Posted by: Andy in Torquay, Devon, area guide on
Dec 31, 2008
Torquay has earned its title as ‘Queen of the English Riviera’. A cosmopolitan, vibrant seaside town, Torquay’s palm-lined promenades, beautiful harbour and marina and wealth of quality restaurants, shops and boutiques make it an ideal destination for a family holiday. There’s also plenty to see and do in Torquay…
Living Coasts
Living Coasts offers visitors the chance to take a journey around the coastlines of the world without leaving Devon! With a fascinating variety of coastal creatures from penguins and seals to colourful puffins and sea ducks, Living Coasts gives you a chance to get close to some of the world’s most elusive creatures. Underwater viewing areas enable you to see seals and diving birds in their element.
Agatha Christie
It’s not just famous landmarks you can visit in Torquay. One of the town’s most famous residents, Agatha Christie is one of the most successful crime writers ever. Tours of locations that inspired this extraordinary woman are available throughout the year, including the Grand Hotel, Princess Gardens and the Pavillion. The tours are a wonderful way to transport yourself back to another era.
Torre Abbey
Torre Abbey is the oldest building in Torquay and has a history spanning over 800 years. Once the most important abbey of its kind in England, visitors can now explore the most ancient parts of the building and could even encounter the abbey’s most famous ghost, ‘The Spanish Lady’. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the abbey is a fascinating place to visit, particularly for history buffs.
Kents Cavern
Uncovered by Victorian archaeologists, Kents Cavern is the most important Stone Age cave in Britain. The two million-year-old caves offer visitors a chance to explore some of the most unique history about our ancient ancestors. Easily accessible (although some areas are not accessible for wheelchair users), the cavern is an underground adventure that will enthrall young and old visitors alike.
Bygones Victorian Museum
Bygones Museum gives visitors a glimpse into Victorian and Edwardian Britain, with a complete Victorian street scene and a working model railway charting the rise of British engineering and steam railways. There is also a WW1 trench and a WW2 Anderson Shelter, giving younger visitors a glimpse of wartime life for their grandparents and great-grandparents. The children’s ‘Fantasyland’ is also a stunning attraction for younger visitors.
Princess Theatre
The Princess Theatre is situated on the seafront, overlooking the marina. The theatre hosts a variety of shows all year round, from comedians and opera to ballet and West End musicals. The theatre’s superb café-bar has a panoramic views across the bay and offers a superb selection of meals, beverages and a fully licenced bar. A visit to the Princess Theatre is a perfect evening out, whatever the weather.
Quaywest Water Park
Located at Goodrington Sands, Quaywest Water Park is a wet and wild attraction for anyone who loves messing about in the water. The park is very child-friendly, with toddler play areas as well as more adventurous slides and water features for older children. Group bookings can be catered for and the park offers a great, fun day out for the entire family.
Torquay Museum
Torquay Museum is one of the oldest museums in Devon, and runs exhibits that include both local history and history from around the world. Torquay has produced many explorers, and their journeys across the Antarctic to the Brazilian rainforests are charted in interactive exhibitions and displays.
Babbacombe Model Village
The world in miniature, Babbacombe Model Village gives visitors a unique perspective on their world. The village recreates thousands of miniature buildings, people and vehicles, showing Britain’s history in a new and exciting way. Perfect for children, the Village runs a wide variety of events and attractions throughout the year.
Brixham Belle Pleasure Cruises
As the sea is such an important influence on this area, why not spend a day aboard the Torbay Belle, cruising the coast of the English Riviera? The Belle can cater for up to 250 people and runs day or evening trips along the stunning coastline of the bay. There are two spacious bars on board and the ship can even cater for wedding receptions.
Torquay is regarded as one of the jewels of English coastal resorts. The sheer range and variety of attractions and things to do and see in the region will keep even the most high-octane visitors amused and entertained.
