A beautiful rail holiday along one of Britain’s most iconic routes to the English Riviera, with opportunity to explore the beauty and charm of Devon’s magnificent coastline by boat as well as travelling on two of Devon’s finest steam railways.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
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Arrive in Torquay along one of Britain’s truly great coastal rail journeys
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Enjoy the South Devon Steam Railway to Buckfastleigh
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Travel by steam train along the beautiful English Riviera coastline
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Glorious sightseeing around Torquay
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Visit Dartmouth, historic naval town
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Take in a circular cruise viewing sights from the majestic River Dart
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Hotel on the stunning seafront
Also included in your Tour Fare:
- Dinner every evening
- Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)
- Services of experienced Tour Manager
- Hotel Porterage
Additional information
| Prices from | AUD$1,151.00 per person twin/double share |
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Departs
Tuesday 18 April 2023
Tuesday 6 June 2023
Tuesday 18 July 2023
Tuesday 26 September 2023
Day 1
For those travelling with us by train, experience one of England’s most quintessential holiday welcoming moments – the great railway journey along the sea wall at Dawlish, before climbing high into the rural pasturelands of the Devon hills then descending back to the coast to arrive on the English Riviera at Torquay. We transfer to the Livermead House Hotel, conveniently situated on Torquay’s seafront. (Dinner included)
Day 2
We travel to Totnes, where we join the oldest preserved steam railway in the south-west, the South Devon Railway. Following a pretty route through the Dart Valley on a former GWR branch line, we follow a scenic seven mile rail journey connecting the beautifully maintained stations at Totnes and Buckfastleigh. We have some free time at Buckfastleigh where we can visit the Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary, located adjacent to the station and only a few minutes walk from the platform or alternatively we can venture a little further and visit nearby Buckfast Abbey and gardens. (Breakfast & Dinner included)
Day 3
Today is free to relax in Torquay or explore the stunning English Riviera. You may decide to take the short ferry ride across the bay to the small fishing town of Brixham, home of the ‘Golden Hind’ replica of the iconic Tudor ship or perhaps visit the neighbouring town of Babbacombe, famed for cliff railway built in 1926 and model village. We reconvene at the hotel for our evening meal together. (Breakfast & Dinner included)
Day 4
This morning we travel by steam train alongside the English Riviera coastline to Churston, then on through the wooded slopes of Long Wood bordering the Dart Estuary to Kingswear. We take a short ferry crossing to the historic resort of Dartmouth where there is free time for some sightseeing and a gentle circular river cruise viewing Bayards Cove, Kingswear and Dartmouth Castles, Britannia Royal Naval College, Dittisham Village and Sir Walter Raleigh’s Boathouse. We return by steam train to Paignton and onwards to our hotel. (Breakfast & Dinner included)
Day 5
We bid farewell to new found friends and return homeward. (Breakfast)
HOTEL
The Livermead House Hotel
The elegant 3-star Livermead House Hotel was built in 1820 and has a picturesque seafront location. It is ideally situated just a short walk from the train station and a level walk along the promenade to Torquay town centre. The Livermead House offers a traditional flavour, outstanding sea views and high standards of cuisine. There is free Wi-Fi in all public areas. The hotel has lovely gardens with seating and an outdoor swimming pool plus, snooker room, squash court, gym, indoor bowls, and sauna.
- 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’hôte evening meal
- Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)
- Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described
- All excursions and admissions as detailed
- Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
- Hotel Porterage
