North Devon - Gardens, Coast & Crystal

Day 1

A morning departure as we head south to Devon and our base for the next 4 nights the wonderful Imperial Hotel in Barnstaple. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 2

A Full day tour of outstanding scenery, firstly visiting Lynmouth, site of a horrific flood in 1952, here you can visit Lynton the clifftop village via the unique Victorian water powered funicular cliff lift, before heading up Porlock Hill on our way to Dunster. We return to Barnstaple through the dramatic landscape of the Exmoor National Park. Dinner at the Hotel.

Day 3

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Barnstaple, North Devon's largest town situated on the River Taw, Barnstaple retains much of its historic charm, with a fascinating medieval character and plenty to discover. Take time to browse the famous Pannier Market,largely unchanged for more than 150 years, the market is home to a wonderful variety of stalls selling fresh local produce, flowers, crafts, fashion, prints, pictures and much more. After lunch we have an afternoon excursion to the charming seaside village of Woolacombe with its 3 mile long award winning beach and magnificent scenery. Dinner in the hotel.

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. In the afternoon, we head to Dartington Crystal which is Britain's only remaining Crystal manufacturer. You will experience the world-famous products being produced in the unique Factory Experience as well as discovering the fascinating history of the company and the industry within the Visitor Centre. Final Dinner at the hotel.

Day 5

We leave our hosts at the Imperial hotel for the Journey home

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner