My visit to South Devon - Torbay, Dartmouth, Totnes

“What do you expect to see through a Torquay hotel window? Sydney Opera House? The Hanging Gardens of Babylon? Herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically…? It’s Torquay!” YES! AND I LOVED IT! Torre Abbey, Cockington Court, Torquay Pavilion, Babbacombe model village, Brixham Harbour… The immaculate gardens of Torquay…

Short drives out to the National Trust’s stunning garden at Greenway – holiday home of Agatha Christie… Pods of porpoises sweeping majestically through the Channel at Berry Head…you name it – it is all in the English Riviera; South Devon’s beautiful bay. Service standards are great: trust me, Basil Fawlty really is a joke – just visit today’s Gleneagles Hotel, the inspiration for 1970s comedy classic, to see how much Torquay – and the wider Torbay area – has changed.

I arrived by train, along Brunel’s coast-hugging masterpiece with dramatic views over the sea (this HAS to be one of the best scenic rail journeys in the world) and took the short walk to the really friendly seafront Premier Inn. Everything in Torquay is within walking distance – and a longer walk round to Paignton’s under-discovered harbour and popular pier was time well spent. Then a steam train to Kingswear and a short ferry ride to Dartmouth. An English Heritage card comes into its own round here – from Dartmouth Castle up to Bohemian Totnes with Berry Pomeroy Castle (“the most haunted castle in England!” watch out for the ghostly white and blue ladies!), and stunning views from Totnes Castle. I’m going to have to go back for another weekend away.

Let us know your favourite places to explore in Devon?

Blogger: Stuart Barrow

Comments

[Steve Baylis]

I know East Devon pretty well but haven't explored as far down as Torbay - thanks for the great post.

[Dr David Bull]

I am a huge fan of the English countryside and if the weather is kind then holidaying in Britain is glorious. I have wonderful memories of childhood holidays and more children need to explore allthat this country has to offer.
Stuart has made me think that I should venture back to Torquay. I haven't been there since the glory days of the 1970s !!

[Peter Hoffer]

What a great idea for a weekend away! I'm an American living in London, but I am eager to explore more of England.

Thanks for the great idea!