Tour Ref: LW5/1
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Enjoy the cream of Devon (and Somerset) during five days of heavenly touring. There is an overdose of steam and scenery in our imaginative West Country itinerary. Looking for a treat this summer? – here it is!
We meet early afternoon at Exeter St David’s Station and set off for afternoon fun at Bicton Park. Not just lovely gardens to explore but a narrow-gauge railway as well - this place is a delight! Later, we check in for our first relaxing evening in Devon…at the Devon.
To Somerset today using the inimitable “Tarka Line” to Barnstaple. Scenery unfolds as we head up to the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, before an up and down coastal drive to Minehead. Our afternoon is spent with one of the country’s premier steam lines, the West Somerset Railway operating between Minehead, Watchet and Bishops Lydeard. An early evening drive, over Exmoor, back to our hotel completes a lovely, varied, “seasidey” day out!
A day of diverse and unusual attractions awaits. We set off from Exeter by rail on the re-established line to Okehampton. Now, into the heart of Dartmoor, famed for it’s prison and we are sure you will find the prison museum fascinating. Our next stop is Buckfast Abbey, where attractions include the Abbey, the Monk’s Gardens and local produce shops. Finally, we cross the Exe using the Starcross Ferry and take the scenic Exmouth Branch Line back into Exeter.
The South Devon Circular - a “local” day spent enjoying two legendary steam railways, from Buckfastleigh to Totnes (The South Devon) and from Paignton to Kingswear (The Dartmouth Steam Railway). But that is not all, there is our trip on the River Dart cruising from Kingswear to Totnes. Days out don’t come much better than this!
Our last day and, typically, Inside Track will ensure you begin your journey home with fun and variety. So, we firstly head for Seaton for a narrow gauge, open top, tram to Colyton and Colyford. Then it’s steam, gardens, and models as we visit Pecorama, perched on the cliff tops at Beer. We finish back in Exeter where homeward bound journeys commence.
7 miles of steam travel on the English Riviera with coastal and river views throughout.
Miniature steam trains in a garden setting overlooking the sea, model layouts and extensive model shop.
7 miles of steam travel alongside the River Dart benefiting from good museum and country stations.
Britain's longest preserved railway heading to the seaside at Minehead. Intermediate stations, museums and often on board refreshments.
Located right on the edge of Exeter this is a lovely hotel and an exciting find. The main building is a Georgian Manor House and all of the modern rooms boast the amenities one would expect - t.v., wi-fi, tea/coffee facilities and a bed. There is, of course, a very pleasant bar and restaurant. The hotel has a fine reputation locally for the standard of food served from the excellent carvery.
