2025 - Secrets of North Devon

Back for 2025, this terrific tour is based in the attractive market town of Barnstaple on the River Taw and explores one of the country's most beautiful regions. Experience the beauty of a glorious quintessentially English garden, visit North Devon's 'Hot Spot' at Dartington, home of British Crystal since 1967, uncover the secrets of the UK's largest honey farm and enjoy an indulgent honey cream tea! Staying in a top quality hotel, come and discover picturesque landscapes, pretty coastal towns, glorious Exmoor, West Country hospitality and uncover a few of North Devon's secrets!Your Itinerary
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, head South West, stopping for lunch and refreshments en-route before your arrival at the 4* Park Hotel in Barnstaple later today, ready for your first evening meal together. DBBDay 2 - 4 At leisure in North Devon with three included excursionsINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nDartington Crystal & RHS Rosemoor Gardens\nDartington is Britain's only remaining Crystal manufacturer. Discover the process of turning glass into handcrafted luxury items with the opportunity to watch the skilled craftsmen and women bring intricate designs to life. The blowing room, also known as 'the hot end', at the heart of the factory is where the glass begins to take shape. White hot molten 24% lead crystal is gathered on a blowing pipe (known as an iron) before it is skilfully mouth-blown and hand crafted with amazing precision into shape. NB the overheads galleries involve stairs. Onto the finishing area where items are carefully inspected before finishing your visit in the spectacular glass shop and visitor centre. This afternoon's highlight is a visit to RHS Rosemoor, nestled in the Torridge Valley, where formal and informal plantings blend to magical effect. Rosemoor is an enchanting place to visit in every season with two outstanding rose gardens (best enjoyed in Spring) and the colour themed Hot Garden with waves of plants chosen for their heat and vibrancy. A springtime fanfare awaits in the Cherry Garden and the Cool Garden and Long Border flourish in Autumn as Hydrangeas bloom across the garden.Morning in Barnstaple & Quince Honey Farm with honey cream tea\nFree time this morning to get to know Barnstaple, regarded as North Devon's central town and social heart due to the wide range of amenities it offers. You can enjoy the charm and friendly atmosphere of one of Britain's largest indoor markets at Barnstaple's famous Pannier Market. Largely unchanged in over 150 years, the historic market has a wide range of stalls, with everything from fresh local produce, flowers and crafts, to prints and pictures, fashion and much more. This afternoon's visit takes you to South Molton and the Quince Honey Farm, the UK's largest honey farm, first established in 1949. A guided tour will show you the highlights - the unique hexagonal themed Nectar Gardens where thousands of bee friendly plants are displayed as well as the Honey Factory and honey production areas - from the flower to the jar. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious honey cream tea in the Nectary Restaurant.Exmoor & North Devon Coast\nEnjoy a full day out through the glorious scenery of Exmoor and the North Devon Coast. Travel through the heart of Exmoor National Park via Simonsbath and nip into Somerset and picturesque Dunster, one of the best-preserved medieval villages in the country. Overlooked by Dunster Castle, owned by the National Trust (entrance not included - approx. £17 pp in 2024), and whose origins go back 1,000 years, Dunster village is a delight to explore with its wide main street, Yarn Market and pretty West Street with its small houses, shops, and restaurants. Return along the spectacular coast road to the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth. Made popular by Victorian holidaymakers and often referred to as 'Little Switzerland', these two pretty little villages are connected by an incredible cliff railway (not included).Day 5 - After breakfast, return homewards with a stop en-route for refreshments and to stretch your legs. Head onto interchange before arriving back at your local joining points early to mid-evening.

Holiday Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast and dinner- Porterage included- Tea /coffee after dinner- Three included excursions as stated- Entrance to Dartington Crystal with factory visit- Entrance to RHS Rosemoor Gardens- Guided tour of Quince Honey Farm with honey cream tea- Excursion to Exmoor & North Devon CoastBrend Hotel in Barnstaple
\nPARK HOTEL BARNSTAPLE\nThe quality 4* Park Hotel is part of the family run Brend Hotel group and is a modern property located next to a leafy park. Following a multi-million-pound redevelopment, The Park offers exceptional accommodation, stylish dining and quality service. Gleaming marble, cool whites and greys, sumptuous leather sofas and mirrored surfaces set the tone with guestrooms offering contemporary furnishings, in-room safe, free WiFi, hairdryer and tea / coffee making facilities. There is a modern brasserie restaurant, stylish bar and sun terrace. There is a lift.\n\nNB Some rooms may be allocated in the Courtyard area at the rear of the hotel, just a few steps away from the main building. Park view twin / double rooms are available at a supplement of £30 per room per night. Other upgraded rooms on request