The countryside south of Exeter offers wonderful coastal scenery, sheltered rivers and one of the oldest canals in the country.  Stay for three nights in the centre of Exeter at the 4 star Mercure Southgate Hotel, ideally located to explore the attractive South Devon coast. 

Saturday 8 Sept:  Arrive and check into your rooms before welcome drink and dinner. 

Sunday 9 Sept: Early departure to catch the scheduled train service along the “Riviera Line” from Exeter to Paignton.  This spectacular journey where rail meets sea, hugging the coastline, travelling along the sea wall at Dawlish, and passing through five tunnels underneath the cliffs. A short break at Paignton before transferring onto the heritage steam railway for the 40 minute steam journey to Kingswear, again along more spectacular coastline and through the glorious wooded slopes of the Dart estuary.  At Kingswear join the foot ferry for the crossing into the little town of Dartmouth.  Time allowed to enjoy the town, have an early lunch or buy a picnic to eat during the thirty minute cruise up the scenic River Dart to visit Greenway.  This private family holiday home of the famous and well-loved author, Agatha Christie is an atmospheric house in a stunning setting overlooking the river. Greenway contains some interesting personal collections, as well as a glorious woodland garden with wild edges and rare planting.  Lunch can also be purchased here in the restaurant before your timed ticket entry into the house.   Late afternoon the coach will collect you for the return journey back to Exeter.
(Please note the winding path up to Greenway is steep but there is now a shuttle car for those that wish).

Monday 10 Sept: Depart by coach to travel to Exmouth. The boat cruise is from the mouth of the River Exe, up the estuary and onto the Exeter Ship Canal, built in the 1560s and one of the oldest artificial waterways in the UK. The tide has to be right and there are very few occasions when it is possible to travel the full length, a distance of just over five miles taking 2/3 hours. Full commentary is provided, highlighting places of interest, and light refreshments are available on board.  You pass through two working locks and under the Countess Weir Swing Bridge before arriving alongside the canal warehouses and mill at Exeter Historic Quayside where it is possible to buy a late lunch.  Visit the Quay House Visitor Centre and see an audio visual presentation of Exeter’s history from Roman times to present day, and then make your way leisurely back up to the hotel (10 minute walk) or use the regular shuttle bus up to South Street.   Dinner in the hotel.  Check out of your rooms on Tuesday morning.

The Mercure Southgate Hotel, located in the heart of Exeter, is a short stroll from the Cathedral which is well worth visiting.   Built originally around two Georgian townhouses the hotel is a blend of historic and contemporary. The restaurant offers modern cuisine in elegant surroundings and the spa facilities include an indoor swimming pool and gym. Car park available on-site and easy mainline rail access to Exeter.

	3 nights dinner, accommodation, breakfast and welcome drink
	Rail, ferry and boat tickets
	Entry to Greenway House
	Coaching and aHeritage Touring representative