UK Coach Holidays

Alfa Travel Holidays
A bit of information to help you decide.

Other holiday destinations are often available for non-Leisureplex Hotels
The Leisureplex Hotel Timeline - 40th Anniversary List 1984-2023
Basic Holiday Information

Day 1 - feeder pickup 5:45am-10:00am, depending on location.
Burtonwood depart 10:00am-11:00am. Hotel arrival 3:00pm-7:00pm

Days 2-3 (4 days) - usually 2 excursions for the festive season or 1 show day and 1 free day (Fri-Mon)
Days 2-4 (5 days) - usually 2 excursions and 1 free day (Mon-Fri, Wed-Sat, Sat-Wed)
Days 2-6 (7 days) - usually 3 excursions and 2 free days (Sun-Sat)
Days 2-7 (8 days) - usually 3 excursions and 3 free days (Sun-Sun)
Itineraries are shown on the holiday information page and will be confirmed when you receive your travel ticket. Changes may be made during the week due to weather, venue closures or vehicle servicing. Some drivers may offer additional trips for an additional charge.
On free days you may be able to pay for a seat on other coaches that are based in the same hotel.

Final Day - Hotel departure 7:00am-10:00am. Burtonwood arrival 3:00pm-4:00pm
Feeder departures 4:00pm-5:00pm.

There are usually breaks every 2-3 hours, either at Motorway Services or Towns along the routes. These vary depending on routes and travel conditions.
Journey times subject to delays caused by peak traffic, roadworks, accidents, etc.
Sunday journey times are usually shorter than week days, especially Fridays.

Leisureplex Hotels - Family run, employee owned with a standard menu across the business.
There are daily Meat, Fish & Vegetarian options. Some meals need to be pre-ordered.
Other Hotels - usually independent family run hotels, however chain holidays may occasionally be used, so experiences may vary.

When planning your holidays you will need to carefully consider the Excursions and Free Day options, especially for longer holidays.

Contact me if you would like research into local bus/train services and destinations for free days.
I will do this for free but ask for a small donation. Research can take an hour or three.
Would I go back again?

SCOTLAND (Leisureplex hotels 22-24)
I currently have no plans to revisit any of the primary hotels.
I would like to explore more of Scotland, so will be looking for new destinations.

WALES (Leisureplex hotels 18-21)
I may revisit Criccieth or visit Llandudno, depending on the included excursions.
I will keep watching out for other destinations to see if there is anywhere else to explore.

ENGLAND (Leisureplex hotels)
North & East (hotels 13-17)
I have not yet visited Blackpool or Cromer. I currently have no plans to revisit any of the other primary hotels
South, South East & Isle of Wight (hotels 6-12)
I have not yet visited the new Bournemouth hotel. I would revisit Isle of Wight & Weymouth
Probably the best region overall for hotel locations and free day options.
South West (hotels 1-5)
I have not yet visited the two Torquay hotels, but plan to in 2026. I currently have no plans to revisit any of the other primary hotels.
I am always looking to explore more places around England, so I will be looking for new destinations.

Northern Ireland & Republic of Ireland: I don't currently have plans to visit Ireland because: The basic costs are a lot higher as these are not self-owned hotels. Single supplements are very high and apply to almost all tours. Some tours cover a larger area so you are in a different hotel each night. Outbound and return journeys may also include a night in a different hotel even if you are based in one main hotel for the holiday.

Scotland Wales England N & E England S & SE England SW
Example 5 Day Tour - Newquay
From my holiday in March 2025

Daily - 8:00 Breakfast (7:00 on last day) 6:00 Evening Meal
DAY 1 - 9:40 Prescot Feeder 10:00 St Helens 10:20 Burtonwood Services 11:05 depart 1:20 Gloucester Services 2:15 depart 5:35 arrive at Hotel
DAY 2 - 9:30 depart 11:00 Eden Project 1:35 depart 2:00 Mevagissey 4:00 depart 4:50 return to the hotel
DAY 3 - Free day - explore Newquay and visit the Zoo
DAY 4 - 9:30 depart 10:10 Truro 12:25 depart 12:50 Falmouth 1:00 Boat Trip 2:50 Falmouth 3:30 depart 4:30 return to the hotel
DAY 5 - 8:00 depart 11:15 Gloucester Services 12:15 depart 2:30 Sandbach Services 2:50 depart 3:40 Burtonwood Services 4:30 depart 4:50 St Helens 5:10 Prescot

