North Devon Gardens The Royal & Fortesque Hotel

Monday 12th May for 5 days

Nestled in the heart of Barnstaple is the beautiful Georgian building which houses the Royal and Fortescue, a historic hotel in North Devon.

Ancient meets modern at this relaxed and comfortable town centre hotel with its boutique styling and warm and friendly ambience.

In the town centre and close to Bideford Bridge, with its views over the River Torridge, this hotel has a history dating back to the golden age of the 17th century when Bideford was the busiest port in North Devon.

Day 1: Travel to Devon with comfort stops enroute. Arrive in time to settle in before dinner.

Day 2: Our first visit today is to Tapeley Park – the grounds are renowned for their beautiful gardens, particularly the Italian terraces, and include a lake, ponds, old woodland and a sizeable organic vegetable garden, small gift shop and tea room. After, we travel to the delightful coastal town of Lynmouth. Try taking the funicular railway to Lynton at the top of the cliff – there are great views from the Cliff Top Café and the Lyn and Exmoor Museum is interesting.

Day 3: Today’s visit is to RHS Rosemoor Gardens set in the beautiful Torridge Valley. We start with a 1 hour guided tour. Spread across 65 acres it is a true plantsman’s garden, with formal ornamental areas, shrubs, roses, perennials and bulbs. See the Cottage Garden Stone Garden, Hot Garden and Fruit and Vegetable Garden. Café on site. After, we visit Dartington Crystal, the only remaining glass maker in the UK, where we have a factory ‘experience’ tour and chance to see the exhibitions and, of course, the glassware shop.

Day 4: Todays trip is to Hartland Abbey & gardens with its beautiful gardens and woodland walks leading to the sea. Founded in 1157 in a winding valley leading to the sea, it survived the dissolution of the monasteries. See the Gertrude Jekyll designed Bog Garden, Fernery and 18^th Century walled garden. The house includes pictures by Gainsborough, Reynolds. Gift shop and tea room. After there is time to explore Barnstaple.

Day 5: After breakfast we set off for home stopping at Montacute House enroute. We arrive back in the local area late afternoon for transfer to your home.

£779 per person (double/twin)

£799 per person (single)

£859 per person (double room for sole occupancy)