Torquay & Devon Delights – Turkey & Tinsel

After joining the coach, we make our way to our hotel and check in. We enjoy light entertainment every evening before our evening meal together.

Torquay & Devon Delights – Turkey & Tinsel

We begin our day in Dawlish, a quaint and friendly resort that was once a tiny fishing village before the Victorian Railway Age transformed it into a thriving seaside town. Nestled between striking red sandstone cliffs and overlooking a sandy beach, it still has trains running right along the seafront. We then continue to Teignmouth, a handsome estuary town with a bustling harbour, elegant Georgian crescent, classic promenade and Victorian pier offering fine views across the bay.

Torquay & Devon Delights – Turkey & Tinsel

This morning, we head to Brixham, an attractive port with colourful fisher cottages on the surrounding hillsides. Explore the winding streets, snug with bustling arcades and gift shops. The horseshoe harbour is well worth a look too, being home to a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship, the Golden Hind.

Torquay & Devon Delights – Turkey & Tinsel

Spend the day exploring Exeter, the historic capital of Devon, where heritage and festive sparkle meet. Dominating the skyline, Exeter Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, boasting the longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling in the world. During the Christmas season, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, with its bustling cathedral-side markets brimming with handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats and festive cheer. Wander the beautiful quayside, lined with antique shops, cosy cafés and lively pubs – the perfect place for a riverside stroll and a taste of Exeter’s warm, welcoming charm.

Please note: Exeter Christmas Markets open from Nov 16th and this may be subject to change.

Torquay & Devon Delights – Turkey & Tinsel

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head for home.

On day 3, travel to the colourful fishing port of Brixham and stroll the horseshoe harbour lined with bobbing trawlers and traditional kiosks. Step aboard, or admire from the quay, the faithful replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind and watch the working fish market at the heart of the town’s seafaring life.

Wander narrow lanes climbing past colourful cottages to viewpoints over Tor Bay, or follow the quay to the Breakwater to feel the salt breeze and pause for photos and reflection. Your Tour Manager shares stories of Brixham’s 19th-century trawling fleet and enduring maritime character, before free time to pick up a souvenir or enjoy a seaside snack.

Across the stay, gather each evening at the Riviera Hotel to unwind; on one night, settle in for a traditional ‘Christmas’ turkey dinner with all the trimmings as part of the tour’s Turkey & Tinsel cheer. Between 7pm–10pm, raise a glass at the 2 for 1 bar on selected drinks, and enjoy the warm company of fellow travellers.

Some evenings feature light entertainment in the hotel’s show bar, bringing a touch of seaside sparkle to Torquay’s Victorian resort backdrop. The relaxed setting lets you soak in the seaside atmosphere, share stories from the day’s excursions, and ease into a restful night before tomorrow’s coastal discoveries.

On day 4, choose an optional excursion to Exeter (additional cost of £15pp, bookable on tour) to explore the city’s layered heritage and festive scene. Stand on Cathedral Green to admire Exeter Cathedral, famed for the longest uninterrupted Gothic vaulted ceiling in the world, then browse the Cathedral Green Christmas Market, where mulled wine and spiced treats scent the air.

Your Tour Manager points out traces of Roman and medieval city walls and leads you toward the historic quayside, once a busy inland port on the River Exe. Enjoy time to pause for photos and reflection among antique shops and cosy cafés, or follow the cobbles along the water before returning to Torquay in the late afternoon. Market dates may vary by year.

On day 2, join a leisurely coastal drive along the English Riviera to Dawlish, a former fishing village turned Victorian resort. Walk the seafront where trains still skim Brunel’s sea wall just metres from the surf, and wander the Lawn beside Dawlish Water to watch the town’s black swans glide past. Take time to pause for photos and reflection of the red sandstone cliffs and wide sandy beach.

Continue to Teignmouth, a handsome estuary town with an elegant Georgian crescent, the Den promenade and a classic Victorian pier. As you explore, hear how the railway opened this coast in the 1840s, shaping resort architecture and seaside rituals, and enjoy views across the River Teign to Shaldon. Return to Torquay after time to sip coffee by the promenade and soak up the briny harbour air.