Staying at the Royal Duchy Hotel, Falmouth & Brend Barnstaple Hotel, Devon
8 DAYS | 8th July 2026
Devon and Cornwall have long been two of England’s most celebrated holiday destinations; from high-Victorian style mansions to monastic abbeys, dramatic cliffs to sheltered valleys, thatched cottages to Cornish seal sanctuaries, there is something for everyone.
The first half of our tour takes us to Cornwall; renowned for its awe-inspiring coastline, chocolate box villages, Celtic ruins, blue waters, stunning gardens and unique architecture. Staying at the 4* luxury Royal Duchy Hotel, it is only yards from the safe sandy beaches and quaint alleyways of Falmouth. Set in beautifully manicured gardens the hotel has views from its spacious terrace that will take your breath away. With a wonderfully glamorous bar, we can also look forward to fine dining in the award-winning restaurant. Right by the sea the hotel boasts all the facilities you could ask for, including a heated indoor pool, spa and wellness centre. The elegantly furnished en-suite bedrooms are bright, modern and well equipped. The hotel also has a lift.
Then it’s on to Devon, the home of delicious cream teas and breathtaking countryside, prepare yourself for stunning gardens, famous coastlines studded with tiny harbour-towns, excellent beaches and unmissable walks. Our home for our Devon stay is the Brend Barnstaple Hotel. The hotel is well appointed and within easy walking distance of Barnstaple and everything it has to offer. The hotel also offers an array of facilities such as the Brasserie restaurant, a stylish bar and excellent leisure facilities with both indoor and outdoor heated pools. All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and the hotel has some ground floor rooms but does not have a lift.
WEDNESDAY
We depart Macclesfield calling for coffee enroute to Sanders Garden Centre where we call for lunch. We then continue our journey south to Falmouth and our hotel.
THURSDAY
The morning is yours to enjoy as you please in Falmouth. Simply relax in the hotel, or why not head over to the National Maritime Museum or the Art Gallery. After lunch we all visit the Cornish Seal Sanctuary for a guided tour; hear all about dramatic rescues and meet the seal and sea lion characters whose stories are brought to life. We complete our tour with a delicious cream tea.
FRIDAY
Taking the scenic route today we head to St. Erth Station where we board the train for St. Ives. One of the most scenic lines in Britain, the scenery is spectacular as we pass the golden sands of Hayle, Towans and Carbis Bay. Why not visit the Tate Gallery or the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Gallery and Garden, meander around the quaint streets or have a relaxing lunch before re-boarding the train for the journey back to St. Erth, where the coach will be waiting to take you back to Falmouth.
SATURDAY
A day at leisure to enjoy Falmouth. Why not take a stroll around the shops, wander through the Queen Mary Gardens or take a boat trip.
SUNDAY
We say farewell to Falmouth and head north to Devon and Barnstaple, calling at the fabulous Lanhydrock House along the way. Lanhydrock is a quintessential country house and estate, with the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home. After a devastating fire in 1881 the Jacobean house was refurbished in high-Victorian style, with the best in country house design and planning and the latest mod-cons. After visiting the house make sure you take a stroll around the extensive gardens. (NT Members: Free; Non-members: £22.00) After lunch we continue north to Dartington Crystal, for afternoon refreshment and to explore the visitors’ centre. Its then just a short journey to our hotel for the next three nights.
MONDAY
Today we venture to the picturesque fishing village of Appledore with its colourful houses and coastal walks. After a morning coffee and a stroll we continue to Hartland Abbey, an Augustinian Monastery set in a beautiful valley. See the stunning interiors and collections, as well as the beautiful woodland and walled gardens. Late afternoon we head back to the hotel with time for a swim before dinner.
TUESDAY
A day at leisure in Barnstaple. You can either walk into town or catch the bus from directly outside the hotel. Why not visit the local museum, take a stroll through the park, visit the market or have a leisurely lunch in one of the many pubs, cafes and restaurants?
WEDNESDAY
After breakfast we board the coach for our journey home calling for coffee and lunch enroute. We aim to arrive early evening.
Prices:
£1,295.00 per person sharing twin/double
£420.00 double room for sole occupancy
N.B. This tour runs in conjunction with The Isles of Scilly
