A Festive Break at The Royal York & Faulkner Hotel

Day 1 - Friday

Taxi from your home to the coach. We drive to the County Town of Dorchester for a lunch break. Continuing along Dorset's Jurassic Coast we reach the sleepy resort of Sidmouth, where Mulled Wine and Mince Pies await our arrival.

Day 2 - Saturday

This morning we head to Buckfastleigh to take a 'Santa-by-Steam' trip on the South Devon Railway. Once the train has set off on its journey through the Dart Valley you will be served a mince pie and non-alcoholic fruit punch, and may be lucky enough to meet the man himself! Later, we will visit Buckfast Abbey, with time to visit the Abbey Church, Monastic Gift Shop, Bookshop and Restaurant.

Day 3 - Sunday

We drive to the City of Exeter for Christmas shopping and a visit to the Christmas Market on Cathedral Green. With traditional wooden chalets, it is inspired by the German Christmas markets and features crafts and gifts, fresh food and a bustling atmosphere helped by delicious food stalls and Bavarian-style bars.

Day 4 - Monday

his morning we visit Slade House Farm to wish a Happy Christmas to some of the hundreds of residents at the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary. The Charity was founded in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen after seeing donkeys being maltreated at Exeter Market. There is a great little café and gift shop. This afternoon the Hotel will treat us to Tea and Christmas Cake.

Day 5 - Tuesday

We say farewell to the friendly York & Faulkner team and make our way home along the south coast, making a lunchtime stop at Haskyns Garden Centre. Taxis mid-to-late afternoon.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner