Turkey & Tinsel in Ilfracombe

Local departure by coach, then on to Ilfracombe and our hotel for four nights. We enjoy a tea, coffee or mulled wine with a festive treat on arrival to get us into the spirit of the season.

Today we head to nearby Barnstaple on the River Taw. As the largest town in North Devon, Barnstaple has a lot to offer. This thriving market town is home to a traditional Pannier Market, which has remained largely unchanged for over 150 years and has a variety of stalls from local produce, to art, crafts, prints, fashion and more – perfect to do a little festive shopping! Stroll through Barnstaple’s partly pedestrianised centre and admire its history and architecture, such as the ornate Queen Anne’s Walk or the 13th century Long Bridge, or why not visit the Museum of North Devon? We return back to the hotel in time for our 'Christmas Dinner' complete with a complimentary glass of wine.

Relax in Ilfracombe, or join our optional excursion to Lynton and Lynmouth. These picturesque twin coastal villages on the rugged Exmoor coastline. Pretty Lynmouth lies on the shore with its charming fishing cottages and its bustling harbour of gently bobbing boats. Clifftop Lynton offers superb views and is a vibrant Victorian village. Why not take the Cliff Railway which connects the two towns, first opened in 1890 and is the highest and steepest water powered railway in the world (price around £3pp each way to be paid locally to the Railway).

This morning we visit Bideford. Why not visit the Pannier Market and Butcher’s Row with its artisan studios offering locally and on-site made gifts, pottery, wood carving, jewellery, paintings and more. Just out of town is the Affinity Devon Outlet Shopping Centre known as Atlantic Village, famous for its shops offerings up to 50% off recommended retail price and many famous brands. We return to the hotel for a festive cream tea.

We depart the hotel this morning full of festive cheer and return home.