North Devon Delights

Day 1

Today we will start our journey to the Durrant Hotel in Bideford. On the way we will stop for lunch at the Quince Honey Farm in South Molton. A working honey farm based in South Molton. Wander around the Nectar Gardens, see millions of bees up close, visit the Honey Factory and take a look behind the scenes at the honey production areas. The unique hexagonal themed Nectar Gardens display thousands of bee friendly plants. Go off-piste on our meadow trails. Pop in for some lunch or a browse in the shop, there is a large restaurant offering delicious home cooked meals and light bites, sit back with a wine or a cuppa and relax with views of the gardens and bees.

Day 2

We spend this morning in 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 mini-series and Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers.

Day 3

This morning, we spend time at leisure in the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, where we can take the cliff railway from one to the other! The unique Victorian water powered funicular cliff lift (disabled access is limited) will transport us 500ft up and down to the villages, where we can explore their little independent shops selling local produce, gifts, arts and crafts. In the afternoon, we head back to Illfracombe, where we have free time to relax on the seafront and explore the attractions and picturesque natural harbour.

Day 4

This morning, we make our way to 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. We also have 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, after breakfast, we will load the coach and make our journey homewards. On the way we will stop at the Antiques Village, Hele. The Antique Village is a total antiques, vintage, retro and salvage destination. Located on a 4 acre site 8 miles east of Exeter, you will find a large multi-dealer antiques centre, auction saleroom, architectural salvage site, home décor, shrubs and bedding plants, and the delightful Dovetail café serving specialty coffees, cakes and more.