GROUP-ONLY EXCURSIONS

Here is a small selection of excursions that can be booked from our hotels for groups of 30 or more people. Call us for further details and discuss ideas, themes and places to visit for YOUR group.

CORNWALL/NEWQUAY
Prideaux Place and Padstow
Spend a morning in the fishing port of Padstow, made famous of late by celebrity chef Rick Stein, where you can also visit the National Lobster Hatchery on the quayside (small charge). You will then enjoy a guided tour of the stunning Elizabethan Manor of the Prideaux family, an ancient Cornish Clan. The Manor dates back 400 years and has been inhabited since 1562 including by the American army in WWII .

The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Heligan, seat of the Tremayne family for more than 400 years is one of the most mysterious estates in England. Following decades of neglect, the hurricane of 1990 should have consigned Heligan as a footnote in history. However the gardens have undergone extensive restoration and have been saved from obscurity. A chance to see the productive Victorian gardens, sub-tropical Jungle (stout footwear advised), the woodland and pasture and the Victorian Pleasure Grounds .

DEVON/TORQUAY
River Exe Cruise and Topsham or Exmouth
Cruise on calm and sheltered waters past the Dawlish Warren nature reserve, viewing the towns of Starcross, Cockwood, Lympstone and Powderham Castle with a full commentary on your surroundings and the wildlife. The cruises are perfect whatever time of year as the river is calm, the boat is heated and the friendly staff are on hand to serve refreshments. You can also visit Topsham, a major port on the Exe and shipbuilding town in days gone by or spend time in the coastal resort of Exmouth.

The Garden House and Tavistock
A warm welcome awaits you at The Garden House, a garden steeped in history set in a tranquil Devon valley. The 8-acre garden is several gardens in one, from the beautiful Walled Garden surrounding the ruins of Buckland’s medieval vicarage to the more recently created areas in the Long Walk. Discover hidden treasures along its countless pathways and enjoy the sights, fragrances and abundance of plants on display. You will also have the chance to visit the historic Pannier Market town of Tavistock on the edge of Dartmoor.

ISLE OF WIGHT AND SHANKLIN
Carisbrooke Castle and Newport
A great half-day excursion exploring the royal castle, a fascinating site steeped in history and intrigue. It includes the room where Charles I was imprisoned, Medieval gatehouse, Carisbrooke museum, and the new Princess Beatrice Garden. Not suitable for some mobility problems. You will then go to Newport, the principal town situated in the centre of the island and the island’s main shopping centre. Enjoy browsing in the major chain stores or the many individual and intriguing little shops to be found in the lanes leading off the High Street and two main squares.

BOURNEMOUTH
Beaulieu and Lymington
A full day’s excursion to Beaulieu, home of the Montagu family. You can trace the history back to 1204 by visiting the abbey ruins. The palace house has been home to the Montagu family since 1538, and is very informative with its Victorian kitchen. The secret army exhibition tells the story of wartime Beaulieu, and in the James Bond exhibition you can see a variety of 007’s cars and other memorabilia. The newest addition is the World of Top Gear, homage to the motoring television programme, which nicely complements the National Motor Museum, where you can see cars from the earliest days of motoring through to Formula 1 cars. We will also stop at the Georgian port of Lymington, with its unusual shops and market .