Torbay is one of Britain's most popular and enduring holiday destinations and is known as the English Riviera. The hills of Dartmoor protect Torbay from the prevailing Westerly winds and this gives the region a mild climate that supports many sub-tropical plants including the palm trees which give the sea front a Mediterranean look. The mild climate makes Torbay an ideal location for holidays and short breaks from early spring to late autumn.

The three resorts of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham each have distinctly different characters and together give 'The Bay' an unparalleled range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. 

Frognel Hall is well situated to make the most of the Geopark and the South West Coastal Path. It is an easy walk to Daddyhole Plain, Kents Cavern or Manor Gardens, or to venture down the hill to the harbour and shopping centre, or along to the beautiful blue flag Meadfoot Beach. [below left]. Babbacombe is also only a short distance away [below right].

Torquay has a special continental flair with its Riviera café culture, numerous restaurants, theatres, lively night-life and specialist shopping The pretty harbour is just a short walk from the hotel, with the attractive Beacon Quay and the 'Living Coasts' sea life centre. Here you can take a journey around the coastlines of the world and see penguins, fur seals, puffins and numerous sea birds.

Close by are Torquay's Princess Theatre, Museum, Torre Abbey with its lovely gardens, and the Hi Flyer, where those of who are not scared of heights can enjoying breath-taking views from the balloon as it rises into the air above Torquay.

Paignton is an all round family resort with miles of beautiful safe sandy beaches and world class family attractions. Visit the zoo, one of England's biggest, or take a nostalgic ride on the steam train to Kingswear, enjoying beautiful views, or have fun in the Quaywest water park.

Brixham retains maritime character with its fishing fleet operating from a busy port and its buzzing quayside shops and cafés, and what better way to get there than a boat trip across the bay, so that you can admire England's ¨Riviera¨ at leisure from the sea. Close by is the remote beauty of the Berry Head clifftops with stunning views of the bay.

All of this makes up the English Riviera - the perfect year-round holiday choice. South Devon is a great place to visit and there's just so much to do...are you a shopaholic or a culture vulture or an avid explorer? Whatever your taste, South Devon has something to offer... to the sheltered coves and old fishing ports, to the moors and hidden away pubs and inns. Then, in the evening, a choice of pubs, clubs and entertainments, or stay and unwind in the hotel bar.

Much of the west country, including Plymouth, Exeter, Dartmouth and Dartmoor, is well within reach making us an ideal touring base from which to explore the region.

Local Attractions

Meadfoot Beach, Ilsham, South West coast path
The hotel is a short walk from the warm and sheltered Meadfoot Beach, where you can idle away many hours on one of Torquay's finest bays.

There are plenty of walks close by, either through the wonderful Devon woodlands and moors or along the Torbay section of the South West coast path across Daddyhole Plain or around Hope's Nose.

You can also walk from the hotel through the woods of Manor Gardens, enjoying sea views and sounds, to Ilsham Green, and visit Kents Cavern and the attractive shops and eateries of Wellswood.

Frognel Hall is also less than five minutes' walk from the delightful Little Theatre, a converted church, and home to the TOADS Theatre Company, who put on a varied programme of drama throughout the year. A trip to the Little Theatre makes for a very enjoyable evening during your stay at Frognel Hall.

Cockington is only a mile from Torquay seafront, Cockington is a journey into a bygone age. In an idyllic village setting you can wander around thatched cottages, watch the blacksmith at work in the forge, enjoy a cream tea and stroll through acres of woodland and gardens. At the heart of the estate stands Cockington Court, a 17th Century manor house with its craft demonstrations, a Norman church and a beautiful garden.

St. Marychurch and Babbacombe
Just five minutes' drive away, these adjoining villages are well worth visiting. At Babbacombe you can spend hours visiting Bygones with its fascinating historical displays, or the Model Village, which is full of humour and in a very pretty setting. From Babbacombe Down there are beautiful views across the bay to Exmouth, and you can enjoy them while having something to eat and drink at the Cliff Railway Cafe, or take the Cliff Railway down to the beach. You can also catch a great show at Babbacombe Theatre. St Marychurch has a delightful selection of shops and places to eat.

Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor's beautiful moorland landscape with wooded valleys and wind swept Tors is within easy reach. There are 600 miles of public rights of way, ideal to explore by car, foot, cycle or on horseback. Dartmoor is a rich habitat for wildlife and has a wealth of archaeological remains.

Totnes, Dartmouth + Dartington
A few miles away on the beautiful river Dart lie Totnes and Dartmouth, historic towns of great character with a wonderful array of shops, particularly for art, food and drink.

Dartington Hall, near Totnes, is well worth a visit with its lovely gardens and open-air Shakespeare performances during June. 

About the same distance away in another direction lies Newton Abbot, where you can visit Tuckers Maltings, the museum, the market, or go shopping.

Further down the River Teign on its estuary is the seaside town of Teignmouth with its Georgian seafront, fishing port, museum and pier, and on the opposite side of the river the charming fishing village of Shaldon, with its zoo and botanical gardens. Just a few miles up the Exe Estuary from Teignmouth is Dawlish where you can see the famous black swans, potter around the shops and eateries, visit the local museum, and enjoy views of the estuary. Nearby is Dawlish Sands where you can visit the nature reserve or the amusement park.

Exeter and Plymouth
Further afield, yet no more that forty minutes away by car, are the cities of Exeter and Plymouth. One of the best ways to discover Exeter is to join one of the free guided walking tours, which explore different aspects of the city's history. Plymouth is home to the National Maritime Aquariums, Britain's foremost aquarium set up for education, conservation and research. For Gin lovers a visit to Black Friars Distillery, home of Plymouth Gin, is a must.

National Trust
The national trust has a number of properties in South Devon, with gardens and houses open to the public.   These include:
Buckland Abbey- Associated with Sir Francis Drake
Castle Drogo - A 20th century castle                            
Coleton Fishacre -  Arts and Crafts home of Rupert D'Oyly Carte
Compton Castle - a 14th century fortified manor house
Greenway House - holiday home of Agatha Christie                                            
Visit the Official South West Site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/regions/devoncornwall

Agatha Christie
One of Torquay's most famous inhabitants was Agatha Christie. As well as visiting Greenway House with its Christie memorabilia and wonderful riverside gardens, you can walk the ¨Agatha Christie Mile¨ starting at the Tourist Info Centre, a must for fans of her books. There is also an Agatha Christie festival in September.

• Paignton Zoo
• Kents Caverns
• South Devon Coastal Path
• Babbacombe Model Village
• Cockington
• Quaywest Water Park
• Bygones
• Torre Abbey
• Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway
• Greenway Boat trips
• Agatha Christie Tours
• Compton Castle
• Newton Abbot Racecourse

• Living Coasts Torquay
• Little Theatre
• Babbacombe Theatre
• The Princess Theatre
• Totnes Guildhall
• National Marine Aquarium
• Byones Victorian Museum
• Apollo Cinema
• Cruises, from the harbour
• Woodlands Leisure Park
• Dartmouth Castle
• Dartmoor
• National Trust Gardens