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Posted by: Andy in Newquay, Cornwall, area guide on
Dec 31, 2008
Newquay is considered to be one of the top tourist destinations in the UK, and has developed a rich and vibrant diversity of attractions to entertain visitors both young and old. Although perhaps best known for its outstanding beaches, Newquay offers much more than just sand, sea and surf. Here is a top ten of Newquay’s attractions to keep you amused and entertained during your stay in this glorious part of the British Isles.
Fistral Beach
Fistral Beach is Newquay’s premier attraction and the surfing capital of the UK. Its sandy beach is ideal for a family day out and the water is warmed by the Gulf Stream. Some of the top UK surfing schools are located here, but even if you only want to enjoy the magical sunsets to be seen from the stunning North Cornish coast, Fistral Beach is an ideal location.
Lappa Valley Steam Railway
Originally opened in 1849 as a mineral line from Newquay to East Wheal Rose, the Lappa Valley Steam Railway became part of the Great Western Railway's Newquay to Chacewater branch line. Offering a delightful ride on a narrow-guage steam train through stunning Cornish countryside, the railway is a must-see attraction for anyone enchanted by the age of steam.
Blue Reef Aquarium
The Blue Reef Aquarium gives visitors the chance to get close to some of the ocean’s most spectacular inhabitants. The heart of the aquarium is a huge tank with an underwater walkway, where visitors can watch the sub-aqua ballet of marine life all around them. A fascinating day out for everyone.
Newquay Zoo
With an emphasis on conservation, Newquay Zoo is a chance to experience wildlife from all around the globe. Set in sub-tropical lakeside gardens, the zoo has everything from a stunning open rainforest exhibit to beautiful oriental gardens and a children’s play area. The award-winning zoo is constantly evolving and has expansion plans for 2009.
Tunnels Through Time
Tunnels Through Time is a unique museum that explores the rich history, myths and legends of this fascinating county. It has the advantage of being an all-weather attraction, and takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through the ages, from the Arthurian legends to the tin miners and smugglers of the 18th century. Tunnels Through Time is an attraction that you will want to return to again and again.
Lusty Glaze Adventure Centre
If you have more of a taste for adventure, Lusty Glaze Adventure Centre is an ideal attraction to visit. At the purpose-built centre you can choose from surfing, rock climbing, abseiling, kite boarding, mountain biking and a host of other activities designed to challenge and exhilarate you. The centre runs special courses for children and even relaxation treatments. With its own private beach and a team of highly trained and experienced instructors, Lusty Glaze Adventure Centre offers you a safe, fun and exciting environment for all ages.
Crealy Adventure Park
Formerly Shires Family Adventure Park, Crealy offers something for everyone. With wild rides, a theatre and a huge selection of indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family, Crealy has a reputation for high quality family entertainment. The park has big plans for 2009, so it’s well worth checking to see what special events they have planned and how you can incorporate them into your Cornish holiday.
Oasis Swim Complex at Hendra Holiday Park
If your family are water-babies, the Oasis Swim Complex is the place to visit. With heated outdoor pools, indoor swim areas and a relaxing atmosphere, the Oasis really is the perfect place for a family day out. They can even cater for birthday parties and group bookings.
Run to the Sun Festival
Held on the late May Bank Holiday, the festival has been going for 22 years and is as popular as ever. Originally started by the VW Owner’s Club, Run to the Sun is a celebration of all things Volkswagen and custom car orientated, but isn’t just for petrol-heads. The festival also boasts musicians from all over the world, comedy and a host of festival activities for all the family. Tickets sell out quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Trerice Manor House
A beautiful Elizabethan Manor house, Trerice nestles at the end of a country lane and is a hidden Cornish jewel waiting to be discovered. The house is owned by the National Trust and is surrounded by beautiful formal gardens, perfect for taking a lazy walk on a summer’s day. If activity holidays are a little too boisterous for you, then a visit to Trerice is an opportunity to slow the pace down a little.
