Regency Sidmouth

Poet Laureate, John Betjeman, described Sidmouth as a town caught in timeless charm, after being captivated by its beautiful gardens, clean beaches and Regency history. This lovely seaside town is nestled beneath majestic red cliffs, a town like no other, located in East Devon and full of friendly faces and beautiful scenery. The dramatic cliffs, fresh sea air and the abundance of attractions makes it a wonderful place to recharge the batteries. New itinerary inclusion for 2023 Powderham Castle & 2024 is a visit to Forde Abbey House & Gardens.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.A Castle & Botanical Garden
Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinnerPorterage2023 only
Visit & Entrance to Powderham Castle & GroundsVisit to ExeterVisit & Entrance to Bicton Botanical GardenVisit to Budleigh Salterton2024 onlyRiver Exe Cruise & Cream TeaForde Abbey House & GardensVisit to Axminster

Great Selection of Excursions
Day 1 From your chosen joining point your feeder vehicle will take you to your designated interchange point where your holiday begins. After joining your holiday coach head for Sidmouth pausing en route for refreshments. Check in for 4 nights. DBBDay 2 - 4 At leisure in Sidmouth with two included excursions and one optional excursionINCLUDED EXCURSIONSPowderham Castle & Grounds & Exeter - 2023 onlyPowderham Castle enjoys a unique, picturesque setting within an ancient deer park beside the Exe estuary, just south of Exeter. Over 600 years of history can be discovered within the walls of one of Devon's oldest family homes learn about all the hidden secrets behind the walls of the Castle.Admission Included. On the way back to the hotel a stop in Exeter is a must. A small city that packs a big punch, Exeter is one of the most vibrant, attractive and historically interesting cities in England.Bicton Botanical Gardens & Budleigh Salterton 2023 onlySpanning nearly 300 years of horticultural history, these magnificent gardens are set in East Devon's picturesque Otter Valley, between the ancient city of Exeter and southwest England's Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.The Bicton Park Gardenscombines 18th century tranquillity with modern amenities to provide all year round enjoyment for every one of all ages including historic glasshouses, a countryside museum, the Bicton Woodland Railway train ride, nature trail, maze, mini golf, indoor and outdoor children's play complexes, restaurant and shop. Admission Included.Budleigh Salterton is set in a cosy, warm town at the start of theWorld Heritage Jurassic Coast. It remains to this day as one of Devon's un-spoilt and charming towns for those who wish to enjoy a day in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere while taking in the historic heritage.OPTIONAL EXCURSIONDartmoor National Park (Cost £18 pp) 2023 onlyRight in the very heart of Devon, Dartmoor is a landscape of awe inspiring granite tors, deep wooded valleys with fast flowing rivers, rugged, wide open spaces and majestic panoramic views. Stop in Princetown, a small moorland outpost dominated by its Napoleonic prison. It's thought that Arthur Conan Doyle penned his most famous work, The Hound of the Baskervilles, during a stay at the Old Duchy Hotel, now the Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre in the heart of the town. Onto Widecombe-in-the-Moor, a beautiful village commemorated in song. The Church of St Pancras, colloquially known as the Cathedral of the Moors in recognition of its 120-ft tower, stands over the village green - helping to make Widecombe one of the most beloved villages on Dartmoor2024 Tours onlyINCLUDED EXCURSIONSForde Abbey House & Gardens & AxminsterHome to the stunning Mortlake Tapestries, woven from the internationally famous Raphael cartoons, now housed in the V&A, the Abbey has a rich and varied history spanning 900 years. Through the centuries, it has played host to Cistercian monks at prayer, 19th-century philosophers and politicians.If any of Forde Abbey's 12th-century Cistercian monks were to return today they might well recognise their quarters, their kitchen and refectories, and their chapter house. It is rare to see so much of a medieval monastery preserved as an integral part of a private dwelling. Superb Victorian walled garden, a nursery and café. Entrance included to house & garden.A short stop on the way back in Axminster. Famous for the production ofboth carpets and pottery and for being the base of celebrity chef HughFearnley-Whittingstalwho's famous River Cottage TV series is filmed on his farm in Axminster. He also works with and owns a number of eateries and pubs throughout the town.River Exe Cream Tea Cruise & ExmouthA cruise on Devon's longest river, the River Exe is a must whilst in Devon This six-mile cruise travels the peaceful waters up past Powderham Castle and along to where the river ends on Exmouth's traditional seafront.One of the favourite sights on the water has to be the resident seals, frequently seen enjoying the area for its food and sunbathing hotspots!Stuart Line boats have an outside upper deck with plenty of fresh air and cosy blankets to snuggle under whilst you soak up the scenery. Also there is toasty indoor heated lower decks, with huge panoramic windows ideal for viewing the all the sights as you cruise past. On board you will find a fully licenced bar serving a range of hot and cold refreshments and snacks - just in case you fancy a little something extra after your cream tea! Their boats maintain their traditional features, but are also modern, exceptionally clean and well maintained and toilets are also on board.During each trip, your Skipper will give you live, informative and enjoyable commentary, ensuring that you get to see everything this beautiful river has to offer. Cruise fare & cream tea included. Some free time in Exmouth either before or after your cruise.OPTIONAL EXCURSION 2024 onlyWest Bay & Lyme RegisWest Bay is located along the world-famousJurassic Coastand was the stage for ITV's Broadchurch. Time for a look round and refreshments before heading west to Lyme RegisBesides wonderful beaches the ancient watermill, set in the artisan quarter of Lyme Regis, rescued from dereliction by local volunteers, through a ten-year restoration project is well worth a look.Today, the unique and intriguing story of The Town Mill is recounted by volunteer millers, who mill stoneground wholemeal flour, and keep this special place open for everyone to enjoy. Nestling around a cobbled courtyard, these restored mill buildings house a working flour watermill and shop, as well as an art gallery, restaurant, silversmith, seamstress, pottery, seaweed art, design agency, pilates studio and a micro-brewery.
Day 5 After a leisurely breakfast, drive to interchange with ample time for refreshmentsChoice of 2 Seafront hotels! .

Royal York & Faulkner Hotel, Sidmouth (May & October 2023 - May & September 2024)
This family run 3* hotel, housed in a Grade II listed building, enjoys an unrivalled position at the centre of the Esplanade. All guestrooms have TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee facilities & telephone.

Facilities include hydro-therapy pool, steam cabin & sauna and snooker table.

There is a restaurant overlooking the sea as well as an elegant bar and a casual cafe bar.

There is a lift but there are some steps within the hotel














Bedford Hotel, Sidmouth - (June Tour 2023 & 2024)

This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. right on the seafront on Devon's Jurassic Coast, It has individually designed rooms with flat-screen TVs, limited free parking and a restaurant overlooking Lyme Bay.Rooms at the hotel are decorated in light shades and modern wallpaper. Rooms include hairdryers, tea/coffee-making facilities and many have panoramic sea views, some also have balconies.Cooked English breakfasts are served each morning in the dining room, whilst the restaurant offers an international table d'hote menu. Produce is sourced from the Devon area. Hospitality trays in all rooms.
Sidmouth has miles of sandy beaches for guests to enjoy. Sidmouth Golf Course is a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

Hotels
• Bedford Hotel (Sidmouth) - View Information