Brimming with character and age-old history, Exeter lends itself perfectly to a quintessential English Christmas break. An atmospheric blend of Roman, Gothic, medieval and Georgian influences, the city promises a feast for the eyes. Soak up all the festive cheer at the grand Killerton house on Christmas Eve, and spend time exploring the ancient city walls, looming cathedral, south Devon coastline and stunning Dartmoor National Park.
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to Exeter and the Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel (4T). We aim for you to arrive at the hotel between 4pm and 5pm, and you will be greeted with mulled wine, followed by time to relax. This evening we have dinner to look forward to and entertainment to help the festive spirit flourish.
Day 2
Christmas Eve - Exeter - Killerton
Our day in Exeter starts at the National Trust’s Killerton. This elegant Georgian house has a colourful history and a glorious setting, within a vast estate of landscape gardens and parkland. Killerton holds the National Trust’s biggest dress collection, with over 20,000 items including shoes, hats, jewellery and fans from the 18th century to the 1970s. The afternoon is at leisure. You may want to spend your time exploring the city that surrounds you - the 1,100-year-old abbey is just a few steps away or take an hour or two to tour the city walls, which have protected the city for nearly 2,000 years. Tonight we have dinner at the hotel, with entertainment into the evening. Those who wish to attend Midnight Mass may like to make your way to Exeter Cathedral for the service.
Day 3
Christmas Day - Exeter
After breakfast, you may choose to join your tour manager for a casual walk around Exeter. On your return, a traditional Christmas lunch has been arranged, with tea and Christmas cake to fill your afternoon. A buffet will be offered this evening, with entertainment.
Day 4
Boxing Day - Buckfast Abbey - South Devon Railway
Today we travel to Buckfast Abbey, nestled on the edge of stunning Dartmoor National Park. The Abbey, founded in 1018, was surrendered during the 16th century Dissolution of the Monasteries, at the order of Henry VIII and rebuilt some three centuries later on its medieval foundations. Today the monks welcome visitors to see the treasures within the great Abbey Church. Purchase a bottle of Buckfast Tonic Wine, still made today from the basic recipe used by the monks here since the 1880s (although the methods have changed somewhat); or a new nativity scene produced by a monk or a nun, to remind you of Buckfast Abbey next Christmas. We then travel on the South Devon Railway, from Buckfastleigh to historic Totnes. Our day continues with a coach tour along the southern stretches of the beautiful county of Devon, returning to the hotel for dinner, followed by entertainment.
Day 5 Exeter
You will be collected at 10am by your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.