The quintessential English Riviera boasts miles of stunning coastlines, picturesque villages, palm trees, piers, dramatic cliffs and its own mild microclimate, making it one of the top places to holiday in the UK. Plus, there are plenty of fantastic attractions to enjoy in the area!
Torquay
Brixham
Buckfast Abbey
River Dart Cruise Credit Dartmouth Steam Railway
Dartmouth Steam Railway Credit Dartmouth Steam Railway
Itinerary
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Cruise
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, 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 3 Torquay
We spend today at leisure in Torquay, exploring the thriving seaside resort. We can wander the palm tree lined streets, admire the pretty harbour area and enjoy a walk on the beach, or browse the excellent selection of shops and enjoy a bite to eat and a drink at one of the many cafés, restaurants and bars. We may also wish to visit the fascinating Torquay Museum, housed in an impressive Grade II listed building.
Day 4 Buckfast Abbey, Brixham & Torbay Sea Cruise
This morning we visit Buckfast Abbey, perched in the shadow of Dartmoor and surrounded by a beautiful wooded valley and the River Dart. At the heart of this working monastery is the Abbey Church, while the grounds are also home to a book shop, gift shop and Monastic Shop with an extraordinary selection of products made by nuns and monks. The tranquil gardens, including a lavender garden, provide the perfect place to stroll. We then travel to the fishing town of Brixham with free time to explore the harbour and have lunch. We return to Torquay on the Western Lady Ferry from Brixham to Torquay, admiring the panoramic views of the English Riviera as we sail.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Hotel
Headland Hotel
Torquay, Devon
Enjoying a dramatic clifftop location, this charming 3-star hotel has an excellent reputation for welcoming groups. Each of the 78 bedrooms is traditionally decorated in light colours with modern facilities including TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The large Romanoff Restaurant comes complete with sea views, and the Gallery Lounge & Terrace are spacious with plenty of seating. There is also a Hydro Spa with indoor heated hydro pool and massage/beauty treatments are also available. (Indoor heated hydro pool, is complimentary. Charges apply for massage/treatment rooms).
BarGround Floor RoomsLeisure FacilitiesLiftParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Marine Hotel, Devon
Paignton, Devon
Situated on a level position opposite Paignton seafront, the Marine Hotel is just a 5–10-minute walk from the town centre with its many shops and eateries. The 51 bedrooms are tastefully decorated and offer traditional furnishings with TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The dining room is bright with large windows. There is a traditional bar and lounge area and a conservatory with comfortable seating and views across to the seafront.
BarGround Floor RoomsLiftParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
Marine Hotel
Paignton, Devon
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £297pp
No Single Supplement (max 7 incl driver)
Based on Monday arrivals
Inclusions
• Dartmouth Steam Railway steam train & 1 hour cruise (return)
• Entrance to Buckfast Abbey (free of charge)
• Boat cruise Brixham – Torquay
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
Headland Hotel
Torquay, Devon
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £319pp
No Single Supplement (max 6 incl driver)
Based on Monday arrivals
Inclusions
• Dartmouth Steam Railway steam train & 1 hour cruise (return)
• Entrance to Buckfast Abbey (free of charge)
• Boat cruise Brixham – Torquay
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
