West Country Wonders, Lundy Island, Cruise, Steam, Gardens & Cream

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 - Clovelly & Hartland Abbey
  Today’s full-day excursion will take us to Clovelly, a beautiful, picturesque fishing village, steeped in maritime atmosphere and history. Once owned by William the Conqueror and the Queen of England it’s now privately owned and in the hands of the Hon John Rous. Its flower-strewn cottages “tumble like a waterfall” down a cleft in the cliff to the ancient working port. There will be time to visit Clovelly Court Gardens (admission included). Early afternoon we will visit Hartland Abbey, where after indulging in a light lunch in The Old Kitchen Tearooms (included) we will enjoy a private tour of the House and gardens with one of the owners – Sir or Lady Stucley. There will be time to enjoy the gardens before we return to the hotel. Dinner with wine at the hotel. CLOVELLY VISIT ACCESSIBILTY NOTE: Access to Clovelly attractions and harbour is via a steep (20%) cobbled street. Subject to availability a Land Rover may be booked at the visitor centre to take you down to the harbour and back for a small charge.
• Day 3 - Lundy Island
  After an early breakfast, today’s full-day excursion will take us to Ilfracombe to board the MS Oldenburg cruise to Lundy Island (National Trust/ Landmark Trust) – cruise around 2hrs each way. Although only three miles in length, and half a mile wide, the island offers an amazingly diverse range of things to do for day-trippers. Its 4,000 years of human history comes to life through monuments and a clutch of listed buildings. Because of its isolation the habitat for wildlife is often compared to that of Galapagos. Renowned as a walker’s paradise, the island also boasts a shop and the Marisco Tavern serving island Lamb in its burgers and pasties. Time on the island varies but is generally around 4-6 hours. MS Oldenburg is a graceful motor vessel built on traditional lines and can carry up to 267 passengers. With saloons, a bar, buffet, shop and information centre she is comfortable and with a relaxing atmosphere. On fine days there is plenty of space on deck and if you are lucky, you may be treated to the company of a playful pod of dolphins alongside. We arrive back at the hotel early-to-mid evening. Late dinner with wine at the hotel. LUNDY VISIT ACCESSIBILTY NOTE: To board MS Oldenburg there are some slopes and you cross a gangway with handrails on both sides. There is no lift on board, all decks are accessed via stairs, and no ‘accessible’ toilets’. On Lundy the track from the harbour to the village is stoned, uneven in places, quite a steep walk and may take up to 30 mins. Subject to availability a Land Rover may take people up for free, but there may be a queue. For more information see Lundy’s guide leaflet – click here Please note the operation of this excursion is subject to weather and tides. In the event the trip cannot operate a refund of £50pp will be given.
• Day 4 - 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 5 - Day at leisure
  Free day at leisure. Dinner with wine at the hotel.
• Day 6 - 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 along the coast 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 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.