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North Devon Gardens

Explore beautiful North Devon. A memorable holiday amongst some of the finest gardens in the south west of England.

  • England

  • Half Board
  • Coast & Islands

    Wildlife & Nature

  • Apr

    May

    Jun

    Aug

  • Average group size: 12-14

What does this mean?

Leisurely

What does this mean?

5 Nights

From

£949
Tour only
View Dates & Book Now Group Booking of 8+
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Walking grade

Grade 2

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Adagio Collection

The perfect blend of guided shorter walks, sightseeing trips, and quality accommodation for a more leisurely way to discover the world.

Overview

Holiday Highlights

  • Discover botanical beauty at RHS Rosemoor Gardens.
  • Enjoy the timeless coastal charm of the village of Clovelly.
  • The dramatic coastal backdrop of Hartland Abbey - a star of screen and history.
  • Mediterranean planting, statuary and fountains at Tapeley Park – a hidden slice of Tuscany in Devon.
  • Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor explorers.

The warm Atlantic winds and generous sunshine make North Devon an ideal destination for those with a love of gardening and the great outdoors. This holiday takes in three outstanding gardens and still leaves plenty of time to enjoy the towns, villages and sweeping coastal walks that define this beautiful corner of England.

Our base for the week is the picturesque riverside town of Bideford. From your hotel, you’ll enjoy views across the River Torridge to the main town on the opposite bank. There's time to explore the town itself, with its historic quay lined with welcoming cafés, independent shops, and craft stalls that reflect the character of the local community.

Just a short journey away lies the village of Westward Ho! - a charming coastal spot best known for its long stretch of golden sand. After a brief look around, we’ll follow the coastline north toward Northam Burrows, a unique landscape of sand dunes, grassland and saltmarsh that makes for an invigorating walk. From there, we head inland to Appledore, a delightful harbour village with narrow lanes, brightly painted cottages, and not to be missed, some truly spectacular local ice cream.

For garden lovers, Rosemoor is a true highlight. Managed by the Royal Horticultural Society, Rosemoor Gardens offers an extraordinary variety of planting. From vibrant borders to serene woodland walks, every corner of the garden has its own story to tell. The air is rich with floral scents, and the peaceful pathways invite you to slow down and take in the seasonal displays at your own pace.

In contrast, Tapeley Park offers a more relaxed, unconventional garden experience. Set high above the Torridge Estuary, its Italianate terraces and wildflower meadows blend seamlessly into the surrounding countryside. Alongside the striking planting and sculptures, there’s a deep commitment to sustainability and organic farming, adding an engaging and thoughtful dimension to your visit.

For our final day, we journey to the enchanting village of Clovelly. Known for its steep, cobbled streets and whitewashed cottages tumbling down to the sea, Clovelly feels like a step back in time. Further west, we explore Hartland and the dramatic coastline that surrounds it. Towering cliffs, hidden coves, and sculpted rock formations define this wilder part of North Devon. Nestled within this landscape is Hartland Abbey, a former Augustinian monastery turned elegant stately home. Its gardens are as tranquil as they are beautiful - the perfect place to reflect on your holiday immersed in nature, history and the unique charm of Devon.


  • En suite three-star hotel accommodation on a half board basis
  • All local transport required for the itinerary by private coach & public bus
  • Entrances to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
  • Services of a Adagio Tour Leader
  • Personal expenses (such as your bar bill)
  • Lunches
  • Discretionary tips
  • Optional excursions
  • Travel insurance

Holiday Information

Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.

NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen

View Holiday Information Sheet

Tour Codes

50010

Itinerary & Travel

Itinerary Details

Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival day

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Arrival at the Royal Hotel in Bideford. Check in is from 3pm. Your Adagio leader will meet you in the bar before dinner. 

Dinner is taken in the hotel restaurant each evening.

Day 2

Northam Burrows

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    3 hours

  • Distance

    5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    50m

After breakfast in the hotel, we have time for an introduction to Bideford before catching the local bus to Westward Ho! The only town in Britain with an exclamation mark in its name. After a quick look around the town, we will walk along the beach to Northam Burrows with stunning views north to Croyde and Braunton. Look out for sea birds and flowers in season. 

