The Jewel of Devon

Tour Highlights:

• Salcombe – including East Portlemouth and North Sands

• Kingsbridge

• Beesands - arguably the home of the best fresh crab sandwich in the world (according to us)

• Slapton Sands - take in the famous WW2 memorial

• Blackpool Sands, Strete and Stoke Fleming

• Dartmouth

• Ferry from Dartmouth to Greenway - holiday home of the world’s most famous crime writer (no, not Figgy), Agatha Christie

• OR - take the ferry across the mouth of the River Dart to Kingswear and jump on the iconic Dartmouth Steam Railway to Paignton, passing through Churston Ferrers

Here we take in the stunning beauty of the South Hams area, named from the old English word ‘hammes’, meaning ‘sheltered place’. It stretches from the edge of Torbay to Plymouth, taking in parts of Dartmoor National Park and some of the most beautiful coastline to rival anywhere in the world. It is considered to be one of the most desirable areas of Devon to live and includes the picturesque town of Salcombe and the iconic Burgh Island.

Diet be Damned!

Is there anything more decadent than lunch or a cream tea on Burgh Island, sitting amidst the beautifully restored art-deco features? Or if you prefer, let us pack you a bespoke picnic to enjoy on the beach. Figgy also enjoys relaxing in the peace and tranquillity of Greenway's gardens, with a freshly made cheese scone. Blackpool Sands have a lovely cafe right on the beach.

Mix it Up!

• Burgh Island, Bigbury on Sea - one of Agatha Christie's treasured spots. Indulge in lunch or an afternoon tea (booking essential)

• The Winking Prawn - one of Phil and Figgy's favourites (and Rod Stewart's too)

• Salcombe Gin Distillery

• Dartmouth Castle

Dartmoor and More...

One of two national parks in Devon, Dartmoor is 368 square miles: roughly about 20 miles from North to South and 20 miles from East to West. Don’t worry though, we’re not going to make you walk around all of it! From Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to Agatha Christie, it has provided the inspiration for numerous works of fiction. Touring around this rugged region, our selections range from spooky to cosy!

Tour Highlights:

• Buckfast Abbey - admire this spectacular monastery, that first became an abbey in 1018. After being largely demolished under the reign of Henry VIII, it was formally reinstated in 1902 and is still home to 13 monks

• Widecombe in the Moor - a truly stunning scenic route across the rugged moors. If you are really lucky, you may spot a Dartmoor pony or two.

• Hound Tor - inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hound of the Baskervilles

• Jay’s Grave - infamous in local folklore for being haunted…

• The Moorland Hotel - a cosy lunch spot. Nestled on the moors, with views over the surrounding area, relax and enjoy some well-earned fayre

• Bovey Tracey - gateway to the moor

• Ashburton - an ancient stannary town, famous for its antique shops. Here you can enjoy a cream tea or sample a local ale at the Old Exeter Inn, dating back to the 12th century. A favourite haunt of Sir Walter Raleigh

Mix it up!

• Alpaca walk - could be fun, especially if you throw in the option of a cream tea. Early booking essential

• Bone Hill - fancy a hike up this ominously named road?

• Dartmoor Tea Estate

• Dartmoor Whisky Distillery - maybe this is more your tipple!

• South Devon Railway steam train to Totnes - here you can disembark and take in this iconic town

• House of Marbles - check out some glass blowing in action

Diet be Damned!

The Orchard Kitchen at Dean Prior serve the most delectable cakes and when it's time for lunch, you might prefer the cosy Rugglestone Inn, nestled in the moorland. For the tea buffs out there, Taylor's Tea Room in Ashburton offer a vast selection of delicious teas (Figgy's favourite - Saddle Rock Rooibos). Maybe you'd like do something a bit bonkers? Why not perch on a rock on the moors, while Phil mixes you a cocktail of your choice?

Destination Unknown!

On the 15th September 1890, Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller was born at Ashfield, in Torquay. In 1914, Agatha married Archie Christie, and they honeymooned at the Grand Hotel overlooking Torbay. It is not hard to find (The Murder on the) links to the most famous crime writer that ever lived, all over the English Riviera and beyond. She used many local landmarks in her 66 full length novels and 14 short story collections, and on this tour, we include more than The Big Four. In fact, we can cover as many as time permits. Depending on which Christie locations you would like to visit and how much time you would like to spend there, we will devise a final itinerary based on your wishes. For those super, super fans out there, feel free to extend this tour! The options are endless (Night).

Tour Highlights:

• Agatha Christie Mile - 3.4 miles in fact!

