3 minute read
Devonshire Coast & Dartmoor
Barnstaple • Lynton • Lynmouth • RHS Rosemoor • Dartington Crystal • Clovelly • Harland Abbey • Dartmoor • South Devon Steam Railway • Buckfast Abbey
Clovelly
2022
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
2023
Your tour includes
• Four nights in four-star accommodation • The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager
(B) Daily Breakfast, (D) 2 Dinners Prices are per person. For departure dates, prices and flights, please call or visit our website.
YOUR EXPERIENCES • 9 visits including Clovelly, Harland
Abbey & Gardens, Lynton, Lynmouth,
RHS Rosemoor Gardens, Porlock and
Buckfast Abbey & Gardens • Take a scenic journey of the South
Devon Steam Railway and enjoy a scenic boat trip along the river Dart • Enjoy afternoon tea at Harland Abbey • Tour the last remaining glass workshop in the UK at Dartington
Crystal
Discover the best of the Devonshire Coast and Dartmoor. Embrace the rich history of the area entwined with its natural beauty on visits to Harland and Buckfast Abbey, the South Devon Steam Railway, the beautiful Gardens at RHS Rosemoor and the famously steep, cobbled street of Clovelly.
Your itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival in Barnstaple
After settling in this country-house style hotel along the River Taw, perhaps explore the local shops and historic pannier market before dinner. (D)
DAY 2 – Lynton, Lynmouth & RHS Rosemoor
We follow the coast on our journey, passing Croyde and Woolacombe bay. Nestled where Exmoor meets the sea, picturesque Lynton and Lynmouth are connected by the cliff railway – the highest and steepest fully water powered Victorian railway in the world. Despite these connections and proximity, the two villages have their own distinct appeal. Perched at the top, lively Lynton is a Victorian village with plenty of character, whereas Lynmouth has a more romantic appeal, with rows of charming fishing cottages clustering around the pretty harbour. There’s plenty of time to explore these pretty villages before we continue through the national park to Porlock. We conclude with a drive to RHS Rosemoor Gardens, the enchanting 65-acre garden offering fabulous seasonal displays. (B) + Included Experiences – Visits to Lynton, Lynmouth, RHS Rosemoor Gardens and Porlock
DAY 3 – Dartington Crystal, Clovelly & Harland Abbey with afternoon tea
We head to Dartington Crystal to visit the UK’s last remaining glass workshop. The art of glass-making takes years to perfect, we’ll take the overhead walkways to see the skilled crafts people at work. Next, we step back in time with a visit to the steep, cobbled streets of Clovelly. After time to explore, it’s onward to Harland Abbey and Gardens. Built in the 12th century, Henry VIII gifted it to the Sergeant of his Wine Cellar at Hampton Court, William Abbott. It is now a stately home, where Abbott’s descendants still live. After discovering its treasures, we have a delicious afternoon cream tea in the Abbey’s tea rooms. (B) + Included Experiences – Guided tour of Dartington Crystal workshop, visit to Clovelly and Harland Abbey and Gardens with afternoon tea.
DAY 4 – Dartmoor, South Devon Steam Railway & Buckfast Abbey
We head through Dartmoor National
Our hand-picked hotel
As this is a single-centre tour, we stay at the same hand-picked hotel in Barnstaple for 4 nights, with breakfast and 2 dinners. Imperial Hotel, Barnstaple HHHH
Park to Buckfast Abbey, home to a working community of Benedictine monks. Originally founded by King Canute, like Harland, it remained an abbey until Henry the VIII dissolved the monasteries. We learn more about the Abbey with time to wander in the awardwinning gardens. Next we board the South Devon Steam railway. The stations have been restored to their former glory and the line runs along the stunning valley of the river Dart. We then take a scenic boat trip to the pretty town of Dartmouth. (On some occasions the trip may operate in reverse). After a fantastic day, we return to the hotel for dinner. (B,D) + Included Experiences – Visit Buckfast Abbey, enjoy a scenic boat trip and ride the steam railway
DAY 5 – Return home
After breakfast, we return home. (B)
Based on 13 reviews