Secrets of North Devon

Back for 2026 with a revised itinerary, this terrific tour is based in the attractive market town of Barnstaple on the River Taw and explores one of the country's most beautiful regions. Experience the beauty of a glorious quintessentially English garden, visit the magnificent cherished Abbey home of the Stucley family with treasures and memorabilia collected over many generations. uncover the secrets of the UK's largest honey farm and enjoy an indulgent honey cream tea! Staying in the fabulous, top quality 4* Imperial Hotel in central Barnstaple, come and discover picturesque landscapes, pretty coastal towns, West Country hospitality and uncover a few of North Devon's secrets!Your Itinerary
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, head South West, stopping for lunch and refreshments en-route before your arrival at the 4* Imperial Hotel in Barnstaple later today, ready for your first evening meal together. DBB\n\nDay 2 - 4 At leisure in North Devon with three included excursions\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nRHS Rosemoor Gardens & Quince Honey Farm with honey cream tea\nThis morning's visit is to RHS Rosemoor, nestled in the Torridge Valley, where formal and informal plantings blend to magical effect. RHS Rosemoor is an enchanting place to visit in every season with two rose gardens and the colour themed Hot Garden with waves of plants chosen for their heat and vibrancy. Don't miss the flourishing Cool Garden and Long Border as well as the popular Cottage Garden, an exuberant mixture of colourful and scented plants, along with a charming thatched summer house. This afternoon's visit takes you to South Molton and the Quince Honey Farm, the UK's largest honey farm, first established in 1949. A guided tour will show you the highlights - the unique hexagonal themed Nectar Gardens where thousands of bee friendly plants are displayed as well as the Honey Factory and honey production areas - from the flower to the jar. Afterwards enjoy a delicious honey cream tea in the Nectary Restaurant.\n\nBarnstaple & Ilfracombe\nFree time this morning to get to know Barnstaple, regarded as North Devon's central town and social heart due to the wide range of amenities it offers. You can enjoy the charm and friendly atmosphere of one of Britain's largest indoor markets at Barnstaple's famous Pannier Market. Largely unchanged in over 150 years, the historic market has a wide range of stalls, with everything from fresh local produce, flowers and crafts, to prints and pictures, fashion and much more. Later on, hop on your coach to head up to Ilfracombe with its setting of rare beauty, framed by precipitous cliffs, elegant townhouses, a delightful har-bour and promenade. It's a favourite hang-out for the artist Damien Hirst, who added the controversial statue, 'Verity' standing guard at the harbour entrance. With its stunning beaches and coves, great eateries, numerous art and craft galleries, independent shops and attractions galore, Ilfracombe more than deserves a look!\n\nBideford & Hartland Abbey & Gardens\nEnjoy a relaxed start today before heading to Bideford which slopes upward from its broad river tide and has hardly changed in the last 150 years. This historic harbour town on the River Torridge is packed with independent shops, local produce and the picturesque quay. It was once Britain's third largest port and while it still has maritime connections, these days, it is more widely known for its historic Pannier Market and quirky shops that line the streets. After time to explore and a bite to eat, continue on to beautiful Hartland Abbey & Gardens, an historic and chesrished family home and popular film location in a beautiful valley. The award-winning house offers fascinating interiors and decoration, beautiful woodland walks, walled gardens and beautiful parkland where peacocks, donkeys and black sheep wander. Built in the 12th century, Hartland Abbey survived as a monastery longer than any other in the country and today may be recognised as the film location for for Enid Blyton's 'Malory Towers', the BBC's 'Sense and Sensibility' and 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' starring Lily James, to name but a few. NB Hartland Abbey is an historic house built across a narrow steep-sided valley and is not easily accessible for wheelchair users. The main rooms of the house are on thet first floor and access is via wide external steps. The upper rooms of the house are accessible via internal staircases. The large lawns around the house are on flat ground with benches to sit on and the gardens are accessed via paths and walks, some flat, some uneven.\n\nDay 5 - After breakfast, return homewards with a stop en-route for refreshments and to stretch your legs. Head onto interchange before arriving back at your local joining points early to mid-evening.

Holiday Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast and dinner- Porterage included- Tea /coffee after dinner- Three included excursions as stated- Entrance to RHS Rosemoor Gardens- Guided tour of Quince Honey Farm with honey cream tea- Entrance to Hartland Abbey & Gardens- Free time in Barnstaple- Visits to Bideford & IlfracombeLuxury Brend Hotel
\nImperial Hotel, Barnstaple\n\nThe luxury 4* Imperial Hotel is located in the heart of Barnstaple, overlooking the River Taw, yet has all the tranquillity and warmth of an elegant country house. \n\nIt is part of the prestigious Brend chain of hotels and combines old-style charm with high standards of comfort and service. \n\nGuestrooms are beautifully decorated and all feature free Wi-Fi, TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, hair dryer and safety deposit facilities. \n\nThe Arlington Restaurant offers outstanding cuisine in elegant and stylish surroundings, whilst The Colours Bar & Bistro is smaller with a more informal style. \nThere is also plenty of lounge seating.\n\nThere is a lift to all floors