• Imperial Hotel - The Body in the Library

• Torre Abbey - home to the Potent Plants Garden. Over half of Agatha's victims were poisoned

• Site of Ashfield - where a blue plaque stands in its place

• Cockington Village - thought to be the inspiration for St Mary Mead

• Greenway - beloved holiday home - Dead Man's Folly, Five Little Pigs

• Burgh Island - a day in itself if you choose to indulge in afternoon tea - Evil Under the Sun, And Then There Were None

Visiting in September? Then join us at the International Agatha Christie Festival. It's packed full of exciting events, such as the mile-long sea swim, a murder mystery aboard the steam train, a murder mystery boat trip around Torquay Harbour plus talks by world-famous authors. Many events sell out quickly, so early notice is essential.

Mix it Up!

• Kent's Cavern - The Man in the Brown Suit

• Dartmouth via Greenway Ferry

• Dartmouth Steam Railway - follow in Agatha's footsteps as you board this iconic train

• Elberry Cove - a favourite bathing spot of Agatha - The ABC Murders (perhaps dip your toes in...)

• Churston Ferrers - where Agatha donated a stained glass window - The ABC Murders

• The Moorland Hotel - The Mysterious Affair at Styles

• Ugbrooke House - where Agatha met Archie

• Princess Theatre or Palace Theatre - you might be lucky to catch a Christie play

• A Kayak tour around Agatha's favourite bay and coves

Diet be Damned!

Enjoy an afternoon tea at the Imperial or Grand Hotel, each boast spectacular sea views. If you enjoy fine dining then why not let us book you in at Simon Hulstone's The Elephant. Slightly more relaxed, is the No 7 Fish Bistro and Wine Bar, or maybe you would rather grab some fresh seafood from The Dressed Crab and dine alfresco. Greenway has its own cafe, serving homemade scones, and of course, we can always book you in at Burgh Island for that once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Palm trees, sandy beaches and sunny blue skies… That’s what most of us picture when we think of the Riviera, and a visit to Torbay will not disappoint. The delightful towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham make up this region and each have plenty to offer in their own right. Our tour celebrates the best of this area with its breathtaking views and fresh local food. We have put together an itinerary of what we believe are some must-see destinations, although with so much on offer, this is not an exhaustive list. As always, we can tailor the day around your interests.

Tour Highlights:

• Coleton Fishacre - owned by the National Trust, it was the 1920’s country retreat of the D’Orly Carte family, owners of London’s Savoy Hotel. Its RHS-accredited gardens include exotic plants and slope down to the coast, offering breathtaking views across the water

• Brixham - home to the world-famous fish market. For any seafood lovers, this would be a great place to enjoy a spot of lunch

• Broadsands beach - from here we can take a stroll to the secluded beach of Elberry Cove. Why not bring your swimsuit and we can enjoy a picnic

• Cockington - this Anglo-Saxon village with its thatched cottages and miles of countryside walks is quintessentially English - so why not make this your cream tea spot?

• Promenade of Torquay - we can amble along the shoreline, past the pier and stunning harbour to Beacon Quay, where one of the first women-only bathing beaches can be found

• Site of the Gleneagles Hotel - for Fawlty Towers lovers out there. Take your picture next to the blue plaque. On certain days, there is a designated Fawlty Towers tour, run by English Riviera Walking Tours

• Babbacombe Cliff Railway - this funicular railway transports you to the red sandy beach of Oddicombe. Fun and educational Kayaking tours are available from here

With so much choice, you might wish to consider extending your day or even turning it into two days.

Diet be Damned!

Dartmouth offers plenty of choice, from the Royal Castle overlooking the water, to the hole-in-the-wall Crab Shell, serving freshly made sandwiches to take away and share with the seagulls! The Berry Head Hotel, perched on the edge of Brixham, with long-reaching sea views, offers a full menu. Perhaps you might enjoy a dip in Shoalstone seawater pool beforehand! You cannot get much closer to the sea than the Cary Arms, and if you're lucky, you might spot a seal or two.

That Riviera Touch!

Mix it Up!

• Paignton Heritage Station on the Dartmouth Steam Railway to Kingswear - this 7-mile route passes alongside Broadsands beach with its colourful beach huts before arriving in the pretty town of Kingswear

• Dartmouth - from Kingswear by ferry, visit this picturesque town packed full of independent shops and cafes

• Greenway - a stunning Georgian mansion perched above the River Dart - owned by the National Trust and the holiday home of Agatha Christie

• Kent's Cavern - a fascinating labyrinth of caves with rocks dating back 400 million years

A Tale of one City: Exeter

One of Devon's two cities, situated on the River Exe, this ancient city dates back to the Roman era - its majestic, crumbling city walls are evidence of this. The magnificent Exeter Cathedral dominates on the green, surrounded by a collection of well-preserved historic buildings. A popular, bustling quayside offers wining and dining, plus a plethora of water sports and a scenic river cycle path. It is home to a unique network of underground passages, dating back to the 14th century. And our favourite part - the narrowest street in the UK!

