North Devon Turkey & Tinsel Festive Fun

Itinerary

Day 1

Join your coach this morning, and head towards the wonderful North Devon coast and our lovely resort of Bideford for our 3-night stay. Our first treat is a visit to Dartington Crystal, the UK’s only remaining glass factory with a wonderful Visitors Centre. Here you will discover the history of glass making through the ages as well as learning the unique Dartington Crystal story. It is a unique and fascinating experience for all.  After our visit, we make the short journey to Bideford and on arrival at the Durrant House Hotel there is time to settle in, perhaps relax with a drink in the bar or take a brisk stroll, before you enjoy our first delicious dinner followed by the evenings entertainment.

Day 2-3

Your comfortable hotel on the outskirts of Bideford allows you to make the most of your free time to explore its beautiful location on the north Devon coast. You can spend all of your time in Bideford or join our included excursions. Whatever you do, just make sure you leave room for your delicious evening meals, which are followed by in-house entertainment each evening.

Saturday “CHRISTMAS DAY” -
We'll take a leisurely coach drive to the nearby ancient town of Barnstaple on the Taw Estuary, the oldest borough in the UK and which locals lay claim to be the best ‘blooming’ town in the world and many times winner of ‘Britain in Bloom’. Enjoy the delightful parks and gardens and visit Green Lanes, North Devon’s premier shopping centre or the nearby covered Victorian Pannier Market and famous “Butchers Row”.

After your traditional festive dinner with all of the trimmings and a complimentary glass of bubbly, settle down for an evening of entertainment. There will also be a visit from Santa with a small gift.

Sunday "NEW YEARS EVE" -
The historic harbour town of Bideford is packed with independent, quirky shops, local produce and the picturesque quay, which draws visitors during every season. Bideford was once Britain’s third largest port and while it still has maritime connections, these days, it is more widely known as being a thriving shopping centre with a historic Pannier Market. There are also traditional pubs, restaurants and cafés where you could treat yourself to a delicious Devon Cream tea! Enjoy time at leisure or alternatively join the coach and travel to Bideford’s Atlantic Village, North Devon’s unique outlet shopping destination which is situated just two miles outside the town. Here you will find over 25 stores offering massive savings on High Street prices, all set undercover beneath a glazed mall with food court area and outdoor piazza with cafes and coffee shops.

Back at the hotel, enjoy a Happy Hour Bar "BOGOF" between 3pm & 5pm. After dinner, enjoy the evening entertainment with optional fancy dress.

Day 4

After time to enjoy a final breakfast, it will be time to say farewell to North Devon and the Durrant House Hotel. After stopping for a coffee/lunch break, relax as you continue homewards.

Tour Includes

• 3 nights hotel with English breakfast and evening meals
• Turkey & Tinsel themed festive package
• In-house entertainment each evening
• A visit to Dartington Crystal Visitor Centre with a factory tour
• Visit to Barnstaple
• Free time to explore Bideford
• Visit to Affinity Devon Outlet Shopping
• Direct Coach Travel
• Net Zero Carbon Offset Certificate

Dartington Crystal

INCLUDED Visitor Destination

The story of Dartington Crystal, its designs and landmark events are features in a series of fascinating exhibitions featuring products and images from over 50 years, housed at its custom-built Visitor Centre. Marvel at the continuous flow of a special fountain tower made with Dartington Crystal champagne saucers and if you're luckly you might get to watch Master Engraver Nick Davey demonstrate his talent as he free-hand engraves detailed images onto prestige pieces to create crystal works of art.  

Having learnt a little of its glass making story in the Visitor Centre you can enter the factory to see “up-close” how molten glass is transformed into items of beauty and function. The viewing areas and overhead walkways let you safely watch the skilled glass making both at ground level and from above. All the processes are explained with information boards and displays allowing you to pass through the factory at your own pace. 

Bideford

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationNestled alongside the River Torridge, the ancient market town and port of Bideford has a delightful setting for a visit. Once Britain’s third largest port, Bideford is a thriving shopping centre with an historic Pannier Market and many antique shops and cafes amongst the narrow backstreets and alleyways that lead up from the quay. The tree-lined quay offers a lovely scene at any time of year or you can head over the historic stone bridge to join the beautiful Tarka Trail and enjoy the views over the river and surrounding countryside.

Barnstaple

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationBarnstaple, one of the UK’s oldest boroughs, is the main town in North Devon with plenty of things to see and do. The Pannier Market has been the host of markets for over 1,000 years and has been standing since the 1800s. It plays host to a range of events – from regular markets to showcases of delicious local produce and incredible street food. The Pannier Market is flanked by Butcher’s Row, a terrace of ten shops under an iron roof, which historically was the location of several butchers. These days, there are a host of interesting independent shops. You can browse the appealing mix of big brand shops and traditional family businesses along the High Street. Find out more about the region’s history at The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, the collections and displays cover the natural and human history, including the Pre-History of North Devon, the Tarka Gallery and the Regimental Collection of the Royal Devon Yeomanry. Just next to the library in the town centre, you’ll find the remains of Barnstaple Castle, this former Motte and Baily Castle was a main feature of the town during Norman times. You can reward yourself for finding the castle with the incredible views of the Taw Valley from the top.

Affinity Shopping

Explore over 28 famous name stores offering up to 50% off every day. So, you can discover a fantastic range of men’s, women’s and children’s fashions and footwear plus gifts, homeware and accessories all at amazing low prices. There’s also a tasty selection of places to eat, drink and relax both here and across the road at Atlantic Park.

For further information, please click here (opens in a new window) Back to top

Accommodation

Durrant House Hotel Bideford

Boasting 125 comfortable bedrooms, a fine dining restaurant and a luxury salon and spa on-site, the 3-star Durrant House Hotel has everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Situated on the outskirts of the historical old port of Bideford, with views over the Torridge Estuary and beyond to the sandy beaches of Instow, it is approximately 20 minutes leisurely walk into the town centre though there is a bus stop outside the hotel with a regular service into town. The hotel is perfectly located to explore the beautiful rugged coastline, sandy beaches and rolling countryside of North Devon. As expected from a quality hotel in Devon, the hotel provides a full range of facilities and activities. Enjoy the outdoor pool, heated throughout July to September. In the winter months, warm yourself in the sauna. The hotel also boasts a Health & Beauty Spa. All bedrooms have en-suite Italian marble bathrooms, with tea & coffee making facilities, clock radio, hairdryer, TV, iron & ironing board. The hotel is equipped with a lift to the 1st and 2nd floors. There are no rooms directly at ground level however they do have an upper ground floor with 5 steps to access. The hotel provides entertainment on some evenings.

For more information, click here for the hotel website (opens in a new window) Back to top