What’s included
What’s not included
Additional information
Itinerary
Ilfracombe, Glorious Devon & Exmoor
From a morning pickup in your local area, we travel by coach to our hotel.
Ilfracombe, Glorious Devon & Exmoor
Explore two very different sides of Devon on today’s excursion. We begin at Dartington Crystal, where you can discover the fascinating story behind one of Britain’s best-known glassmakers. Watch skilled craftspeople at work, browse the visitor centre and learn more about the techniques that have made Dartington Crystal famous for generations. Later, we continue to the charming fishing village of Appledore, tucked away where the rivers Torridge and Taw meet. Appledore claims to be home to the best ice cream; be sure to try one! With its lovely cottages, narrow lanes and bustling quayside, this picturesque village is perfect for a stroll and soaking up the maritime atmosphere.
Full Day
Ilfracombe, Glorious Devon & Exmoor
Today’s excursion takes us into the heart of Exmoor National Park to discover two of North Devon’s most picturesque coastal communities. Perched high above the sea, the Victorian town of Lynton is known for its independent shops, welcoming cafés and spectacular views across the rugged coastline. We then continue to neighbouring Lynmouth, where whitewashed cottages cluster around a harbour at the foot of dramatic wooded cliffs. With beautiful scenery at every turn and a relaxed seaside atmosphere, these twin towns offer a wonderful taste of Exmoor’s unique character.
Half Day
Ilfracombe, Glorious Devon & Exmoor
We begin the day in the beautiful medieval village of Dunster, one of Somerset’s most treasured gems. Wander along historic streets lined with characterful cottages, browse the independent shops or simply admire the timeless charm of this picturesque village, overlooked by its impressive castle. Later, we continue to the popular seaside resort of Minehead. Framed by the rolling hills of Exmoor and the waters of the Bristol Channel, Minehead offers a traditional seaside experience with a wide promenade, sandy beach and lively town centre, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery.
Half Day
Ilfracombe, Glorious Devon & Exmoor
After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and board the coach for the journey home.
Dunster Medieval Village & Yarn Market
Walk the medieval heart of Dunster to the 17th-century Yarn Market, following cobbled streets framed by stone and thatch. Independent shops and tearooms sit beneath the wooded ridge crowned by Dunster Castle, creating postcard-worthy views at every turn.
Once a prosperous wool town, Dunster preserves timber-framed architecture and parish heritage around St George’s Church. Enjoy time to discover characterful lanes such as Church Street and seek out local crafts, all under the watchful silhouette of the hilltop stronghold.
Minehead Seaside Promenade & Harbour
Enjoy a seaside promenade in Minehead, where a sweeping sandy bay meets wide Bristol Channel views. Amble the esplanade, browse cafés and arcades, or simply sit with the tang of salt air and the sound of gulls overhead.
As the gateway to Exmoor, Minehead blends resort nostalgia with coastal scenery. Railway enthusiasts often admire heritage stock at the West Somerset Railway terminus, while harbour watchers follow the tide around the quay and colourful fishing boats.
Evening Entertainment at the Dilkhusa Grand Hotel
Unwind with live evening entertainment in the hotel lounge, where friendly hosts set the tone for a sociable night. Expect relaxed performances—perhaps music, a quiz or dancing—and a chance to meet fellow travellers after a day on the North Devon coast.
Hosted on select nights, these gatherings bring a seaside ambience indoors with conversation and local cheer. Entertainment is included for guests; the programme varies by stay, adding a pleasant flourish to your Ilfracombe evenings.
Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
Ride the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, the water-powered funicular linking harbour to clifftop since 1890. Glide silently between the towns as views open to dramatic headlands and sweeping coastline panoramas across the Bristol Channel.
Marvel at Victorian engineering that harnesses gravity and seawater rather than engines. This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour, and fits perfectly within your free time in the twin towns.
Dunster Castle & Gardens (National Trust)
Step inside Dunster Castle to explore grand rooms and terraced subtropical gardens with vistas over Exmoor and the sea. Discover portraits, textiles and everyday treasures that trace centuries of the Luttrell family’s life here.
Originally a Norman stronghold, the fortress evolved into an elegant country house with landscaped grounds and a historic watermill nearby. This visit is optional, at additional cost and bookable on tour, and is subject to opening times.
Appledore Estuary Village Walk
Explore Appledore’s quayside, where the Rivers Torridge and Taw meet the sea. Wander narrow maritime lanes lined with pastel cottages, browse small galleries, and watch working boats moving with the tide. Pause on the harbour wall to pause for photos and reflection across to Instow’s wide strand.
Shipbuilding and fishing shaped Appledore for centuries, a heritage still felt in its slipways and weathered moorings. The village’s relaxed rhythm invites lingering—many visitors sample a locally made Hocking’s ice cream while soaking up the estuary light and sea air.
Lynton & Lynmouth on the Exmoor Coast
Experience the twin towns of the Exmoor coast: elevated Lynton clifftop views and the sheltered Lynmouth harbour below. Stroll Victorian streets, browse independent cafés and crafts, and take in rugged headlands, wooded gorges, and far-off horizons across the Bristol Channel.
Stories of the 1952 flood and Exmoor’s windswept moorland add historic depth to this dramatic setting. The meeting of sea cliffs and deep combes offers superb vantage points for photography and quiet contemplation throughout your visit.
Dartington Crystal Visitor Centre & Glassblowing Demonstration
Discover British glassmaking at the Dartington Crystal Visitor Centre in Great Torrington, with admission included. Walk the gallery above the workshop to watch skilled craftspeople at work, feel the heat of the furnace, and see pieces shaped, polished and engraved. Explore exhibition spaces showcasing both classic and contemporary designs.
Founded in 1967, Dartington championed British design heritage by blending Scandinavian-influenced form with Devon craft. Learn how sustainable, lead-free crystal is produced and how patterns evolve from sketch to finished stemware inside one of Britain’s few remaining glass factories.
