The English Riviera - 4* Torquay

It may face the English channel, rather than the Med, but the coast around Torquay has long been dubbed the English Riviera - famous for palm trees, piers and russet-red cliffs. At first glance, Torquay itself is the quintessential English seaside resort with a mild microclimate and an azure circle of bay. Lovely to visit at any time of the year, Torquay enjoys a wonderfully mild climate and higher than average UK temperatures. It's even warm enough for palm trees to flourish all year round. The Torbay Palm has become the symbol of the English Riviera and has thrived in the area since it was brought over from New Zealand in 1820. Stay at the excellent Belgrave Sands Hotel, voted Crusader Holidays Hotel of the Year 2024!
NEW The June tour visits tranquil Buckfast Abbey & Gardens with a steam heritage train ride aboard the South Devon Railway and in October enjoy a special day out to immerse yourself in the life and inspirations of the world's best-selling crime novelist, Agatha ChristieHighlights
- Hotel for 3 or 4 nights in Torquay with dinner & breakfast- Porterage- Tea / coffee after dinner- Use of leisure facilities- Visit to Exeter with entrance & guided tour of Exeter Cathedral (May only)- Devon Coast Drive with visits to Brixham & Dartmouth (June & October only)- Visit to Buckfast Abbey with entrance to The Monastic Way Exhibition (June only)- Return ride on the South Devon Railway Buckfastleigh - Totnes return (June only)- Agatha Christie Experience with local specialist guide, entrance to Kents Cavern & Devonshire Cream Tea (Oct only)- Hotel entertainment some evenings

Your Itinerary
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach to the south coast enjoy an en-route stop for refreshments. Arrive at your resort hotel in Torquay late afternoon to check in for your 4-night stay. DBB\n\nDAY 2 - 3 (or 4) At leisure in Torquay with one or two included excursions and a free day in Torquay (depending on tour duration)\n\nEnjoy a day at leisure in Torquay on the magnificent 'English Riviera' with its palm-lined seafront and russet-red cliffs - perfect for a promenade. There is a good smattering of cafes and restaurants as well as the Torquay Museum (closed Monday & Tuesday 10.00 - 16.00 - entrance approx. £10 pp in 2025), full of local history and artefacts with a gallery dedicated to Agatha Christie.\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nEXETER WITH CATHEDRAL (May only)\nFull English breakfast this morning before boarding the coach for your included excursion to Exeter, the small city that packs a big punch. Exeter is one of the most vibrant, attractive and historically interesting cities in England and pre-dates the arrival of the Romans in AD 50. This is reflected in its fascinating visitor attractions including its unique underground passages, imposing Roman wall and beautiful quayside. Step inside Exeter Cathedral for an included visit and tour to discover one thousand years of wonder - from the nave and quire ceiling, the longest continuous medieval stone vault in the world, to the Great East Window, with glass dating back to 1304. Truly one of Europe's most magnificent cathedrals, your guide with help you to explore amazing architecture, clandestine corners and hidden histories.\n\nBUCKFAST ABBEY & SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY (June only)\nFull English breakfast this morning before boarding the coach for your included excursion to experience serenity and inspiration at Buckfast Abbey. Nestled in a valley on the edge of Dartmoor on the River Dart, the Abbey is home to a working community of Benedictine monks. It boasts a fascinating history and was founded by King Canute in 1018 and was at the heart of the community until Catholic monasteries were dissolved by King Henry VIII. It fell into disrepair until 1882 when a group of French monks came to live on the site and painstakingly rebuilt the magnificent building you see today. Entrance is included to The Monastic Way Exhibition, an immersive presentation of Benedictine monastic life, from its origins to the present day. You will also find a gift shop, restaurant and beautiful themed gardens (Lavender, Physic, Sensory, and Millennium).\n\nThis afternoon step aboard a world of nostalgia at the South Devon Railway, where heritage steam trains gently meander alongside the river Dart through glorious Devon scenery. Head to charming Buckfastleigh station with its attractive gardens and historic locomotives to enjoy a scenic steam train ride to Totnes Riverside Station and back against the backdrop of Dartrmoor and the beautiful Devon Hills. NB May be operated by diesel engine if steam is unavailable on the day Return to Torquay later this afternoon.\n\nAGATHA CHRISTIE EXPERIENCE (October only)\nExplore the life and legacy of the 'Queen of Crime' Agatha Christie who was born in Torquay in 1890. From her birthplace to the mysterious underground caves which influenced her stories, this guided experience takes you through the stunning English Riviera where intrigue and inspiration meet. Your specialist guide will give a short presentation at the hotel to set the scene with the story of Agatha's extraordinary life before you board the coach to take a guided tour through the English Riviera stopping at key Agatha Christie landmarks. A visit is made to Kents Cavern, the curious cave system with millions of years of natural history and awe-inspiring rock formations. Agatha Christie's father helped fund some of the excavations and the cave provided the inspiration behind a location in 'The Man in the Brown Suit' NB Kents Cavern is a relatively easy walk, with mostly flat concrete surfaces and only 9 shallow steps. There is plenty of headroom and best of all no stooping! Sensible footwear should be worn, and please note that the caves stay at a constant 14 degrees all year round. A delicious classic Devonshire cream tea is included before returning to the hotel\n\nDEVON COAST - BRIXHAM & DARTMOUTH (June & October only)\nAlong the famous Devon coastline to Brixham. This resort is primarily a fishing port within Torbay and has a long and rich history. In the lee of Berry Head, famous for its Napoleonic connections, its lighthouse and magnificent limestone cliffs, Brixham remains a popular resort with a rich maritime history and plenty of activities for the young and old alike. Then onto Dartmouth, another beautiful and well-preserved old port. As an area of outstanding natural beauty in South Devon, Dartmouth is truly beautiful and the River Dart provides many photographic delights, as does the town itself.\n\nReturn Day - After breakfast, it's time to return homewards breaking the journey at a suitable stop for refreshments. Arrive back at your local joining points this evening4* Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa, Torquay
CRUSADER HOLIDAYS HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2024\nThis popular 4* hotel enjoys a central location near the seafront and is a few minutes' walk to Torre Abbey, Torbay's most historic building, located in an award-winning garden (open Tues - Sun. Entrance approx £11.50 in 2025). \n\nNewly renovated, elegant en-suite bedrooms feature large flat screen TV, hairdryer, mini-fridge, tea / coffee-making facilities and en-suite bathrooms mostly with walk-in showers. \n\nThere is a spa with small pool, restaurant, lounge bar, garden terrace plus entertainment some nights. There is a lift to most rooms