Torquay Cruise & Devon Steam At The Ashley Court Hotel

Itinerary

What's Included?

• Return coach travel
• 4 nights at the 2-star Ashley Court Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast
• Entertainment every evening
• Free excursion to Buckfast Abbey & Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary
• Heritage train journey on the South Devon Railway
• Cruise on the River Exe
• Free time in Exmouth
  
  Optional excursion to Plymouth including a scenic drive through Dartmoor National Park (£9pp)

Torquay Carousel

Buckfast Abbey

Buckfast Abbey

Buckfast Abbey lies on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, on the banks of the River Dart. 

Founded 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. 

As 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.

Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary

Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary

Buckfast Butterfly Farm and 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. 

Enjoy 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

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

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

Exmouth

Positioned on the idyllic River Exe estuary, Exmouth is a splendid coastal resort in the east coast corner of Devon that boasts one of the mildest climates in the UK.

The resort’s spectacular two mile stretch of sandy beach makes it ideal for a family holiday whilst its dramatic Jurassic coastline boasts some of the most breath-taking scenery in the whole of Britain.

A great base from which to explore the delights of Devon or enjoy a day out as part of your inclusive itinerary as part of your sensational value coach package.

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Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park lies at the heart of Devon – a unique landscape of wild, vast moorland peppered with moss-blanketed boulders, heath-clad heaths, dense woodland, deep river valleys and distinctive granite tors. Covering 386 square miles, this is a place of remoteness and tranquility full of rich history and rare wildlife. The famous Dartmoor ponies are an iconic sight as they roam freely across the moors. 

Dartmoor’s brooding landscape has inspired many writers, poets and painters over the centuries, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hound of the Baskervilles. It has also featured in TV and film including Steven Spielberg’s War Horse.

Designated as a National Park in 1951, Dartmoor’s largely untamed countryside is just begging to be explored!

Plymouth

Plymouth

Devon’s cultural capital of Plymouth is a vibrant waterfront city renowned for its famous port and fascinating attractions. The historic Barbican and Sutton Harbour form the heart of the city’s heritage, combining cobbled streets and more than 200 listed buildings with cosmopolitan boutiques and art galleries. Visit the famous Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrims left England aboard the Mayflower for a new life in America in 1620, shop ‘til you drop or simply enjoy the fresh sea air – there’s something for everyone in Britain’s ocean city!

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Accommodation

Ashley Court Hotel, Torquay Ashley Court Hotel, Torquay

Just a ten-minute stroll from Torquay’s lovely beaches and town centre, the Ashley Court Hotel boasts a relaxed atmosphere and fantastic facilities.

Hotel Features: Bedrooms with en-suite facilities, TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities • Bar • Restaurant • Lounge • Games room • Seasonal outdoor swimming pool

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