A 5 day tour taking in the the highlights of stunning South Devon
A 5 day tour taking in the the highlights of stunning South Devon
Situated at the mouth of the beautiful Exe estuary and at the very beginning of the Jurassic Coast, Exmouth is one of the most picturesque holiday resorts on the south coast. Surrounded by the beautiful Devon countryside. Boasting one of the warmest climates in the UK, with a glorious sandy beach that is host to a variety of watersports, Exmouth has something to offer everyone. As well as being a very popular UK tourist destination, Exmouth is popular with ramblers as there are many beautiful walks. Also, it has SSSI status (Site of Special Scientific Interest), where rare birds attract keen bird-watchers.
Budleigh Salterton is a beautiful seaside town on the Southern Devon coastline, situated on the Jurassic coast with a 2 mile long pebble beach and remains one of Devons most unspoilt and charming towns, containing many interesting shops together with museum and friendly cafes.
Sidmouth
Lying on the Jurassic Coast, this beautiful coastal town has a regency feel which is ideal for visitors of all ages. Sat in the middle of spectacular countryside Sidmouth is home to beautiful beaches, stylish eating places and great shopping, with everything from unusual gifts, designer clothing and lifestyle goods available. The stunning coastline of the Jurassic Coast is dominated by the vivid red sandstone cliffs which date back to the Triassic period. Along the front is the Millennium Walkway which stretches the length of the pebble beach, providing the perfect background for an afternoon stroll.
Pre-dating the arrival of the Romans in AD 50, Exeters history is rich and long. This is reflected in its fascinating visitor attractions including its unique Underground Passages, free Red Coat Guided Tours, magnificent Cathedral, imposing Roman wall and beautiful Quayside. Exeter is also home to the award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum where visitors can explore the citys 2,000-year history under one roof!
The diverse mix of eateries means it is renowned as one of the foodie capitals of the South West. Head to the West Quarter or the cobbled Gandy Street to discover great mix of independent shops and boutiques, cafes and bars.
Once known as Bridport Harbour, West Bay lies at the mouth of the River Brit. The seafront has two piers and is lined with old cottages, characterful kiosks and an early 19th-century customs house. Until the mid-19th century, the main trade was exporting Bridports ropes and nets. At West Bay, crumbling golden cliffs of sand reveal falling sea levels from some 175 million years ago. Here the mighty Chesil Beach 18 miles long, born from landslides that eroded after the last ice age around 20,000 years ago finds its western end. In summer the shingle hosts the sound of laughter and the smell of BBQs. When winter storms blow in to thunder along these shores the cliffs and beaches shift and change. Rocks fall, reminding us that this natural place hides dangers as well as pleasures.
With a 3 mile route of unspoilt countryside along the beautiful Axe Valley, Seaton Tramway operates narrow gauge heritage trams between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton in East Devon's glorious Axe Valley, travelling alongside the River Axe estuary through two nature reserves and giving an unrivalled view of the abundant wading bird life.
Day 1
A morning departure from Cumbria as we travel south via the motorway system to Exeter and then on to the charming South Devon resort of Exmouth for a warm welcome at the Manor Hotel. Dinner in the hotel with a half price bar 18.00 - 21.00 selected drinks.
DDay 2
Today our first visit is a step back in time to Budleigh Salterton which retains its traditional high street. We continue on to Sidmouth, a town still caught in a timeless charm, it captivated the Poet Laureate, John Betjeman and it will captivate you too. Beautiful gardens and leisurely walks, Regency history, clean beaches and friendly shops, all set beneath majestic red cliffs and the green hills of the glorious Sid Valley. Dinner and entertainment at the Manor Hotel tonight. Half price bar 18.00 - 21.00, selected drinks.
B, DDay 3
Morning visit to the Cathedral city of Exeter time to explore and have lunch before we enjoy a relaxing circular cruise on the River Exe with commentary on the sights, history and wildlife of the surrounding area, we also include a cream tea. Dinner & entertainment at the hotel. Half price bar 18.00 - 21.00 selected drinks.
B, DDay 4
Today we head to West Bay on Dorset’s dramatic Jurassic coastline, Englands only Natural World Heritage Site. We return via Lyme Regis and Seaton, home of the historic Tramway. We enjoy some free time before joining the tram for the 3 mile journey through the unspoilt scenery of the Axe Valley. Final dinner in the hotel. Half price bar 18.00 - 21.00 selected drinks.
B, DDay 5
Sadly today we must leave our hosts at the Manor Hotel and make our way home to Cumbria, arriving back early evening.
BB=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included
Manor Hotel
The 300 year old Grade ll listed historic Manor Hotel is situated on The Beacon in Exmouth within a few minutes walk of the bustling town and a wonderful mile long expanse of beach, the start of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast. History is evident in all corners of the hotel with uneven, creaky floorboards and misshapen rooms coupled with fabulously welcoming homely hospitality and great meal offerings to guests and non-residents.
Rooms at Manor Hotel vary in shape and size as they are located in an historic building on a hill overlooking the bay. There are steps and nooks and crannies throughout the hotel and in a number of rooms steps leading to your shower/bathroom, giving character to your experience. Should you have mobility issues please let us know when booking in order for you not to be booked in to a room with steps. all rooms feature en suite bathroom, large screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities.
The restaurant, @Manor Bistro welcomes guests as well as non-residents to enjoy a comfortable and warm ambiance for their evening meal. The kitchens work hard and enjoy producing a varied menu to suit all tastes. Ingredients are sourced locally and the hotel caters for vegetarians and other dietary requirements.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Name | Address | Contact Details |
---|---|---|
Appleby | The Sands Appleby | |
Aspatria | Car Park beside Spar Aspatria | |
Brough | Monument Bus Shelter Brough | |
Carlisle | Entrance to Sands Centre Car Park Carlisle | |
Cockermouth | Monument Main Street Cockermouth | |
Dearham | Commercial Corner Dearham | |
Distington | Outside Prospect Works Distington | |
Egremont | Conservative Club Egremont | |
Flimby | Railway Station Flimby | |
Harrington | Galloping Horse bus stop Harrington | |
Keswick | Bell Close Car Park Keswick | |
Kirkby Stephen | Market Square Kirkby Stephen | |
Maryport | Outside Coop Maryport | |
Penrith | Sandgate Bus Station Penrith | |
Shap | Village Hall Shap | |
Tebay | Old Services Car Park Tebay | |
Thursby | Bus Stop Thursby | |
Waverton | Bus Stop Waverton | |
Whitehaven | Old Bus Station Whitehaven | |
Wigton | Old Bus Station Wigton | |
Workington | Lay By opposite Grahams Travel Jane St. Workington |