COMPLETE THIS DISCOUNT FORM
Book your first trip and save £15 - New customers only
map

Destinations from the North West

Destinations from other regions may vary.
England - Central
    Chipping Norton, Nottingham, Oxford, Sheffield, Symonds Yat, West Bromwich
England - East Coast
   Cromer*, Great Yarmouth*, Skegness, Southend on Sea
England - North East & Yorkshire
   Bridlington, Harrogate, Northumberland, Scarborough, Sheffield, Skegness, Whitby, York
England - North West
   Blackpool*, Isle of Man Douglas, Kendal, Liverpool, Lytham St Annes, Morecambe
England - South & South East
   Bognor Regis*, Bournemouth*, Eastbourne*, Gillingham, London, Sandown IOW*, Shanklin IOW*, Stevenage, Weymouth
England - South West
   Exmouth*, Ilfracombe*, Newquay*, Paignton, St Ives, Torquay*, Weston Super Mare*
Ireland
   Ballymena, Belfast, Donegal, Ennis, Killarney
Scotland
   Aberdeen, Aberfoyle, Arran, Bannockburn, Biggar, Blairgowrie, Carrbridge, Dunoon*, Edinburgh Tattoo, Fort William*, Largs, Melrose, Oban, Orkney, Pitlochry, Strathpeffer
Wales
   Criccieth*, Llandrindod Wells, Llandudno*, Oswestry, Porthcawl*, Tenby*

*More dates are available for these destinations. Others less than 20 trips per year.
Destinations subject to change each year.

Click on the map for Leisureplex's hotel information (awaiting updated map for 2025)

Pickup points in the North West

The further away from the feeder point the earlier the pickup. Depending on the tour it may be possible to join at a motorway services on route.

To check pickup times just start the booking process.
This will also show you room availability.

Burtonwood Services are due to replaced with new purpose built services on the other side of the M62, with some holidays joining at Birch Services. Likely during 2026.

VISIT THE ALFA WEBSITE
to view all the current pick up points

SCOTLAND

Hotel locations may be off the beaten track.
Only really ideal for 5 days if you like exploring, due to lack of public transport.
Base your holiday destinations on the excursions and hope for good weather.
I would prefer to look for other non-Leisureplex hotels to explore new places, instead of revisiting any hotels.

Likely visits to Moffat and Gretna Green on the outbound and return journeys
my holiday notes
25 - Melrose - Waverley Castle Hotel (2023)
Remote location
Visited: October 2025 - 5 days

View: grounds views only
Local places of interest: none
Nearest shops & town centre: 1 mile walk to Melrose. Limited buses.
Train Station & services: 15 min walk to Tweedbank. Half hourly trains to Edinburgh
Bus Stops & services: 5 min walk to bus stops (to Galashiels, Edinburgh & Tweedmouth). Irregular services.
Best suited for: 5 days only due to lack of anything local
Hotel: notes to follow soon
Theatres: none

Places to be visited: Edinburgh & Peebles

Would I visit again? Unlikely due to very remote location.

Google Map
my holiday notes
24 - Fort William - Croit Anna Hotel (2002)
Out of town location
Visited: June 2008 - 5 days

View: good loch view
Local places of interest: Loch View - nothing else locally
Nearest shops & town centre: none - 3 mile walk to town centre, along the loch.
Train Station & services: Limited services to Mallaig & Glasgow from Fort William Station
Bus Stops & services: outside the hotel - irregular service
Best suited for: 5 days only due to lack of anything local
Hotel: Restaurant not in the main building
Theatres: none

Places visited: Commando Memorial, Fort Augustus, Ben Nevis Lower Falls, Eilean Donan, Portree (Isle of Skye)

Would I visit again? Unlikely due to very remote location.

