Autumn Gardens of Devon 10061

Autumn Gardens of Devon 10061

53 Views
4 Days From

$1155

$1122

Autumn Gardens of Devon 10061

4 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom

Visiting: Killerton, Dartmoor National Park, Torquay, Torre Abbey, Lukesland Gardens, The Garden House, Bicton Botanical Gardens

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BATD

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Gentle

Trip Styles:

UK tours by Coach

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1155 $1122 (USD) Tourhub's Discount: -$33

NB: Prices correct on 24-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the "Autumn Gardens of Devon" tour, where you'll explore some of the most enchanting gardens in the region. Begin your adventure at Killerton, a historic estate with a stunning collection of period costumes and vibrant gardens. Discover the serene beauty of Stone Lane's woodland and water garden, and enjoy leisure time in the charming coastal town of Torquay. Marvel at the breathtaking autumnal hues of Lukesland Gardens and the romantic setting of The Garden House. Conclude your tour at Bicton Botanical Gardens, home to rare species and magnificent trees. Throughout the tour, enjoy comfortable coach travel, professional guidance, and delightful accommodations at the Headland Hotel Torquay. This tour promises a memorable experience for garden enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Highlights

  • Visit the house and gardens of Killerton, featuring a collection of 18th to 20th-century costumes and a stunning rock garden.

  • Explore Stone Lane's enchanting woodland and water garden, famous for its national collections of birch and alder trees.

  • Discover Torquay's lively waterfront, bustling harbour, and the fascinating Potent Plants Garden at Torre Abbey.

  • Wander through Lukesland Gardens, known for its cascading waterfalls and vibrant autumn foliage.

  • Experience The Garden House with its romantic terraces and a rich variety of plants, including clematis and roses.

  • Enjoy the 60 acres of Bicton Botanical Gardens, home to rare species and one of the finest tree collections in Britain.

Places You'll See

Statue of Agatha Christie, in Torquay town centre, Devon, UK

Statue of Agatha Christie, in Torquay town centre, Devon, UK

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: Killerton

Accommodation Name: Headland Hotel Torquay

Meals Included: Dinner

We depart from our pick-up points (London, Reading, Swindon, Bristol) and head for our first visit to the house and gardens of Killerton. The house displays a magnificent collection of 18th – 20th century costumes in period rooms (originally known as the Paulise de Bush collection). The estate is set on a steep wooded hillside with the remains of an Iron Age Hill fort on top of it. Countless trees and shrubs thrive in the gardens including rhododendrons, magnolias, stewartias and maples. An impressive rock garden formed in an old quarry sparkles with hellebores, hostas and geraniums among mossy rocks under a canopy of old camellias and maples.

Day 2

Statue of Agatha Christie, in Torquay town centre, Devon, UK
Torquay marina and town, Devon, UK

Location: Dartmoor National Park, Torquay, Torre Abbey

Accommodation Name: Headland Hotel Torquay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we make our way to the edge of the Dartmoor National Park where we find Stone Lane, an enchanting woodland and water garden famous for national collections of birch and alder trees.  We have some time to wander the woodland pathways through the foliage as it fades from vibrant greens to golden hues. The autumn is also a time when lots of fungi start to fruit, so colourful toadstools start to peek through the rust coloured leaves.
This afternoon is at your leisure to explore Torquay with its lively waterfront, bustling harbour and palm lined promenade which frames its marina with colourful boats bobbing on the sparkling waters. The town has been popular with holidaymakers since Victorian times, evidence of which can be seen in the villas perched on the hills surrounding the town and the classic Victorian facades of the main streets. Meander through the town centre for a spot of shopping, stop for a spot of lunch in one of the seafront restaurants or perhaps visit Potent Plants Garden which is a fascinating collection of plants inspired by the writings of Agatha Christie – that may kill or cure depending on one’s motive. This compilation of flora is just a small corner of the wider award-winning gardens at Torre Abbey.

Day 3

Location: Lukesland Gardens, The Garden House

Accommodation Name: Headland Hotel Torquay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we head for Lukesland Gardens, said to be one of the finest gardens in the Southwest that stretches across 24 acres. The crystal waters of the stream cascade over waterfalls into calm ponds around which the garden is split into numerous islands accessed by bridges. In the Autumn the huge variety of trees and shrubs make the garden visually stunning. The shelterbelts of beech trees turn glorious shades of gold while the more exotic acers, azaleas and gingko trees turn fiery shades of red.
This afternoon we visit The Garden House, near the village of Buckland Monachorum. Here, around some romantically decaying 16th century ruins, Lionel Fortescue created a suitably romantic garden, built on precipitous terraces from which there are lovely views over the garden and surrounding countryside. Clematis and roses scale the old walls that surround the garden and there is a wonderful richness of plants. There is also, of course, another very good nursery selling marvellous plants, an opportunity to stock up on some new additions to your own garden.

