Monday 5 July 2010

Marvin's guide to Anna Maria Island

It's not quite the Bay, but check out this great new travel film from Marvin the Manatee, TV's newest star.

Let Marvin, who speaks in Manatee but with English subtitles, guide you around this paradise island, as yet untouched by the gulf oil spill effects.

Wednesday 13 January 2010

Snow, what snow?

Torquay escaped most of the snow and bad weather which has been affecting most of the UK, which is of little surprise to most of the residents. "It never snows in Torquay," is a common saying among the locals, which makes it all the more perfect a holiday destination.

For the average temperatures check out this website here - we think you'll see why so many people choose to retire here among the palm trees and golden sands.

For more information about this jewel in the English Riviera, check out the wikitravel listing here

Hope to see you soon! And when you come, come and stay with us at West Wing Cottage, the most exclusive holiday accommodation in the South West. Check us out at www.torquay.uk.com and discover true luxury for yourself.

Friday 18 December 2009

Fishing for compliments

Torbay is a great place to fish, with plenty of variation whether you like shore, rock, deep sea or estuary fishing.

One of the best websites which guide you through everything fishy in the Bay is www.torbayfishing.com where some very experienced anglers give advice and tips on where to go and what to do when you get there.

They also give advice for beginners, some useful rig guides, news archives and a blog. Tempting? Why not take a bite/look...

Come and stay with us at Torquay's premier self-catering property. Visit www.torquay.uk.com and see what luxury really looks like.

Friday 27 November 2009

Park for less, spend more

Like most modern towns, Torquay is no different in that parking can sometimes be a tricky operation. But thankfully, for Christmas at least, it has just got cheaper.

Torquay's biggest shopping centre is offering £1 parking to customers during December weekends. After Fleet Walk unveiled its Christmas lights last week, the council has announced a return of its 'Park for a Pound' scheme for weekends in December. And so the shopping centre has signed up to the initiative, meaning shoppers will also be able to park all day for £1 in Fleet Walk car park.

Parking for a pound gets under way next Friday and will run every weekend during the month including Boxing Day and December 27. The promotion means one £1 ticket purchased in any of Torbay Council's pay and display car parks after 6pm on a Friday evening in December will be valid right up until 10am on the following Monday.

Another good reason to visit Torquay - as if you needed one.

And if you want a millionaire's view to make your stay really special, you must check out West Wing Cottage, Torquay's newest and most spectacular rental property. See www.torquay.uk.com for more details

Friday 20 November 2009

Santa Claus is coming to town

Santa is coming early to Torbay and the surrounding area this Christmas - and rather than using his sleigh, which is being prepared up in Lapland, he's coming by train!

Little ones (and big ones) will love some of the fun events being put on by South Devon's two remaining steam railways. Both feature visits from the big man himself and special attractions for a truly magical day out your children will be talking about for years.

The Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway has a Santa special again this year, with two different experiences for you to enjoy. First the Santa Express leaves Queens Park Station where you will be welcomed by Santa’s helpers. When all are aboard the steam train, Father Christmas and his helpers will join you, where a present and lolly will be given to the children and a mince pie and festive drink will be enjoyed by all the adults.

This service runs on December 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd and 24th and departs Paignton 1:30pm, returning at 2:45pm.

The Santa Steam Special is just that. As you arrive at Queens Park Station you will be welcomed by Santa’s helpers. When all are aboard the steam train, Father Christmas’ helpers will join you for the scenic ride to Father Christmas’ grotto at Kingswear.

On the train there will be a festive drink and mince pie for the adults and a lolly for each child and the bar will be open for further drinks. On arrival at Kingswear you will enter a scene full of Christmas Magic. A world for children of all ages, with a pantomime and a visit to Santa’s Grotto for the children’s present. You will then return to Paignton on the train. Refreshments are available at The Belle Bistro at Kingswear.

Dates are December 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd and 24th, and the train leaves Paignton at 10.15am, returning at 12.45 or 3.15pm, and returning at 6pm.

Check out www.pdsr.co.uk for more details.

The other service is being run by South Devon Railway - www.southdevonrailway.org - and also features a turn from the man himself on return trip from Buckfastleigh to Totnes and back and a visit to Santa's grotto on the train.

The trip includes: presents for all the children, even the Under-ones, mince pie and mulled wine for Mum and Dad, non-alcoholic drink available, on request, tea and coffee on the train.All trains start from Buckfastleigh, where there is free parking.

What better way to get into the Christmas spirit?

Come to Torquay and stay with us a while in Torquay at one of the finest address in the town. See www.torquay.uk.com for more details

Friday 9 October 2009

Big medium coming to town

Controversial US medium John Edward is to appear at the Torquay's Princess Theatre next year - but then the more psychic among you will have already known that.

Tickets to see Edward, who causes something of a split among those who have seen his work and watched him interact with audiences, have gone on sale for £51 and £61.

He is best known for his TV shows Crossing Over with John Edward and John Edward Cross Country, both of which are premised on Edward communicating with the spirits of the audience members' deceased relatives. Which is where the controversy comes in.

Edward is at the Princess Theatre on May 15 at 2pm. For tickets, call the box office on 0844 847 2315 or log on to www.princesstheatre.org.uk

Monday 14 September 2009

Numbers down, but still going up

Babbacombe Cliff Railway one of only 16 funicular railways still functioning in the United Kingdom. It leads down to the wonderful Oddicombe beach from the far side of the small cafe on Babbacombe Road and is the only way to travel, once you consider the steep beach road has a one-in-three gradient.

At its peak the cliff railway was transporting up to 250,000 people a year but nowadays fewer people want to spend a traditional seaside holiday in this country so numbers have dropped somewhat.

In March 2005 28 people attended the first meeting of the Friends of Babbacombe Cliff Railway, a support group in co-operation with Torbay Council, which formed to preserve protect and promote the Babbacombe Cliff Railway.

The Cliff Railway opening times are 9.30am to 5pm, seven days a week, and the last up journey is signaled by the ringing of 'Talca', an old ship's bell, 30 and 15 minutes before the railway closes.

Visit www.friendsofbabbacombecliffrailway.org.uk for more information, and be sure not to come to Torquay without at least one trip on this historical gem.