Torquay, South Devon and Dartmoor

After breakfast this morning, we head for Castle Drogo a 20^th century castle overlooking the breathtaking Teign Gorge. Designed by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, the Castle was inspired by the rugged surroundings of the Dartmoor National Park. The morning is spent exploring this impressive castle and the surrounding gardens which have been designed to offer a kaleidoscope of year-round colour and interest.

Departing in the early afternoon we have a scenic drive through the vast moorlands of Dartmoor National Park, home to Dartmoor ponies, lush forests, wetlands and jutting rock formations. The National Park is sprinkled with picturesque villages many of which have not change much in recent years.

Today is at your leisure to explore Torquay with its lively waterfront, bustling harbour and palm lined promenade which frames its marina with colourful boats bobbing on the sparkling waters. The town has been popular with holidaymakers since Victorian times, evidence of which can be seen in the villas perched on the hills surrounding the town and the classic Victorian facades of the main streets. Meander through the town centre for a spot of shopping, stop for a spot of lunch in one of the seafront restaurants or perhaps visit Potent Plants Garden which is a fascinating collection of plants inspired by the writings of Agatha Christie - that may kill or cure depending on one’s motive. This compilation of flora is just a small corner of the wider award-winning gardens at Torre Abbey.

Today is at leisure or join our optional excursion where we first head to the market town of Buckfastleigh where we step back in time aboard the South Devon Railway and recreate the golden age of rail travel on a heritage steam train as it meanders alongside the river Dart and through the spectacular Devon countryside. We can enjoy the ride in painstakingly restored vintage carriages as we head to our destination, the quaint town of Totnes.

This afternoon we re-join the coach and Greenway house and garden where the noted author Agatha Christie would spend time with her family and friends. There is a vast collection on ceramics, Tunbridgeware, silver and books including first editions of the writers’ own novels. There are also archaeological artefacts houses here which were acquired from the middle East where Christie accompanied her husband on excavations.

The gardens and large woodland drift towards the Dart estuary and the walled garden are home to a peach house and vinery as well as a small allotment.

After breakfast we return to our original pick-up points.