Fellowship Weekend Away - September 2026

December 2025

Robin Elliott writes:

"Once a year and for some time now our Rotary Club has organised a fellowship Weekend Away for members, partners and Friends of Rotary.  The weekend consists of two nights in a hotel (Friday and Saturday), a day out together on the Saturday, two dinners, and departure after breakfast on the Sunday.  They are generally acknowledged by all as being very enjoyable and successful."

"The Weekend will take place 11th - 13th September, staying Friday and Saturday night at a Premier Inn. "

"These are the details:

Steam train trip on the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam railway, starting from Paignton, followed by free time in Dartmouth and then a circular one hour cruise from Dartmouth, sailing the lower part of the River Dart viewing the castles at the mouth of the estuary, Britannia Royal Naval College and towards Agatha Christie's Greenway Estate. Return by steam train to Paignton.  The boat for the cruise has covered accommodation in the event of inclement weather and is predominantly, though not guaranteed, the historic paddle steamer "Kingswear Castle" during the main summer season. The "Kingswear Castle" is the last remaining coal-fired paddle steamer in the UK. She was built in 1924 at Philip & Son of Dartmouth and has been lovingly restored to her former glory, beautifully reflecting the style and craftsmanship of a bygone era. Cost of the ticket in 2025 is £35 per person and includes the return steam train trip, ferry to/from Dartmouth and the one-hour river cruise. A group discount of 10% is available though for a minimum group size of 20, which we are unlikely to achieve."

"There are a number of options for lunch in Dartmouth and participants will be free to make their own arrangements. I will be happy to provide details of suggested venues for lunch."

"There are a multitude of options for places to visit on your journey to/from Paignton, including South Devon Railway, Tyntesfield, Killerton, Cheddar Gorge, Wells, Exeter Knightshayes Court and Greenway."

"The suggested options for Friday and Sunday (or any additional days) referred to above are totally optional and are just to give you an idea of things to see/do on the way to/from the hotel and at this stage opening days/times will not be confirmed. Pre-booking may be required for some venues; see their website for details. As always, participants are free to do whatever they want on the Friday and Sunday and free to decide whether they stay extra nights, though I am happy to help with any options that Members want to consider."

"Accommodation will be at the Premier Inn, Paignton South ( Paignton Hotels | Book Hotels In Paignton South | Premier Inn) which is around 10/12 minutes by car from Paignton railway station from where we would catch the train. Free parking and Beefeater restaurant (https://www.beefeater.co.uk/en-gb/locations/devon/white-rock). Meal Deal available with current cost being £27.99 per person.  Note: there is no parking available at the steam train station, so chargeable public parking in the Town or at the mainline station will have to be used."

"The Premier Inn booking is made on a group basis, which doesn’t mean a cheaper rate, but the Rotary organiser takes responsibility for all aspects of the booking arrangements. The actual terms and conditions related to the booking will depend on the overall number of rooms required and the terms and conditions have changed since I last organised a Weekend Away in 2024. For example, we may have to commit to and pay in advance for the Meal Deal. I will make it very clear as the planning progresses the stage at which participants will be financially committed to the cost of the accommodation and meals. I will endeavour to get that date as late as possible."

"Premier Inn pricing is "dynamic" meaning it changes regularly to take account of demand (which includes searches undertaken) and availability of accommodation so I cannot give you a confirmed price for the accommodation. As a guide, on the Premier Inn website, the fully flexible rate for the proposed weekend, for two nights (room only)  which allows you to cancel up to 1300 on the day of arrival and pay on arrival is currently £206 for the room for two nights. Cancellable up to 28 days beforehand, the rate is £166 for two nights. As referred to previously, the timing of payment and timing of cancellation to get a full refund/have no payment commitment will depend on the number of rooms booked. These prices will inevitably change before we are in a position to book and the actual applicable rate for our group will depend on the number of rooms booked. It is not usually possible to book on a group basis to pay on arrival or cancel on the day. I am merely giving you the two rates above so you have an idea about cost."

"Any Members, Partners and Friends of Rotary who wish to come on Fellowship Weekend 2026 should contact me as a matter of urgency.   I will communicate further about progressing the arrangements for the Weekend with all those who express an interest."