Excursion Slapton sands and english cream tea tour at Dartmouth

Experience the traditions and World War II history of Dartmouth during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Torcross, Sherman Tank, Ken Small Memorial Speech, War Memorial

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Torcross. Upon arrival, see a Sherman tank and listen to Dean Small, son of the late Ken Small, explain the significance of this remote stretch of beach and recount the story of how his father recovered the Sherman tank. In addition, visit a war memorial given by the United States in 1954 to the 3,000 local inhabitants in gratitude for them evacuating their homes and land to provide a battle practice area for the successful assault in Normandy in June 1944. Their action resulted in the saving of many hundreds of lives, and contributed in no small measure to the success of the D-Day operation.

Slapton Sands, War Memorial

Next, re-board your coach and drive to Slapton Sands. Here, American forces conducted exercises in the Slapton Sands area to train units and staff in embarkation, landing on hostile shores, and seizing and holding a beachhead to cover the landing of follow-up forces. Slapton Sands was chosen because it resembled the Normandy beaches of Utah, where landings would take place on D-Day. It was here in 1944 that Allied forces held a secret dress rehearsal for D-Day. Unfortunately, speedy German E-boats interrupted the exercise, and hundreds of U.S. soldiers died. During your guided visit, tour the beach and its war memorial.

Blackawton or Kingsbridge, English Cream Tea

Leaving Slapton Sands, re-board your coach and continue on to Blackawton or Kingsbridge. Upon arrival, proceed for a quintessentially English cream tea. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times over uneven and sandy surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests who utilise a wheelchair must have a collapsible wheelchair, are able to make their own way on-and-off the coach, and have an able-bodied companion to assist them. Warm, layered clothing and a weatherproof jacket with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests must be at least three years old to participate on this tour. Due to the local climate, most of the coaches are air-cooled. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Dartmouth, Torcross, Sherman Tank, World War II Memorials, Slapton Sands, Kingsbridge, Blackawton, English Cream Tea