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Turkey & Tinsel in Paignton and Christmas Train of Lights

Enjoy a Turkey & Tinsel break along the English Riviera, including a unique journey on the UK's first ever steam train of lights! The festive train, with vintage carriages decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, awaits you in Paignton. We also visit historic Exeter, and you will have a chance to enjoy the Christmas market at the Cathedral and browse the wonderful selection of stalls!

5 days from £459pp

Single Room Supplement from £69pp

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Your Tour Includes

4 nights hotel with English breakfast
4 evening meals including Christmas dinner
Mulled wine and a mince pie on arrival
Local joining points
Porterage at the hotel

Turkey & Tinsel in Paignton and Christmas Train of Lights

5 days from £459pp

Departure Dates & Book

Itinerary

Please choose your preferred 5 day itinerary

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Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then on to Paignton and our hotel for three nights. You will be welcomed with a mince pie and mulled wine on arrival before enjoying a leisurely dinner in the hotel.

Included Meals

Dinner

Today we visit beautiful and historic Exeter. Pre-dating the arrival of the Romans, the city has a rich and long history and a wealth of attractions celebrating this, from its imposing Roman wall to its magnificent Gothic Cathedral and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. Stroll along the beautiful Quayside or discover the shops, boutiques and cafés on the cobbled Gandy Street.

One of the highlights at this time of year is the Christmas market, located in the courtyard at Exeter Cathedral. With over a hundred twinkling festive chalets, local gifts and produce, festive street food and seasonal entertainment, as well as free entry into the amazing Exeter Cathedral, you're in for a real treat!

Included Meals

Breakfast
Dinner

Included Highlights

Exeter and the Christmas Market

Exeter Christmas Market

Relax in Paignton today before the highlight of the weekend: our evening trip on the Christmas Train of Lights! Your festive illuminated journey starts at Queen's Park Station, Paignton, where the steam train with vintage carriages awaits you – it will be decorated with thousands of lights, both inside and out.

Fifteen minutes later, once you've had time to settle back into your seat, you will arrive at Churston Station where the show begins. As the anticipation builds and minutes after leaving Churston, you will be propelled through the 450-metre Greenway tunnel that leads you to the enchanted forest. It will be transformed by a multitude of lights with brand-new feature displays – plus some old favourites! The stunning show ends as you leave the forest, where you'll be greeted by the twinkling lights of Dartmouth, all reflected on the river Dart.

After a turnaround at Kingswear and with the opportunity to disembark and take photographs from the platform, you will be on your way back to Paignton to experience the spectacle from a different direction.

Full of magical memories, we return to the hotel for our Christmas dinner followed by entertainment.

Included Meals

Breakfast
Dinner

Included Highlights

Christmas Train of Lights

Christmas Train of Lights

Spend a day at leisure today in Paignton or join our optional excursion to Plymouth. There is so much to do and see in this maritime city. You will have free time to explore Plymouth, perhaps delving into the city's nautical past with a visit to the Barbican waterfront before enjoy fish and chips in the harbour. For Gin lovers you could visit the Plymouth Gin distillery and enjoy a tour and tasting of one of Plymouth's famous exports. Or why not head to the Piazza in the city centre and browse the Christmas markey to to your heart’s content! More than 50 traders from across the South West will be selling their wares in traditional wooden cabins, festooned with fairy lights.

Included Meals

Breakfast
Dinner

Optional Excursions

Plymouth and the Christmas Market

The optional excursions will be available to book during your tour.

Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in sterling (cash payments only).

Plymouth

After breakfast, we start the journey home.

Included Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

You will stay for four nights at the 3-star Esplanade Hotel in Paignton

Esplanade Hotel

Recently refurbished in 2024 and boasting fantastic views over nearby Paignton Beach, the Esplanade Hotel is located in a prime position and is the perfect base for a seaside holiday on the English Riviera. The town centre is just a five-minute walk away, whilst Paignton Pier and quieter Goodrington Beach are within walking distance. Enjoy delicious meals in the modern restaurant which operates a wide and varied menu, and relax in the stylish and comfortable Harbour Bay Lounge in the evening, which boasts superb views. If you have energy to spare, there’s live entertainment in the Riviera Suite during the holiday season, so you can soak up the social atmosphere with other guests.

Location: Sands Road, Paignton, TQ4 6EG