West Country Autumn Colours, Cruise, Steam, Cream & Wine

Itinerary

• Day 1 - Arrival at the Imperial Hotel in Barnstaple
  Check in from 3pm. Welcome spark ling reception with your Tour Manager before dinner with wine in the hotel.
• Day 2 - Dartington Crystal & RHS Rosemoor
  Today we stay local with visits to Dartington Crystal, the UK’s leading Glass manufacturer where on our factory tour you will be able to witness first-hand the skilled craftsmen turning molten glass into exquisite items. There will also be time to explore the Visitor Centre where exhibits depict 6 decades of the Dartington story. Later we continue to RHS Rosemoor where a two-course lunch will be served. You will then be free to explore the Gardens at leisure in all their glorious Autumn Colours. Dinner with wine at the hotel.
• Day 3 - Lynton, Lynmouth & West Somerset Railway
  Today’s full-day excursion will take us to Lynton & Lynmouth – where Exmoor meets the sea. Sitting one on top of the hill and one at the mouth of the river estuary below these picture postcard villages are linked by The Cliff Railway, the highest and steepest fully water powered railway in the world (return ride included). Early afternoon we continue to Bishop Lydeard where we join the West Somerset Railway, the longest heritage line in the UK for the 20-mile journey which passes through 8 picturesque stations along its route to Minehead. En-route enjoy a Railwayman’s lunch on board including a local Pasty & Cider. The coach will pick us up and return us to the hotel arriving early evening. Dinner with wine at the hotel.
• Day 4 - Day at leisure
  Free day at leisure. Dinner with wine at the hotel.
• Day 5 - Ilfracombe & Smugglers Cave cruise
  Today’s full-day excursion will take us to Ilfracombe, the leading seaside resort in North Devon. Sitting snugly among the rugged cliffs of the Atlantic Coast, it has a charming natural harbour surrounded by shops, restaurants and bars. During our visit we will take a one-hour smugglers caves cruise hugging the coast and taking in Hele Bay, Sampson’s Cove and Watermouth Castle. Departing early afternoon, we will make a quick stop in Woolacombe Bay before continuing the short distance to Saunton Sands, where we will enjoy a sparkling afternoon tea at the Saunton Sands Hotel before returning to Barnstaple. Dinner with wine at the hotel.
• Day 6 - Marwood Hill Gardens & Venn Valley Vineyard
  Today’s full-day excursion will take us to Marwood Hill Gardens, set in 20 acres and known for its vibrant autumn colours. The gardens, with three ornamental lakes, feature rich foliage that creates a stunning display around the water features as the leaves change. The low sunlight in autumn also bathes the sculpture-strewn lawns in a golden light. We then continue to Venn Valley Vineyard where we will have a tour, wine tasting and a traditional Ploughman’s lunch before returning to Barnstaple. Dinner with wine at the hotel.
• Day 7 - Bude
  We will spend this morning across the Cornish border in the seaside resort of Bude. A triple winner in the British Travel Awards for best UK Coastal Town/ Resort, Bude is famous for its pastel painted Beach Huts and laid back allure all of its own. We will return to the hotel mid afternoon with some time to relax and explore locally before dinner with wine.
• Day 8 - Depart Hotel
  Check out of hotel by 10am. Note: Order of excursions may be subject to change depending on local conditions.