Riviera Guide

There were many reasons why we chose Torquay as a location to buy a guest house. One major thing that struck us, was just what a wealth of natural beauty, historical places, man-made attractions, and amazing shows there are, both on the doorstep, and further afield. So, whether you are coming to the Riviera for a first visit, or return time after time, there is always a new experience waiting, for all ages. All too often, though, we find guests staying just a night or two, and finding it impossible to fit in everything they would like to do, and see. So we’ve put together a couple of ideas, to make the most of a 4 or 7 night stay with us. (And don’t forget, we discount direct bookings of 7 nights or more - so call us direct for the best prices).
Day
1

Check in from 1 or 3pm, depending how you booked (or arrive earlier and drop your car / luggage). Take a walk through Torre Abbey Meadows, maybe stopping at Jungle Journey for a game of crazy golf. On then to the beach at Torre Abbey Sands, and along the promenade to the harbour and marina. Take a ride on the Riviera Wheel if you dare! Then enjoy dinner in one of the many harbour side restaurants, bars, or bistros. To end the day, why not join us in the Grosvenor House bar, for a cold beer or glass of wine.

Day
2

After a lovely breakfast head for the harbour, and take an Open Top Sightseeing Tour. An informative and humorous commentary accompanies a journey through Babbacombe, Meadfoot, Preston (tea or ice cream stop), Paignton, and back to Torquay.

Lunch by the harbour, before a stroll along the seafront on the Agatha Christie Mile. Maybe stop for an ice cream, coffee, or glass of wine, and take in some great views across the bay.  Then head to Brixham, by car, bus, or better still, take the quick and inexpensive ferry. Enjoy quaint shops and a wander round the harbour, still a working fishing port. And you won’t get fresher fish, so pick one of the many splendid restaurants, in which to enjoy the local fayre.

Day
3

Head to Babbacombe – bus 35A runs from outside the door. Head for Babbacombe Model Village, and marvel at the detail, and beautifully kept surroundings. Be sure to get a free return ticket to see their evening illuminations. A short walk brings you to Babbacombe Downs, where Babbacombe Cliff Railway will transport you to Oddicombe Bay for morning coffee, or a spot of lunch in the Riviera sunshine.

Then either relax or play on the beach, take a walk around the bay to Babbacombe Beach, where you’ll like see Sammy the seal, swimming around the fishing jetty, or head back up to to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, at Bygones. Take dinner in one of the many restaurants or pubs along the Downs, before settling into your seat at Babbacombe Theatre for a night of song, dance and hilarious comedy, in their latest seasonal spectacular.

Day
4

Spend a day in the company of the Dartmouth Steam Railway, and choose to travel by steam train, open top bus, sea or river boat, or even a paddle steamer, enjoying picturesque Dartmouth, historic Totnes, and the beautiful south Devon coastline. Let us know how you want to do it, and we’ll help plan the best route.

After your memorable day, why not have a special final evening meal at Torquay’s oldest inn, The Hole In The Wall.

Day
5

If you are leaving today, why not spend a few hours exploring the house and gardens at Torre Abbey and/or Cockington Court, church and Village before heading home. If you are staying longer, then follow your relaxing day on boats, trains and buses, with a more energetic one at Paignton Zoo, with lots of outdoor and indoor animal attractions. Check out new arrivals, and meet the keepers for feeding time educational talks. Then enjoy Paignton

Day
6

See some of the beautiful Riviera coastline by walking part of the South West Coastal Path. Torquay to Paignton is about 3-4 miles, Brixham to Paignton about 5 miles, and Babbacombe to Torquay about 7-8 miles. Why not break up the latter, with a visit to Kents Cavern, and find out why the English Riviera is designated as a Global Geopark. End the day with a harbour side meal and maybe some live music – or how about a Fish & Chip evening cruise, around the bay?

Day
7

Checkout is 10am, but you are welcome to leave luggage and/or car by prior arrangement.   If you are heading straight out of Torquay, take the coast road from Babbacombe, down across Shaldon Bridge and into Teignmouth or Dawlish, before leaving south Devon for home. These are just some ideas. Of course, we have award winning beaches for sun-worshippers, Splashdown Waterpark and Dinosaur World and a number of smaller theme parks and animal parks for children, Buckfast Abbey, The South Devon Railway, and Butterflies and Otters. Follow the Agatha Christie trail and visit her home at Greenway, along with other National Trust properties, like Coleton Fishacre, and A La Ronde, or grab a hopper bus up to the beauty and splendour of Dartmoor National Park. Whatever you choose to do, please ask us, if you need assistance in getting the best out of your stay with us.