A picturesque discovery of the heritage railways, charming towns and natural beauty of north Devon and Somerset

Your holiday begins in Barnstaple, where you arrive independently to our hotel on the banks of the River Taw, meeting the Tour Manager and rest of the group.

After checking in, there is time at leisure to explore Barnstaple, north Devon's largest town and one of the UK's oldest boroughs. The town is famed for its historic Pannier Market and offers a charming mix of independent shops and local character. Steeped in history, 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.

This evening, we reconvene at the hotel to enjoy our first dinner together.

After breakfast this morning, we spend the day exploring beautiful west Devon. A coach journey takes us through the unspoilt countryside to Exeter, from where we travel to Okehampton on the scenic Dartmoor Line.

An expert guide joins us in Okehampton for a coach trip to Tavistock, the only Devon town to hold UNESCO World Heritage status. You have free time here where you can discover the town's ancient abbey which dates back to the 10th century, explore its thriving streets and vibrant market culture or enjoy the surrounding natural beauty with a scenic walk along the River Tavy and through 'The Meadows.'

Back on the coach, we journey into Dartmoor, a landscape steeped in legend where vast moorland unfolds in a patchwork of wild greenery, granite tors and wild ponies. Among these ancient hills lie mystical stone circles and Bronze Age settlements. Dartmoor has helped inspire famous works by the likes of Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, and having absorbed the spellbinding landscapes, it's easy to see how. From the picturesque market town of Moretonhampstead, we return to our hotel for dinner.

This morning, we travel north by coach to Woody Bay, stopping enroute at the Valley of the Rocks. This dramatic stretch of coastline on Exmoor's edge offers spectacular views of rugged cliffs and the north Devon coastline.

Continuing to Woody Bay, a serene bay surrounded by the scenery of Exmoor National Park, we board the heritage Lynton & Barnstaple Railway. Onboard the lovingly restored 1890s carriages, we enjoy a relaxing two-mile journey through the wild moorland and rolling hills of Exmoor National Park. Next, we visit the charming clifftop town of Lynton itself, with time at leisure to explore and enjoy lunch. Here, you may wish to ride on the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, a steep funicular that joins the two towns and provides sweeping coastal views.

This afternoon, we visit the enchanting RHS Garden Rosemoor. After a guided tour, there's time to explore the elegant gardens at your own pace, from the scent filled rose gardens to the bold colours of the 'hot garden' and the tranquil beauty of the cottage garden. We return to Barnstaple this evening for dinner at our hotel.

Please Note - For departure 19th April, Days 3 and 5 have swapped around.

A full day at leisure after breakfast allows you to explore at your own pace. One of Devon's oldest market towns, Barnstaple is rich in history and charm. Browse the traditional Pannier Market, operating since 1855 and still home to stalls selling fresh local produce, crafts and flowers. Nearby, the quaint shops along Butchers Row, once the town's original meat market, now house inviting cafés and bakeries, perfect for a mid-morning treat.

If you'd like to explore further afield, nearby Ilfracombe is easy to reach. An attractive harbour town of pastel-hued buildings boasting various museums, galleries and Damien Hirst's striking statue, Verity, who stands guard at the harbour entrance.

Fans of Henry Williamson's much-loved tale, Tarka the Otter, might enjoy a stroll along the Tarka Trail, which passes through Barnstaple with peaceful views of the Taw Estuary. Wherever you explore today, you can return to the hotel in time for dinner this evening.

Please note: on the 24th August departure, Days 4 and 5 are swapped.

We continue further along the coast after breakfast, travelling by coach to Minehead, often referred to as the 'gateway to Exmoor'. With time at leisure, here you can explore the beaches, historic harbour and tree-lined streets offering a multitude of independent shops, galleries and Victorian architecture.

This afternoon, we board the West Somerset Railway for a heritage journey through beautiful countryside. Passing idyllic stations like Blue Anchor and Watchet, showcasing their unique architectural charm, the train makes its way along the edge of the Quantock Hills to the picturesque village of Bishops Lydeard.

From here, a coach transfer takes us to Sheppy's Cider Farm, where the Sheppy family has been making award-winning cider for more than 200 years. After learning about how apples are used to produce this popular beverage, there is a chance to taste classic Somerset cider, made from a traditional recipe passed down through six generations of the family. Returning to our hotel later this afternoon, there's time to relax before we gather for our final dinner as a group this evening.

The landscapes of Devon and Somerset have delighted us, from the rugged coastline to the striking scenery of Dartmoor and Exmoor. We explored the charms of pretty villages and historic towns such as Barnstaple, Lynton and Tavistock and enjoyed wonderful heritage rail journeys on the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway and West Somerset Railway. The scents and flavours of the region were experienced among the blooms at the floral RHS Garden Rosemoor as well as during a tasting at an authentic cider farm.

Your time in north Devon ends after breakfast this morning. Once you've checked out, you are free to make your way home. Alternatively, you could decide to continue exploring independently.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

The West Somerset Railway is the longest independent heritage railway in the UK, running for 22 miles between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard. Originally opened in 1862, with the extension to Minehead following 12 years later, the route was closed in 1971. With regular steam-hauled trains travelling between the Somerset coast and the Quantocks, the scenery on this picturesque line changes from golden sands to rolling hills and valleys as it skirts the edge of Exmoor National Park.

Reopened in 2021 for the first time in almost 50 years, the Dartmoor Line is a scenic stretch of mainline railway that boasts a rich history dating from 1865. The restored line now transports customers on a 35-minute journey between Exeter St Davids and Okehampton on the northern edge of Dartmoor National Park, a rugged area dotted with trickling streams, craggy peaks and deep valleys.

The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway takes its passengers on a wonderful trip back in time, travelling in Victorian carriages designed in the 1890s and hauled by a historic, narrow-gauge steam locomotive. The line originally opened in 1898, but sadly closed in 1935. A keen group of volunteers have been working continuously since the 1970s to restore the line and the current stretch of track winds through scenic landscapes between Woody Bay Station and Killington Lake. The charming, two-mile round trip takes place against a backdrop of wild moorland and picturesque coastline.

The luxurious 4-Star Imperial Hotel offers peaceful escapes in the heart of Barnstaple. With the feel of a refined country house and a central location, it's the perfect base for exploring Barnstaple, with its historic Pannier Market and fabulous shops. An on-site AA Rosette award-winning restaurant offers a fine-dining experience while guests can relax in the informal bar and bistro. Individually decorated rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

We can book UK rail tickets from your local station to and from the starting/finishing destination of your tour, such as York, London, Edinburgh, and Harrogate. Please call one of our Tour Advisors to discuss your requirements.