A
choice of tours around Exeter and the surrounding area will be
available on the free afternoon included in the conference registration:
1.
A Guided Tour of the City of Exeter:Tour the City of Exeter
with the Red Coat Guide and discover Exeter Old and New. Historic
buildings in the Cathedral Close, such as Mols Coffee House (favourite
haunt of Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh); Northernhay Gardens
(the oldest Municipal Gardens in the UK); and the re-building
of post-war Exeter. The tour finishes at the Guildhall for a traditional
Devonshire Cream Tea.
2.
Powderham Castle: Travel alongside the Exe Estuary to the
village of Kenton to discover and explore Powderham Castle, historic
home of the Earls of Devon and still lived in by the Courtenay
family. Built some 600 years ago, the Castle lies in a beautiful
setting in an ancient deer park of about 4,000 acres. You will
enjoy a guided tour of the castle and the gardens including the
delightful Rose Garden with stunning views over the Estuary. Finally,
a Devonshire Cream Tea will be served in the castle tearooms.
3.
Dartmoor and Castle Drogo: With your official Blue Badge Tourist
Guide, discover the mysteries of Dartmoor and enjoy a short walk
to take in the breathtaking views and beauty of the Moor. Afterwards,
take the coach to Castle Drogo, a National Trust granite castle
designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens between 1910-1913,and 20 years in
the building, for the self-made millionaire, Julius Drewe. The
interior is designed for comfortable and elegant living, with
an interesting kitchen and scullery and elaborately appointed
bathrooms. There is also a delightful formal garden with roses
and herbaceous borders, as well seasonal flowers. The Castle commands
spectacular views of Dartmoor.Refreshments will be served in the
Castle Tea Rooms.
4.
Jurassic Coastal Cruise: Travel along the Estuary to the Seaside
town of Exmouth where our cruise starts at the western end of
the World heritage Coastline. Leaving Exmouth Marina to head eastwards
along this unique stretch of coastline, with its unparalleled
range of natural features, the Jurassic Coast is stunningly beautiful.
It's spectacular features and constantly changing landscape lends
itself to a diverse range of birds and wildlife.
Starting at the oldest end, the Triassic Period, the red cliffs
of Orcombe Point predate the dinosaurs. On past the large Kittiwake
colony at Straight Point, these birds, standing out against the
red sandstone, regularly nest on the craggy edges.
On to the ancient pebble beds of Budleight Salterton, to the sea
stacks at Ladram Bay. As we travel further eastwards, towards
Sidmouth and the lower cliffs are capped by younger sandstones
and chalk, it is possible to see the distinct lines of changes
from the sea. The further east we travel , the younger the cliffs
come. At Beer, there is an area of Cretaceous Coastline before
changing back to Triassic east of Seaton. Then, of course, there
is the famous fossil bearing cliffs of Lyme Regis, the Jurassic
period.
Commentary for the entire cruise is by an expert geologist.
Other
tours will be available for accompanying persons during the meeting
and the weekend after the meeting.
