What you can expect
The Grand Hotel
Seafront location
The English Riviera
Steam railway & sailing excursion
Central location
Centrally located in the seaside town of Torquay
About this trip...
About the trip
Situated at the heart of the English Riviera on the south Devon coastline, Torquay is a stylish resort with a palm-fringed promenade, seafront gardens and a lively harbour. Torquay has something for everyone with an abundance of eateries, bars, shops and attractions. Choose from a 2 night or 3 night stay.Activity Level:
What's this?What's included?
Compact double room for single use
Breakfast & dinner with ½ bottle of wine each evening
Welcome drink & information meeting
Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway trip, cruise on the River Dart -
Visit to the village of Cockington
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
What's extra:
Extras
- Insurance click here
Itinerary
- Arrive at The Grand Hotel
- The English Riviera
- Cockington
- Departure Day
Torquay, Devon
Day One: The Grand Hotel
On arrival in Torquay we will check-in at our hotel and then spend the evening enjoying getting to know our fellow Solos. We can enjoy a welcome drink before dinner in the hotel restaurant. Our hotel has two restaurant offerings, and if there is time before dinner you could enjoy a swim in the hotel pool. Sea views abound and the hotel's enviable situation in Torquay makes it perfect for exploring the English Riviera.
Day Two: The English Riviera
On our second day we will take a coach to Paignton, where we will board the steam train. The route takes us through the breath taking scenery of the English Riviera before arriving at Kingswear. Here a short ferry crossing brings us to Dartmouth, where there will be free time to explore this charming old town, with it's narrow, winding streets, galleries and fascinating shops. We then board the boat for a cruise down the picturesque River Dart. On arrival back at Paignton we will meet the coach for the final leg of our journey back to our hotel.
Day Three: Cockington
Whether you are joining us for our 2 night break or our 3 night break, the short walk to nearby Cockington, a wonderfully preserved medieval village, is a great local day trip. Step back in time along narrow lanes lined with thatched cottages. At the heart of the village is Cockington Court, an ancient manor house that is now a craft centre, offering all sorts of temptation, from glassware and jewellery to leather goods and handmade chocolates. You may prefer a stroll through the beautiful gardens and rolling parkland of the manor, or perhaps relax with something tasty in the village pub!
Day Four: Departure Day
If staying on the 3 night break, after a leisurely breakfast, check out and say our goodbyes.
Accommodation
The Grand Hotel 4*
This elegant hotel occupies a prime location on the seafront with Torquay station just a few minutes’ walk away.
Facilities include
Modern day facilities are combined with the opulence and grandeur of bygone times. Enjoy gorgeous spa facilities at 'Spa at the Grand', indoor and outdoor (seasonal) pools, fully-equipped gym, and two delightful restaurants. Parking is on a first come first serve basis chargeable at £10 per day.
Room includes
Rooms are equipped with a hairdryer, a safe, TV and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
Location & Transport
The hotel is located in Torquay’s seafront, with Torquay Station just a minute’s walk away. Parking is on a first come first serve basis chargeable at £10 per day. Street parking is also available around the hotel at no charge and is subject to availability.
Location & Transport
The hotel is located in Torquay’s seafront, with Torquay Station just a minute’s walk away. Parking is on a first come first serve basis chargeable at £10 per day. Street parking is also available around the hotel at no charge and is subject to availability.
Included Programme
Steam Trains & River Boats - Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway trip and cruise on the River Dart. Please note that the order of this trip is based on the tide conditions.
Visit to the village of Cockington (1 mile walk from hotel)
Included Programme
Steam Trains & River Boats - Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway trip and cruise on the River Dart. Please note that the order of this trip is based on the tide conditions.
Visit to the village of Cockington (1 mile walk from hotel)
Gratuities
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual.We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides and hotel staff (including restaurant, kitchen and reception staff) of approximately £5. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of bar staff and housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (the rounding up of the drinks bill and a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, restaurants expect a 10% gratuity (do check that service has not already been added to your bill). For taxis 10% of the metered fare.
Gratuities
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual.We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides and hotel staff (including restaurant, kitchen and reception staff) of approximately £5. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of bar staff and housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (the rounding up of the drinks bill and a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, restaurants expect a 10% gratuity (do check that service has not already been added to your bill). For taxis 10% of the metered fare.
Dress Code
The dress code for during the day is casual. In the evenings the dress code is smart with gentlemen requested to wear a shirt and tie. Dress code for restaurant no jeans/no trainers. Comfortable shoes for walking and sightseeing are recommended. Remember your swimwear should you wish to take advantage of the hotel’s leisure facilities.
Dress Code
The dress code for during the day is casual. In the evenings the dress code is smart with gentlemen requested to wear a shirt and tie. Dress code for restaurant no jeans/no trainers. Comfortable shoes for walking and sightseeing are recommended. Remember your swimwear should you wish to take advantage of the hotel’s leisure facilities.
