Springtime on the Riviera rail + cruise included
Monday 15 April 2024 to Friday 19 April 2024
£595pp
- Destination
- Itinerary
- Full inclusions
- Hotel
- Booking request
Be quick - this tour is departing soon so we've had to release our discounted rooms back to the hotel, we'd be delighted to negotiate more - send your booking request and we'll be in touch.
Enjoy an early spring break on the English Riviera, staying on Torquay's picturesque headland with direct access to the SW Coastal Path and just a 20-minute stroll (or free taxi service) to Torquay town. The resort is famous for its palm trees, spring blossom in the public gardens (including the scenic ‘Rock Walk’ through the cliff hugging Royal Terrace Gardens), a bustling harbour, stylish cafés and bars behind the sandy beach - the perfect place to unwind! Much of Devon is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, head inland to experience the seemingly endless scenery of Dartmoor National Park where wild ponies roam this rugged protected landscape.
Devon’s towns are diverse and unique. From the friendly ancient market town of Tavistock on the edge of Dartmoor to the famous naval town of Dartmouth and the riviera style resort of Torquay. Start planning your free time in this unique county with Visit Tavistock, Visit Dartmouth and English Riviera.
Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat and Buckfast Abbey are winners of a 2023 Travellers’ Choice Award from Tripadvisor – this is only awarded to attractions that are ranked within the top 10% and consistently earn great visitor reviews!
We always recommend taking out adequate holiday insurance, that's why we’ve partnered with SunWorld holiday insurance who can offer single or annual multi-trip cover. Get your free custom quote.
Tour code: C3430
Monday
Check in with tea/coffee and settle in with entertainment from the hotel this evening.
Tuesday
Steam your way from Paignton to Kingswear, through coast and country, along the Dartmouth Steam Railway, then take the foot passenger ferry over the River Dart to Dartmouth and board a 60-minute circular River Cruise. You’ll pass Dartmouth Castle and Agatha Christie’s Greenway House – with wildlife spotting opportunities too. There’s free time to wander in the picturesque naval town of Dartmouth before returning by train, with entertainment at the hotel this evening.
Wednesday
Spend the morning at leisure – perhaps stroll into Toqruay along the seafront, use the hotel’s complimentary taxi service to Torquay Harbour (departs approx. 10:00 and returns 16:30, prebook before 09:30 on the day), relax in the hotel’s Wellness Centre or adventure along the rugged SW Coastal Path. Complete your quiet day with an afternoon of peace and serenity at Buckfast Abbey. The impressive 11th century Abbey is complimented by spacious gardens, a restaurant and gift shops.
Thursday
It’s all about Dartmoor National Park today, starting with a morning break in the only town in Devon to hold World Heritage status – Tavistock. Continue through the moors, pausing for a traditional cream tea at Badgers Holt Café at Dartmeet – the famous beauty spot at the junction of the East and West Dart Rivers. Enjoy more scenery on the drive back to the hotel before tonight’s entertainment.
Friday
Time to head home.
- 4-night stay with breakfast
- 3 course dinner with tea/coffee every evening (min 3 choices)
- Ride on the Dartmouth Steam Railway
- River Dart Cruise
- Visit to Buckfast Abbey
- Cream tea at Badgers Holt
- Free time in Dartmouth, Torquay and Tavistock
- Welcome tea/coffee at the hotel
- Evening entertainment on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
- Complimentary daily taxi service (10:00-16:30) between the hotel and harbour, pre-book by 09:30
- Foot ferry over the River Dart
- Porterage
- Door2Door Travel (save £10pp by meeting the coach at a central departure point)
- BCH ABTOT Financial Protection
- Pre allocated coach seat
- Executive touring coach featuring a refreshment station, reclining seats, reading lights, curtains, foot and arm rests, toilet, safety belts, air suspension and individual air-flow controls
- An experienced, friendly, highly-rated and professional tour driver
- Friendly booking team on hand to answer any questions you might have in the run up to your holiday
- Book with just a £50pp deposit (balance due 8 weeks prior to departure)
- Book soon to guarantee no single supplement, available on a limited number of rooms
- LOYALTY DISCOUNT! Book 3 holidays (in any calendar year) and save £15pp, book 4+ and save £20pp, just let us know in special requests that you'd like to redeem your discount
The Headland Hotel & Spa, Torquay 
- Occupies a quiet spot on the headland with stunning sea views and direct access to the South West Coastal Path
- 20-minute walk to Torquay Harbour or make use of the free daily taxi service from hotel to harbour (departs approx. 10:00 and returns 16:30, prebook before 09:30 on the day)
- Winner of a 2024 Travellers' Choice Award from Tripadvisor (ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor!)
- Rated 4.3/5 by Shaws customers in 2023
- Ensuite rooms featuring TV, phone, hairdryer, free WiFi and complimentary tea/coffee tray
- Restaurant and lounge/bar
- Garden and outdoor terrace with sea views
- Hydro pool, sauna, steam room and mini-gym
- Beauty treatments (pre-booking advised)
- Lift
ACCESS: Steps to some bedrooms, limited ground floor rooms and walk-in showers, steps to the pool and at the garden entrance
Ask us about sea view rooms which may be available at a supplement
