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 explore by rail, river and road including fascinating landmarks connected to Agatha Christie.
Brixham harbour
Dartmouth Steam Railway & Riverboat credit Dartmouth Steam Railway
Kents Cavern, courtesy of Visit Devon
Torquay
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 Agatha Christie English Riviera Experience
Start your day with a 30-minute presentation at the hotel, where you will immerse yourself in the life and inspirations of Agatha Christie, the world’s best-selling novelist. Following the presentation, enjoy a 2-hour guided coach tour of the English Riviera, with stops at key landmarks associated with Agatha Christie. After the tour, you will take a 60-minute exploration of Kents Cavern, the oldest home in Britain, which has a direct connection to Agatha Christie’s family. Finally, unwind with a delicious Devonshire cream tea before returning to the hotel.
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
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
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
Mercure Paignton Hotel
Paignton, Devon
Overlooking Paignton seafront, the Mercure Paignton enjoys what must be one of the best locations on the English Riviera, with Paignton beach and pier easy strolls away. The modern facade of the hotel opens to sophisticated interiors which echo Paignton’s 19th century seafront houses and the geology of the surrounding UNESCO Global Geopark, with natural materials and inviting furnishings in natural tones dominating each space. The stylish restaurant serves contemporary all-day cuisine either indoors or on its sea-facing terrace, and the lounge bar is a chic spot for drinks. The comfortable rooms continue the natural colour palette, and feature a smart TV, iron, safe, Wi-Fi and tea and coffee facilities.
BarLiftNewParking Off Site & ChargeableRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
Inclusions
- Dartmouth Steam Railway steam train & 1 hour cruise (return)
- 30-minute presentation at the hotel telling Agatha Christie’s story
- 2-hour guided coach tour
- 60-minute Kent Cavern tour
- Devonshire Cream Tea
See quote for hotel inclusions
Marine Hotel
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £320pp
No Single Supplement (max 7 incl driver)
Based on Monday arrivals
Headland Hotel
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £356pp
No Single Supplement (max 6 incl driver)
Based on Monday arrivals
Mercure Paignton Hotel
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £464pp
No single supplement (max 3 including the driver)
Based on Monday arrivals
