2027 - The English Riviera - 4* Torquay
- Duration: 5 days
- Board Basis: Half Board
- Tour Ref: D2TCRU9551
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
4 days
4 or 5 day tours
It may face the English channel, rather than the Med, but the coast around Torquay has long been dubbed the English Riviera - famous for palm trees, piers and russet-red cliffs. At first glance, Torquay itself is the quintessential English seaside resort with a mild microclimate and an azure circle of bay. Lovely to visit at any time of the year, Torquay enjoys a wonderfully mild climate and higher than average UK temperatures. It's even warm enough for palm trees to flourish all year round. The Torbay Palm has become the symbol of the English Riviera and has thrived in the area since it was brought over from New Zealand in 1820. Stay at the excellent Belgrave Sands Hotel, voted Crusader Holidays Hotel of the Year 2024!
The April tour visits Exeter with a guided tour of the magnificent cathedral and the June& October tours visits tranquil Buckfast Abbey & Gardens with a steam heritage train ride aboard the South Devon Railway
For holidays staying at 3* The Headland Hotelclick here
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Highlights
- Hotel for 3 or 4 nights in Torquay with dinner & breakfast
- Porterage
- Use of leisure facilities
- Leisure day in Torquay (all tours)
- Visit to Exeter with entrance & guided tour of Exeter Cathedral (April only)
- Devon Coast Drive with visits to Brixham & Dartmouth (June & October only)
- Visit to Buckfast Abbey with entrance to The Monastic Way Exhibition (June & October only)
- Return ride on the South Devon Railway Buckfastleigh - Totnes return (June & October only)
- Hotel entertainment some evenings
Your Itinerary
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach to the south coast enjoy an en-route stop for refreshments. Arrive at your resort hotel in Torquay late afternoon to check in for your 3 or 4-night stay. DBB
DAY 2 - 3 (or 4) At leisure in Torquay with one or two included excursions and a free day in Torquay (depending on tour duration)
Enjoy a day at leisure in Torquay on the magnificent 'English Riviera' with its palm-lined seafront and russet-red cliffs - perfect for a promenade. There is a good smattering of cafes and restaurants as well as the Torquay Museum (closed Monday & Tuesday 10.00 - 16.00 - entrance approx. £10 pp in 2026), full of local history and artefacts with a gallery dedicated to Agatha Christie.
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
EXETER WITH CATHEDRAL (April only)
Full English breakfast this morning before boarding the coach for your included excursion to Exeter, the small city that packs a big punch. Exeter is one of the most vibrant, attractive and historically interesting cities in England and pre-dates the arrival of the Romans in AD 50. This is reflected in its fascinating visitor attractions including its unique underground passages, imposing Roman wall and beautiful quayside. Step inside Exeter Cathedral for an included visit and tour to discover one thousand years of wonder - from the nave and quire ceiling, the longest continuous medieval stone vault in the world, to the Great East Window, with glass dating back to 1304. Truly one of Europe's most magnificent cathedrals, your guide with help you to explore amazing architecture, clandestine corners and hidden histories.
BUCKFAST ABBEY & SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY (June & October only)
Full English breakfast this morning before boarding the coach for your included excursion to experience serenity and inspiration at Buckfast Abbey. Nestled in a valley on the edge of Dartmoor on the River Dart, the Abbey is home to a working community of Benedictine monks. It boasts a fascinating history and was founded by King Canute in 1018 and was at the heart of the community until Catholic monasteries were dissolved by King Henry VIII. It fell into disrepair until 1882 when a group of French monks came to live on the site and painstakingly rebuilt the magnificent building you see today. Entrance is included to The Monastic Way Exhibition, an immersive presentation of Benedictine monastic life, from its origins to the present day. You will also find a gift shop, restaurant and beautiful themed gardens (Lavender, Physic, Sensory, and Millennium).
This afternoon step aboard a world of nostalgia at the South Devon Railway, where heritage steam trains gently meander alongside the river Dart through glorious Devon scenery. Head to charming Buckfastleigh station with its attractive gardens and historic locomotives to enjoy a scenic steam train ride to Totnes Riverside Station and back against the backdrop of Dartrmoor and the beautiful Devon Hills. NB May be operated by diesel engine if steam is unavailable on the day. Return to Torquay later this afternoon.
DEVON COAST - BRIXHAM & DARTMOUTH (June & October only)
Along the famous Devon coastline to Brixham. This resort is primarily a fishing port within Torbay and has a long and rich history. In the lee of Berry Head, famous for its Napoleonic connections, its lighthouse and magnificent limestone cliffs, Brixham remains a popular resort with a rich maritime history and plenty of activities for the young and old alike. Then onto Dartmouth, another beautiful and well-preserved old port. As an area of outstanding natural beauty in South Devon, Dartmouth is truly beautiful and the River Dart provides many photographic delights, as does the town itself.
Return Day - After breakfast, it's time to return homewards breaking the journey at a suitable stop for refreshments. Arrive back at your local joining points this evening
Accommodation
4* Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa, Torquay
CRUSADER HOLIDAYS HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2024
This popular 4* hotel enjoys a central location near the seafront and is a few minutes' walk to Torre Abbey, Torbay's most historic building, located in an award-winning garden (open Tues - Sun. Entrance approx £12 in 2026).
Recently renovated, elegant en-suite bedrooms feature large flat screen TV, hairdryer, mini-fridge, tea / coffee-making facilities and en-suite bathrooms mostly with walk-in showers.
There is a spa with small pool, restaurant, lounge bar, garden terrace plus entertainment some nights. There is a lift to most rooms