Newquay and the surrounding countryside offers a huge selection of things to do and places to see, and is also well catered for with top class hotels and restaurants. It’s not just sand, sea and surfing – Newquay is an all-round holiday destination, just waiting to be discovered.
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Posted by: Andy in Paignton, Devon, area guide on
Dec 31, 2008
Paignton is one of the premier destinations on the English Riviera, and is famous for its sandy beaches, warm waters and traditional seaside Promenade. Paignton has been a popular resort since Victorian times. The grand pier, built in 1879, is set in the middle of one of Torbay’s best beaches and is within easy walking distance of the town centre, transport and parking facilities.
Paignton is one of many beaches on the English Riviera that carries the prestigious ‘Blue Flag’ award, meaning that the beach is clean and the water unpolluted and safe to swim in. The beach is fronted by a long promenade, and the shallow water makes it ideal for paddling and swimming. Pedaloes and boats are available to charter and there is plenty of room for just stretching out and lazing in the sun. Because of its sheltered position on the south coast of Devon, Paignton enjoys a clement climate for much of the year making it an ideal beach holiday location for families.
Paignton has been a resort for over 160 years, and as such has a wide variety of accommodation available, from luxury hotels, self-catering apartments and homely B&B’s. Because of the tight-knit layout of the town, nearly all the hotels and other accommodation are close to the beach, with many having panoramic sea views across the stunning bay. Prices range from the reasonable to the extravagant, depending on the facilities and star rating of the hotel.
For more independent visitors, there is plenty of self-catering accommodation available and the close proximity of the thriving town centre means provisions are easily available. However, if you fancy leaving the cooking to someone else for the evening, Paignton also boasts a wide range of restaurants, many specialising in seafood dishes. Brixham is only a few miles down the coast, which means you can be sure that the fish is as fresh as it can possibly be. Devon has a superb reputation for fresh produce, and many restaurateurs take great pride in sourcing as many of their ingredients locally.
The entire region is child-friendly, with plenty of attractions and theme parks to keep the young ones entertained and occupied, whatever the weather. Adventure parks such as Whitewater and Crealy give kids the chance to create their own holiday adventures. Paignton Zoo is regarded as one of the best zoos in the country and offers a wealth of activities to keep everyone busy. The surrounding countryside is some of the finest in England, with magnificent Dartmoor only a few miles away and the glorious Dart valley ripe for exploration.
The town centre is full of boutiques and independent shops, providing visitors with a great shopping experience and a plethora of individual keepsakes of their holiday to choose from. The town is proud of its rich history and heritage, and boasts a wide range of fascinating architecture dating back to the 11th century. Paignton is mentioned in the Doomsday Book, and was a small fishing village until the construction of the harbour in 1837. Since then, the town has grown to become one of the best seaside resorts in the South West.
If you like a good, old-fashioned seaside holiday but with plenty to do and see, Paignton should be at the top of your list of places to visit. A warm welcome, a friendly atmosphere and a great selection of attractions and places to stay will mean that one visit is never enough. Paignton will draw you back year after year.
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Posted by: Andy in Devon, Brixham, area guide on
Dec 30, 2008
Brixham is situated in the heart of the English Riviera and is regarded as one of the brightest jewels of the Devon coast. The town is still a working fishing port, with the largest fishing fleet in the UK. The catch is landed on the harbour and sold to top restaurants across the country. Because of its reliance on the sea for much of the town’s income, Brixham is justifiably proud of its fishing industry, and this is reflected in some of the town’s restaurants.
Brixham is small and clusters around its all-important harbour, making the atmosphere friendly and cozy. Winding lanes and pretty streets are lined with independent shops and boutiques, offering visitors a rich shopping experience. If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, Brixham offers you the very best of Devon’s wide variety of local produce; from Devon Ruby Red beef to locally grown vegetables and of course, very fresh fish!
Because of its popularity with visitors from all over the world, Brixham has a wide range of places to stay, from luxury hotels to homely bed and breakfast accommodation. There are holiday camps for those who prefer to stay under canvas or in a caravan, with easy access to all the amenities on offer and the wonderful surrounding countryside to explore. Holiday cottages are available all year round, enabling your family to stay in a comfortable environment at a time that suits you.
