TUESDAY - This morning following breakfast we venture into Somerset, as we head for Bishops Lydeard & the West Somerset Railway, where we board a morning service to Minehead. Enjoy 20 miles of heritage railway through stunning Somerset countryside and coast with morning refreshments included. The West Somerset Railway is a true country branch line of the old Great Western Railway & is full of fascination, whether you are looking for a nostalgic ride back in time through lovely countryside or to study the railway and industrial heritage which this line preserves.

Late afternoon, we return to The Imperial Hotel in Barnstaple, with some time to relax before dinner in the hotel restaurant. Included Meals - Breakfast. Morning Tea/Coffee with Cake, Lunch & Dinner

WEDNESDAY - This morning following a leisurely breakfast we allow you a free day to explore Barnstaple. Barnstaple is one of the UK’s oldest boroughs as well as being one of the largest towns in North Devon. It is home to a number of the well-known historic markets, as well as being the base of the flagship Brend Hotels chain. It’s no surprise that it is one of the region’s premier towns. As can be expected of somewhere with a rich history, there are plenty of things to see and do to learn more about the town’s heritage as well as regular events which celebrate the culture of this part of Devon. One of the most famous heritage attractions in Barnstaple is the historic Pannier Market which plays host to a range of events – from regular markets to showcases of delicious local produce and incredible street food. The Pannier Market has been the host of markets for over 1,000 years and has been standing since the 1800s. While these days the markets are more varied, you can still find a regular famers’ market here as well as a wide variety of other events where you can find everything from clothes, art and other locally produced items. The Pannier Market is flanked by Butcher’s Row, a terrace of ten shops under an iron roof, which as the name suggests, historically was the location of a number of butchers. These days, there are instead a host of interesting independent stores which cements Barnstaple’s draw as a haven for shoppers. Barnstaple is a town that offers a little bit of everything.

This evening, we enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant. Included Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

THURSDAY - This morning following breakfast, we travel to Hartland Abbey & Gardens near Bideford for a private guided tour. Hartland Abbey is the cherished home of the Stucley family with treasures and memorabilia collected over many generations. Built in the 12th century, Hartland Abbey survived as a monastery longer than any other in the country. In 1539 Henry VIII gifted the Abbey to the Keeper of his Wine Cellar whose descendants still live here today. Hartland Abbey is probably the most historically important ancestral home in North Devon containing much of national interest, including architecture and decoration from the Mediaeval, Queen Anne, Georgian, Regency and Victorian periods, paintings, furniture, Chinese artefacts and porcelain collected over many generations. The beautiful 18th Century Walled and Woodland gardens, the walks and the parkland provide visitors with extensive grounds through which to wander and enjoy the stunning valley leading down to the rugged Atlantic cove and cottage at Blackpool Mill, the location for many notable films. Wildflowers proliferate – from primroses and violets, wild garlic, bluebells and foxgloves in spring. 

This afternoon, we travel to RHS Rosemoor for a guided tour and time to explore these magnificent gardens. Gifted to the RHS by Lady Anne Berry in 1988, and known for its many garden ‘rooms’, RHS Garden Rosemoor spans 65 stunning acres. Visitors can breathe in the sweet-smelling scents of more than 250 varieties of blooms in our two Rose Gardens – The Queen Mother’s Rose Garden and the Shrub Rose Garden. For those curious about crops, there is produce ripe for the picking in our Fruit and Vegetable Garden. Celebrate the flavour of the seasons and explore a mouth-watering array of delectable edibles. The vibrant Hot Garden is famed for sizzling reds, oranges and yellows, waves of plants chosen for heat and vibrancy. If the heat gets too much, visitors can retreat to the serene pastels and blues of the Cool Garden, a tranquil Eden around a teardrop-shaped pond. In True TML Travel Group style, we have also included a traditional Afternoon Tea.

Following our visit to RHS Rosemoor, we return to Barnstaple & the 4* Imperial Hotel for our final night in Devon.

This evening we enjoy a pre-Dinner Drink to mark our Directors 35th Anniversary followed by Dinner in the restaurant. Included Meals - Breakfast, Afternoon Tea & Dinner

FRIDAY - We enjoy one last breakfast before we say farewell to the 4* Imperial Hotel. However, your holiday is not over yet because we have included a visit to Quince Honey Farm on the way home, which is famed for its Nectar Gardens. A family run working honey farm based in South Molton first established in 1949, now in its third generation of beekeepers. Wander around the Nectar Gardens, see millions of bees up close, visit the Honey Factory and take a look behind the scenes at the honey production areas. The friendly Education Team are ready to guide you through your day and even open up a hive for you at one of the daily Beekeeping Demonstrations. The unique hexagonal themed Nectar Gardens display thousands of bee friendly plants. On arrival you will be given a tour followed by honey tasting. Pop in for some lunch or a browse in the shop, there is a large restaurant offering delicious home cooked meals and light bites, sit back with a wine or a cuppa and relax with views of the gardens and bees.

Late morning, following our visit, we continue our journey home taking the memories of this very special Scenic Devon SELECT Anniversary Tour home with us. We arrive back at your original departure point late afternoon/evening. Included Meals - Breakfast 

Your Hotel

What's Included -

• Luxury Executive Eavesway ‘EXCLUSIVE’ Coach Travel including complimentary Wifi and the services of an Eavesway Driver(s)
• Complimentary onboard light refreshments service to/from Devon
• Four Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Accommodation at the 4* Brend Imperial Hotel, Barnstaple
• A morning visit to Hartland Abbey & Gardens with Private Guided Tour & admission included
• A visit to RHS Rosemoor with Admission, Private Guided Tour & Afternoon Tea Included
• A day at leisure in Barnstaple
• A morning journey on the West Somerset Railway from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead with morning tea/coffee & cake included 
• Packed / Light Lunch on the Tuesday Excursion
• A visit to Arlington Court & The National Trust Carriage Museum (Admission Included)
• Anniversary Drink on the Thursday Evening
• A visit to Quince Honey Farm & Nectar Gardens (Admission, Guided Tour & Honey Tasting Included)
• Porterage Included
• The Services Of A TML Travel Group Tour Manager throughout
  

All tours are operated by TML Travel Group Limited and are subject to availability and terms & conditions of the TML Travel Group Scenic Devon Select trading charter. All prices are per person based on sharing a twin/double bedded room and are valid for new bookings only. Single occupancy supplement and Insurance not included. New coaches may not be available on all tours. Offers maybe withdrawn at any time. Every attempt is made to keep the information guides up-to-date, however tours maybe subject to change and you will be notified. if this is the case. WE REQUIRE A MINIMUM OF 23 PAYING PASSENGERS IN ORDER TO OPERATE THIS TOUR

Introducing Eavesway EXCLUSIVE -