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Boon’s Calibre Travel 2026 Victorian Torquay and the Cream of South Devon Departs Friday 12th June 2026 for 4 days, half-board
A charming four-day break, taking in South Devon’s many treasures, based in beautiful Torquay, one of the West Country’s principal resorts, with its magnificent bay, elegant Victorian villas, iconic palm trees, busy harbour, extensive shopping areas and amazing sea views. Our tour includes two exciting excursions, encompassing a wide variety of places of interest, with visits to the historic, market town of Totnes, the colourful fishing port of Brixham, the fascinating House of Marbles, rugged Dartmoor, and beautiful Widecome-in-the Moor, famous the world over for Widecombe Fair and Uncle Tom Cobley. In addition, we visit the attractive Wiltshire town of Chippenham and the delightful Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary on our outward & return journeys.
Our hotel is the elegant AA 3* Headland, superbly situated in the resort of Torquay, in the centre of the “English Riviera”. Set in two acres of grounds, with panoramic views across stunning Tor Bay, the hotel, formally a grand private residence for the Russian Royal family, boasts stylish public areas, well-appointed en-suite bedrooms and a comprehensive leisure centre. There is a lift, accessible bedrooms, ground floor rooms and some rooms have a walk-in shower. Headland Hotel & Spa, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2EF Tel: 01803-295 666
Friday 12th: We depart from our local boarding points and head for the Southwest, stopping en-route in historic Chippenham, one of the West Country’s most vibrant towns. Nestled on the banks of the River Avon, this Wiltshire town boasts an abundance of shopping opportunities, including a Friday street market, the Chippenham Museum and a wealth of beautifully maintained parks and open spaces. After lunch, we continue our journey to Torquay, arriving at the Headland in good time for dinner.
Saturday 13th: After breakfast today, we visit the historic, market town of Totnes, beautifully situated at the head of the Dart Estuary. Totnes boasts a Norman castle and a wealth of listed buildings, including its 17th century Guildhall, and its narrow streets are home to a variety of independent shops and a bustling Saturday market. This afternoon, we head for the coast to spend some time in the colourful port of Brixham, located on the southern side of Tor Bay and boasting one of the largest fishing fleets in the UK. In addition to the harbour, there is plenty here to see, including the Art & Craft Market, the Brixham Museum, packed with interesting exhibits from the town’s cultural and maritime heritage, and of course, Brixham’s landmark attraction, the Golden Hind replica, a fascinating recreation of Sir Frances Drake’s flagship. After a lovely day, we return to our hotel.
Sunday 14th: Today we visit the fascinating House of Marbles, a unique attraction situated in an old pottery, where we have time to browse in the Emporium, which boasts a treasure trove of quality toys, games, gifts, homeware, stationery, confectionary and fashion accessories, and to explore the four museums (of games, glass, pottery and marbles), which take us back to our childhood and beyond. Also, on-site is Teign Valley Glass, a working glassworks, with a team of highly skilled glassmakers who use traditional techniques, such as glassblowing, alongside new methods, to create stylish and collectable glassware; all available in the shop. Our next destination is rugged Dartmoor, an atmospheric National Park, with stunning views, awe inspiring granite tors, wide open spaces and freely roaming Dartmoor ponies. We travel right into its heart, where we find beautiful Widecome-in-the Moor, a village steeped in history and famous the world over for Widecombe Fair and Uncle Tom Cobley. Time to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the hospitality of the cafés and fine old inns; browse in the craft and gift shops; and admire the many fine buildings, in particular the 14th century St Pancras Church – “The Cathedral of the Moor”, before we retrace our steps back to our hotel.
Monday 15th: On leaving our hotel, we make our way homeward, however, before leaving Devon, we must visit the delightful Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary (free entry), where these gentle, hardworking creatures are loved and cared for in tranquil surroundings. As well as the “residents”, who enjoy visitors’ attention, there is a gift shop and cafe, whose profits support the charity’s work in caring for Donkeys in the UK and throughout the world. On leaving Sidmouth, we continue our journey back to Essex, with comfort stops en-route.
Includes: 3 nights half-board (dinner, bed & breakfast) in en-suite bedrooms, lift, ground floor rooms, adapted rooms, walk-in showers, leisure centre. 2 excursions and visits on outward & return journeys.
Note: Hotel guests may take advantage of the complementary daily taxi service from the Headland to/from Torquay harbour (please note: this has to be pre-booked with reception by 9.30am on the day).
Cost per person sharing a Twin or Double room: £515 Single room supplement: £NIL (9 rooms available)
Deposit: £65 per person, balance due 9 weeks prior to departure |