Tour Highlights:

• Exeter Quay - a great place to begin, along the stunning water, taking in the cafes and bakeries

• Guided walking tour of the city

• Exeter Cathedral - a peek or a fully guided tour, your choice

• Dart's Farm - we love a farm shop in the West Country and this is a fine example. You might like to enjoy lunch here, prioritising local produce

• Topsham - a delightfully picturesque town on the opposite side of the River Exe, take a stroll along the historic Goat walk

• Lympstone Manor - partake of an afternoon tea in the most beautiful historic hotel, owned by celebrity chef, Michael Caines

Diet be Damned!

Exeter is packed full of restaurants providing cuisine from all around the world, but we particularly enjoy the setting of The Ivy, located across from the cathedral. Fresh lobster from The Salutation Inn, Topsham, could be more for you, or perhaps you would prefer to lounge in front of a roaring fire in a typically British pub, The Globe.

Mix it Up!

• Exeter's Unique Underground Passages Tour

• Cycle along the scenic River Exe, stopping to enjoy a refreshment along the way

• Royal Albert Memorial Museum

• Topsham Round Robin - cruise to Exmouth, subject to availability

• Powderham Castle - a Devon delight

• Pebblebed Vineyard

Let us know if you want to take advantage of being in the city and indulge in some retail therapy...

Pilgrimage to Plymouth

Plymouth, Britain's Ocean City, proudly looks out over the English Channel, Smeaton's Tower perched proudly atop The Hoe. With its rich maritime history, links to the sea abound. We find ourselves spoilt for choice here, with so much to do. Quite simply, we love visiting Plymouth.

Tour Highlights:

• The Hoe - a breathtaking place to begin our day, check out Smeaton's Tower and stroll to a place where The Beatles once sat

• Martimo - refreshments with a view of Drake's Island

• The Barbican - wander the cobbled streets and harbour. Check out the Mayflower Steps and discover a hidden Elizabethan garden

• Plymouth Gin Distillery - take a tour and enjoy a tipple afterwards

• Royal William Yard - enjoy the majestic architecture whilst partaking of lunch

• Cremyll Ferry to Mount Edgcumbe - book in to visit the alpacas or simply take in the surroundings. And a cream tea, of course

Mix it Up!

• Ferry from the Barbican to Cawsands - a quaint village overlooking Plymouth Sound, on the Rame Peninsula

• Saltram - owned by the National Trust, wander around this exquisite house and gardens

• Ferry to Mountbatten

• Turnchapel - this steep, traditional village, perched on the water, could be a great stop to sample some local ale

• Drake's Island Tour

• Harbour Cruise around the Barbican

• Mayflower Museum

• Take in Tavistock - home of the cream tea

• You might be lucky enough to land here during one Plymouth's many festivals!

Diet be Damned!

Rockets and Rascals offer great coffee and brunch, overlooking the harbour. Royal William Yard have a selection of superb eateries and wine bars. We particularly enjoy breakfast at the News Cafe and a glass of wine and nibbles at Vignoble.

Elementoury, my dear Watson!

Are you wondering exactly 'Watson' this tour? Let us enlighten you...

Set largely on Dartmoor, The Hound of the Baskervilles follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate the story of a terrifying hound of supernatural origin. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's inspiration for this tale comes from the legend of Squire Richard Cabell of Buckfastleigh, which is where our story begins...

Tour Highlights:

• Holy Trinity Church - situated above the moorland town of Buckfastleigh, this is the final resting place of Richard Cabell

• Princetown - home of the former Duchy Hotel and Dartmoor Prison

• Fox Tor Mire - inspiration for Great Grimpen Mire (weather permitting)

• Two Bridges Hotel - an atmospheric lunch spot

• Widecombe in the Moor

• Hounds Tor - if you're feeling energetic, we can take a climb

• The Moorland Hotel - cream tea time

• Ashburton - with links to Conan Doyle, we visit the Old Exeter Inn, steeped in history

Mix it Up!

• Haytor - with its stunning views across Dartmoor, we can include some hiking here

• Rugglestone Inn -

• Ashburton - with its links to Henry Mathews Baskerville and B Fletcher Robinson, we can wander this pretty stannary town, famous for its antiques

• Dartmoor Alpaca Walk - can include an afternoon tea

• St Andrew's Church - where we might be able to discover an interesting grave or two...

