Torquay – Monday 25th September – £319pp
You can’t get much more of a ‘traditional British seaside’ resort than the vibrant and cheerful town of Torquay. Set at the heart of the English Riviera on the South Devon Coast, Torquay is famous for its sandy beaches, fun family attractions and Victorian appearance. Made famous by the legendary comedy series Fawlty Towers, Torbay is distinctly Mediterranean and is a family favourite with plenty of attractions and things to do.
Torquay was a relatively minor settlement until the mid-19th Century when the railway linked it to the rest of the UK. The improved transport connections saw Torquay expand rapidly to cater for the area’s popularity with the Victorian’s desire to explore everything and everywhere, including the furthest flung corners of Britain. After the First World War the Great Western Railway Company extensively promoted Torquay, helping the town to become a major UK holiday resort.
The TLH Resorts Hotel – TLH Victoria
Set on a 7-acre resort, this classic Victorian hotel is a 7-minute walk from the seafront and an 11-minute walk from Torquay train station. The standard rooms offer WiFi, TVs, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Resort amenities include a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, 2 kids’ pools and a whirlpool, plus a fitness centre, a sauna and a steam room. There’s also nightly entertainment, an outdoor kids’ play area, and a game centre with a bowling alley, arcade games and pool.
Believed to be Torquay’s first purpose-built hotel, you’ll enjoy the relaxing atmosphere created by the many fine period features as well as impressive sea views.
The TLH Victoria Hotel’s elegant restaurant has a splendid period feature with its glass-domed roof. Enjoy buffet style breakfasts, including full English or Continental and an extensive evening buffet of tasty dishes, some of them made to order. There is a separate menu choice for children and the chefs would be happy to discuss any special dietary requirements.
During your coach holiday to Torquay, you will have 2-day excursions and a free day to explore beautiful Torquay.
The best things to do whilst visiting Torquay.
1. Paignton Zoo
Listed as one of Britain’s top zoos, it is home to some of the planet’s rarest and most wonderful creatures including gorillas and orang-utans, giraffes, lions, tigers and rhinos.
2. Babbacombe Model Village
Babbacombe Model Village is famous for its miniature landscaped gardens and is branded as one of Europe’s Premier Model Villages. It has an incredible 4-acres of marvellously miniature gardens and offers great value for money.
3. Kents Cavern
This award-winning home of ancient humans is one of the top prehistoric Stone Age caves in Europe. With an extensive labyrinth of spectacular caves, they really are an iconic site well worth a visit.
4. Palace Theatre
Constructed back in 1890, the Palace Theatre is owned and operated by Torbay Council. It is the oldest working Theatre in Torbay and has recently undergone major refurbishment. With performances from local theatre groups and travelling entertainers, this quaint, intimate theatre really is a great place to see a show and watch the fantastic performances.
5. Torre Abbey
Within walking distance of TLH Leisure Resort, the Abbey was founded in 1196 and provided the medieval Premonstratensian monks with everything they needed to establish their monastery. Today, as a museum, you will find beautifully presented heritage rooms, galleries, art exhibitions, interactive displays, talking portraits and videos which bring the colourful history and art to life.
6. Cockington Park
Whatever time of year you visit Torquay Cockington Park is the perfect setting for a walk. With its picture-postcard cottages, horse and carriage rides, a historic forge, a court and church, tea rooms, thatched pub and the lakes and woods, this really is a lovely place to visit and is so very quintessentially British.
7. Torquay Museum
You can travel 400 million years into the past at Torquay Museum. There are fascinating exhibitions about South Devon, and it includes Britain’s only Agatha Christie gallery where you step inside Poirot’s study and lounge. Geological artefacts are in abundance with North-West Europe’s oldest human fossil.
8. Southwest Coast Path
The Southwest Coast Path is the UK’s longest National Trail and measures 630 miles in its entirety. Part of the route is the 2.5 miles from Torquay Harbour to Daddyhole Plain. It passes landmarks including Beacon Cove and the naturally sculpted cliff arch known as ‘London Bridge’. Climb to 200ft above sea level and you’ll reach Daddyhole Plain, a wonderful vantage point allowing you to gaze across the town and out to sea.
9. Torquay Harbour & Marina
No visit to Torquay would be complete without a walk along the promenade, marina and along the harbourside. Just 5 minutes’ walk from TLH, the recently developed Abbey Sands area of the town is the perfect starting point for a leisurely stroll along the seafront. If you’re feeling energetic, there is a fabulous walk on the new cliff path for some stunning views across Torbay.
10. Round Robin
There is no better way to explore this wonderful part of the world than on the steam train, river boat and bus which visits the quaint towns of Paignton, Dartmouth and Totnes. The journey on the steam train is approximately 30 minutes then jump on the river boat for just over 90 minutes. During the trip on the water, listen to the commentary with interesting facts about the wonderful coastal areas as well as lots of local history. Finish off the day with a bus trip for around half an hour. Sit back and enjoy the scenery with their award-winning ticket which is a favourite with both young and old.
11. Oismbe Farm
This South Devon working organic farm is open to the public, and a visit to the farm is free. Explore the gardens plus their fantastic 2km nature trail, bustling with wildlife and beautiful views of the surrounding woodland. The Farm Shop at Occombe Farm is run by Gribbles Butchers; a family-run, local business which aims to provide top quality, traceable meats using traditional butchery methods whilst supporting the local farming community and West Country suppliers.
12. Sharpham Wine and Cheese
Take a tour around Sharpham Vineyard which is set in one of Devon’s most magical locations. The beautiful estate is set on the bank of the river Dart, with 12,000 vines basking in the sun on the south facing slopes. Sharpham Vineyard offers a range of tours, which include a scenic walk around the vineyard and along the riverbank followed by a tasting of a selection of the wines and cheeses.
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