Paignton is a gorgeous base from which to discover South Devon, and we include plenty to make our summer break enjoyable, exploring the coast, towns and rivers of the English Riviera.
Day 1 From your taxi to your tour coach then westwards through Dorset and into Devon. We reach Paignton late afternoon, in time to relax before dinner and our first night entertainment.
Day 2 A morning excursion to Torquay followed by a free afternoon in Paignton.
Day 3 We spend a superb day of ‘steam and cruise’ as we first join the Dartmouth Steam Railway for a nostalgic ride along the coast and across to the scenic Dart Valley to Kingswear. Here we board the passenger ferry for the short journey across the harbour to historic Dartmouth. After some free time for exploration, we enjoy a one-hour cruise along the River Dart. Finally we return by ferry to Kingswear and reboard our train for the return ride to Paignton. (Order of day depends on tides.)
Day 4 Today we visit the maritime city of Plymouth, with naval history stretching back to Sir Francis Drake and the Spanish Armada. Stroll on Plymouth Hoe, visit the famous Mayflower Steps and get some lunch in one of the many cafés. In the afternoon we visit Saltram, a house full of treasures set high above the River Plym with magnificent views across the estuary.
Day 5 Leaving our hotel after breakfast we return home making suitable refreshment stops along the way.
Part of the prestigious Duchy Hotels group, our three-star hotel lies a short walk from the centre of Paignton and the seafront. There is a fine restaurant, cosy bar and an indoor swimming pool on site, and bedrooms have TV, telephone, WiFi, hairdryer and hospitality tray. The hotel has a lift and there is entertainment each evening of our stay.
