USA, South Africa & South America.

Living amidst the UNESCO Cornish Mining World Heritage Sites between the North and South coasts of Cornwall, and being but a stone’s throw from Truro, I especially love sharing local knowledge, culture and traditions to provide unique experiences for visitors. As an experienced SW Blue Badge Guide, Champion for the UNESCO Cornish Mining World Heritage Sites and 'Cultural Ambassador' for Cornwall, I organise and guide for tours on foot, in coaches, in chauffeur driven cars with a driver and on public transport as desired.

Day tours starting from several locations across Cornwall and Devon are a speciality as are extended tours across the Southwest region, crossing the wider area of Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

South West England boasts the longest coastline in the country and a variety of scenic landscapes. Join me to explore wild moorlands of Dartmoor or Exmoor, wander around quaint villages on the Roseland peninsula or historic harbours at Port Isaac, Polperro or St Ives. Stop off at Lanhydrock House, St Michael’s Mount or another stately home, each with colourful gardens. Of several historic cities - Exeter, Truro or Wells with their magnificent cathedrals are not to be missed.

Mining, moorland and coastal landscapes form iconic backdrops to popular film and television productions. ‘Doc Martin’, ‘Poldark’, 'Jamaica Inn', Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes mysteries have been filmed in picturesque locations across the area that are often ‘off the beaten track’.
Follow in the wake of King Arthur at Tintagel Castle, Glastonbury Abbey or Land’s End. Legends, stories and folklore are part of a rich heritage based in part on Celtic culture.

I am pleased to offer the following guiding services, including itinerary planning:-

• Private tailor made tours discerning travellers - guide plus driver
• Tours from cruise ship ports of Penzance, Falmouth, Fowey, Plymouth, Torquay, Dartmouth, Ilfracombe
• Familiarisation, panoramic, special interest or themed tours for coach groups
• Ancestry tours across Cornwall and Devon.
• Corporate tours for conference delegates and partners
• Coastal, countryside and city heritage walks and talks

Working with inbound and UK groups I guarantee providing a well organised tour delivered in a friendly and enthusiastic style. There is no substitute for local knowledge.

Personal Interests:

Literature - Winston Graham, Daphne Du Maurier, Rosamunde Pilcher, Agatha Christie
Walks -Town, City, Harbour and Countryside - SW Coastpath
Cornish Gardens - National Trust, Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Michael's Mount
PanoramicTours - West Penwith, North Cornwall, North Devon, Lizard , Land's End, Dartmoor, Plymouth
Cornish Mining World Heritage Sites - industrial and social history - ancestry
Legend, Folklore & Trraditions - Cornwall
Film and TV Connections - Poldark, Doc Martin, Agatha Christie mysteries and many film locations across Cornwall and the SW.
Stately Homes and Castles - Lanhydrock, St Michael's Mount, Pencarrow, Tintagel,Pendennis & St Mawes Castles
Southwest Regional tours

Special Interests:

Folklore & Traditions

Stories of giants, mermaids, ghosts and quirky festivals that honour famous and infamous characters. Celebrate seasonal events with Cornish street theatre in Padstow, Helston or Penzance. Meet with a mermaid, on a ‘Landscape Legend and Folklore’ tour, or walk in the footsteps of giants, spriggans and ghosts! Get involved with Trevithick Day, Murdoch Day, the'Obby 'Oss or Helston Flora Day.

Geography & Geology

Such variety! From the Jurassic Coast to the high cliffs in North Devon, the granite moorlands and lode bearing rocks that surround them - geology has shaped lives and brought fame, fortune & ruin to families who relied on traditional industries. A tour of ‘Dartmoor villages and ancient settlements’ can be arranged to suit.
The ancient geology of the Lizard peninsula gives rise to a unique landscape that offers some of England’s top walks. From England’s most Southerly point the SW Coast Path hugs the rugged coastline where Cornish Chough or Atlantic Grey Seal may be spotted below cliffs swathed in colourful flowers.

Industrial Heritage

The Cornish Mining World Heritage Sites, rich in industrial archaeology, villages and harbours give a fascinating insight into the ingenuity and engineering skills. Hear stories of boom and bust and how miners emigrated to far flung lands. Cornwall has close connections with the USA. The ‘Fish, Tin and Copper’ tour offers a fascinating insight into past lifestyles of the mining communities from the era brought to life in the BBC ‘Poldark’ series. Many picturesque harbours associated with fishing, tin & china clay export are of interest.

Lecture Subjects

Cornish towns and their history. St Ives, Penzance, Falmouth, Truro, Newquay

Literature

Rosamund Pilcher walks & tours. Winston Graham - Poldark walks and tours

Regional Tours

South West Heritage - Devon Cornwall Somerset Avon

Walking Tours

Heritage town walks, landscapes, legends and folklore of Cornwall, Maritime walks, town orientation walks. Poldark Walks

International Links

Are you one of the 6 million people worldwide descended from Cornish miners? Descendants of the Mayflower sailing in 1620 may be tempted by a ‘Mayflower 400’ tour, an exclusive ‘Personal Ancestry’ or ‘US Connection’ tour in Devon and Cornwall.

Endorsements:

Virtual Tours

Additional Qualifications:

Cert.Ed. B.Ed. HNCLeisure & Tourism Mgt. ITGTrainer

Driver Guide:

No