Experience the scenery of Somerset including the Quantock Hills, Bridgwater Bay and venture along the North Devon coast on this delightful new tour.
Day 1 MONDAY We travel to Somerset making suitable refreshment stops along the way.
Day 2 TUESDAY This morning we drive to Tiverton, where we enjoy a 1½-hour cruise on the Great Western Canal on-board one of the last remaining horse-drawn barges in Great Britain. The ‘Tivertonian’ is a truly unique living heritage from a time before steam! The canal was built in 1814 for primary use of the lime trade and stretches for 11 miles. Tubboats worked for over 100 years conveying stone from local quarries to Tiverton Wharf. The area is now a local nature reserve and country park.
Day 3 WEDNESDAY After breakfast, we take a relaxing heritage train ride from Minehead to the village of Bishops Lydeard on the scenic West Somerset Railway. Next, we visit Cleeve Abbey, one of Somerset’s undiscovered jewels. Here, we catch a glimpse of monastic life 800 years ago. This Cistercian Abbey is a haven of peace and tranquillity that contains one of the finest cloister buildings in England.
Day 4 THURSDAY We drive into Devon, through Exmoor National Park to Lynmouth, a picturesque resort with narrow streets and the option to ride the cliff railway to Lynton. In the afternoon, we visit the delightful harbour town of Ilfracombe. Tonight, we have live entertainment.
Day 5 FRIDAY Departing after breakfast we visit historic Dunster - Situated in the sweeping hills of Exmoor National Park, Dunster is one of the most popular places on Exmoor for visitors. It is a medieval village that appears to be ‘locked in time’ with an ancient castle, priory, dovecote, yarn market, inns, packhorse bridge and a mill. From here we commence our journey homeward.
The hotel is located on the lower slopes of Northhill in Minehead, in nearly 2 acres of landscaped gardens reputed to have been laid out by Gertrude Jekyll. Leisure facilities include swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi and steam room. Bedrooms have TV, telephone, hairdryer, and hospitality tray. The hotel has free Wi-Fi and a lift.