Google Map
my holiday notes
23 - Dunoon - Selborne Hotel (1989)
My Top Choice for longer holidays in Scotland
Visited: July 2007 (5), April 2012 (7), May 2019 (5), October 2020 (5), October 2023 (5)

View: good River Clyde view
Local places of interest: short walk to the beach and views of the River Clyde
Nearest shops & town centre: 10 min walk to the town centre
Ferry (weather permitting): 10 min walk to Dunoon Pier. Regular daytime sailings.
Bus Stops & services: Hourly service from the hotel. 10 min walk to Pier Bus Stops.
Best suited for: all lengths of stay, with just enough to do on free days, weather permitting.
If the weather is good I would recommend Benmore Botanic Gardens.
Hotel: River view from restaurant and entertainment areas - neighbouring rooms. All on ground floor.
Theatres: none

Places visited: Oban, Inveraray, Loch Ruel Viewpoint, Tighnabruaich, Rothesay, Benmore Botanic Garden, Largs, Glasgow, Luss, Loch Lomond, Callander

Would I visit again? Probably, despite the 10 minute walk to everything.

Google Map
my holiday notes
My other Scottish Holidays
The hotels that I stayed at that are no longer used

September 2018 - Strathpeffer - Mackay's Spa Lodge Hotel - 5 days
Places visited: Urquhart Castle, Inverness, Highland Folk Museum, Aviemore Cairngorm Mountain, Elgin, Nairn (Garden Centre due to poor weather - can't remember exactly where)

2005 - Ballater - hotel unknown
July 2004 - Braemar - hotel unknown (My 1st Alfa Holiday - 7 days)
Places visited: Ballater, Aberdeen, Distillery (unknown)
Unable to remember other places for these visits.

WALES

Only really ideal for 5 days if you like exploring, due to lack of public transport.
Llandudno is probably the best choice for longer holidays.
Base your holiday destinations on the excursions and hope for good weather.
It is unlikely that I would revisit any of these hotels, although I would consider Criccieth as it's been over 10 years since my last visit.
my holiday notes
22 - Porthcawl - Seabank Hotel (2010)
Limited free day options
Visited: October 2019 (5) & May 2025 (5)

View: good sea view
Local places of interest: Cliff side location, only a short walk to the beach
Nearest shops & town centre: 5 min walk to the town centre.
Train Station & services: Pyle Station half hour from Porthcawl via bus 63
Bus Stops & services: 5 min walk - regular services to Bridgend & Cardiff
Best suited for: 5 days as there aren't many local places of interest on bus routes.
Theatres: none, until the Grand Pavilion re-opens. Some open air shows until then.

Places visited: Cardiff, Royal Mint Experience, Welsh Coal Mining Experience
Free days: Margam Country Park Port Talbot, Parc Slip Visitor Centre, Bridgend
En-route/Return: Strensham Services

Would I visit again? Unlikely due to lack of free day options.

Google Map
my holiday notes
21 - Tenby - Cliffe Norton Hotel (2016)
Very limited free day options
Visited: September 2022 - 7 days

View: good sea view
Local places of interest: Cliff top location, steep walk to the beach. 10 min walk to castle.
Nearest shops & town centre: short uphill walk to the town centre
Train Station & services: less than 10 min walk - infrequent services to Carmarthen, Pembroke & Cardiff
Bus Stops & services: 5 min walk to bus stop. Hourly services to Saundersfoot
Best suited for: 5 days due to lack of public transport.
Hotel: Confusing layout due to 3 houses being connected. Not enough signage for the restaurant and reception from some areas. Separate Restaurant and Bar/Entertainment Rooms.
Sea view may be disturbed at night with a belisha beacon crossing close to the hotel.
Theatres: none

Places visited: Broad Haven, St Davids, Narbeth, Pembroke
En-route: Strensham Services
Return: Charlies Stores Garden Centre Welshpool

Would I visit again? Unlikely due to lack of out of town free day options.

Google Map
my holiday notes
20 - Criccieth - George IV Hotel (2007)
Some exploring is possible. Small Town Location
Visited: April 2014 - 5 days

View: urban views only
Local places of interest: 5 min walk to the beach. 10 min walk to the castle
Nearest shops & town centre: Central town centre location, on the main road
Train Station & services: less than 5 min walk. Trains to Birmingham, Pwllheli & Machynlleth
Bus Stops & services: less than 5 min walk to stops for 3 (hourly) Pwllheli & Porthmadog & T2 (every 2 hours) Aberystwyth & Porthmadog
Best suited for: 5 days, although there is just enough to do on a 7 days holiday.
Theatres: none

Places visited: Porthmadog, Caernarfon, Blaenau Ffestiniog,
Return: Chester

Would I visit again? Potentially. I am considering re-visiting as it's been over 10 years since my last visit. Probably just a 5 day visit due to lack of out of town free day options.

