Torquay is called the ‘English Riviera’ because of its mild climate and exotic plants. Enjoy its parks, bustling harbour, illuminated promenade and popular theatres. This tour allows you to discover the glorious South Devon region but at a relaxed leisurely pace.
Day 1 FRIDAY We travel west by coach, making suitable refreshment stops along the way and arriving at our hotel in Torquay to relax before dinner.
Day 2 SATURDAY Today is your chance to explore Torquay. Known as the ‘Queen of the English Riviera’ Torquay is one of England’s best loved resorts. Explore the harbour, enjoy a stroll along the promenade or some shopping in the town centre. Relax in and around the hotel and watch the world go by.
Day 3 SUNDAY Today is all about exploration and sightseeing. We start by boarding a Dartmouth Steam Railway train at Paignton and enjoy a 30-minute journey to Kingswear, with breathtaking views of the coastline along the way. On arrival, we cross the River Dart on the foot passenger ferry to Dartmouth from where we join a 1-hour circular river cruise, passing amazing scenery, including Kingswear and Dartmouth Castles, Dittisham village and the Royal Britannia Naval College. From the cruise, we can also see Greenway House, Agatha Christie’s home from 1938 to 1976, which featured in several of her novels and which she described as “the most perfect” of the houses on the River Dart. On returning to Dartmouth, we retrace our steps to board our train and return to Paignton.
Day 4 MONDAY Today we visit Buckfast Abbey, where we soak up the peaceful atmosphere and explore the beautiful Abbey church. We continue through the Dartmoor National Park; this wild heart of Devon is peppered with moss-blanketed boulders, honey-coloured heaths, tinkling streams and cinematic granite tors. We visit Princetown, home to the foreboding Dartmoor prison and the Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre
Day 5 TUESDAY A day at leisure in Torquay.
Day 6 WEDNESDAY We head to the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth this morning, from where we enjoy a 1-hour return harbour cruise across the Plymouth Sound, past Plymouth Hoe and Drake’s Island, heading to the Royal Naval Dockyard. Free time in the afternoon to explore at leisure.
Day 7 THURSDAY A morning at leisure in Torquay followed by an afternoon visit to Brixham with its quaint narrow streets heading up from the waterfront. In the harbour is a replica of the Golden Hind, Sir Frances Drake’s ship. Watch the many boats heading across the bay to Torquay and beyond.
Day 8 FRIDAY We depart after breakfast and have a stop in Dorchester en route, reaching the local area mid-afternoon.
Originally built as a private home for the Russian royal family, this elegant hotel is set in two acres of grounds on the headland with stunning views across the bay. The hotel boasts restaurant, lounge, entertainment room, spa with two hydro pools, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and treatment rooms. Bedrooms have TV, telephone, hairdryer and hospitality tray. The hotel has Wi-Fi and a lift to most rooms.
