Arrive at Exeter airport and collect hire car.
Drive to Tarr Steps on the edge of Exmoor stop
to view the ancient clapper bridge and admire the picturesque
views in the valley. Drive across Exmoor – passing
through Exford, Simonsbath and right
into Doone
Country,
this area is where R.D. Blackmore set the scene for
the novel Lorna Doone. You will now find yourself
on the coast in Lynmouth a resort set beneath
bracken-covered cliffs and pinewood gorges where
2 rivers meet, often called ‘Little
Switzerland’. Lynton, set on the cliffs above,
can be reached by water-operated cliff railway from
the Victorian esplanade.
Continue along the coast to Porlock and have a pub
lunch before heading to Dunster, an ancient town with
views of Exmoor. The hilltop castle is worth exploring
along with 16th century octagonal Yarn Market and the
church. A riverside mill, packhorse bridge and hilltop
folly occupy other interesting corners in the town.
Overnight in Dunster.
An early start will take you across the Quantock
Hills and from here visit one of the many intriguing
gardens of South Somerset, maybe Hestercombe or East
Lambrook Manor. Now onto Glastonbury, a town made famous
for its abbey, tor and music festival. Take time to visit
the abbey, the supposed burial site of King Arthur and
Guinevere and walk up to the top of the tor to take in
the stunning views.
If you’re in need of some retail therapy by now just a short drive away
is Clarks Village in Street , formerly the Clarks shoe factory
this has now developed into a huge discount retail outlet with many bargains
to be found! Next stop is Wells England smallest city with its impressive cathedral
and Bishops Palace.
Discover the history behind the famous cheese in Cheddar, visit the village and
also Britain’s largest gorge.
Overnight in Wells.
Heading back towards the coast now, this time in the
East of the region, spend the morning exploring the world
heritage status Jurassic Coast, start in Charmouth where you can go fossil hunting on the beach and then
onto the Pretty, historic fishing town and resort of
Lyme Regis set against the fossil-rich cliffs of Lyme
Bay.
Continue then along the coast to the English Riviera, comprising of Torquay,
Paignton and Brixham. Torquay is the largest of the three, with an increasingly
Mediterranen atmosphere in it’s seafront bars and restaurants, families
love Paignton with it’s long sandy beaches and first class attractions – including
Paignton Zoo. Life in Brixham revolves around its busy harbour which is fascinating
all year round.
Overnight inTorbay.
Spend the morning exploring South Devon, start in Totnes,
an old market town steeply built near the head of the
Dart Estuary. Totnes, meaning 'the fort or lookout on
the nose or ridge of land', was established by the Saxon
kingdom of Wessex, to defend the Dart Valley from the
Vikings. Driving now parallel with the River Dart continue
on to Dartmouth, As a well as a popular boating centre
with a famous regatta, Dartmouth is also a fishing port
and fresh catches are traded on the quayside at
Kingswear. Art galleries and fascinating shops abound
in Foss Street to while away an hour or two. The Britannia
Royal Naval College, prominent on the hillside, offers
guided tours. Further around the coast,with its sheltered
waterways, Salcombe is the most southerly seaside town
in Devon, and is one of the South West’s best loved
sailing centres with beaches, coastal walks, watersports,
interesting shops tucked up tiny streets and wide choice
of pubs and restaurants.
Head now to Plymouth Visit world famous heritage sites like Plymouth
Hoe and
Mayflower steps. In the Barbican, you can enjoy centuries of maritime tradition
along with the award winning National Maritime Museum and discover the secrets
of Plymouth Gin in the original Black Friars Distillery where it has been produced
for centuries.
Overnight in Plymouth.
Travel from Plymouth across Dartmoor, 368 square miles
of stunning moorland scenery, with wooded valleys and
windswept tors. Stop first at the High Moorland Visitor
Centre in Princetown, to gather information about the
area, its history, geography and inhabitants. From here
head to Postbridge with it’s ancient clapper bridge
and then onto Haytor, walk to the top and take in the
breath taking views. Head now into Bovey Tracey for lunch,
A pretty cob and Dartmoor-granite built town, situated
on the River Bovey. It is home to the internationally
renowned Devon Guild of Craftsmen, based in a 19th century
water mill on the river.
Continue now onto Exeter a vibrant
city with a great atmosphere – the magnificent
cathedral is the focal point of the city, with the cathedral
green surrounding it with restaurants, pubs, and boutiques.
If time, take a free walking tour of the city - check
the board outside the cathedral with details on times
and type of tour. From here take a short drive to Topsham,
the historic port of Exeter with Dutch influenced architecture,
with lovely small shops, cafes, restaurants all set along
the River Exe.
Drive to airport to drop off hire car and return flight.
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AREA
MAP: - Click to enlarge |
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Dunster
Castle, Somerset |
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Glastonbury
Tor, Somerset |
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The
Jurassic Coast, Dorset |
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Brixham
Harbour, Devon |
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Haytor
- Dartmoor, Devon |
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