Day 4

Torquay marina and town, Devon, UK
Statue of Agatha Christie, in Torquay town centre, Devon, UK

Location: Torquay, Bicton Botanical Gardens

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, after breakfast we depart Torquay and head for our final visit to Bicton Botanical Gardens where we spend some time enjoying the 60 acres of beautiful gardens. Home to many rare and endangered species from around the world and one of the finest tree collections in Britain the gardens are carefully looked after by a team of dedicated gardeners. Some areas of interest include the Italian Garden laid out to designs of André Le Nôtre in 1735. The Pinetum and Arboretum which feature over 1200 trees represent 300 species with many of them endangered. Bicton gardens is also home to 25 champion trees, signifying the tallest, largest or best of their kind within Britain. The feather in their cap is the Grecian fir at 46 metres being the tallest of its kind ever recorded. The Palm House is one of the most charming buildings in the garden and dates back to c1825 comprising 18,000 overlapping glass panes. Here you can see one of the garden’s rarest species, the Madagascan triangle palm.
Before we head for home we enjoy an early afternoon cream tea and then we board the coach to make our way back to our original pick up points.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is included in the tour package.

  • Meals as per itinerary

    Meals are provided as per the itinerary.

  • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary

    Entry fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary are included.

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What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

  • Optional activities

    Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

Mode of Transport

Enjoy comfortable coach travel throughout the tour, with convenient pick-up points in London, Reading, Swindon, and Bristol, ensuring a relaxing journey to each destination.

Accommodation

Stay at the Headland Hotel Torquay, offering comfortable accommodations with easy access to the beautiful gardens and attractions of Devon.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The accommodation provided during the tour is at the Headland Hotel Torquay.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    Meals are provided as per the itinerary, including breakfast and dinner on certain days.

  • What is the mode of transportation during the tour?

    Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.

  • Are entry fees to the sites included in the tour package?

    Yes, entries to all sites as per the itinerary are included in the tour package.

  • Is there a tour manager available during the tour?

    Yes, the services of a professional tour manager are included in the tour.

  • What can I expect to see at Killerton on Day 1?

    At Killerton, you can expect to see a magnificent collection of 18th to 20th century costumes in period rooms, a steep wooded hillside with an Iron Age Hill fort, and gardens with rhododendrons, magnolias, stewartias, and maples.

  • What activities are available on Day 2 in Torquay?

    On Day 2, you have leisure time to explore Torquay's lively waterfront, bustling harbour, and palm-lined promenade. You can also visit the Potent Plants Garden at Torre Abbey, shop in the town centre, or enjoy lunch at a seafront restaurant.

  • What highlights can I expect at Lukesland Gardens on Day 3?

    At Lukesland Gardens, you can expect to see 24 acres of gardens with a stream cascading over waterfalls into ponds, a variety of trees and shrubs, and shelterbelts of beech trees turning shades of gold.

  • What is special about The Garden House visited on Day 3?

    The Garden House features romantically decaying 16th-century ruins, terraces with views over the garden and countryside, and a richness of plants including clematis and roses scaling old walls.

  • What can I see at Bicton Botanical Gardens on Day 4?

    At Bicton Botanical Gardens, you can see 60 acres of gardens with rare and endangered species, an Italian Garden, a Pinetum and Arboretum with over 1200 trees, and the Palm House with the rare Madagascan triangle palm.

  • Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?

    You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.

  • What facilities do your coaches have?

    Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.

  • Do I have to go on the included excursions?

    Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.

  • Is there time to relax?

    Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.

  • Do I need to be an expert?

    Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.

  • How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?

    You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding

  • Do you have self-drive holidays?

    Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!

  • What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?

    There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.

  • Where are your departure points?

    UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .

  • What about the company that will be kept?

    For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.

  • What is a Brightwater Holiday?

    Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.

  • Why is there a single supplement?

    Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.

  • How much are your optional excursions?

    Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.

  • Can I pre-book my coach seats?

    Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.

  • How to get there? Easy!

    With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Brightwater Holidays offers great value

28-Nov-2019

I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Brightwater Holidays Customer  

My experience with Brightwater Holidays

08-Aug-2019

The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Alan Hawkes (Google Reviewer)  

We were on the Tour...

28-Aug-2022

We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.

Brightwater Holidays Custome  

Wonderful experience with brilliant information

31-Jul-2019

The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Eric Webb (Google Reviewer)  

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...

07-Oct-2023

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.

John G R (Google Reviewer)  

Now, this is a wee...

08-Nov-2024

Now, this is a wee family run holiday that is run from a bedroom. Outrageous prices for a holiday in scotland.👍

Kevin Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

The recent tour in Northumberland...

30-Sep-2023

The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.

ALEXANDRA MCQUEEN (Google Reviewer)  

Been trying to get a...

17-Oct-2023

Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!

Dp Green (Google Reviewer)  

I had heard this company...

20-Feb-2024

I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.

Kieran Thompson (Google Reviewer)  

Two of your tour busses...

26-Jul-2021

Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Thursday

Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025
$1155 $1122 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$33 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit for future tours

    Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.

    At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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