Holidays 2027
Departs: Sunday 26th September 2027 | 5 Days
A Touch of Luxury in Barnstaple
Tour Price: £699.00 per person
Your Holiday Centre
Barnstaple is an ancient market town and is the largest conurbation in North Devon. Situated on the River Taw it provides access to the popular Tarka Trail and is within a short bus journey from the beautiful North Devon beaches such as Woolacombe and Croyde. Within the town there are town trails taking in the 17th-century alms houses, churches and chapels, and the old bridge, with the history of the area illustrated in the Barnstaple Museum (free admission) and in the heritage centre. Catering to the tourist trade the town is well supplied with hotels, like the luxurious Imperial Hotel. For shopping there is a traditional pannier market along with the usual high street shops, indoor shopping and local stores. There are also a 4-screen cinema and a theatre.
Tour Inclusions
- All coach travel
- 4 nights half-board
- Porterage
- Steam train ride
- Entrance to house & gardens
- Guided walking brothel tour
- Services of courier
Special Notes
- Insurance.
- Please inform us of any special dietary needs e.g: diabetic, gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.
- Special requests are put forward to the hotel, and they will do their utmost to accommodate your needs.
- The itinerary could be subject to change.
Tour Price
- Price Per Person
- £699.00
Single Room Supplement:
£Nil for standard single (5 only)
£80.00 for small double for sole use (7 only)
Your Accommodation
Imperial Hotel
Taw Vale Parade, Barnstaple EX32 8NB.
Tel: 02030 276 614.
Sitting by the River Taw, the 4 star luxury Imperial Hotel is a stunning Grade 2 listed building which was originally a grand private manor, home to one of Barnstaple's wealthiest families.
In 1898, it became a 'family hotel' and was extended over the years to become the iconic building it is today. With its sweeping oak staircase and lavish soft furnishings, the Imperial Hotel captures the magic and style of a lovely country house.
It has 63 guest bedrooms which all have an en-suite with bath or shower, free toiletries, hairdryer, TV, ironing facilities, telephone, and tea/coffee making facilities.
There is also an AA rosette award-winning restaurant, and a cosy terrace lounge .
The hotel is in the heart of Barnstaple, yet it has all the tranquillity and warmth of an elegant country house.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Depart for Devon
After boarding your luxury coach, your holiday has now started. You start your journey by travelling southwest with stops on route for comfort and food. Continuing your journey through beautiful countryside, to the North Devonshire town of Barnstaple and the luxurious Imperial Hotel, where you shall spend the next four nights with dinner, bed and breakfast. On arrival you will be greeted by the doorman and there will be a welcome tea or coffee while your luggage is taken to your rooms. After settling into your rooms, time to explore the hotel or just relax and admire the view before dinner.
Day 2: Lynton & Lynmouth
This morning you spend time at leisure in the twin villages of Lynton & Lynmouth. Pretty Lynmouth with its rows of charming fishermen's cottages, with shops that cluster around the harbour of gently bobbing boats. Lynton perched high above is a vibrant Victorian village retaining a quaint mix of times present and times past. Lynton is 500ft above Lynmouth, and the two towns are connected by the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, the highest and steepest fully water powered Victorian railway in the world! The railway is a 'must see and do' offering wonderful views over the bay. Later this afternoon you head back to the hotel where you have free time to relax before dinner.
Day 3: Day at Leisure
Today you can please yourself. Take a walk along the riverside or walk into the town. Maybe visit the Pannier Market which is a bustling indoor market open all year round. The historic market is filled with stalls offering fresh local produce, artisan crafts, unique gifts, everyday essentials, and tasty food and drink. The choice is yours. This evening after dinner, we go with a guide on a walking tour at 7.30pm which is called Bygone Brothel Tour. As this was a seaport with ships in the early days, you'll hear stories of the past of the women who earned their money from sailors. It's interesting and a laugh.
Day 4: Rail Journey & Arlington Court House NT
This morning, we travel to the Lynton & Barnstaple railway for a nostalgic journey on a steam train. The only steam railway in the UK where passengers travel in Victorian railway carriages designed in the 1890's. A one mile return trip from Woody Bay Station to Killington Lane and back. Two miles in total taking approximately 20 minutes. What you can see today at Woody Bay is just the beginning of an exciting project to rebuild one of the world's most famous and picturesque narrow-gauge railways. Later we look at Arlington Court House & Gardens, a National Trust property. An unexpected jewel on the edge of Exmoor, a complete family estate held by the Chichester family for over 500 years. The neo-classical mansion, completed in 1823, boasts an impressive collection of artefacts, fine art, and period furnishings. An intriguing Regency house with an impressive collection of horse-drawn vehicles, set in a picturesque garden.
Day 5: Depart for Home
After a hearty breakfast and cases have been loaded onto the coach, it is time to say farewell to your hosts at the Imperial Hotel. Retracing your steps, with comfort stops en-route. You will arrive in your local area, late afternoon - early evening.