The maritime theme continues with the attractions available in and around Brixham. The Golden Hind Museum Ship has been based in Brixham since 1963 and gives visitors a chance to experience life aboard Sir Francis Drake’s famous ship. The ship is a full sized, accurate replica of the original Golden Hind and gives you a fascinating insight into life aboard a ship in the 16th century. The ship runs events and special entertainment for young and old alike, including the chance to rub shoulders with pirates and brigands!
Brixham has a thriving artist’s community, and has attracted talented artists to the town for many years. The light is unique in Brixham, giving rise to inspiration and some superb paintings from some of the most gifted contemporary artists working today. A wealth of galleries and studios fill the town, and works of art are available for the public to both view and buy. Brixham has been called ‘Devon’s St Ives’, and has established itself as a centre for art in the South West.
Although the sea is at the very heart of Brixham, the surrounding countryside is breathtaking as well. Brixham is an ideal base to explore the sweeping tors of Dartmoor, the hidden valleys of the Dart river or even further afield into the rolling hills of the South Hams district of Devon. Unique and ancient villages offer a glimpse into a less hurried time, but watch out for wildlife and horses on the roads.
Brixham gives visitors a combination of a traditional, seaside resort that is still also a working port. This gives it a vibrancy and unique feel that may have been lost in other resorts that rely solely on tourism for their income. The town is justifiably proud of the balance it has managed to maintain and welcomes visitors with open arms. Although smaller than its cousins of Torquay and Paignton, Brixham is still one of the top coastal towns to visit in the South West.
View properties to let in Brixham.
With over 700km of coastline and 300 beaches, Cornwall is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK. The county caters particularly well for those looking for self-catering accommodation, with hundreds of cottages, barn conversions and town houses available all year round.
St Ives is considered to be one of the premier destinations in Cornwall. Its breathtaking setting and legendary special ‘light’ have made the ancient fishing port a magnet for artists and craftspeople for centuries. But art isn’t the only attraction to St Ives. Its location makes it a perfect base for exploring the beauty of south Cornwall, the Atlantic coast and the sandy beaches that surround the town. Cottages and town houses in St Ives provide a warm, homely atmosphere for self-catering holidays, and the amenities are plentiful and of superb quality. There are also plenty of activities to keep both young and old occupied – from a round of golf to surfing, walking, riding and diving. Although St Ives is still home to a small fishing fleet, many of the boats have now been replaced with pleasure boats, which can be chartered for a spot of deep-sea fishing or a gentle cruise around the coast.
The labyrinth of lanes give visitors the perfect chance to explore galleries, boutiques and shops selling locally made crafts, and delicatessens can provide the self-caterer with some of the choicest selections of local produce. If you fancy a break from cooking on your self-catering break, St Ives also plays host to some superb restaurants, all serving the very best in Cornish cuisine.
Posted by: Andy in saunton, Devon, braunton on
Dec 17, 2008
On Monday myself, Caron, Alan & Brian the Blue Chip Travel Turtle dusted off our passports and set off for Saunton in North Devon.
We took a fairly unconventional route to Saunton, which included driving up the M5 to the Bridgwater junction, realising the error of our ways and driving 20 minutes back down the M5 to the junction which we should have turn off in the first place, signposted Barnstable.
Despite this slight misjudgement we were kept “entertained” by the BBC Radio 2 music quiz where Alan really came into his own and started to show his age.
After the Human Navigation System error and a spell of flirting with the low petrol warning light, we safely made it to Saunton Sands, which has been the setting for several famous productions including Robbie Williams Angel’s music video. The beach itself is surely one of the best in the area, with 3 miles of flat golden sand located in front of the Braunton Borrows, which are a huge area of sand dunes. The beach benefits from good surf, making it a haven for longboarders, kite surfers and sailors. Even in Mid-December the beach seems to retain its popularity with the keen surfers who were prepared to enter the icy waters in the hope of catching a good wave.