Google Map
my holiday notes
19 - Llandudno - Hydro Hotel (1984)
On the edge of town but good public transport
Visited: Hotel not yet visited but town visited many times, up to 2013

View: good sea view
Local places of interest: Beach Location. 15-30 min walk to Pier & Great Orme
Nearest shops & town centre: 5 min walk to Town Centre & Retail Park
Train Station & services: 10 min walk to station. Destinations to be reviewed
Bus Stops & services: 6 min walk to North Western Gardens. Regular services to Rhyl, Prestatyn & Bangor
Best suited for: Suitable for 7 or 8 days due to good public transport to local areas
Theatres: Venue Cymru - 5 min walk
Also Theatr Colwyn, 5 miles away in Colwyn Bay - regular buses approx 40 min journey

Would I visit? Potentially. I am considering a visit, if I can find the right excursions.

Google Map
my holiday notes
Llandrindod Wells - Hotel Commodore (independent)
Very remote and hilly
Visited: May 2023 - 5 days

View: urban views only
Local places of interest: Down a steep hill to Rock Park. Up a steel hill to the Lake.
Nearest shops & town centre: a short walk from the main shops
Train Station & services: 5 min walk. Irregular services to Shrewsbury, Swansea & Llanelli
Bus Stops & services: 5 min walk. Irregular services to Builth Wells, Aberstwyth, Hereford
Best suited for: 5 days due to lack of regular public transport
Hotel: Buffet Breakfast. Only low soft seating in the lounge with no firm, high back chairs.
Theatres: The Albert Hall - 5 min walk

Places visited: Devil's Bridge, Aberystwyth, Elan Valley, Berrington Hall, Ludlow
En-route: Welshpool Old Station (1 hour)
Return: Llangollen (2 hours)

Would I visit again? Unlikely due to the lack of out of town free day options.

Google Map

ENGLAND - North & East

Join direct at Blackpool - Bridlington over Scarborough - Cromer over Great Yarmouth
There are hotels I haven't yet visited. It is unlikely that I would revisit any of the other hotels.
my holiday notes
18- Blackpool - Queens Hotel (2012)
Near South Pier & Blackpool South Station
Visited: Hotel not yet visited but town visited many times, including 2012, 2017 & 2024
You can join direct at the hotel from 3:00pm - Bus 1 or 2 from Blackpool North Station

View: good sea view
Local places of interest: Beach front location, a short walk to South Pier
Nearest shops & town centre: 3 min walk to nearest convenience store. 30 mins (1.3 miles) to town centre
Train Station & services: 8 min walk to Blackpool South - limited services to Colne via Preston, Blackburn & Burnley.
45 min walk (2 miles) to Blackpool North - regular trains to York, Liverpool & Manchester via Preston
Bus Stops & services: Bus & Tram stops close to the hotel with very regular services.
Southern bus/train links include Lytham St Annes
Best suited for: Ideal for 7 or 8 days due to good public transport to local areas.
Theatres: various theatres in Blackpool

Would I visit? Potentially. I am considering a visit, if I find the right excursions.

Google Map
my holiday notes
17 - Keswick- The Derwent Water Hotel (2025)
Not yet visited

View: 
Local places of interest: 
Nearest shops & town centre: 
Train Station & services: 
Bus Stops & services: 
Best suited for: 
Theatres: 

Would I visit? Probably, as I haven't visited there before

Google Map
my holiday notes
16 - Bridlington - Monarch Hotel (2019)
Too small for Alfa LeisurePlex
Visited: September 2025 - 7 days

View: good sea view
Local places of interest: Sea front location. 5 min walk to the harbour
Nearest shops & town centre: local shop 5 min walk. 15 min walk to town centre.
Train Station & services: 10 min walk. Hourly services to Scarborough, Hull, York & Sheffield
Bus Stops & services: 15 min walk to bus station. Various irregular services in addition to:
Hourly services - 12,13 coaster to Scarborough, 14 Flamborough, 41 Hull. 
Best suited for: 5 or 7 days. Better hotel location than Scarborough but still 10 mins from most places of interest.
Hotel: Reception and lounges on ground floor. Only low soft seating in the lounges with no firm, high back chairs. Dining room and bar on 1st floor, which becomes the entertainment room after dinner, so relaxing with a drink from the bar in the lounge isn't simple.
Rooms up to 6th floor but lift only serves up to 5th floor.
Theatres: Bridlington Spa, across the road from the hotel. Spotlight Theatre less than 5 min walk.

