Self-catering holidays give you more flexibility, that's for sure! It is especially helpful for families, where rigid schedules and itineraries may turn a fun-filled holiday into a frantic rush. You don't want to miss the dinner slot, so you won't venture far when everyone is ready. You can choose when and what you want to eat on a self-catering vacation. Your holiday activities will not be interrupted by a constant 'call for lunch or dinner. Visit the restaurants in Torquay to sample local food and products.
You can cook in your holiday self-catering accommodation if you like. You don't feel like you are on a "busman's vacation" because you haven't just come back from work. Instead, you've enjoyed the sights in Torquay and South Devon. You have more flexibility with self-catering holidays. Some days are simply too short to see everything. You can take a picnic for the whole family if you're planning a day trip. It is often more fun, and can be tailored to everyone's tastes.
Torquay, South Devon: Walks and places to visit
Torquay, Devon and South Devon have a lot to offer. The South West Coast Path runs along the English Riviera's beautiful bay in south Devon, and includes 22 miles of coast path that passes through stunning Geopark scenery.
The 2.5 mile route from Torquay Harbour up to Daddyhole Plain is a popular one. The walk takes you past a number landmarks, including Beacon Cove, where Agatha Christie swam as a young girl. It also passes the naturally-sculpted arch of cliff known as "London Bridge". After climbing 200ft, you will reach Daddyhole Plain. Locals believed that the devil lived in a cavern beneath the plain.
Cockington Country Estate Walk is a 2-mile circular walk that's popular among locals and tourists alike. It is a village steeped with history, and it still retains a sense of rural tranquillity and isolation due to its narrow valley location. The village has its own stream that reaches the sea in Livermead. The village is also adjacent to the large parkland (290 acre) that surrounds Cockington Court, the Parish Church and both are located about 350 metres west of the village centre.
Try the more difficult route between Churston & Broadsands if you want a more challenging hike. This peaceful walk takes you through quiet country lanes and patches of woodland, as well as secluded coves. It is a wonderful way to experience the South Devon countryside.
You could also explore the moderately challenging walk around Watcombe & Maidencombe, in Torquay. This offers stunning panoramic views of both Babbacombe & Lyme Bays. This walk will also allow you to enjoy the beautiful countryside of Maidencombe and its picturesque village.
South Devon Attractions
Kents Cavern, a prehistoric Stone Age cavern with an extensive and easily accessible labyrinth. Visitors to TripAdvisor highly recommend this iconic heritage. The underground visitor centre is part of the Agatha Christie Literary Trail and the English Riviera Global Geopark, which are both managed by UNESCO. Agatha Christie’s father Frederick Miller, a Torquay Natural History Society member and supporter of Pengelly’s excavations in the caves.
The tour lasts around two hours and is led by amusing guides. It concludes in an underground exhibit chamber. The attraction offers a variety of activities, such as a cave art wall, sand-based archaeological digs for children, and Cavog, the attraction's mascot. Here, evening entertainment and underground theatre are the specialties. Popular attractions include the ghost tour and interactive Shakespeare plays. This is a must-see attraction!
Living Coasts, particularly if you enjoy wildlife and the ocean, is an excellent attraction. It is Britain's first coastal zoo, a national-level discovery centre and part of Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust. The site focuses on coastal birds and wildlife. It is covered with a giant aviary that stands at 19 meters (62 feet) high. Living Coasts features several animal habitats, including an artificial estuary and penguin beach. It also includes a tropical mangrove forest and underwater viewing areas.
Babbacombe Model Village depicts English culture and life over the past fifty years. Since opening in 1963, the village has expanded to include modern features like a hydroelectric dam and wind farm. Over 400 models are available, including houses, stately home, factories, shops and entertainment venues.
The village is a mix of styles, including medieval, Tudor, and Victorian. There are also railways, cars, and well-known landmarks. The village is also home to 13,000 tiny people! Sound and animation bring the whole experience to life.
South Devon Villages & Attractions
Brixham
The fishing industry has been centered in this town for centuries. Brixham Heritage Museum contains a wealth of information about this. In one of the cafes or restaurants in the town, you can also sample the best local fish. In Brixham’s inner harbour, Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind is proudly displayed. See what life was like on Drake's galleon.
Brixham hosts several festivals all year round, including Fishstock and the Heritage Festival. Other events include the Brixham Trawler races, Brixham Pirate and Shanty Festival, Pirate Days, Brixham Hapnin, and a regatta. The summer Cowtown Festival celebrates the agricultural side of the town as well. Berry Head is a National Nature Reserve, and the gateway to the English Riviera Global Geopark supported by UNESCO Sabah UNESCO Global Geopark. The Breakwater Beach is a Blue Flag Beach with a Quality Coast Award, and the Marine Conservation Society Good Beach Guide.
Paignton
Paignton is a typical English seaside resort. It has everything you need for a great family holiday. The picture is completed by award-winning beaches, a traditional seaside pier, and a beautiful green where you can relax. Donkey rides and an all-new play area complete the picture. Paignton Zoo offers a great day out for all the family. It is also dedicated to conservation and preservation of the natural heritage.
Splashdown @ Quaywest has eight outdoor waterslides that are suitable for all ages as well as several swimming pools. Fishing trips from the harbour are also available for those who want to go out to sea to catch their dinner and then return home with it. Dartmouth Steam Railway is an enjoyable, relaxing trip that allows you to see the English Riviera. You can also get up close to local wildlife by visiting Occombe Farm Nature Trail.
Dartmouth
Dartmouth hosts its Dartmouth Royal Regatta every summer. The event includes rowing, sailing, air displays, and live entertainment. Dartmouth is closely associated with the Royal Navy, and Prince William was trained at Dartmouth Naval College. Dartmouth's rich history is tied to the sea. It was once a pirate base, the Mayflower stopped for repairs on its way to the Americas and it was the departure point for American troops who took part in World War II D-Day at Utah Beach.
The National Trust now owns the holiday home of Agatha Christie, which she used to write 'The Regatta Mystery,' set in Dartmouth. Her holiday home 'Greenway,' is located on the River Dart. Ferry trips run regularly along the river.
Take a Pleasure Cruise along the River Dart to reach the medieval town Totnes. From Dartmouth, you can take a boat to Brixham or Paignton on the English Riviera. On the return trip to Paignton, you can take the Dartmouth Steam Railway. Children can have fun in the rain at Woodlands Family Theme Park. There are rides, a zoo, and face-painting. Golfers will enjoy the excellent facilities at Dartmouth Golf and Country Club.
Dartmoor
Dartmoor is a place where you can experience true freedom, with its vast open spaces and stunning scenery. The English Riviera is only an hour away from this National Park. The largest open area in southern England, it is a natural wonderland with its rolling hills, towering rock structures (called "tors") and lush green landscapes. Dartmoor is the star of Steven Spielberg's new adaptation of War Horse. He was quoted saying, "In my long and diverse career, I have never been so blessed with natural beauty as when filming War Horse in Dartmoor". Sites include the small village of Meavy, Sheepstor, Burrator Reservoir and Bonehill Rocks near Widecombe-in-the-Moor.
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