We had come to Saunton to visit a collection of self catering apartments perched above the beach, which are the newest acquisitions to the ever growing Blue Chip Vacations property portfolio. We are particularly excited by these properties as aside from the spectacular views which many of the properties afford, there are some fantastic facilities onsite. Facilities include indoor heated swimming pool, outdoor swimming pool with sun terrace and restaurant, crèche, squash court, tennis court, gym, sauna and spa treatments. There is also a mini putting green but for any budding Tiger-wannabes I would recommend a visit to Saunton Links Golf Course, which is rated in the world’s top 100 courses, and has spectacular views from every hole on the course.
It was inevitable that after spending the morning by a traditional British beach, we would follow convention and indulge in some traditional British fish and chips. We sampled the fare at Squires restaurant in Braunton, which is locally renowned for being one of the best fish and chip shops in the area, and we certainly weren’t disappointed. The food was delicious, the portions huge and the atmosphere was welcoming, which make for a gastronomic treat worth returning for.
All in all, Saunton and the surrounding area encompassing Woolacombe and Croyde have all the ingredients to make a holiday truly unforgettable. From the beautiful beaches, raging surf and fantastic golf courses, the area truly has something for everyone.
Saunton
Posted by: Andy in New properties, Cornwall on
Dec 16, 2008
Caron and I headed down to Kingsand and Cawsand for the day where we were meeting up with Des for a guided tour. Our first stop was at Katy’s Cottage where a warm and cosywelcome awaits and you immediately feel at home with its wood burning stove you can imagine many hours sat curled up on the sofa in front of it reading your favourite book.
The next property on our tour was Westcroft, which has so many rooms to explore you don’t know where to look first, throughout the property is pictures which can be purchased from the gallery which is next door. At the very top of Westcroft is bedroom four which is accessed up a small staircase but what a room when you reach the top.
Shell Cottage was our third property, which can be booked alongside Westcroft for a large party as it is accessed through the courtyard which also leads to the gallery. With its warm and cosy interior Shell Cottage is perfect for a winter break.
Posted by: Andy in looe, Cornwall, area guide on
Dec 12, 2008
Looe in Cornwall has all the ingredients of an ideal Cornish town. The earliest mention of the town is in 1201, when East Looe and West Looe were two separate villages. They were known as ‘planted boroughs’ and were joined by an estuary bridge in 1411. This ‘split identity’ makes Looe a unique location, filled with history and the perfect destination for a self-catering holiday.
Looe is in south Cornwall and lies at the mouth of a protected bay, making the water safe for swimming and diving. Surrounded by cliffs and rolling countryside, it nestles around its thriving harbour, where Cornish fishing boats still land their catch on the harbour walls. As it is a small town the most common type of accommodation available is self-catering, which offers visitors the freedom to design their own itinerary. Accommodation varies from cottages located in the centre of town, giving easy access to amenities and shops, to barn conversions and farmhouses further inland, which may be suitable for larger parties.
Nearly all the cottages in the town available for self-catering holidays have dramatic sea views, overlooking the towering cliffs that surround the harbour and the tranquil bay that stretches out from the harbour. Lets such as the Old School House have been beautifully restored to offer visitors luxury accommodation in a tranquil setting.
If it’s a romantic break away that you are looking for, then Looe offers some of the best self-catering accommodation available for a weekend away for two. The smaller cottages available give you a chance to snuggle up in front of an open fire in a cozy setting with stunning views that will provide a perfect backdrop to a relaxing holiday. Looe is justifiably proud of its nautical heritage, and fresh fish and seafood is a common feature of restaurants in the town. Cornish produce has a reputation for being of the highest quality, so if you fancy a night off from self-catering cuisine, you can choose from simple but tasty fish and chips to a full, a la carte menu, all washed down with locally produced Cornish ale.