Places visited: Pickering, North Yorks Moors Railway, Whitby, York
Other excursions: Scarborough, Filey
Free days: Bridlington Old Town, Spotlight Theatre, Sewerby Hall
En-route: Ferrybridge Services (missed on my trip)
Return: Beverley

Would I visit again? Unlikely due to the layout of the hotel and I've visited most of the excursion destinations. There are some other local places that I could visit if I did return.

Google Map
my holiday notes
15 - Scarborough - Cumberland Hotel (2004)
The wrong side of town?
Visited: April 2022 - 7 days

View: very poor sea view - not work paying for
Local places of interest: near cliff top views. steep walk to the beach.
Nearest shops & town centre: 5 min walk to local stops. 10 mins to town centre
Train Station & services: 10 min walk. Regular services to Manchester & Sheffield.
Bus Stops & services: 5 min walk to bus stops. Regular services to Town Centre, Scalby, Bridlington, Filey & Crossgates
Best suited for: 5 days, or longer if you don't mind the walk or bus ride into town.
Theatres: Stephen Joseph Theatre & Scarborough Spa - 10 min walk to each
YMCA Theatre - 20 min walk
Scarborough Open Air Theatre - 35 min walk - 2 miles - no good public transport

Places visited: Filey, Bridlington, York, Pickering, Goathland, Whitby
Free days: Scarborough Castle, Peasholm Park, Railway, Sea Life Centre
En-route: Ferrybridge Services
Return: Beverley

Would I visit again? Unlikely due to the location of the hotel and I've visited most of the excursion destinations.

Google Map
my holiday notes
14 - Cromer - Hotel De Paris (1986)
Beach & Town location but not much else locally
Visited: Hotel not yet visited, but I did spend a few hours in Cromer while staying in Great Yarmouth.

View: good sea view
Local places of interest: Facing beach & pier
Nearest shops & town centre: Hotel backs  on the town centre.
Train Station & services: 11 min walk to station. To Sheringham or Norwich.
Bus Stops & services: 5 min walk to Travel Hub. Regular services to Sheringham & Norwich
Best suited for: 5 days, as there are limited options by public transport
Theatres: Pavilion Theatre at end of the pier
Also Sheringham Little Theatre 4.5 miles away - regular bus services - less than 30 min journey

Would I visit? Potentially. I am looking to visit Cromer at some point in the future, despite the potential lack of out of town free day options.

Google Map
my holiday notes
13 - Great Yarmouth - New Beach Hotel (1991)
Not much locally
Visited: September 2020 - 5 days

View: good sea view
Local places of interest: Sea front location, close to the pier
Nearest shops & town centre: a short walk from the main shopping street
Train Station & services: 1 mile, 20 min walk to the station. Hourly services to Norwich
Bus Stops & services: 10 min walk to bus station. Regular service to Norwich, Belton & Lowestoft
Best suited for: 5 days due to lack of public transport options
Theatres: Britannia Theatre on the pier
St George's Theatre - approx 10 min walk
Pavilion Theatre & Bandstand, Gorleston - 3.5 miles - 30-45 min journey - regular buses

Places visited: Sheringham, Cromer, Norwich
Free days: Caister & St Olaves
En-route/Return: Ferrybridge Services

Would I visit again? Unlikely, unless there are excursions of interest.

Google Map

ENGLAND - South, South East & I.O.W.

The I.O.W. is definitely worth exploring and Weymouth is probably my best overall choice
I would consider revisiting many of these hotels, for at least a 2nd time.
my holiday notes
12 - Eastbourne - Queens Hotel (1994)
Top Choice, for train exploration
Visited: September 2023 (8), March 2026 (7)

View: good sea view
Local places of interest: Beach front location, close to the pier
Nearest shops & town centre: Tesco Express less than 5 mins walk, opposite Royal Hippodrome.
10 min walk to the town centre
Train Station & services: 15 min walk - regular trains to London, Brighton, Ore, Ashford & Hastings
Bus Stops & services: across the road from the hotel. Regular services to Brighton.
Other irregular services.
Best suited for: 7/8 day holidays due to good train links to other local areas.
Hotel: Entertainment and bar on ground floor. Restaurants on 1st floor.
Theatres: Royal Hippodrome - less than 5 min walk - tours sometimes available
Other theatres approx 20 min walk: Grove Theatre, Printers Playhouse,
Eastbourne Theatres Group: Congress Theatre, Devonshire Park Theatre, Winter Garden.

