Railtrail Annual Brochure 2024

C oastal N ostalgia in the S unny S outh

DAY 5 Transferring to Lymington, we join the Wightlink ferry to transport us the short distance to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. Our vintage coach awaits for a scenic ride along the western side of the island, around the southern tip to Shanklin . We take the Island Line service to Smallbrook Junction. Due to the low ceiling of RydeTunnel towards the northern end of the 8 mile stretch of track, normal size trains cannot operate on the island, which led to the Island Line using refurbished London Underground trains. At Smallbrook Junction we switch onto the nostalgic Isle of Wight Steam Railway, crossing the island’s heart through picturesque countryside to Wootton. Returning from Wootton to the railway’s Haven Street station, we transfer by vintage coach to Yarmouth for our ferry and transfer back to Bournemouth. (B,D) DAY 6 Today we hop on board our Purbeck Breezer Bus at Bournemouth and travel along the coastal road past the stunning multi-million-pound properties of Sandbanks via the short ferry crossing to the Isle of Purbeck before reaching our destination of Swanage. During our time in Swanage, we enjoy a return journey on the nostalgic Swanage Railway, which operates along six miles of track from Swanage past the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle. We return to Bournemouth via the Purbeck Breezer bus and enjoy dinner at the hotel. (B,D) DAY 7 After breakfast we commence our transfer to Torquay travelling by train along the scenic route from Bournemouth to Weymouth where our private coach awaits to transfer us into Devon and the seaside resort of Seaton. Here we board our heritage tram for a delightful return journey on the famous Seaton Tramway along the former railway branch line. After a lunchtime break, we re-board our private coach continuing westwards to Exmouth. From Exmouth we travel by local train for one of England’s great railway journeys alongside the River Exe to Exeter before joining the mainline along the famous coastal route through Dawlish and onto Torquay and our hotel for the next three nights where our luggage will be waiting for us. (B,D) DAY 8 Today is free to relax in beautiful Torquay or independently explore the stunning English Riviera . Perhaps visit the neighbouring town of Babbacombe, famed for cliff railway built in 1926 and model village or take the short ferry ride across the bay to the small fishing town of Brixham, home of the ‘Golden Hind’ replica of the iconic Tudor ship. (B,D)

10 DAYS

Dartmouth Steam Railway

© Dorset Steam Railway

DAY 9 We travel by steam train alongside the English Riviera coastline to Churston, then on through the wooded slopes of Long Wood bordering the Dart Estuary to Kingswear. We take a short ferry crossing to the historic resort of Dartmouth where there is free time for some sightseeing and a gentle circular river cruise viewing Bayards Cove, Kingswear and Dartmouth Castles, Britannia Royal Naval College, Dittisham Village, and Sir Walter Raleigh’s Boathouse. We return by steam train to Paignton and onwards to our hotel. (B,D) DAY 10 Bidding farewell to the beautiful South Coast we make our way homeward. (B)

DEPARTS

Friday 26 April 2024 Friday 13 September 2024

FARES

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England East Anglia South West Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales Heart of England

FIRST* £2129 £2139 £2155 £2219 £2049 £2229 £2265 £2379 £2439 £2375 £2329 £2339 £2509

STANDARD

£2045 £2049 £2059 £2099 £1985 £2109 £2085 £2145 £2179 £2145 £2059 £2135

Scotland £2239 £30 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotels £1889 SEPTEMBER Departure Supplement £20 Single Room Supplement £280 *Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of their journey. 9 nights’ bed, breakfast & table d’hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage

Seaton Heritage Tramway

© Shutterstock

HOTELS

Ashford International Hotel,Ashford The 4-star Ashford International Hotel is conveniently located for visiting the many attractions that Kent has to offer.The modern en-suite bedrooms are decorated in a contemporary style and offer TV, tea/coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi.The hotel has a stylish restaurant and comfortable bar plus a superb leisure club with gym, jacuzzi, swimming pool, sauna, and steam room. Single travellers have sole occupancy of a double room. Best Western Carlton Hotel, Bournemouth Located on Bournemouth’s famous East Cliff and built in the Victorian era, the 3-star Carlton Hotel offers dramatic views across the bay and is just a 15-minute stroll along the seafront from the shops and pier.The hotel offers a restaurant with wonderful sea views, bar, outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers surrounded by gardens and palm trees, indoor swimming pool, gym, and sauna.The en-suite bedrooms all feature free Wi-Fi,TV, and tea/coffee making facilities. The Livermead House Hotel,Torquay The elegant 3-star Livermead House Hotel was built in 1820 and has a picturesque seafront location. It is ideally situated just a short walk from the train station and a level walk along the promenade to Torquay town centre.The Livermead House offers a traditional flavour, outstanding sea views, and high standards of cuisine.There is free Wi-Fi in all public areas.The hotel has lovely gardens with seating and an outdoor swimming pool plus a snooker room, squash court, gym, indoor bowls, and sauna.

Brixham

© Shutterstock

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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