Join us for CTA Fam Trip - 'Devon Unlocked'

Devon’s Top Attractions and the CTA have created a fabulous three-night, four-day Devon familiarisation opportunity, exclusive to CTA members on 27-30 October 2019.

We have a limited number of places available on the ‘Devon Unlocked’ FAM trip for CTA coach operator and wholesaler members – so please book early, don’t delay! The Fam trip is subject to a maximum of two places per company with accommodation on a twin basis.

BOOKING LINK HERE

CTA members are invited to visit Devon on this FAM and experience and explore some of its hidden gems, discover new and exciting itinerary ideas, find out about joint ticket options, find new group-friendly accommodation choices and sample some of Devon’s award-winning food and drink.

The itinerary will be interesting and varied and will take us on a journey to see some of Devon’s stunning coastline, rich and beautiful countryside, rugged Dartmoor National Park and uncover some of the UK’s top visitor attractions. The FAM will demonstrate why Devon continues to be a number one destination for coach groups.

The FAM is offering an additional self-drive optional enroute visit to Coldharbour Mill. Ideal for all those who will be arriving a little earlier. Coldharbour Mill is located 5 mins from junction 27 on the M5 and will certainly be worth the visit on this day as they are in steam on 27 October, a must-see experience. Coldharbour Mill is one of the oldest woollen mills in the UK, and gives visitors a chance to step back into the industrial revolution.

Day 1 We will uncover a slice of Devon’s rich history and heritage with a visit to Exeter’s iconic Cathedral, with tower tour and refreshments. There will be a guided tour of the city of Exeter from the nationally-acclaimed Exeter Red Coat Guided Tours and then inspection visit with refreshments at Southgate Hotel (Accor) at 4 pm and then free time in Exeter before dinner back at the 4-star Victorian Rougemont Mecure Hotel which is ideally located in Exeter city centre, close to Exeter Central train station and Rougemont Gardens.

Day 2 A visit to Bicton Park Botanical Gardens and a ride on Seaton Trams narrow gauge heritage trams and lunch with the donkeys at the Donkey Sanctuary, in their new purpose-built restaurant followed by a tour.Afternoon exclusive cream tea river cruise on board the award-winning Stuart Line Cruises. The Second night will be spent at Buckfast Abbey’s own hotel at the Northgate House. Here there will be an evening showcase of the attractions and dinner with the chance to meet some of Devon’s Top Attractions and sample some of Devon’s food and drink.

Day 3 Explores South Devon and Dartmoor with the day starting on a tour of Buckfast Abbey and gardens and then a steam train ride on board the award-winning South Devon Railway. The journey continues to explore part of Dartmoor including the iconic Haytor and Widecombe-in-the-Moor and lunch at Canonteign falls, home to Britain’s highest man-made waterfall. The day will finish for dinner and a stay at the Best Western’s Livermead Cliff Hotel in Torquay, a lovely seafront hotel, situated right on Torquay’s water edge with stunning sea views.

Day 4 Will see us explore Torbay and all that it offers. We will uncover three floors of pure nostalgia at Bygones Victorian Museum, feel like giants at Babbacombe Model Village, step back into the stone age with an experiential Cave tour at Kents Cavern and see the Agatha Christie – Unfinished Portrait exhibition at Torre Abbey, and weather permitting we’ll uncover the Agatha Christie-Inspired Potent Plants Tour.

The FAM will finish at the Headland Hotel for lunch.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Sunday 27 October

(Optional self drive En Route to Exeter Morning of Sunday 27^th October – Coldharbour Mill, Cullompton) Fantastic news, they are in steam on this day which adds to the experience and is a unique experience.

Arrive in Exeter – all visits will be made on a coach

The Fam Trip starts in Exeter at the Rougemont hotel. People are expected to arrive in the early afternoon in time for a tour starting at 2pm of Exeter including

Exeter Cathedral – 2-3pm – half an hour tour which can include the tower and then refreshments

Red Coat Guided Tour – Red Coat guides will pick the group up from the Cathedral 3pm and take on the tour and an inspection visit with refreshments at Southgate Hotel (Accor) at 4 pm and then free time in Exeter before dinner back at the Rougemont hotel

Day 2 – Monday 28 October (East Devon Day)

Depart Exeter and head for East Devon.

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, tour of the gardens with 64 acres to explore, spanning 300 years of gardening history.

Seaton Tramway (one way) from Colyton station to the main station in Seaton. The coach to drop at Colyton Station and then make for Seaton Tramway main station to pick the group up.

Donkey Sanctuary – Lunch and tour – food, from their groups menu, which will probably be soup and sandwiches.