Friday 27 February 2009

From Cow Town to Fish Town

We've had a look at Paignton, now let's turn our attention to the third of the Bay's towns, Brixham.
At the southern end of Torbay, Brixham is a busy working port, home to one of the largest fishing fleets in Europe. Each day the fresh catch is sold in the fish markets on the historic quayside.
Around the harbour are a number of small, unique shops, and kiosks offering fishing outings and a variety of day and night boat trips around the bay or even up the River Dart to Dartmouth.
To reflect its seafaring heritage, Brixham Museum includes lots of interesting artifacts and information about the town's past, including rare photographs and written accounts.
Brixham is also home to an artists' league, known as the 'Shoal of Brixham Artists'. The Shoal was founded in 2003 when a group of local artists decided to work together. You can view some of their work at the Breakwater Bistro and Art Gallery which houses changing exhibitions throughout the year.
Brixham is locally known as two separate towns: 'Cow Town' the rural part, and 'Fish Town' the port part, telling the story of the area's rich farming and fishing heritage.

Tuesday 24 February 2009

Paignton - what a picture

Let's begin our look at South Devon - and Torbay in particular - with a brief guide to one of the three towns that overlook the bay.
Paignton is the middle of the three towns making up Torbay, and has long been a favourite holiday destination ever since the Bishop of Exeter visited in the Middle Ages. But it was with the arrival of the railway that Paignton really turned into the town we know today.
A more typical British holiday resort is hard to imagine, with its amusement pier, rows of arcades and shops selling candy floss, buckets and spades and fast food restaurants.
But Paignton has more to offer the than those traditional tourist trappings. There are ancient buildings including the medieval Kirkham House and remains of the Bishop of Exeter's palace. Paignton is also home to Oldway Mansion which was designed by the American Isaac Singer, the inventor of the sewing machine, and finished by his son, Paris.
But for good reason is Paignton known as the ideal spot for a family day out, with its excellent sandy beaches, wonderful zoo and plenty of exciting activities from go-karting to paragliding and water-skiing. Or you could just find a quiet spot and watch the world go by with an ice cream.

If you want to come and stay with us, check out our fabulous website for a new two-bed cottage in Torquay overlooking the calm waters of Tor Bay. It's a stay in real luxury so don't miss out, book today.

Friday 20 February 2009

What to do when you visit Torbay

Torbay has been attracting visitors in search of rest and relaxation since Victorian times when the phrase The English Riviera was first coined. In those days people came for gentle promenades along the beaches and coastal paths, a dip in the sea and to enjoy the wonderful views across Tor Bay.
Although you can still indulge in those very traditional pursuits, the English Riviera has moved with the times and fully deserves its long-standing reputation as one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations. Nowadays the three Torbay towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham offer so much more for the year-round visitor, ranging from internationally acclaimed tourist attractions to its many areas of special scientific interest.
Whether you want a day out, an afternoon’s diversion, or just a great way to spend a couple of hours, Torbay has it all. Here is our guide to all the best bits, from those located within the resort towns themselves, to some a little further afield.
Over the next week or so I'll be taking a look at some of the attractions the Bay has to offer the family or couple who come to visit.

I'll start with the Hi-Flyer Balloon on the seafront at Torre Abbey Meadows.
Newly-installed, last summer, this spectacular attraction offers 360 degree views across the whole of Torbay from 400ft up. With up to four flights per hour when the wind is low, you should not miss this chance to see the bay as the seagulls do.

Tuesday 17 February 2009

Torquay - Queen of the English Riviera

Hello and welcome to a brand new blog about the Queen of the English Riviera - Torquay.
For years this beautiful part of the world has been welcoming visitors to its glorious beaches, fabulous walks and friendly natives! And it is doing exactly that to this day.
This blog will act as a guide to the area, keep you up to date with all the goings on around the area, and give you some tips and suggestions on where to go when you arrive.
If you ever have any suggestions about what you would like to see on here, or any questions before you arrive, just add a comment to any of the posts and I'll do my best to answer it for you.
I just want to tell you about this wonderful part of the world, which is enjoying something of a renaissance among British travellers. So what are you waiting for? Get on over to Torquay for your next holiday or short break and see for yourself what's going on over here.