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On this Discovery Tour we stay for
seven nights at Exmoor in a Somerset national park with its amazing
variety of landscapes, hills and valleys. During this holiday, with
its varied itinerary, we will visit and explore many delightful
villages and beauty spots.
- The
historic Cistercian abbey of Cleeve,
which has some of the finest cloisters
in England
-
Picturesque Somerset villages such as
Selworthy and Bossington
- The
coastal village of Lynmouth and the
fascinating Valley of Rocks
- A steam
train ride in the Quantock Hills
- A visit
to Arlington Court
2017 Dates: One week
tours start 16 June, 26 Aug
Price in British pounds: 855.00 GBP based on double occupancy.
A few single rooms have no supplement,
Non-member associate fee is 10 GBP per person
Accommodation:
As a
historic National Trust
property, Holnicote
House is full of charm
and character. Located on
the extensive Holnicote Estate,
at the foot of Exmoor, it is
well located for exploring the
region. 32 newly refurbished
rooms have ensuite private
bathroom, TV and hairdryer.
There is a heated outdoor pool
and lovely gardens. All guests are participating in an HF Holiday so the
atmosphere is that of a private club.
Meals: All meals are included. Breakfast is a hot and cold
buffet. Lunch is a packed lunch. Dinner is a three course meal with
a choice of four main courses including one vegetarian. Special
diets can be catered to.
Itinerary:
Day 1
Arrival day
Check in
from 2.30pm onwards. Afternoon tea at
4pm.
Day 2:
Around Selworthy & Dunster Castle
Get to
know the area by driving through
gorgeous villages and walking along the
coast overlooking Porlock Bay. Spend
time in the medieval-style village of
Dunster and enjoy a visit to Dunster
Castle (National Trust), home of the
Luttrell family for over 600 years. We
shall also see the parish church with
its pretty garden, the 16th century
dovecote and the famous yarn market in
the main street of the village.
Day 3:
Heddon Valley and Arlington Court
Explore the nature reserve of
Westlandpound reservoir then enjoy the
beautiful Heddon Valley. We spend the
afternoon at Arlington Court (NT), the
former home of the Chichester family,
which has a fascinating collection of
Victorian carriages.
Day 4:
Free day to explore the area
independently. There are National Trust
properties to enjoy, or coastal towns
such as Combe Martin, or moorland
villages such as Dulverton. For
something completely different, why not
visit the Bakelite Museum in Williton?
Day 5:
Wells and Hestercombe
Discovery
England’s smallest city - Wells. See the
cathedral which dominates the town find
out about the “wells”, visit the famous
Bishop’s palace garden, and have time to
wander the market square and little
streets. Then we’ll visit Hestercombe
Gardens to see designs by Gertrude
Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens.
Day
6: Cleeve Abbey and the Steam Train
Where does the “Ancient Mariner” brood
over the harbour with the albatross
around his neck? Find out in the harbour
town of Watchet. Cleeve Abbey is one of
the best examples of monastic ruin -
learn what life as a medieval monk would
have been like. Then enjoy a leisurely
steam train journey through the Somerset
countryside, finishing with a cream tea
in a garden overlooking the Blackdown
Hills.
Day
7: Lynton & Lynmouth
Travel
along the coast road to Lynmouth to
visit the famous beauty spot of
Watersmeet, where the rivers Hoaroke and
Lynn join in spectacular waterfalls. We
explore Lynmouth and Lynton, travelling
between the two on the Victorian cliff
railway. In the afternoon we follow in
the footsteps of Lorna Doone, visiting
the Valley of the Rocks, the Doone
Valley and Oare church where, in the
novel, Lorna is shot on her wedding day!
Day 8:
Depart
after a leisurely breakfas
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