Diet be Damned!

Ullacombe Farm Shop is a favourite spot of ours, serving delicious cakes and cream teas. The Doe in Buckfastleigh serve a superb selection of breakfast and lunch at the weekend and The Old Library in Ashburton make their own pastries and cakes!

Scone With the Wind

Devon has arguably some of the best produce to be found anywhere in the world. With its perfect location perched on two separate coastlines and its two national parks, is it any wonder we have so much choice of food and drink? Our mission (that we have chosen to accept): to sample as many different eateries as is humanly possible. We're relishing the challenge. But we're not done yet! Come and join us on our journey...

We have an array of vineyards, gin distilleries and cider makers as well as a vast of selection of farm shops, dotted all over the county. We are famous for our pasties and of course, the cream tea. Our favourite settings for this most English of treats is Lympstone Manor, owned by celebrity chef, Michael Caines, and, (drum roll, please...) Burgh Island, of course. For many of the restaurants we mention on this tour, early booking is essential. Taylors Tea Room in Ashburton offer a fantastic choice of loose leaf teas and plenty of cakes, if you fancied something a little less formal.

You might want to Delve into one of our picnics, created especially for you. Enjoy it on a beach or perhaps you would like to dine on Dartmoor, maybe with one of our signature cocktails or an indulgent hot chocolate...

A word of advice... perhaps don't have any breakfast today!

Tour Highlights:

• Brixham - home to England's largest fish market by volume of fish sold. Dine outside from one of the seafood vendors overlooking the harbour, or pop into Rockfish or the stunning Berry Head Hotel for something more a la carte

• Dartmouth - visit the Seahorse restaurant owned by chef Mitch Tonks or enjoy a selection of exquisite small plates at Andria. A more casual approach could be the Crab Shell, our favourite hole in the wall or the Smith Street Deli

• Sandridge Barton Winery - an idyllic setting. Enjoy a full meal or nibbles as you sample the wines

• Riverford Field Kitchen - offering a unique dining experience comprising of locally grown, organic produce, with a set menu that changes daily

• Heron Valley - produces of juices and ciders and delicious food

• Royal William Yard - a plethora of places to choose from in this iconic setting overlooking the water

• The Winking Prawn - North Sands beach. Just... wow

• Plymouth Gin Distillery - a guided tour and a tipple, or just the tipple...

Mix it Up!

• Burgh Island Hotel

• The Pilchard Inn

• Britannia on the Beach

• The Oyster Shack - near Kingsbridge

• The Cornish Bakery (yes, we realise we're in Devon)

• Totnes - a huge selection of cafes and alfresco dining

• Aune Valley Farm Shop

• Avon Mill

• Salcombe Crab Shed

• South Devon Chilli Farm - not for the faint-hearted

• Cheese Shed - Bovey Tracey

Diet be Damned!

We don't really have anything else to add here, since the entire tour is about eating and drinking!

Haunts and Jaunts

From haunted castles to spooky pubs, Devon is packed full of places with a chilling story... Join us on this thrilling hunt where we seek out the past and unravel some ghostly stories.

Tour Highlights:

• Holy Trinity Church, Buckfastleigh - where Squire Richard Cabell was rumoured to have sold his soul to the Devil

• Hairy Hands of Dartmoor - an infamous stretch of road where an unusually high number of accidents have occurred

• The Old Inn, Widecombe - a wonderful lunch spot alongside the ghost of a crying baby and a man who walks through an upstairs wall...

• Jay's Grave - where fresh flowers always seem to be placed - by no one...

• The Cridford Inn - enjoy a pint in Devon's oldest pub and purportedly home to a nun and a Cavalier soldier from the English Civil War!

• Berry Pomeroy Castle - will you be visited by the ghost of Margaret Pomeroy?

Mix it Up!

• Totnes Museum - visitors have reported seeing a range of apparitions...

• The Royal Castle Hotel, Dartmouth - haunted by a stagecoach, no less

• Powderham Castle - will the Grey Lady make an appearance?

• Saltram House - haunted by a murdered maid

• Buckland Abbey - Sir Frances Drake's ghost roams the grounds

• The Three Crowns Hotel, Chagford - have a drink alongside the ghost of Sidney Godolphin

Diet be Damned!

Enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea at the wonderful Bovey Castle Hotel or enjoy the views of the Moorland Hotel, perched on Dartmoor. The Ullacombe Farm shop offer a wonderful selection of pies and cakes.

