South Devon, Dartmouth, & The English Riviera

Your holiday begins in Paignton, described as 'one of the brightest jewels' in the English Riviera, where we meet the Tour Manager in the mid-afternoon at our hotel. After settling in, enjoy some time to explore the town at your own pace.

Stroll along the Victorian esplanade, where sweeping sea views stretch out before you, or wander down to the unspoilt harbour, alive with fishing boats and seaside charm. Discover the traditional pier, a hub of entertainment and nostalgia, or walk along the beachfront, lined with colourful beach huts.

This evening, we gather at the hotel restaurant for dinner with the rest of our group.

• Dinner

Our day starts with a coach transfer to the medieval town of Totnes for a boat cruise along the River Dart to Dartmouth. Take in the idyllic riverside villages, the renowned Sharpham Estate with its vineyards and the steep wooded hillsides that frame the river's course.

On arrival in Dartmouth, there's free time to look around the harbour town. You could visit the 14th-century Dartmouth Castle perched on the riverbank, seek out a peaceful cove or enjoy lunch at one of the town's inviting restaurants, bars or traditional seaside fish and chip shops.

Later, we cross the Dart Estuary by ferry to the village of Kingswear, where after some free time, we board the wonderful Dartmouth Steam Railway*, which takes us along the coastline back to Paignton. This scenic journey passes the wooded slopes of Long Wood and the breathtaking English Riviera coastline. Once back in Paignton, we walk the short distance from the station to our hotel for dinner.

*Please note: trains are steam-hauled where possible. However, due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

• Breakfast, Dinner

A day discovering Paignton at your own pace awaits after breakfast this morning. Thie town's picturesque 18th-century harbour is a true maritime treasure, with colourful fishing boats bobbing in the water and a historic harbour wall that overlooks the bay, an ideal spot to pause and take in the view. Seafront cafés and restaurants serve freshly caught local fish, offering a taste of the region's coastal flavours.

From the harbour, you can stroll along the promenade that leads to the pier, where sweeping views stretch across the curve of Tor Bay. You might also choose to continue along the rugged headland paths, where the dramatic coastline reveals itself with every step.

Closer to the centre, Paignton's bustling high street offers a mix of local shops, seaside souvenirs and welcoming tearooms, perfect for a relaxed afternoon browse. After a day exploring, dinner is served this evening at the hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning after breakfast, our coach takes us to the historic town of Buckfastleigh, where we take a seven-mile journey on the South Devon Railway to Totnes and back. This steam-hauled round trip runs along the scenic valley of the River Dart, past sparkling streams and charming woodland.

After a journey through some of Devon's most glorious countryside, our coach takes us to Buckfast Abbey. Home to a working community of Benedictine monks, there are award-winning gardens, an interactive exhibition and a lovely chapel to discover at leisure.

This afternoon we visit the attractive coastal town of Dawlish, with a long sandy beach and home to a community of black swans. This popular resort is the perfect place to sit down to a traditional high tea, and we do just that in the Old Mill Tearoom, which dates from 1717, before a chance to get to know the town independently. We transfer back to our hotel by coach at the end of the afternoon with time to relax before dinner.

*Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

• Breakfast, Dinner

From nostalgic steam journeys on the Dartmouth Steam Railway and the South Devon Railway to a scenic cruise along the River Dart, the natural beauty and heritage of south Devon have captivated us with their charm and character. We've explored the peaceful grounds of Buckfast Abbey, enjoyed a traditional high tea in the coastal town of Dawlish and taken in the beauty of Devon's countryside and coastline at a relaxed pace.

Your holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Once checked out, you're free to make your way home. Of course, you're also welcome to continue your adventures and discover more of Devon independently.

• Breakfast