Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

North Devon & Somerset

North Devon & Somerset, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

A picturesque adventure in North Devon and Somerset, where scenic railways, charming towns, and natural beauty await.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Barnstaple

    Arriving in charming Barnstaple

    Your holiday begins in Barnstaple, where you arrive independently to the hotel on the banks of the River Taw, meeting the Tour Manager and rest of the group. After checking in, there is time at leisure to explore Barnstaple, north Devon's largest town and one of the UK's oldest boroughs, famed for its historic Pannier Market with a charming mix of independent shops and local character. This evening, reconvene at the hotel to enjoy the first dinner together.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Barnstaple

    A wild journey through breathtaking Dartmoor

    After breakfast, spend the day exploring beautiful west Devon. A coach journey takes you through the unspoilt countryside to Exeter, from where you travel to Okehampton on the scenic Dartmoor Line. An expert guide joins in Okehampton for a coach trip to Tavistock, the only Devon town to hold UNESCO World Heritage status, with free time to discover the ancient abbey, explore the vibrant market culture or enjoy a scenic walk along the River Tavy. Back on the coach, journey into Dartmoor, a landscape steeped in legend with vast moorland, granite tors and wild ponies. From the picturesque market town of Moretonhampstead, return to the hotel for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Barnstaple

    Victorian Lynton & Barnstaple Railway and RHS Garden Rosemoor

    Travel north by coach to Woody Bay, stopping en route at the Valley of the Rocks with spectacular views of rugged cliffs and the north Devon coastline. At Woody Bay, board the heritage Lynton & Barnstaple Railway for a relaxing two-mile journey through wild moorland and rolling hills of Exmoor National Park in lovingly restored 1890s carriages. Visit the clifftop town of Lynton with time at leisure, with the option to ride the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway funicular. This afternoon, visit the enchanting RHS Garden Rosemoor for a guided tour and free exploration of the rose gardens, hot garden and cottage garden. Return to Barnstaple for dinner. Note: For the 19th April departure, Days 3 and 5 are swapped.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Barnstaple

    A free day to explore Barnstaple's charm and historic past

    A full day at leisure after breakfast to explore at your own pace. Browse the traditional Pannier Market, operating since 1855, and the quaint shops along Butchers Row. Optionally visit nearby Ilfracombe, an attractive harbour town with museums, galleries and Damien Hirst's striking statue Verity. Fans of Tarka the Otter may enjoy a stroll along the Tarka Trail with peaceful views of the Taw Estuary. Return to the hotel in time for dinner. Note: On the 24th August departure, Days 4 and 5 are swapped.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Barnstaple

    Riding the heritage West Somerset Railway and a cider-tasting

    Travel by coach to Minehead, the 'gateway to Exmoor', with time at leisure to explore the beaches, historic harbour and tree-lined streets. Board the West Somerset Railway for a heritage journey through beautiful countryside, passing idyllic stations like Blue Anchor and Watchet along the edge of the Quantock Hills to Bishops Lydeard. A coach transfer takes you to Sheppy's Cider Farm for a tour and tasting of award-winning Somerset cider made from a traditional recipe passed down through six generations. Return to the hotel for a final dinner as a group.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6

    Homeward bound

    Your time in north Devon ends after breakfast. Once checked out, you are free to make your way home or continue exploring independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 5 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • All tour excursions including heritage rail journeys

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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