The walk loops across the Burrows and arrives in Appledore where your leader will introduce to the delights of Hockings ice cream. We have time to look around before taking the bus back to Bideford and the hotel.

Day 3

RHS Rosemoor Gardens

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    1 hours

  • Distance

    1 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    50m

For the aficionado or beginner, Rosemoor Gardens are a treat. Run by the Royal Horticultural Society, the gardens are hugely diverse and full of interest. Regardless of the time of visit you can enjoy ever changing plantscapes, secret corners, trees shrubs, flowers birdlife and an enticing café. We intend to get to the gardens by public bus to Great Torrington and then a short walk to the garden entrance.

Day 4

The Tarka Trail & Tapeley Park

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    3 hours

  • Distance

    5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    50m

We begin by taking transport from the hotel to Tapeley Gardens, a notable and popular film location. After exploring the gardens, we head to the village of Instow where there’s an opportunity to explore and enjoy some coffee. From there, we embark on a gentle walk south along the old track bed that closely follows the banks of the River Torridge. The path is almost completely level, making for an easy stroll. 

Eventually, we reach Bideford's restored former railway station for a quick look before continuing back to the hotel.

Day 5

Clovelly & Hartland Abbey

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

Exploring further afield we have private hire transport to take us firstly to Clovelly, a picture-perfect fishing village if ever there was one. The road through the village down to the quay is steep but well worth the walk. We then continue to Hartland Abbey, to visit another engaging garden in the grounds of the abbey dating back to 1157. There is also a walk down to the coast offering stunning views along to Hartland Quay and this wild section of the north Devon coast.

Day 6

Departure day

Meals

Breakfast

Independent departure from the hotel after breakfast. Check out is by 11am. 

We hope you have enjoyed your holiday and we look forward to welcoming you on another soon.

From (GBP)£949 Tour only

Departure dates for your selected tour

3rd Aug 2025 - 8th Aug 2025 (5 Nights)

26th Apr 2026 - 1st May 2026 (5 Nights)

24th May 2026 - 29th May 2026 (5 Nights)

28th Jun 2026 - 3rd Jul 2026 (5 Nights)

2nd Aug 2026 - 7th Aug 2026 (5 Nights)

Ramble Worldwide map graphic of North Devon area including Rosemoor, Tapeley, Westward Ho! and other areas for walking holiday North Devon Gardens

Travel Details

By Road: From the M5 (Junction 27), take the A361 to Barnstaple then the A39 and A386 to Bideford. The hotel is at the eastern end of the town bridge.

Parking: The hotel car park has two car parks. All hotel guests can park for free. 

By Rail: The nearest train station is in Barnstaple, approximately 10 miles from the hotel. There are taxis at the station.

By Air: The nearest airport is at Exeter, 60 miles from Bideford.

Route planning to and from Bideford: 

The AA and RAC both offer free and detailed on-line route planning facilities on their websites which may help you find the hotel. 

An excellent website to assist in your travel plans is Rome2Rio.

Accommodation

Accommodation information

Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.

The Royal Hotel

The historic Royal Hotel has first-class food, friendly service and a great location for North Devon's sights, including the picturesque Tarka Trail for walkers. The Royal Hotel is at the eastern end of ancient Bideford Bridge and close to public transport, so it is easy to explore the centre of Bideford and the quayside. The hotel is associated with the 17th-century Court of Assize and the author, Sir Charles Kingsley, who wrote some of 'The Water Babies' and 'Westward Ho!' whilst staying here. 

One of the hotel's famous features is the oak-panelled Kingsley Room, with its ornate, sculpted ceiling.

The ensuite bedrooms are clean and comfortable with the following facilities:

  • Television
  • Complimentary bathroom toiletries 
  • Hairdryer
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Tea and coffee making facilities 

Please note that this is a dog friendly hotel. 

Trip Information

All the details you need

Holiday Grade

This level mixes active sightseeing with shorter, city or countryside walks. Trips are not aimed at seasoned walkers, but you should be confident in managing walks of around 3miles at a leisurely pace with a few ups and downs. Where in more mountainous areas we use transport to access higher ground with ease. 

Usual daily walks - Distance: 3 miles; Ascent/Descent 150-200m; Terrain: good paths and tracks; Time: Short or Half Day exploration. 

