Ilfracombe & North Devon Coast

5 days, Sunday 21^st – Thursday 25^th June

Staying at the Carlton Hotel- Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe’s reputation as the culinary and cultural hub of north Devon has been steadily growing for the past few years, with many visitors referring to it as the new St. Ives.  As well as being a haven for foodies, the town is home to a host of world-famous attractions including the aquarium and the unique Tunnel Beaches, as well as Damien Hirst’s sculpture, Verity.  The jewel in the crown is the Port which has been there since at least the 12th Century and a settlement for much longer. Today the predominant use is for leisure and tourism but this is still a working harbour with fish and seafood landed daily.  Open all year round, independently owned and managed. The Carlton is conveniently positioned to access the harbour, seafront, Tunnels beaches and further afield in north Devon. With great food from locally sourced ingredients, brilliant breakfast and local beers. Guest rooms are refurbished deluxe standard or classic decor.

Our Itinerary

Day 1 After your door-to-door service has brought you to the coach, we travel south pausing appropriately for refreshment breaks and a chance to purchase lunch. We then continue across north devon and to our hotel where we aim to arrive in plenty of time to refresh before dinner.

Day 2   A free day to relax and explore all that Ilfracombe has to offer.  There is something for everyone with its picturesque historic harbour of quaint pastel-coloured houses, 14^th Century chapel perched on Lantern Hill and Damien Hirst’s statue Verity standing guard at the entrance surrounded by dramatic clifftop scenery and is directly on the south west coast path. With its stunning beaches and coves including the famous Tunnels Beaches, great eateries, numerous art and craft galleries, independent shops, activities and attractions galore it truly is the perfect destination from which to explore north Devon.

Day 3   Today we drive firstly to Lynmouth often described as little Switzerland because of its scenery. This picturesque coastal village offers a charming and unique experience with stunning views and a vibrant harbour.  From here we make our way via Porlock to the serene seaside town of Minehead.

Day 4   A leisurely day as we travel to Hartland Abbey & Gardens for an included visit.  Built in the 12^th century, Hartland Abbey survived as a monastery longer than any other in the country.  In 1539 Henry VIII gifted the Abbey to the keeper of his wine cellar whose descendants still live here today. Hartland Abbey is probably the most historically important ancestral home in north Devon.

Day 5   Today, sadly we leave for home.  We retrace our steps north making suitable comfort breaks on the way before meeting your door-to-door service which will be waiting to take you back to your doorstep.

Facilities

Free internet access

Flatscreen TV

Ensuite accommodation

Tea/coffee making facilities

Passenger lift

Holiday Includes

Door to door service

All luxury coach travel as listed

Admission to Hartland Abbey & Gardens

4 x nights’ accommodation at the Carlton Hotel

4 x cooked breakfasts

4 x 3 course choice dinners

Services of our experienced crew