Places visited: Battle, Carr Taylor Vineyard, Rye, Hastings, Brighton - Pavilion & Volks Electric Railway
Free days: Newhaven Fort, Lewes inc. castle, Royal Hippodrome Theatre Tour, Pevensey Castle, Jail & Court House
En-route/Return: Warwick Services

Would I visit again? Unlikely that I would make a 3rd visit but there are enough options if I did.

Google Map
my holiday notes
11 - Bognor Regis - Roy:al Norfolk Hotel (2010)
A lovely hotel but a 10 mins from most places
Visited: July 2024 (7)

View: good sea view
Local places of interest: A short walk to the beach. 5 min walk to the pier
Nearest shops & town centre: 10 min walk to the town centre
Train Station & services: 10 min walk. Regular trains to Barnham & London
Bus Stops & services: across the road from the hotel for regular services to Chichester
10 min walk to other bus stops at the town centre, to Chichester, North Bersted, Yapton & Littlehampton
Best suited for: 5 days due to limited public transport options
Theatres: Alexandra Theatre (due to re-open mid 2026) - 10 min walk - 0.5 miles

Places visited: Brighton Sea Life Centre, Worthing, Arundel, Weald & Downland Living Museum, Chichester, Portsmouth, D-Day Story
En-route: Warwick Services, Sutton Scotney Services
Return: Warwick Services

Would I visit again? Unlikely as I've visited most places in the area now.

Google Map
my holiday notes
10 - Sandown IOW - Bayshore Hotel (1996)
A great choice, if you don't mind hills & steps
Visited: October 2021 (7), July 2023 (8)

View: good sea view
Local places of interest: Beach front, next to the pier
Nearest shops & town centre: A short walk, up a very steep hill, to the High Street shops
Train Station & services: 15 min uphill walk. Regular trains to Shanklin & Ryde
Bus Stops & services: A short walk, up a very steel hill, for buses (2/3/8) to Newport, Ventnor & Shanklin.
5 min walk, further up the hill, for buses 2/3 to Ryde & 8 via Bembridge, St Helens & Nettlestone
5 mins further along the high street are other bus stops that avoid the steep hill.
Best suited for: all length holidays due to good bus links to explore the island.
Hotel: Entertainment area split on 2 levels, with restaurant another level below. Bar on the upper level - ground floor.
Theatres: Shanklin Theatre - 30 min journey - regular buses

Places visited: Ryde, Newport, Cowes, Alum Bay, Yarmouth, Osbourne House, St Mildred's Church, Carisbrooke Castle
Free days: Brading Vineyard, Brading Roman Villa, Ventnor, Godshill inc Model Village, Shanklin, Arreton Barns
En-route: Roadchef Norton Canes M6 Toll & Moto Chieveley M4/A34

Would I visit again? Yes, There is still enough for me to explore on the IOW, for at least one more visit.

Google Map
my holiday notes
9 - Shanklin IOW - Shanklin Hotel (2014)
Closer to more shops than Sandown and flatter too
Visited: Hoping to visit in 2026

View: urban views only
Local places of interest: Short walk to cliff top and beach lift.
Nearest shops & town centre: 5 min walk to town centre
Train Station & services: 10 min walk. Regular trains to Ryde
Bus Stops & services: 7 min walk to the bus station. Regular services to Newport & Ryde.
Island Coaster to Yarmouth bus stop near the hotel, on Queens Road
Best suited for: all length holidays due to good bus links to explore the island.
Theatres: Shanklin Theatre - approx 10 min walk - 0.5 miles

Would I visit? Yes. I am planning a visit if dates work with my available time off, to make a change of scene from Sandown, and there is enough of the island for me to still explore.

