Included Excursion
Buckfast Abbey, Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary & the South Devon Railway (full day)
Home to a community of Benedictine monks, Buckfast Abbey lies on the banks of the River Dart. Here, we soak up the peaceful atmosphere and explore the beautiful Abbey church with its art treasures. There’s also time to wander the tranquil gardens and browse the gift and produce shops.
We then travel to the outside the southern edge of Dartmoor National Park, Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary where we can see the beautiful collection of tropical butterflies and learn about their amazing life cycle in their specially designed rainforest habitat. Wander around the otter sanctuary, home to three species of otter: the native British otter, the Asian short-clawed otter and the large North American river otter.
Our trip then takes us to Buckfast station where we experience a nostalgic journey on the award-winning South Devon Railway. Built in 1872 and initially known as the Dart Valley Railway, this line is the longest established steam railway in the south west. On this special train journey we take in some of Devon’s most picturesque countryside along the stunning valley of the River Dart.
Included Excursion
Cruising the River Exe & Exmouth (full day)
Today we enjoy a lovely cruise along the beautiful River Exe, Devon’s main river and a nationally celebrated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Admire the stunning scenery, keep a watch out for the local wildlife and revel in the peaceful surroundings as we cruise these calm waters.
Later we spend some free time in Exmouth. One of the oldest seaside towns in Devon, Exmouth offers a lovely small harbour and two miles of sandy beach, perfect for a stroll along the shoreline, and is the gateway to the World Heritage Jurassic Coast with its dramatic cliffs and stunning views.
Optional Excursion
Teignmouth – £11pp (half day)
Join our optional half-day excursion along the coast to where the River Teign meets the sea. There, we will find tucked below the Haldon hills, the delightful town of Teignmouth. There is plenty to see and enjoy including a beautiful long sandy beach, a busy harbour, a host of charming Georgian buildings, and the picturesque 150-year-old Victorian ‘Grand Pier’.