East By South East

Tour Highlights:

• Sidmouth - this bustling seaside town hosts a range of shops and cafes, and for fans of crime fiction, is the setting for Jeremy Vine's debut novel, Murder on Line One

• The Clock Tower Cafe - for our morning refreshment

• Lyme Regis - part of the Jurassic Coast, one of the prettiest coastal towns in the UK, we will be spoilt for choice deciding where to have lunch

• Beer - an adorable village with some stunning coastal walks and the perfect place for a cream tea, or even a beer!

• Exmouth - with miles of sandy beaches, this popular seaside resort is only 11 miles from Exeter

Mix it Up!

• The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth - where hundreds of adorable donkeys are being cared for - pop in and say hello

• Topsham - this beautifully picturesque town is well worth a look, with its narrow winding streets down to the River Exe

• Darts Farm Shop - full of exciting local produce, to be browsed or sampled

• Pebblebed Vineyard - perfect if you love your wine...

• Seaton Tramway - travel on a narrow gauge heritage tram

• Budleigh Salterton - lying within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Diet be Damned!

The Lyme Bay offers stunning coastal views and a range of options including the freshest seafood. Lympstone Manor is an upmarket setting for lunch or an afternoon tea. The River Exe Cafe offers a unique dining experience out in the river onboard a custom-built barge.

The beauty of East Devon lies in its range of picturesque towns and Jurassic Coastline. Delights such as Sidmouth, Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton abound in this lovely part of the county.

Moor Roaming & Rambling...

Don those hiking boots and let's wander the extraordinary beauty of this atmospheric land. We can stroll along scenic paths, soaking in the vista, perhaps enjoying a customised picnic in amidst the flora and fauna of the moors. We can do as much or as little walking as you desire. There is a route to suit all abilities. We can spend a full day on the moors or a few hours and combine it with another tour.

Tour Highlights:

• South Brent - from this delightful town on the edge of the moor, we can wind our way up to Shipley Bridge

• Taylor Made Coffee - enjoy an excellent coffee and a top-class homemade cake. Calories don't count up here

• Avon Dam - we follow the slightly undulating path to the dam, enjoying some scenic photo opportunities en route

• Lunch - with the breathtaking dam as the back drop, enjoy a customised picnic

• A leisurely stroll back, downhill this time, pausing to enjoy a 'memorable moment'

Mix it Up!

• Haytor - from the visitors centre we can walk up to the bottom of this extraordinary tor. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, we can climb to its peak

• Haytor to Widecombe and back - this day tour is quite strenuous, but treats aplenty make it worth while

• Burrator Reservoir - situated on the southern edge of Dartmoor and a popular destination for walking

Diet be Damned!

Dartmoor abounds with cosy pubs, serving great ale and home cooked fayre. We particularly enjoy the Rugglestone inn, just as delightful to sit inside and outside. Cafe 3 Sixty in Bovey Tracey offers a great menu in quirky surroundings.

Tooty Fruity

The South Devon Railway is the star of this tour. If you enjoy the nostalgia of travelling on a heritage railway, this for you. It travels from Buckfastleigh to Totnes via Staverton alongside the glorious River Dart. Totnes itself, with its classis Norman motte and bailey castle, and its high street buzzing with independent shops and foodie options, is a visitors' delight.

Tour Highlights:

• Buckfastleigh - a stroll down the pretty high street of this ancient wool town, with plenty of choices for our first refreshment break

• South Devon Steam Railway - all aboard the vintage steam train that will take you on an iconic route to Totnes - we can take in the pretty river walk and pop into the heritage museum as we wait to board

• Totnes - a walk around the steamer quay before heading towards the picturesque town centre, a feast for the senses, especially on market days - so many choices for lunch here, you can decide beforehand or leave it until the day

• Sandridge Barton Winery - a chance to unwind in the tranquil grounds of this perfect vineyard, hidden in the hills and valleys of Stoke Gabriel. Enjoy a flight of wines and some nibbles or take a tour

Mix it Up!

• Staverton - jump of the train at its only stop before Totnes and wander through its pretty lanes

• Dartmouth - travel by river boat from Totnes, to visit the delightful town of Dartmouth

• Totnes Museum - showing the history of Totnes and you might see a ghost or two...

• Special events onboard the South Devon Railway, such as murder mystery dinners and vintage 1940's days. These are only at select times of the year, but do enquire if this interests you

Diet be Damned!

South Devon Railway offer Sunday lunches and cream teas on certain journeys. Enjoy lunch at a traditional country pub, the Sea Trout Inn, Staverton or sit by the river at the Steam Packet in Totnes. Sandridge Barton Winery have their own restaurant for you to relax and dine in stunning surroundings.