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A picturesque discovery tour featuring scenic heritage railways, idyllic harbour towns, Dartmoor National Park, and other areas of natural beauty of north Devon and Somerset.6 DAYS from%u00a3949ppDays 1-2. Arrival in Barnstaple & uncovering breathtaking DartmoorMaking your way to Barnstaple independently, meet the Tour Manager at our hotel on the banks of the River Taw. After checking in, there%u2019s time to explore north Devon%u2019s largest town before dinner. Famed for its historic markets, historic Barnstaple remains a shoppers%u2019 haven with its independent stores. After breakfast on Day 2, we spend the day exploring west Devon. After a journey through the Devon countryside to Exeter, we take the Dartmoor Line to Okehampton, a route that was reinstated in 2021. There, an expert joins us as we drive to Tavistock %u2013 the only Devon town to hold UNESCO World Heritage status %u2013 where you are free to look around. We rejoin our coach and enter Dartmoor, a beautiful windswept moorland, peppered with Bronze Age settlements and mystical stone circles. From the picturesque market town of Moretonhampstead, we return to our hotel for dinner.Days 3-4. Lynton & Barnstaple Railway & RHS Garden RosemoorOn Day 3 we drive to Woody Bay, stopping enroute at the Valley of the Rocks, for picture-perfect views of the dramatic coastline. At Woody Bay, surrounded by Exmoor National Park, we board the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway. In authentic 1890s carriages, we set out into the wild moorland towards the coast on a two-mile round trip. Next, we visit the coastal town of Lynton, with time at leisure over lunch. One option here is to ride the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, a steep funicular that joins the two towns, for great views. This afternoon, we explore the RHS Garden Rosemoor. After a guided tour, you are free to enjoy displays including an elegant rose garden, a %u2018hot garden%u2019, and cottage garden. A free day on Day 4 is a chance to explore at your own pace. A market town since Saxon times, Barnstaple%u2019s historic Pannier Market offers fresh local produce, crafts and flowers. The small, attractive shops of Butchers Row contain tempting caf%u00e9s and bakeries. Further afield, Bideford is a pretty town with great pubs, friendly locals and scenic river views, which can be reached by bus %u2013 as can the attractive harbour town of Ilfracombe. Dining independently this evening, Barnstaple has some popular restaurants and pubs, offering varied cuisine, from traditional British food to Indian and Asian. Day 5. West Somerset Railway & Sheppy%u2019s Farm cider-tastingWe continue further along the coast after breakfast on Day 5, travelling by coach to Minehead, huddled at the edge of Exmoor. With time at leisure here, you could explore the traditional seaside town in the centre or the fishermen%u2019s cottages near North Hill. This afternoon, we board the West Somerset Railway for a heritage journey through beautiful countryside. Passing delightful stations like Blue Anchor and Watchet, the train makes its way along the edge of the Quantock Hills to the picturesque village of Bishops Lydeard.From here, a coach transfer takes us to Sheppy%u2019s Cider Farm, where the Sheppy family has been making award-winning cider for more than 200 years. After discovering how apples are used to produce this popular beverage, there is a chance to taste classic Somerset cider, made from a traditional recipe passed down through six generations of the family. Returning to our hotel later this afternoon, there%u2019s time to unwind before our final dinner. Day 6. Homeward boundYour holiday in north Devon ends after breakfast this morning. Once you%u2019ve checked out, you are free to make your way home. Alternatively, you might decide to continue touring this scenic region of England on your own. YOUR ITINERARYSecure your place now with a %u00a3175pp deposit2025 Departures: APR, MAY, JUN, AUG, SEPTour Code: NSS | %u00a3 per person based on 2 sharing. Supplement for solo travellers from %u00a3230.WHAT%u2019S INCLUDED:%u2713 5 nights%u2019 4-Star hotel accommodation %u2713 Standard Class rail travel %u2713 All rail and coach travel throughout your tour%u2713 Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish%u2713 Breakfast each day, 4 dinners %u2713 All guided tours and excursionsBarnstapleExeterOkehamptonDartmoor National ParkMoretonhampsteadWoody BayKillingtonLaneLyntonRHS GardenRosemoorBishops LydeardMineheadSheppy%u2019sCider Farm5Mobility Rating 1 2 3 4ENGLAND 39Search greatrail.com/NSS25Classic