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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

North Devon & Somerset

Six-day escorted rail tour of North Devon and Somerset heritage lines

Illustration of North Devon & Somerset

Great Rail Journeys operates this six-day escorted tour based in Barnstaple, North Devon, from April through September. You stay five nights at the four-star Imperial Hotel on the banks of the River Taw, returning to the same location each evening. The tour weaves through Devon and Somerset aboard three heritage railways: the Dartmoor Line from Exeter to Okehampton, the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway through Exmoor National Park in restored 1890s carriages, and the West Somerset Railway past Blue Anchor and Watchet. Between rail journeys, you visit Dartmoor National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage town of Tavistock, the RHS Garden Rosemoor, and Sheppy's Cider Farm for a tasting. A Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, all rail and coach travel is included, and breakfast and dinner are provided each day. Day 4 is free to explore Barnstaple independently. This package suits repeat rail travellers who enjoy guided comfort, history and heritage, and groups seeking a slower pace with time to settle into one base.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour is based at one hotel (Imperial Hotel, Barnstaple) for all five nights; you return to the same location each evening.
  • Day 4 is unguided and free at leisure; the tour includes no scheduled activities that day.
  • Single supplement is GBP 200 (from GBP 1199 versus GBP 999 per person double), a premium of roughly 40 percent above half the double rate.
  • Group size maxes at 30 people.

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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Travel the Dartmoor Line from Exeter to Okehampton, then continue by coach through the moorland to Tavistock.
  • Day 3Day 3: Board the heritage Lynton & Barnstaple Railway for a two-mile journey through Exmoor National Park in restored 1890s carriages, with stops at Valley of the Rocks for coastal views.
  • Day 5Day 5: Ride the West Somerset Railway through countryside and past stations including Blue Anchor and Watchet, then tour and taste cider at Sheppy's Cider Farm.

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Standard Class rail travel on the Dartmoor Line, Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, and West Somerset Railway is included, along with all coach transport throughout the tour.
What is included in the price from GBP 999?
Five nights' accommodation at the four-star Imperial Hotel in Barnstaple, a Tour Manager throughout, all rail and coach travel, breakfast and dinner each day, and all tour excursions including the heritage railway journeys.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides a Tour Manager from start to finish, and the group travels together on scheduled coach and rail routes.
What happens on Day 4?
Day 4 is free. After breakfast, you have the whole day at leisure to explore Barnstaple at your own pace, with the option to visit the Pannier Market, nearby Ilfracombe, or walk the Tarka Trail.
When does the tour run?
Great Rail Journeys operates seven departures across the year: April, May, June, August, and September 2026 and 2027.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included. The optional Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway funicular ride is at your own expense.

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