Rail & Sail Beyond Paradise in Devon

RAIL & SAIL BEYOND PARADISE IN DEVON

18 – 25 June 2027
Friday – Friday
8 Days
From £819

One of the brightest jewels in the English Riviera’s crown, Paignton has a long stretch of beautiful and easily accessible beachfront with a traditional promenade and green. Paignton is part of the UNESCO accredited English Riviera Global Geopark recognising its extraordinary natural beauty and heritage.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Paignton | Dartmouth Steam Railway | Paignton Zoo | Torquay | Ferry to Brixham | Totnes | Exeter | Sidmouth | Looe |

DAY ONE – Arrival

Join us on an exciting journey from your doorstep as we head south, destined for the beautiful town of Paignton. Along the way, we'll make leisurely stops for your comfort. Arrive at your hotel with plenty of time to unwind before dinner this evening.

DAY TWO – Dartmouth Steam Railway and Paignton Zoo

Today we take a step back in time with the Dartmouth Steam Railway. This historic steam train takes you from Paignton to Kingswear on a scenic return journey through the South Devon countryside, offering breathtaking views and a nostalgic experience.

We are then in for a treat at Paignton Zoo! Home to a diverse range of wildlife, and well-maintained grounds. We then return to our hotel to relax before dinner this evening.

DAY THREE – Torquay and Ferry to Brixham

We travel today to Torquay, where there is time to explore before our ferry crossing to Brixham. The Ferry, The Western Lady has been operating a ferry service across to Brixham from Torquay for over 75 years.

The 30-minute ferry ride across the Bay to Brixham and returning to Torquay is a stress-free, delightful way to view Torbay from the sea, especially when the sun is shining!

DAY FOUR - Totnes

We visit Totnes on the River Dart. A unique and charming historic market town that combines breathtakingly beautiful countryside with a fascinating history. By the 12th Century Totnes had established itself as a market town and prospered throughout the medieval period. In recent times it has gained a reputation as a centre for learning, arts, alternative lifestyles, and culture. Much of Totnes’ fascinating history can be seen around the town, there are many historic buildings lining the streets, the atmospheric Guildhall which has been the home of the town council for over 450 years not forgetting the Norman motte and bailey castle which overlooks the town. A trip to Totnes is not complete without a visit to the Brutus Stone, which can be found in Fore Street, set into the pavement. This stone is meant to mark the spot where Trojan Prince, Brutus, disembarked from his ship. As he stepped ashore on to the stone he said “Here I stand, and here I rest. The town shall be called Totnes”. We arrive back to our hotel with time to relax before dinner this evening.

DAY FIVE – Paignton

Take a well-deserved break and recharge your batteries with a couple of days of relaxation and unwinding. One of the brightest jewels in the English Riviera’s crown, Paignton has a long stretch of beautiful and easily accessible beachfront, promenade, traditional pier, colourful beach huts and green. What's great about Paignton is that it is a compact resort, with the seafront and town centre shops all within close proximity.

DAY SIX – Sidmouth

After breakfast today we travel to Sidmouth, with its red sandstone cliff which dates to the Triassic period. You have the day at leisure here, why not take a stroll along Millennium Walkway which stretches the length of the beach or relax in the stylish café’s and watch the world go by. We’ll then return to our hotel mid-afternoon when you have time to relax before dinner this evening. There is also the option of a theatre evening.

DAY SEVEN – Looe aka Beyond Paradise, Skipton Abbott

Heading further afield today we travel to Looe, the ever-popular coastal gem still retains it’s fishing port.

Looe is undercover as the fictional Shipton Abbott in BBC's mystery drama, Beyond Paradise. The show brings this idyllic setting to life, concealing secrets that unravel against the backdrop of this quintessential English town. Don't be fooled - the producers will have you thinking this is in neighbouring Devon, but where paradise is mentioned, it can only be Cornwall.

Away from the secrets and mysteries of Shipton Abbott, Looe is much more relaxed! Explore the picturesque harbour, where colourful fishing boats bob on the water. Wander through the charming streets, discovering eclectic independent shops and traditional Cornish pubs, or enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants.

Jump into the screen and follow in the footsteps of Humphrey and Martha as you discover this perfect seaside resort.

DAY EIGHT – Departure

After a leisurely breakfast we depart our hotel and begin our journey home, with comfort stops en route.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

7 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Welcome tea/coffee on arrival

Torquay to Brixham Ferry Crossing

Dartmouth Steam Railway Journey

Admission to Paignton Zoo.

MARINE HOTEL, PAIGNTON

The Marine is a firm favourite with many of our customers and is situated on the promenade, one of the finest level and detached sea front positions in Paignton. The hotel is airy, modern, and light with a warm friendly atmosphere. All bedrooms have tea making facilities, some ground floor rooms. Two lounges, entertainment, lift, sun lounge and bar. One of our most popular hotels.

*Please Note: The hotel does have a lift, but you may encounter some steps whilst walking along the corridors. Please ask if you require level access.