Exmouth & District

Social events

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Outings organised by the Social Committee

Castle Drogo on Monday 18th March 2024 - now sold out

This trip to Castle Drogo has been designed so that you can spend the day there pleasing yourself. It’s a National Trust property situated high above the Teign gorge. It’s the last castle to be built in England and is 100 years old. Our coach will pick you up from the Exmouth coach park, behind Exmouth rail station at 10 am and drop you off at the castle. From there you are free to wander the house and gardens, or explore the Teign valley a little. There are walks to suit all abilities. The coach will then pick you up at 3.30 pm and bring you back to Exmouth coach park. If you are a National Trust member, entry to the castle is free otherwise it’s £14.75 entrance fee. The entrance price is not included in your ticket fee. There is a dining room for light refreshment, or you can bring a packed lunch.

There are only 29 tickets for this trip due to the access having to have a small coach. However if it is popular we intend to repeat the trip in October. Tickets are being released at the Monthly Meeting on 8 February at The Ocean and then on a strict first come first served basis.

Health and safety considerations: If you wish to walk in the gardens and the Teign valley, be aware of slippery paths in the winter time. There are no lifts in the Castle, and a lot of places to explore, if you have limited mobility, this is not the trip for you.

Bristol Harbourside on Wednesday 24th April 2024

We have hired a coach to take us to Bristol Harbourside. It’s a very interesting place to visit with lots of history. You will be dropped off near SS Great Britain and leave you free to discover this area and the Bristol Harbourside. For those wishing to visit SS Great Britain, entrance is £22 per person and this entrance fee is not included in our ticket price. Within the locality you can visit the M Shed, which is a local history museum and is free, walk around the harbour side, take a ferry across the river which then gives you access to the Cathedral, Aquarium, Science Museum and many historic buildings. There is an abundance of eating places, all within walking distance. You are free to make your own discoveries. We will supply a map for this event to help you plan your day. The coach will pick you up at 9.30 am from the Exmouth Coach Park which is behind Exmouth train station, and we aim to return to the coach park, by 6 pm.

Health and safety considerations: The harbourside is mostly on a flat walking surface, but as its an historic dock site, there are cobblestones, railway tracks and many obstacles

Previous outings and events in 2023

Our previous outings were to Delamore House at Cornwood on Dartmoor on 23 May, Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset on 7 June, Dartmouth on 20 October, Firework River Exe cruise on 3 November and our Christmas lunch at the Belmont Hotel in Sidmouth on 6 December. We also held coffee/tea morning and afternoon social get-togethers at the Imperial Hotel on 5 September.

Social Committee Excursions

Before arranging any event, the Social Committee researches facts relating to health and safety in order to fully support our members. Any particular issues relating to health and safety are listed on our webpage as well as included on your ticket. However, it cannot be too strongly stated that members must take into account their own capabilities before joining groups and excursions. In addition, members must ensure they wear suitable apparel and walking aids to meet all weathers and ground conditions.

Arrangements for payment

Arrangements for payment for each of these events will be set out in our u3a's newsletter which is sent direct to members. Members will also be able to purchase tickets at the Monthly Meetings.

General information

Our research has shown steep increases in coach costs, but we have tried to keep prices realistic. We can only take bookings in advance for trips. Bookings will only be accepted from u3a members, and full payment will be required at the same time. We cannot offer refunds, but wherever possible unused tickets will be allocated to those on a waiting list. Cheques need to be made out to “Exmouth and District u3a. We also have a card machine available at the monthly meetings for members who prefer to use this method. All tickets are sold on a ‘first come – first served’ basis. Prices and booking dates will be released later.

Health and safety Issues. With every event we research issues of Health and Safety to support our members. Any issues involved are listed against each event. However, u3a members must take into account their own capabilities before joining any excursions, trips, walks, etc. In addition, members must wear or carry suitable apparel and walking aids to meet all-weather ground conditions. If you have any concerns or queries, please speak to a member of the social committee before booking.