North Devon & Somerset

Meet at your hotel in Barnstaple, North Devon's largest town and one of the oldest boroughs in the United Kingdom. Steeped in history but with a cosmopolitan air, this is the perfect starting point to take in the beauty of North Devon and Somerset, with Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks on its doorstep.

• Dinner

Travel to Exeter for a journey on the Dartmoor Line. This mainline railway dates back to the 1800s, and reopened in 2021 for the first time in almost 50 years. The line whisks you through rural scenery to Okehampton, at the edge of Dartmoor National Park, where you have free time for lunch. The vast heather moorland known as Dartmoor National Park is the rugged heart of Devon, defined by trickling streams, craggy peaks and deep valleys. A guided coach tour takes you into the heart of Dartmoor. You see Two Bridges, a local beauty spot that was historically the point where two bridges crossed the West Dart and River Cowsic. Today it's a scenic area, nestled in an isolated spot surrounded by moorland and greenery. You also visit the picturesque market town of Moretonhampstead before returning to the hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a free day to discover more of the area at your own pace. Barnstaple is bursting with things to see and do, from tempting independent cafés to historic markets. The Pannier Market has remained mostly unchanged for over 150 years, and offers fresh local produce, crafts and flowers. In nearby Bideford, discover a pretty town filled with great pubs, friendly locals and scenic river views.

Please Note: For departures 23NSS01 and 23NSS02 days 3 and 4 have swapped around

• Breakfast

Travel to Woody Bay, a serene bay surrounded by the scenery of Exmoor National Park, for a journey in a Victorian carriage on the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway. Relax and take in the backdrop of wild moorland and picturesque coastline. You transfer to Lynton where you have free time. Here, you could ride the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway. This award-winning funicular railway joins the historic towns of Lyton and Lynmouth, separated by a steep cliff, and boasts incredible views across the coast and ocean. Later, you visit the enchanting RHS Garden Rosemoor. Stroll through the kaleidoscopic displays, including an elegant rose garden with around 2,000 rose plants, the 'hot garden', where plants are chosen for their warm hues, and a fruit and vegetable garden with a mouthwatering array of produce.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Take the coach to Bishops Lydeard for a trip on the West Somerset Steam Railway, a journey that takes you through spectacular countryside on the longest heritage line in the UK. You arrive in Minehead in time for lunch. The picture of a typical English seaside resort, you'll find a beautiful sandy beach and pretty harbour a gift shops, traditional pubs and cafés. This afternoon, stop at Sheppy's Cider Farm, where the Sheppy family has been making award-winning craft cider for over 200 years. You have chance to try the classic Somerset cider, one of the oldest cider brands in the world, made to a traditional recipe passed down through six generations. You return to your hotel for your final evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Your time in Devon ends after breakfast, and you're free to make your way home or continue your explorations further.

• Breakfast