Torquay & the English Riviera

Day 1

Travel to Torquay.

Day 2

A leisurely start for a drive along the famous south Devon coast, often referred to as the English Riviera because of it's mild climate and sub-tropical palm trees, giving that real continental, holiday feel! We visit Brixham, an old and picturesque working fishing port, where heritage trawlers jostle for space with dayboats heading out to sea for the day’s catch. We return via some free time in the resort of Paignton with its long stretch of beautiful and easily accessible beachfront, promenade, traditional pier, colourful beach huts and green.

Day 3

Full day at leisure in the traditional and thriving seaside town Torquay, with its iconic palm trees, busy harbour, international marina, sandy beach and wonderful array of shops, continental style cafes, restaurants and cocktail bars, the scene is set for the perfect Devon seaside holiday.
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Day 4

Another day at leisure in Torquay or join us for an OPTIONAL (£15 per person booked in advance) full day excursion to Sidmouth with free time to explore beautiful gardens, Regency history, clean beaches and friendly shops…. it’s all here in this lovely seaside town nestling beneath majestic red cliffs on the beautiful Jurassic Coast and the green hills of the glorious Sid Valley. We return via a stop in Exeter, perhaps taking the opportunity to visit the magnificent Cathedral or do a spot of shopping.

Day 5

Our included excursion today visits the beautiful town of Dartmouth - situated on the banks of the picturesque River Dart it is the Jewel of the South Hams with its ancient narrow streets housing boutique shops, art galleries & delicatessens. The cobbled market place features colourful stalls supplying local produce ech Friday, whilst he town is also renowned for its seafood, with many of its cafés, pubs and restaurants serving the local catch of the day.

Day 6

Today we head first to Buckfast Abbey, set in a picturesque valley on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, home to a community of Roman Catholic Benedictine Monks, who live their lives of prayer, work and study according to the ancient rule of St Benedict - visit the beautiful Abbey church, explore the colourful Abbey gardens and learn about Benedictine monastic life, from its origins to the present day in the immersive Monastic Way Exhibition. From here we head to Plymouth to spend the afternoon in the vibrant regional capital of Devon and Cornwall, well know for its historic maritime connections.

Day 7

Today, we return home.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner