Day 1: We travel to Devon arriving at our hotel
Day 2: After breakfast, we make our way to the charming market town of Barnstaple, the largest town in North Devon and located on the River Taw. The ancient town preserves a medieval character and we have time to enjoy its points of interest, including the historic Pannier Market. Its wide range of stalls offer everything from local produce, flowers and crafts, to fashion prints and pictures. We have time for lunch in one of the cosy bars or cafés before we make our way to the stunning Hartland Abbey & Gardens. A popular filming location, many films and TV programmes have been filmed here, including the Sense & Sensibility TV miniseries and Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers.
Day 3: This morning, we spend time at leisure in the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, where you can choose to take the cliff railway from one to the other (fare not included). This unique Victorian water powered funicular cliff railway (disabled access is limited) is the highest and steepest totally water powered railway in the world and transports passengers 500ft up and down to the villages, where you can explore their little independent shops selling local produce, gifts, arts and crafts. In the afternoon, we visit Ilfracombe, where we have free time to relax on the seafront and explore the attractions and picturesque natural harbour.
Day 4: Our excursion today takes us to the enchanting RHS Garden Rosemoor. Nestled in the Torridge Valley, the Rosemoor Gardens are eye catching at any time of year with several gardens to explore, including the fragrant rose gardens, the brightly coloured Hot Garden, the Foliage Garden, Stone Garden and Exotic Garden to name but a few. Included in our visit will be a 1-hour general garden tour. In the afternoon, we spend time at leisure in the traffic-free lanes of the historic harbour town of Bideford. Explore the quirky little shops, the riverside quay and the historic indoor Pannier market (involves an uphill walk).
Day 5: This morning we must say goodbye to beautiful North Devon and begin our journey home.