Day 1: Joining the coach from one of our convenient local joining points, we continue to North Devon and the Durrant House Hotel in Bideford for our 4 night stay on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis. Please note that there is not always porterage available at this hotel.
Day 2: Today we journey through the edges of Exmoor to Lynmouth known as ‘Little Switzerland’ where we have time to explore. Surrounded by magnificent scenery, Lynmouth is unequalled by any resort on England’s shore. The high ground of Exmoor plunges steeply into the sea providing a breath-taking backdrop to the rural communities nestling below. The Lyn Rivers that tumble through deep wooded valleys as a series of small waterfalls meet at Lynmouth and flow across a rocky shore to the open sea. There is also a beautiful small harbour to discover. We then head to the Victorian seaside resort of Ilfracombe, known as the jewel in the North Devon Coast. Ilfracombe nestles around a harbour as old and as beautiful as any in Britain with the breath taking scenery of North Devon as a backdrop. Commonly known as the pretty harbour town and seaside resort, Ilfracombe is enclosed by massive slate cliffs. Its beautiful Victorian style and unspoilt charm takes you back in time; for generations, many of the independent stores have been passed through the same family. It is clear to see why the stunning coastal scenery and array of attractions makes this harbour town a great choice for tourists
Day 3: Today we travel down the Atlantic coast to Boscastle, a picturesque natural harbour and village, mostly owned by the National Trust. The Elizabethan quay sits in an impressive amphitheatre of steep cliffs and is home to quaint stone-built cottages, shops and tea-rooms. Our next port of call is Tintagel, a place inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur. You might like to go to the visitor centre, King Arthur’s Halls or the castle itself (entry not included). We then have a scenic drive back to Bideford
Day 4: After a leisurely breakfast we enjoy a half day excursion to Appledore. A historic fishing village with winding narrow streets and colourful houses, Appledore is full of maritime history and cute pastel houses. Characterised by its winding narrow streets and the colourful houses, this charming village sits at the confluence of the Taw and Torridge rivers with lovely views across to Instow. Because of its long maritime heritage, the village is now home to the North Devon Maritime Museum. The museum, housed in a Grade 2 listed Georgian building, has a wide range of exhibits detailing Appledore’s history, as well as the wider maritime history of North Devon, which includes Viking raids, WWII beach landings and ship building throughout the years. (entry not included). You can quite easily spend a few hours wandering through the network of historic streets, taking in the traditional fishing cottages museums and independent shops, before indulging in some fine local produce at one of the many cafes, pubs and restaurants. After lunch we head back to Bideford for an afternoon at leisure.
Bideford is a thriving town with an historic Pannier Market holding both produce and crafts markets twice each week. Many antique shops are scattered amongst the narrow backstreets and alleyways that lead up from the quay and the river. These alleys are known locally as drangs. The tree-lines quay still bustles with fishing vessels, cargo and pleasure boats, and there are regular boat trip to Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel, about 12 miles away. (boat trip not included)
Day 5: We depart for the return to Norfolk making suitable stops en route. Upon arrival we will drop you at your chosen local joining point.
Holiday Information:
4 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (Dinner will be table service)
Price: £440pp
Single Supplement: £nil (Limited Availability)
Insurance: TBC (Insurance not currently available for 2025)
Tour Reference: AWE5016
Deposit Required: £50pp
Balance Due: 8 weeks prior to departure