Google Map
my holiday notes
8 - Bournemouth - Norfolk Royale Hotel (2023)
Improved Town Centre Location
Visited: October 2008 (7) - Devon Towers Hotel (no longer used)
I haven't visited this hotel yet.

View: urban views only. Potential garden views from front of hotel
Local places of interest: Short walk to Bournemouth Gardens. 10 min walk to beach, pier and Oceanarium. 
Nearest shops & town centre: Hotel is located in the town centre.
Train Station & services: 25 min walk to station. Regular trains to Weymouth, London, Poole & Winchester. 
Bus Stops & services: 2 min walk to the bus station. Regular services to Poole, Wimborne & Christchurch.
Best suited for: all length holidays due to good public transport 
Theatres: Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre & Palace Court Theatre - 10 min walk

Places visited: Salisbury, Poole, Weymouth, Christchurch
En-route/Return (may include): Norton Canes, Warwick & Chieveley

Would I visit again? Yes, as it's been so long since my first visit.

Google Map
my holiday notes
7 - Weymouth - Royal Hotel (2023)
Top Choice, for just about everything
Visited: October 2024 (5)

View: good sea view
Local places of interest: Beach front, short walk to the Marina.
20 min walk to Nothe Fort & Gardens
Nearest shops & town centre: 5 min walk to town centre
Train Station & services: 5 min walk to station. Regular services to Gloucester & London
Bus Stops & services: a short walk from the hotel. Regular services to Portland, Bridport, Axminster, Southill, Lulworth Cove, Wareham, Dorchester & Littlemoor
Best suited for: 7/8 days as there are good links to the surrounding areas, although most trips are only 5 days.
Theatres: The Bay Theatre - 15 min walk
Lodmoor Palladium & Quay Theatre Arts - 1.5 miles - 15 min journey - regular buses

Places visited: West Bay, Dorchester, Swanage, Poole
Free day: Nothe Fort
En-route: Gloucester Services
Return: Gloucester Services & Sandbach Services

Would I visit again? Definitely yes. There is still so much more for me to explore.

Google Map
my holiday notes
My other holiday in the South East
Visited: 2004

Folkstone (& Calais) - Grand Burstin Hotel (late swap due to boiler issues at original hotel)
Destination no longer used

ENGLAND - South West

Best suited for 5 days, due to lack of public transport options
I'm unlikely to revisit any of these hotels.
my holiday notes
6 - Exmouth - Cavendish Hotel (2001)
Not a bad location for a short stay
Visited: June/July 2021 (8)

View: good sea view
Local places of interest: Sea front location
Nearest shops & town centre: 5 min walk to the town centre
Ferries: 5 min walk for River Cruises
Train Station & services: 12 min walk. Regular trains to Paignton via Exeter, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot & Torquay
Bus Stops & services: 10 min walk to Parade bus stops. Regular services to Sidmouth, Brixington, Budleigh Salterton & Exeter
Best suited for: 5, maybe 7 days, due to limited public transport
Theatres: Exmouth Pavilion & The Blackmore Theatre - 10 min walk

Places visited: Sidmouth, Seaton, Dartmoor, Torquay, Buckfast Abbey, Teignmouth, Dawlish
En-route: Strensham Services & Roadchef Taunton Deane M5
Return: Strensham Services & Sandbach Services

Would I visit again? Unlikely. As I have visited most tour destinations.

Google Map
my holiday notes
5 - Torquay - Metropole Hotel (2019)
Visited: Hotel not yet stayed at

View: urban views only
Local places of interest: less than 10 min walk to Torre Abbey
Nearest shops & town centre: 8 min walk to town centre
Train Station & services: 10 min walk to station.
Regular services to Paignton & Exmouth via Teignmouth, Dawlish & Exeter
Bus Stops & services: 15 min walk to main bus stops. Some closer stops depending on destination.
Regular services to Brixham & Newton Abbot
Best suited for: 5 days, unless you don't mind the extra walking.
Theatres: Princess Theatre Torquay - 0.6 miles - 15 min walk

Would I visit? Potentially, despite the lack of sea view.

