Devons Historic Gems

DEVON’S HISTORIC GEMS

 

22 – 27 March 2026

Sunday – Friday

6 Days

From £575

 

Step back in time and experience the charm of the 18th Century as you explore the beauty of Devon. Discover glorious landscapes, vibrant histories, and fascinating tales that bring the past to life. This unforgettable holiday will take you to hidden treasures like Killerton House, uncover the rich heritage of Totnes Museum, and marvel at the architectural splendour of Exeter Cathedral. Unearth long-forgotten stories and immerse yourself in the enchanting history of this remarkable region.

 

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Killerton House & Gardens    |   House of Marbles   |   Exeter   |   Exeter Walking Tour   |   Exeter Cathedral Guided Tour   |  Totnes   |   Totnes Museum   |   Paignton

 

DAY ONE – Arrival

We depart from your home and travel to Paignton arriving late afternoon you will have time to relax before dinner and entertainment this evening.

 

DAY TWO – Killerton House & Garden and House of Marbles

This morning we visit the National Trust Killerton; a fine 18th-century family home and great estate, with a glorious landscape garden surrounded by parkland.  Once home to generations of the Acland family you can explore the ground floor of the bustling family home as it looked in the 1920s/30s. On the first floor of the house you'll find the annual fashion exhibition, displaying a carefully curated selection from the National Trust's biggest historic fashion collection.

You’ll also discover a garden of historic significance, famous for its collection of shrubs and specimen trees. In the spring it’s bound to be busting with daffodils and spring flowers, standing majestically throughout the grounds. Look out for the Lady Cott (Bear's hut) and ornamental dairy; curious thatched buildings nestled between the trees.

You can also see the Grade I listed chapel, built in 1841. Phase 1 of the Chapel restoration project is now complete, with the exterior and beautiful stained glass rose window restored to its former glory - as seen in BBC's Hidden Treasures of the National Trust.

Refreshments are available in the Stables coffee shops, and why not treat yourself to a piece of cake, or a light lunch, or choose the Killerton Kitchen Café, where you can eat overlooking the formal gardens.

After our visit we’ll make our way to the House of Marbles, where you will uncovering hidden gems in the quirky museums or watch skilled artisans at work in the glasswork studio.

We’ll then return to our hotel.

 

DAY THREE – Totnes and Totnes Museum

Totnes is a delightful town with plenty to offer and today we have included a visit to the Totnes Museum, where you’ll find out interested facts about the town, and why not visit the lovely garden, hidden away behind the Museum, reminiscent of an Elizabethan herb garden, this is a wonderful space to take a break or step away from town’s bustle.

You can then enjoy exploring the town yourself, what else will you discover in its historic streets?

We’ll return to our hotel mid-afternoon with time to relax before dinner this evening.

 

DAY FOUR – Paignton

Sit back and relax today – take a break from our busy schedule, and watch the world go by, or explore the town.

 

DAY FIVE - Exeter, Exeter Walking Tour and Exeter Cathedral Guided Tour

Full day excursion to Exeter, a small city that packs a big punch, one of the most vibrant, attractive, and historically interesting cities in England.  Pre-dating the arrival of the Romans in AD 50, Exeter’s history is rich and long.

First we have included a 1-hour ground floor tour of the Cathedral. Discover the characters who have shaped its history, learn about the development of one of Europe’s finest Cathedrals and uncover some of its fascinating secrets.

We will then join our tour guide ‘A Red Coat’ for a guided walking tour of Exeter, the tour will last approximately 90 minutes.

After our informative morning, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy Exeter before we return to our hotel.

 

DAY SIX - Departure

After breakfast we leave our hotel and make our journey home with comfort stops en route.

 

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

• Luxury coach travel

• Home pick-up

• 5 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

• Porterage on arrival and departure

• Welcome tea/coffee on arrival

• Tea/coffee after dinner each evening

• Admission to Totnes Museum

• Red Coat Walking Tour of Exeter

• Guided Ground Floor tour of Exeter Cathedral

• Admission to Killerton House & Garden

• Admission to The House of Marbles.

 

MARINE HOTEL, PAIGNTON

The Marine is a firm favourite with many of our customers and is situated on the promenade, one of the finest level and detached sea front positions in Paignton.  The hotel is family owned, and there is always a homely and relaxed atmosphere.  All bedrooms have tea making facilities, some ground floor rooms. Two lounges, entertainment, lift, sun lounge and bar.  One of our most popular hotels.

 

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

5 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Welcome tea/coffee on arrival

Tea/coffee after dinner each evening

Admission to Totnes Museum

Red Coat Walking Tour of Exeter

Guided Ground Floor tour of Exeter Cathedral

Admission to Killerton House & Garden

Admission to The House of Marbles.

 

MARINE HOTEL, PAIGNTON

The Marine is a firm favourite with many of our customers and is situated on the promenade, one of the finest level and detached sea front positions in Paignton.  The hotel is family owned, and there is always a homely and relaxed atmosphere.  All bedrooms have tea making facilities, some ground floor rooms. Two lounges, entertainment, lift, sun lounge and bar.  One of our most popular hotels.

 

HOTEL FACILITIES INCLUDE

General	Rooms	Accessibility
4 star	Tea/coffee making facilities	Lift
Bar	Television
Restaurant	Hairdryer
Lounge	Wi-Fi

 

GROUP BOOKINGS

Looking to take a group, if you book 20 places or more on this tour the tour organiser will go Free of Charge.

Please note Killerton Estate is a historic space and landscape can present challenges for those with mobility issues. Buggy Service is available.

 

DAYS	TOUR DATE	DEPARTS	TERMS	SUPPLEMENT
6	22 – 27 MAR 2026	SUNDAY	£575	NONE
JONES HOLIDAYS INSURANCE			£44

 

Rooms are allocated on a first come first served basis and are limited. If no single supplement applies this is limited to the tour single room allocation and therefore additional cost may apply.  Prices displayed are per person unless otherwise stated. If door-to-door pick-up is included there may be additional charges for out of area. Itineraries and hotel inclusions may be subject to change. Seat numbers on the coach may be subject to change. Issues whilst on tour must be raised in the first instance with the driver. Covid-19 restrictions may apply. When making bookings you accept on behalf of yourself and your party the terms in our Trading Charter which can be found in our brochure, on our website at http://www.jonesholidays.co.uk/Jones-holidays-trading-charter, or a copy can be requested from our Sales office.  If your holiday is more than 56 days from departure, we offer a 7-day cooling off period where a full refund will be offered from the date of the initial confirmation invoice (with the exception of flight holidays).