Torquay Cruise & Devon Steam

Enjoy the sights of the beautiful English Riviera and the welcome of Torquay, on this great-value break that features a packed itinerary of excursions, a delightful heritage railway journey, a scenic cruise on the River Exe and much more!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 ExmouthOptional excursion to Teignmouth (£11pp)

Itinerary
Included ExcursionBuckfast 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)\nToday 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.\n\nLater 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 viewsOptional 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'.

Torquay
Torquay has been one of the UK's top holiday destinations since Victorian times when the Riviera name was used to describe this favourite of resorts. Their legacy remains with sparkling white villas perched on the hilltops and elegant Victorian facades along the main streets to make a beautiful setting for a perfect coach break.\n\nTorquay's famous seven hills provide the backdrop to the waterfront, with 22 miles of coastline, cliffs, coves, beaches and walks to rival any in the South West of England and a climate that belongs somewhere much further south. Stunning views can be seen just about everywhere across the bay, out over the English Channel.\n\nTorquay is very much a place to relax, in the many pavement cafés, pubs and restaurants, so soak up the atmosphere, take in the scenery, stroll around the parks and the gardens - everything you need for a an enjoyable coach holiday in a traditional English seaside resort!


Buckfast Abbey
Buckfast Abbey lies on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, on the banks of the River Dart.\n\nFounded by King Canute in 1018, Buckfast Abbey was at the heart of the community until Catholic monasteries were dissolved by King Henry VIII. The site gradually fell into ruins, but was brought back to life by a group of exiled French monks. Between 1906 and 1937, they lovingly re-built the Abbey Church on the medieval foundations and re-established the monastery. The Benedictine monks who live here spend each day in prayer, work and study.\n\nAs well as visiting the beautiful Abbey Church, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and explore the tranquil grounds which include the Lavender, Sensory, Physic and award-winning Millennium Gardens. The Abbey shops have a range of unusual gifts, food and drink including Buckfast Abbey fudge, hand-made in the monastery kitchens.

Buckfast Butterfly Farm & Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary
Situated just outside the southern edge of Dartmoor National Park, Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary is a unique attraction run by a small, dedicated team.\n\nEnjoy direct contact with some of the most beautiful 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 and watch them play from the underwater viewing areas and in their large enclosures.

South Devon Railway
Experience a nostalgic journey on the award-winning South Devon Railway.
Built in 1872 and initially known as the Dart Valley Railway, this former Great Western Railway branch line is the longest established steam railway in the south west. The line runs for just over 6 miles between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, passing through some of Devon's most picturesque countryside along the stunning valley of the River Dart, and promises a wonderful trip for all ages.

Cruise on the River Exe
Enjoy a lovely cruise along the beautiful River Exe. Admire the stunning scenery, keep a watch out for the local wildlife and revel in the peaceful surroundings as we cruise these calm waters.
The River Exe is Devon's main river and is nationally celebrated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest as an important habitat for wading and migrating birds such as avocets, curlews, teal, oystercatchers, redshanks, and plovers. Resident seals are also a frequent sight on these cruises.
Live commentary from the skipper ensures we hear all about the fascinating history of the area as well as learning more about what this beautiful river has to offer. There's also a fully licenced bar on board serving a range of hot and cold refreshments and snacks.

Exmouth
The picturesque resort of Exmouth lies on the south-east coast of Devon, where the River Exe meets the sea. 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. This vibrant and bustling town is also home to many tempting bars, restaurants and cafés as well as an indoor market and a range of shops, perfect for a browse.Selected Hotel (JG2 rating) Selected Hotel (JG2 rating)
The Trecarn Hotel (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.