The above statistics are generalisations of a day’s keys walk, it does not include distance covered during general sightseeing or  daily activity. Detailed information of the daily walking requirements are specified in the specific holidays ‘Daily Itinerary" .

Local Costs

Holiday Budgeting

As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.

Local Transport Costs

In the holiday cost, we have included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity program for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.

Tipping

In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.

Your Group

Your Leader

Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organized they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations. Your tour leader takes care of all the local, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.

Leaders Evening Briefing

Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.

Group Size

We believe that the best things come in small packages, and our Adagio holidays prove just that. We limit our groups to a maximum of 18 persons, plus the Adagio Leader, so that everyone has the opportunity to mix, share their love of travel and return home with new friendships. Small groups also have less detrimental local impact, allows us to use public transport on some days, eat at small local restaurants and, we believe, offers a better experience.

Travel Plans

Getting to your Holiday

By Road: From the M5 (Junction 27), take the A361 to Barnstaple then the A39 and A386 to Bideford. The hotel is at the eastern end of the town bridge.

Parking: The hotel car park has two car parks. All hotel guests can park for free. 

By Rail: The nearest train station is in Barnstaple, approximately 10 miles from the hotel. There are taxis at the station.

By Air: The nearest airport is at Exeter, 60 miles from Bideford.

Route planning to and from Bideford: 

The AA and RAC both offer free and detailed on-line route planning facilities on their websites which may help you find the hotel. 

An excellent website to assist in your travel plans is Rome2Rio.

Personal Details Check

To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.

Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.

You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.

Meals

Your holiday is on a half board basis with all meals taken in the hotel. 

The hotel offers a wide range of breakfast dishes including (obviously!) the full Devon Breakfast. Please see the breakfast menu on the hotel website for further information. Dinners are taken in the hotel and will consist of two courses, main and dessert. Each night there will be a choice of three mains including a vegetarian option. various dietary requirements can be catered for.

Lunches aren't included to offer flexibility and your group leader will advise if you should have a picnic or if there will be cafe stops available on the day.

Footwear & Kit List

Footwear

Comfortable, broken in, walking boots or shoes with a good sole are recommended for this holiday. Walking shoes or other comfortable footwear will be suitable for sightseeing days.

General Kit List

Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.

If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:

  • Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers
  • Fleece or jumper
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun screen
  • Swimwear & towel (if appropriate)
  • Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the days activity)
  • Water bottle - at least 1 litre capacity
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Reusable Lunchbox
  • Walking poles (should you find them useful)

This list is not exhaustive and every traveller is different and may have their own preference.

Travel Document Checklist

To ensure your holiday gets off to a good start, please make sure that you bring the following documents and information with you:

  • Passport (make sure it's yours and valid)
  • Your travel tickets or e-ticket itinerary
  • Any visa or electronic travel authorisation (if required)
  • Holiday currency
  • Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost)
  • Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked)
  • Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked)
  • Your holiday Booking Confirmation document
  • Your travel insurance details
  • Alternative form of identification (such as a driving licence)
  • Photocopy of the personal details pages of your passport
  • A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if relevant
  • Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about

Maps & Guidebooks

The Map Shop

If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:

The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England

Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk

If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.

Staying Healthy on Holiday

Further Health Advice

For further advice please visit:

You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.

The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses, mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.

Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.

In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.

If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

Our Ethos

Responsible Travel

We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust

Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust is passionate about making the outdoors more accessible for more people from all communities. We grant funds to many organisations and have recently partnered with Mind Over Mountains, Adaptive Grand Slam, and other groups to create an enduring impact on people’s lives and to support them to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the Trust makes many small grants to local organisations such as Ramblers Groups, Walkers are Welcome, My kind of Books and recently provided a small grant, via his scouting group, to enable a young man whose family had fallen on hard times to complete his DofE Gold award.

Patron of the Trust is the renowned explorer, Mark Wood. Over 20 years Mark has undertaken expeditions to some of the most remote parts of our planet. Our shared values make for an exciting partnership, and we believe that by standing shoulder to shoulder we can encourage people from all communities to enjoy being active outdoors in whatever way suits them best.

For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.

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