Paignton and the English Riviera

Day 1: Belfast to Bristol – Welcome to the English Riviera

Your adventure begins at Belfast International Airport, where you’ll check in at the easyJet bag drop before proceeding through security to your departure gate. Your Tour Manager will be on hand to welcome you, so please make sure to introduce yourself before boarding your flight. Sit back, relax and enjoy your flight to Bristol, the gateway to your Devon adventure. On arrival, your Tour Manager will meet you in the arrivals area before you board your waiting coach for the journey south to Paignton and the beautiful English Riviera. Arrive at the 4-star Mercure Paignton Hotel, your stylish seafront base for the next four nights. After checking in and settling into your room, you’ll have time to enjoy your surroundings. With the seafront right on your doorstep, why not take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, enjoy the sea views or explore Paignton at your own pace? This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for dinner at the hotel and enjoy a relaxing first night by the coast, as you look forward to discovering the charming seaside towns, picturesque harbours and spectacular scenery of the English Riviera.

Day 2: Free day in Paignton

After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel.  Today is yours to enjoy Paignton at your own pace, with a full day of leisure to relax, explore and make the most of this beautiful seaside resort. Take a stroll along the seafront and Paignton Green, enjoy the sandy beach or wander into the town centre to browse the shops, cafés and traditional seaside attractions. For those looking for a little more adventure, you could visit Paignton Zoo (payable locally) or simply sit back and enjoy the views across the English Riviera. The Southwest Coast Path is also close by, offering a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a scenic coastal walk and take in the fresh sea air. Alternatively, make the most of the hotel’s seafront location and enjoy a relaxing morning or afternoon at the Mercure Paignton Hotel, perhaps unwinding on the terrace with a drink while taking in the coastal views. With no set schedule today, the choice is yours – whether you prefer exploring, sightseeing or simply enjoying a relaxing day beside the sea.  This evening, return to your hotel in time for your evening meal

Day 3: Dartmouth Steam Railway & Dartmouth

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your Tour Manager in reception (the meeting time will be confirmed by your Tour Manager) before we depart the hotel for a short walk of approximately 10 minutes (0.3 miles/500 metres) to Paignton Station. Here, you’ll board the wonderful Dartmouth Steam Railway for a memorable journey through some of South Devon’s most beautiful scenery. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular coastal views as the train travels along the stunning coastline and the picturesque River Dart towards Kingswear. On arrival, take a short ferry crossing over the river to the charming harbour town of Dartmouth. Both the steam train journey and ferry crossing are included in your tour. Once in Dartmouth, enjoy some free time to explore this delightful coastal town, renowned for its historic waterfront, quaint streets, independent galleries and welcoming cafés. Take a leisurely stroll around the harbour, admire the boats and soak up the atmosphere of this picturesque maritime destination. You’ll also have time to grab some lunch at one of the many inviting cafés or traditional pubs. Later, rejoin your coach for the return journey to Paignton, arriving back at your hotel in time for your evening meal.

Day 4: Discover Torquay & Brixham

Today, enjoy a delightful excursion exploring two of the English Riviera’s most popular seaside towns, each offering its own unique charm, beautiful coastal scenery and fascinating maritime heritage. Begin the day in Torquay, the elegant heart of the English Riviera. Spend some time exploring the attractive harbour and marina, where you can admire the boats, browse the waterfront shops and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll along the seafront promenade near Torre Abbey Sands, admire the coastal views and perhaps stop at one of the many cafés for refreshments before continuing your journey. In the afternoon, travel to the picturesque fishing town of Brixham, famous for its colourful waterfront, traditional harbour and charming narrow streets that wind their way up from the sea. The harbour is home to a replica of the Golden Hind, the famous ship associated with Sir Francis Drake, making it a wonderful spot for photographs. Take time to explore the bustling waterfront, watch the fishing boats coming and going and enjoy the views across Tor Bay towards Torquay and beyond. After a lovely day discovering these two distinctive coastal towns, rejoin your coach for the short journey back to Paignton. Return to your hotel for your evening meal and enjoy your final night on the beautiful English Riviera.

Day 5: Wells, Cheddar Gorge & Return to Belfast

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and board your coach for the journey towards Bristol Airport, with two memorable stops along the way. Your first visit is to the historic city of Wells, England’s smallest city, renowned for its beautiful medieval architecture and charming streets. Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace, admire the magnificent cathedral from the surrounding area, browse the local shops or find somewhere to enjoy lunch (own arrangements). Later, continue through the spectacular Cheddar Gorge, one of Britain’s most impressive natural landmarks, set within the beautiful Mendip Hills. Sit back and admire the dramatic limestone cliffs, winding roads and breath-taking scenery as your coach travels through this remarkable landscape. It’s a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the Somerset countryside and capture some memorable photographs. Following this scenic journey, continue to Bristol Airport, arriving in the early afternoon in time for your return late afternoon flight back to Belfast International Airport. As your tour comes to an end, take home wonderful memories of Devon’s charming seaside towns, picturesque harbours, beautiful countryside and unforgettable coastal experiences.

• Single Supplement Cost£140 per person