Location is an approximation

Essence of Christmas

Seaside town of Torquay
Encouraging evening Bible messages
Excursions to explore local highlights

 
 
 
"Oak Hall continues to offer a wide range of holidays in its summer programme that are designed with adventure in mind. For those who prefer a more mellow style we have arranged ideal tours with no overnight travel. All age groups are welcome, but this holiday may particularly appeal to those in the more mature age group."

The Essence of Christmas

Our ‘Essence of Christmas holidays’ have been very popular. For this refreshing break in 2026, we are staying at the Regina Hotel in Torquay in December.

Torquay is a well-known seaside town on the English Riviera, offering a sheltered coastline, an attractive harbour and pleasant promenades for unhurried walks by the sea. The town has a welcoming atmosphere, with cafés, shops and views across the bay providing plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

 

Seafront hotel

The Regina Hotel offers comfortable accommodation and a convenient base for our stay, with shared spaces for gathering together and easy access to the seafront and town centre. It is a practical and friendly hotel, ideal for a relaxed December break.

Christmas is a wonderful time to enjoy refreshing celebrations and the joyful message of Jesus’ birth.

 

The cost of £328 represents excellent value and includes:

  • Inspiring Bible series and music each evening
  • Luxury return coach travel from Otford, Kent to the hotel
  • Hotel close to the seafront
  • En-suite hotel rooms, all with tea-making facilities
  • Optional sea view for £30 supplement per person
  • Full English breakfasts each morning
  • Four evening meals including a 'Christmas' meal
  • Also a special festive 'Boxing Day' meal
  • Packed lunch on one excursion day
  • Optional excursion package for £30
  • Time to relax and walk by the sea
 
 
 
 
 

Excellent excursions

Our first outing takes us to Totnes and Dartmouth, two towns set along the River Dart. Totnes is known for its historic character and individual shops, with a lively yet relaxed feel. Dartmouth offers a classic waterside setting, with views across the river, attractive streets and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the surroundings. There will be time to explore both towns at a gentle pace.


 

A day in Torquay

Another day is spent enjoying Torquay itself. In December the town often takes on a festive feel, with Christmas lights and seasonal events adding to the atmosphere. Torquay is also the birthplace of Agatha Christie, and there is time to enjoy some of the places linked with her life and stories. If you wish, you may also like to visit Babbacombe Model Village or some of Britain’s most important prehistoric caves at Kents Cavern.


 

Dartmoor: Haytor and Buckfast Abbey

We also venture onto Dartmoor, an area known for its wide-open landscapes and distinctive granite tors. We plan to stop at Haytor to enjoy the scenery and far-reaching views, before continuing to Buckfast Abbey. This peaceful and welcoming place offers time for quiet reflection and a chance to look around the abbey and its surroundings.

 
 
 

A choice of meeting points

If you are travelling by car, you can park at Otford Manor in Kent (£17 per car) or be dropped off at Sainsbury’s in Otford. For those travelling by train we pick up at Otford Train Station on the day of departure. We also pick up at Amesbury (Solstice Services).

You can also meet us at the hotel in Torquay if you prefer.

 
 

Dates/Prices

The cost includes return coach transport from Otford (Kent) or Amesbury (Solstice) Services (A303) with four nights at the Regina Hotel in Torquay with breakfast and evening meals (plus packed lunch on one day).

Optional excursion package: £30

The deposit is £50 if booking more than two months in advance (plus room supplement, if applicable).

For coach timings, click 'View/Book'.

  TripDatesPrice
TQ53 - £328View/Book ->
Availability Key:
Independent Travel Available
Full but waiting list available
Place may be available on request
Places still available
A few places still available