England

Devon & the Tamar Valley

Unique heritage in this lush hidden valley

Secluded along the border between Devon and Cornwall lies the delightful Tamar Valley. The ruined towers of its once significant mining industry have been evocatively reclaimed by the lush natural landscape, which meanders along the rivers Tamar, Tavy and Lynher. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the region is rich in both beauty and history, and provides a haven for a variety of wildlife. Nestled in the region are stunning gardens, refined historic properties and quirky towns, which combine to form the Tamar Valley’s unique heritage.

TREASURES OF THE TAMAR VALLEY

Historic houses and hidden gems

  • Powderham Castle – a magnificent castle with 700 years of history
  • The Garden House – wonderful gardens abound at this delightful hidden gem
  • Buckland Abbey (NT) – a richly historic Tudor house deep in the Tamar Valley
  • Saltram (NT) – an elegant Palladian mansion
  • Greenway Ferry – travel upstream to Greenway House (NT) and explore Agatha Christie’s 1950s holiday escape
  • The Box Plymouth award-winning museum, art gallery and archive

  • Plymouth Harbour Cruise cruise across the Plymouth Sound flanked by the Devon and Cornish coasts

  • Exeter Cathedral & Bishop’s Palace Tour – learn about the history of this unique private residence

  • Executive coach travel from your choice of pick up points
  • 4 nights half board accommodation

From £619
per person

based on two sharing in a twin/double room, with a minimum of 30 passengers travelling in a specific month

Best time to go

April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Suggested Hotel

The Duke of Cornwall Hotel, Plymouth

  • Historic Victorian hotel with stunning features
  • Located in Plymouth city centre
  • Award winning restaurant
  • Cosy lounge and two bars
  • Comfortable, traditionally furnished bedrooms

Not the hotel for your group? Other hotels are available, contact us.

Attractions:

  • Powderham Castle
    Powderham-59-of-105

    The magnificent Powderham Castle dates back to the 14th century, and sits within a picturesque deer park beside the River Exe estuary. The castle’s towers, crenelations, grand state rooms and formal gardens tell the story of its long history as the ancestral home of the Courtenay family.

  • The Garden House

    The Garden House comprises 10 acres of wonderful gardens, situated on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. The gardens were begun in the 1940s on the site of the graceful former home of the vicars of Buckland Monachorum. The gardens follow a ‘naturalistic planting’ philosophy, and the extraordinary variety of planting ensures interesting and bold blooms throughout the season. The Garden House itself is now home to the tea rooms, which serve a lovely cream tea.

  • Buckland Abbey (NT)
    Buckland Abbey Graham Hogg

    Founded by the Cistercians and once owned by Sir Frances Drake, this ancient gem is now surrounded by the contrasting Elizabethan, Cider House, Kitchen and Abbey gardens. It has a striking Great Barn and enjoys wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Saltram (NT)

    This magnificent and imposing mansion dates back to the early Georgian era. Overlooking the River Plym, it sits within acres of rolling parkland. The elegant Palladian façades shelter an incredible collection of paintings, including several by Joshua Reynolds, and the ornately crafted interiors are accentuated by sumptuous furnishings.

  • Greenway Ferry
    Greenway-Ferry-JC

    Take to the water on a pleasure cruise to explore the beautiful River Dart. Beginning in Dartmouth, the on-board commentary introduces the historical houses, castles, quaint villages and wildlife that can be seen from the river, and takes you to Greenway House – home of the late Agatha Christie.

  • Greenway House (NT)
    Greenway-House- -Copyright-Rod-Allday

    Having arrived by boat at Greenway Quay, stroll up through the woods to discover this atmospheric house which was the beloved holiday home of Agatha Christie. Filled with 1950s Christie memorabilia and the family’s extensive collections of artefacts, it’s the perfect place to learn about the great author and her family life. Wander through the lovely gardens to the Boathouse, which served as the scene of the crime in Dead Man’s Folly.

  • The Box Plymouth

    Explore Plymouth’s fascinating past and present at The Box Plymouth, an award-winning museum, art gallery and archive. The series of galleries and exhibition spaces showcase international and local significance through thought-provoking collections, programmes and commissions.

  • Plymouth Harbour Cruise
    Plymouth Harbour 37206129 123 RF

    Sailing from the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, explore the beautiful Devon and Cornish coasts on this 1 hour scenic harbour cruise. Take in the Plymouth Sound, Plymouth Hoe and Drake’s Island, heading to the Royal Naval Dockyard and back.

  • Exeter Cathedral & Bishop’s Palace Tour
    Exeter Cathedral 82008441 123 RF

    Visit the magnificent Exeter Cathedral and explore the public rooms of the historic Bishop’s Palace. On the 90 minute Bishop’s Palace Tour, see inside Devon’s oldest inhabited home which has been lived in by bishops since the 13th century and admire the delightful gardens.

Enquire

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