Google Map
my holiday notes
4 - Torquay - Regina Hotel (1991)
Visited: Hoping to visit in May 2026 (to be booked Mid Sep 2025)
Maybe also a longer trip in September 2026

View: good harbour view
Local places of interest: Harbour View
Nearest shops & town centre: 5 min walk to Co-op. 10 min walk to town centre.
Train Station & services: 25 min walk, or bus from other side of the harbour (10 min walk).
Regular services to Paignton & Exmouth via Teignmouth, Dawlish & Exeter
Bus Stops & services: 10 min walk to main bus stops. Regular services to Brixham & Newton Abbot
Best suited for: May be suitable for 7 days due to transport links
Theatres: Princess Theatre Torquay -  0.3 miles - 10 min walk
Little Theatre - 0.5 miles - 15 min walk

Would I visit again? I'll be able to answer this after my visit in May 2026.

Google Map
my holiday notes
3 - Newquay (Towan Blystra) - Eliot Hotel (1987)
Great for surfers, apparently
Visited: March (5) & July 2025 (7)

Views: rear pool view from some back rooms
Local places of interest: 5 min walk to the first of several beaches
Nearest shops & town centre: 5 min walk to town centre
Train Station & services: 5 win walk. 2 hourly services to Par via remote stations.
Nothing much of interest near Par Station. Primarily a link to other destinations.
Bus Stops & services: short walk to bus stop, 15 mins to bus station.
Regular services to Truro. Other infrequent services to St Austell, Padstow, St Agnes & Redruth
Best suited for: 5 days as there is little to do locally, unless you like beaches.
Hotel: Well laid out for Entertainment room with lounge and bar. Some steps between reception and entertainment room. Steep steps to the first floor. Separate large dining room.
Theatres: none

Places visited: Eden Project, Mevagissey, Truro, Falmouth, Land's End, Penzance, Mousehole, St Eval Church, Boscastle, Tintagel, St Ives
Free days: Padstow, Prideaux Place
En-route/Return: Gloucester Services

Would I visit again? Unlikely due to limited public transport

Google Map
my holiday notes
2 - Ilfracombe - Imperial Hotel (1992)
Lots and lots of steep hills
Visited: September 2024 - 8 days

Views: view towards the sea available 
Local places of interest: Museum, Theatre, Tunnels Beaches and 10 min walk to the harbour.
Nearest shops & town centre: local stop just a short walk from the hotel.
Steep uphill walk to High Street shops.
Train Station & services: none
Bus Stops & services: a short walk for buses to Barnstaple & Woolacombe
Best suited for: 5 days, maybe 7 days, due to limited public transport
Check for low tide before visiting Tunnels Beaches (closed 2025)
Theatres: The Landmark Theatre, across the road from the hotel.

Places visited: Minehead, Lynmouth, Quince Honey Farm, Barnstaple
Free days: Ilfracombe church, Tunnels Beach, Museum & Harbour, Bude
En-route: Strensham Services & Taunton Deane Services
Return: Welcome Break Sedgemoor Services M5 & Moto Stafford

Would I visit again? Unlikely as I've visited most places in the area.

Google Map
my holiday notes
1 - Weston-super-Mare - Anchor Head Hotel (1992)
Out of Town location
Visited: October 2022 - 5 days

Views: good sea view
Local places of interest: Cliff top location, with stepped access to the beach, or sloped access at the bottom of the hill.
Nearest shops & town centre: a local shop a short walk from the hotel. 1 mile walk to the town centre.
Train Station & services: 1.5 mile walk to the station. Regular services to Bristol, Cardiff, London, Exeter & Exmouth
Bus Stops & services: 30 min local service from near the hotel. 1 mile walk for other bus services to Bournville & Bristol 
Best suited for: 5 days, due to distance from town centre and everything else.
Theatres: The Playhouse Theatre, The Blakehay Theatre - 0.75 miles - approx 15 min walk
Front Room Theatre - 1 mile - 25 min walk
Some buses to Winder Gardens to save 5 min walk to all theatres

Places visited: Wells, Cheddar Gorge, Bath
En-route: Norton Canes Services & Gloucester Services
Return: Gloucester Services & Moto Stafford

Would I visit again? Unlikely due the out of town location of the hotel.

Google Map

© Copyright 2025 Beth Nicole Gordon - Benico Enterprises - All Rights Reserved
Liverpool, England. UK - benico.biz - Version 1.30ge 2025.12.03.0915
We may receive financial reward from referrals to Smarty, 1p Mobile, Starling Bank, EDF & Alfa Travel.