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.

Torquay has a special continental flair with its Riviera café culture, numerous restaurants, theatres, lively night-life and specialist shopping. The redevelopment of Beacon Quay and the opening of the ‘Living Coasts’ sea life centre in 2003 has enhanced Torquay’s reputation as Devon’s premier holiday resort.

Paignton

is an all round family resort with miles of beautiful safe sandy beaches and world class family attractions.

Brixham                                         

 retains maritime character with its fishing fleet operating from a busy port and its buzzing quayside shops and cafés. Close by is the remote beauty of the Berry Head clifftops and stunning views of the bay.

Add them together and you have the English Riviera - the perfect year-round holiday choice. 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.

South Devon is just 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, then 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 or how about the "Chiller" at Kents Cavern..or stay and unwind in the Hotel bar.

Local Attractions

Meadfoot Beach + 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.

Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor, designated a National Park in 1951 is within easy reach. It is a beautiful moorland landscape with wooded valleys and wind swept Tors. There are 600 miles of public rights of way and ideal to explore by car, foot, cycle or on horseback. Dartmoor is a rich habitat for wildlife and has a wealth of archaeological remains.

Torquay harbour

Torquay harbour is just 5 minutes walk from the hotel. The pretty harbour is surrounded by a good variety of shops, restaurants and pubs and close by are Torquay's Princess Theatre, Museum and Torre Abbey. Visit Torquay's newest attraction - Living Coasts, where you can take a journey around the coastlines of the world and see penguins, fur seals, puffins and numerous sea birds.

Totnes, Dartmouth + Dartington

A few miles away on the beautiful river Dart lie Totnes and Dartmouth, historic towns of great character. Dartington Hall, near Totnes, is well worth a visit with its lovely gardens and open-air Shakespeare performances during June. Dartmouth makes for a great day out across the Ferry from Kingswear.

Cockington

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 an organic garden.

Exeter and Plymouth

Further a field, yet no more that forty minutes 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 Distillers, home of Plymouth Gin, is a must.

Brixham and Paignton

Brixham and Paignton, the two other towns of Torbay, have their own appeal and many attractions such as one of England's biggest zoos, steam trains and Water Park. We recommend a boat trip across the bay, to appreciate the views that led to Torquay being named "The English Riviera".

National Trust

The national trust has a number of properties in South Devon, with gardens and houses open to the public.

Among the many attractions are:

Coleton Fishacre - a garden by the sea

Buckland Abbey - Associated with Sir Francis Drake

Compton Castle - a 14th century fortified manor house

Castle Drogo - A 20th century castle

Visit the Official South West Site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/regions/devoncornwall

Agatha Christie

One of Torquay's most famous inhabitants was Agatha Christie. A must for fans of her books, you can walk the "Agatha Christie Mile" starting at the Tourist Info Centre. There is also an Agatha Christie festival in September.

Her home, "Greenway House",

 was recently acquired by the National Trust and the gardens are open to the public during certain months.