ENGLAND
West Somerset Railway © Sam Burton WSR
Cider, Heritage Railway & the Somerset Coast Sample the best of North Devon and Somerset on this brilliant tour. From our base on Minehead’s coast, we enjoy a journey on the mighty West Somerset Railway, taking in the county’s stunning countryside and coast, and get a taste of the West Country at Sheppy’s Cider Farm. We also spend time in the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth and the pretty medieval village of Dunster, and get an insight into monastic life 800 years ago at the fascinating Cleeve Abbey. PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival This morning we spend time at leisure in the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, where we can take the cliff railway from one to the other (chargeable locally). The unique Victorian water powered funicular cliff lift (disabled access is limited) will transport us 500ft up and down to the villages, where we can explore their little independent shops selling local produce, gifts, arts and crafts. We have free time for lunch before returning to Minehead this afternoon, with time at leisure to relax in our resort. Day 3 West Somerset Railway & Sheppy’s Cider Farm This morning we board the West Somerset Railway in Minehead for a journey on the UK’s longest heritage railway. Our relaxing one way journey takes us through stunning countryside and coast to Bishops Lydeard (please note, steam haulage is not guaranteed and is dependent on departure times). After a visit to the Gauge Museum on Platform 1, we travel to Sheppy’s Cider Farm , which has been crafting award-winning ciders for over 200 years. We tuck into a soup and sandwich lunch here before embarking on a guided tour , taking in the orchards, the press house, the vat house and the museum. We then enjoy a tutored tasting of some of the ciders. (Please note, depending on the West Somerset Railway timetable, today’s excursions may need to be reversed.) Day 4 Cleeve Abbey & Dunster We begin our day with a visit to the Grade I listed Cleeve Abbey , a Cistercian abbey in Washford. Scheduled as an ancient monument, the abbey was founded in the late twelfth century. Despite being destroyed by Henry VIII during the dissolution in 1536, the cloister buildings survived remarkably intact and are said to be the ‘finest cloister buildings in England’. We discover the abbey’s history and learn about the lives of the holy men that once inhabited it, exploring the gatehouse, cloister, dormitory, chapter house, painted chamber and the refectory with its stunning carved oak roof. We then make our way to the beautiful medieval village of Dunster with time at leisure to enjoy lunch and explore. Wander through the cobbled streets browsing the selection of shops and admire the hilltop Dunster Castle and Watermill, the lovely thatched cottages and the Grade I listed Yarn Market, a striking octagonal wooden building once used to buy and sell cloth. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home. We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Lynton & Lynmouth & Minehead
Cleeve Abbey
Dunster Castle
Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
Northfield Hotel Minehead, Somerset Plus
Set in its own grounds, this traditional 3 star hotel is located in a residential area a short walk from the coast in Minehead. Each of the 29 bedrooms (including some on the ground floor) is decorated in a bright style with a mixture of sizes and colours. The bar, lounge and restaurant are all located on the ground floor with views of the gardens and the Oak Restaurant is beautifully decorated with wood panelling. The hotel also has an indoor heated swimming pool and steam room. • Ground floor rooms • Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Leisure facilities • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge 4 Nights Half Board Twin from £399pp No Single Supplement (max 6 incl driver) Based on Sunday/Monday arrivals
Inclusions • Porterage • Welcome tea/coffee • Choice of menu • Tea/coffee after dinner
• Live entertainment on at least 2 nights • Tea/coffee & biscuits with quiz/bingo on 2 afternoons • Single West Somerset Railway journey Minehead - Bishops Lydeard • Lunch, guided tour & tasting at Sheppy’s Cider Farm • Entrance to Cleeve Abbey
Sheppy’s Cider Farm Orchards
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Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded
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