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Itinerary
Day 1
We depart by private executive coach from our designated pick-up points. En route to our hotel we visit the National Trust’s Montacute House in Somerset, a magnificent Elizabethan house, adorned with Renaissance features, including contemporary plasterwork and heraldic glass. The property featured in the award-winning film ‘Sense and Sensibility’ and the Long Gallery is home to over 50 Tudor and Elizabethan portraits on loan from the National Portrait Gallery. We continue to the 4* Mercure Hotel in Paignton for a four-night stay on a half board basis.
Day 2
On arrival in Dartmouth this morning we take an included boat transfer to the National Trust’s Greenway property. Offering an atmosphere of wildness and timelessness, this true ‘secret’ garden of peace and tranquillity offers wonderful views of the Dart estuary and once featured on the BBC’s ‘Hidden Gardens’ (there is a 10-15 minute uphill walk from the quayside to the gardens, or there is a shuttle service between the ferry and the house (subject to availability) for those who require it. The house was the private holiday home of the famous and well-loved author Agatha Christie, and contains many of the family's collections, including archaeology, Tunbridgeware, silver, botanical china and books. We then return to Dartmouth by boat.
Day 3
Exeter Cathedral is our destination this morning, one of England’s finest examples of decorated Gothic architecture. During our guided tour we see the world’s longest uninterrupted Gothic stone vaulted cathedral ceiling, a medieval astronomical clock, and Scott’s sledging flag from the legendary British Antarctic Expedition. This afternoon we visit Powderham Castle for a guided tour. Set alongside the Exe Estuary and dating back to 1391, it is home to the 18th Earl of Devon and one of the oldest family houses in England.
Day 4
This morning we visit the National Trust’s Buckland Abbey. The 700 year old building has rich associations with Elizabethan seafarers Sir Francis Drake and Sir Richard Grenville. We then visit the National Trust’s Saltram property, standing high above the River Plym in a rolling and wooded landscaped park. The house, with its magnificent decoration and original contents, was largely created between the 1740s and 1820s by three generations of the Parker family. It features some of Robert Adam’s finest rooms, exquisite plasterwork ceilings, original Chinese wallpapers and an exceptional collection of paintings including many by Sir Joshua Reynolds and Angelica Kauffman.
Day 5
After checking out of our hotel and en route home we visit the National Trust’s Killerton property in Devon, a fine 18th century house containing a fascinating collection of 18th to 20th century costumes. Taking carefully selected comfort stops en route, we return back to our original pick up points.
NB: Please note we reserve the right to alter the above itinerary if required for operational reasons. Given the historic nature of the places visited, a certain degree of walking will be involved, and this holiday may not be suitable for those with mobility problems. Price based on twin share. Minimum numbers required. Normal booking conditions apply.
Featuring
4* hotel
Half board accommodation
All excursion travel & guided tours included
Entrance fees to non-National Trust properties included
Boat tickets included on Day 2
Executive coach throughout
National Trust’s Montacute House
Boat transfer to Greenway House & Gardens (boat transfers included)
National Trust’s Greenway House & Gardens
Exeter Cathedral – guided tour
Powderham Castle – guided tour
National Trust’s Buckland Abbey
National Trust’s Saltram
National Trust’s Killerton
Hotel
We stay four nights on a half board basis at the 4* Mercure Hotel (www.mercurepaignton.com) at Paignton. The hotel has a restaurant, bar, and a small gymnasium. All of our allocated rooms are en suite and feature a television, hairdryer, and tea & coffee making facilities. A set 3 course dinner will be served on the first evening, and a choice 3 course dinner will be served on the remaining nights.
Extras
Insurance (including Covid cover) £38
Single room supplement £99
Entrance fees to National Trust properties (free to NT members)
Lunches
Donations at any churches or cathedrals visited
Optional Excursions
All excursion travel & guided tours included
