Torquay Cruise & Devon Steam
Holiday Highlights
Included Excursion
Buckfast Abbey, Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary & the South Devon Railway (full day) Home to a community of Benedictine monks, Buckfast Abbey lies on the banks of the River Dart. Here, we soak up the peaceful atmosphere and explore the beautiful Abbey church with its art treasures. There’s also time to wander the tranquil gardens and browse the gift and produce shops. We then travel to the outside the southern edge of Dartmoor National Park, Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary where we can see the beautiful collection of tropical butterflies and learn about their amazing life cycle in their specially designed rainforest habitat. Wander around the otter sanctuary, home to three species of otter: the native British otter, the Asian short-clawed otter and the large North American river otter.
Our trip then takes us to Buckfast station where we experience a nostalgic journey on the award-winning South Devon Railway. Built in 1872 and initially known as the Dart Valley Railway, this line is the longest established steam railway in the south west. On this special train journey we take in some of Devon’s most picturesque countryside along the stunning valley of the River Dart.
Cruising the River Exe & Exmouth (full day)
Today we enjoy a lovely cruise along the beautiful River Exe, Devon’s main river and a nationally celebrated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Admire the stunning scenery, keep a watch out for the local wildlife and revel in the peaceful surroundings as we cruise these calm waters. Later we spend some free time in Exmouth. One of the oldest seaside towns in Devon, Exmouth offers a lovely small harbour and two miles of sandy beach, perfect for a stroll along the shoreline, and is the gateway to the World Heritage Jurassic Coast with its dramatic cliffs and stunning views.
Optional Excursion Teignmouth – £11pp (half day)
Join our optional half-day excursion along the coast to where the River Teign meets the sea. There, we will find tucked below the Haldon hills, the delightful town of Teignmouth. There is plenty to see and enjoy including a beautiful long sandy beach, a busy harbour, a host of charming Georgian buildings, and the picturesque 150-year-old Victorian ‘Grand Pier’.
What's Included
Return coach travel
4 nights at a selected hotel in Torquay (JG2 rating) with dinner & breakfast
Entertainment some evenings
Heritage train journey on the South Devon Railway
Cruise on the River Exe
Excursion to Buckfast Abbey & Buckfast Butterfly Farm & Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary
Free time in Exmouth
Optional excursion to Teignmouth (£11pp)
Selected Hotel
We’ll stay at one of two hotels:
The Trecarn Hotel, Torquay (JG2 rating)
The Trecarn Hotel is located in a peaceful area just a short level stroll from the stunning Babbacombe Downs in Torquay. The friendly hotel offers a bar, lounge, restaurant and comfortable en-suite rooms with a TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. Meals are buffet style.
Burlington Hotel, Torquay (JG2 rating)
Just a short distance from Torquay’s harbour, town centre and beach, the lovely Burlington Hotel offers en-suite bedrooms with a TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel also features a bar, lounge, restaurant and games room.
Hotel Rating
Hotels with a JG2 rating are a mixture of larger hotels and privately owned properties. Décor and furnishings may be simple but are clean and well maintained. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities, TV and may have tea/coffee making facilities. Food may be buffet style in some of the larger hotels. Services may be limited but efficient.