Torquay, South Devon & Dartmoor National Park

None given.Description
With its iconic palm trees, continental harbour and golden beaches, Torquay is the perfect location to enjoy a seaside getaway in the heart of the English Riviera. We explore this lovely landscape with a cruise on the picturesque River Dart, a scenic drive through the awe-inspiring Dartmoor National Park and spend time in the beautiful town of Dartmouth, where the blue waters are fringed by colourful hillside houses. There's also a chance to visit the pretty fishing port of Brixham and the traditional town of Teignmouth on our Devon adventure.

Itinerary
Included ExcursionsDartmoor National Park: Buckfast Abbey, Princetown & Tavistock (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 continue on a scenic drive through Dartmoor National Park; this wild heart of Devon is peppered with moss-blanketed boulders, honey-coloured heaths, tinkling streams and cinematic granite tors. Look out for rare wildlife before we reach our next stop; Princetown. This tiny moorland outpost is home to the foreboding Dartmoor prison and the Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre, which was once the Old Duchy Hotel where Arthur Conan Doyle penned the eerie The Hound of the Baskervilles.Our next stop is Tavistock. This classic West Country market town is the gateway to the Cornwall and West Devon Mining World Heritage Site. Explore the old streets, which throng with an eclectic mix of small independent shops and delicatessens and peek behind the Town Hall to discover the award-winning and historic Pannier Market.Dartmouth, River Dart Cruise & Totnes (full day)We start the day with some time at leisure in the riverside town of Dartmouth. Former home of Agatha Christie, it is easily one of Devon's prettiest destinations. Explore the pastel-coloured buildings leaning at angles and the picturesque harbour laden with yachts and pleasure boats.Next, we enjoy a relaxing cruise along the calm waters of the River Dart, where we admire the magnificent buildings including the Britannia Royal Naval College and Agatha Christie's Greenway Estate. Cameras at the ready for the Sharpham Estate with its vineyards, and steep, toppling wooded hillsides plunging down to the water's edge.We disembark in the historic market town of Totnes, a helter-skelter of charming streets and fine Tudor buildings nestled beneath the silhouette of the sturdy Norman castle. We have time to explore the boutique shops famed for their range of ethical products, whole foods and fair trade goods.Please note: the cruise itinerary may operate in reverse order subject to sailing times.Optional ExcursionBrixham & Teignmouth - £14pp (full day)Join our optional excursion where we first visit Brixham, an attractive port fringed with colourful fisher cottages on the surrounding hillsides. Explore the winding streets, snug with bustling arcades and gift shops. The horseshoe harbour is well worth a look too, being home to a replica of Sir Francis Drake's ship, the Golden Hind.Afterwards, we head to Teignmouth, a handsome estuary town which has the benefits of a bustling harbour as well as the classic attractions of a seaside resort. It boasts an elegant Georgian crescent, promenade and Victorian pier with fine views across the bay.

Coach Bullets
- Return coach travel- 4 nights at a selected hotel in Torquay (JG2 or JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Entertainment some evenings- Excursions to Buckfast Abbey, Princetown, Tavistock, Dartmouth & Totnes- Scenic drive through Dartmoor National Park- Cruise on the River DartOptional excursion to Brixham & Teignmouth (£14pp)

Search Bullets
- 4 nights at a selected hotel in Torquay (JG2 or JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Entertainment some evenings- Excursions to Buckfast Abbey, Princetown, Tavistock, Dartmouth & Totnes- Scenic drive through Dartmoor National Park- Cruise on the River Dart

JG2
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.

JG3
Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.Selected Hotel
We'll stay at one of two hotels in Torquay:Riviera Hotel, Torquay (JG3 rating)The friendly Riviera Hotel is located in the heart of Torquay, just a short walk from the beach. The hotel offers en-suite rooms with a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee-making facilities, a restaurant, a show bar with nightly entertainment, a sports bar, an indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi.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.