Despite its seemingly remote location, Looe is only a few miles from the city of Plymouth and is a perfect base for exploring the dramatic south Cornish coast and rolling countryside. Again, by choosing a self-catering holiday you have the ideal location to explore to your timetable perhaps by taking advantage of the Looe Valley Railway, which winds its way along the picturesque river valley to Liskeard. If you are into sea fishing, boats can be chartered from the harbour to take you out into the bay, where your catch could be on your own plate for your evening meal.
The availability of self-catering cottages and houses on a year-round basis means that you can pick the time of your holiday to suit you. Most cottages are suitable for families and some even accept dogs, so there’s no need to leave your pet at home. Looe remains a perennial favourite, with many visitors returning more than once to enjoy its relaxed lifestyle, its friendly village atmosphere, the magnificent surroundings and some of the best self-catering facilities in Cornwall. Whatever your requirements for a self-catering break away, Looe ticks all the boxes.
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Posted by: Andy in Plymouth, Devon, area guide on
Dec 11, 2008
Plymouth is an ancient and vibrant city with a rich history. Whilst most self-catering holidays are designed as rural retreats, if you just can’t get enough of city life then Plymouth is a great alternative destination.
Many self-catering apartments overlook Plymouth Sound, an area that is steeped in nautical history. From here, the Pilgrim Fathers continued their journey to America and Sir Francis Drake (allegedly) finished his game of bowls before defeating the Spanish Armada. The Royal Navy still has a major presence in the town, and the port is still used by ships returning from active duty overseas. If you’re a fan of nautical history, Plymouth offers you the chance to explore some of the best military architecture and historical monuments in the country.
Plymouth has built itself back up from its wartime destruction to become a cosmopolitan and exciting city. Well served by public transport links including its own international airport, it’s a perfect jumping-off point to explore the rolling countryside that surrounds its bastions. Only a few miles from the city centre, visitors can be on the windswept beauty of Dartmoor or the river valley of the Tamar within minutes. The estuary is a haven for migrating birds, and the apartments that overlook the estuary are a perfect spot for a bit of bird watching from the comfort of your own armchair.
The type of self-catering accommodation available in the city is a little different from the usual farmhouse or cottage type in rural Devon or Cornwall. Because these are city apartments, amenities are perhaps a little more modern than a thatched cottage on Dartmoor would offer. Choosing an apartment in Plymouth also gives you the benefit of immediate access to a shopping centre that is one of the most modern in the UK, as well as highly respected theatres, clubs, pubs and a vibrant nightlife. If you still crave a little piece and quiet, then a trip out on a fishing boat or a journey into the heart of Devon to explore the surrounding countryside should give you that sojourn you need.
Self-catering offers you the chance to set your own itinerary and if you pick an exciting city like Plymouth to stay in there’s plenty to keep you occupied throughout your holiday. Obviously, there’s no problem when it comes to buying provisions for your stay. Plymouth boasts some wonderful delicatessens where you can sample some of Devon’s finest local produce. If you decide to give the cooking a miss for the evening, there are dozens of excellent restaurants in the city to choose from.
Plymouth offers those looking for a more independent-based holiday the perfect opportunity to enjoy both city and country life. The accommodation is of the highest standard, perfect for a city break at any time of the year. There are plenty of festivals and events going on in Plymouth all year round, so it’s easy to plan your visit to coincide with an event that will capture your interest. The people are friendly and welcoming and take a great pride in their city.
Self-catering breaks in Plymouth offer you the chance to explore a city that is continually evolving and changing, but with a history that stretches back hundreds of years. Holiday lets range in price according to the time of year, but you can guarantee that your first visit to Plymouth won’t be your last.
Posted by: Andy in st ives, Cornwall on
Dec 1, 2008
I decided to sample the public transport for my trip down to St Ives although this did involve a very early start! The train journey from Newton Abbot to St Erth passed quickly with the help of a very good book and some very pretty views over parts of Devon and Cornwall you would not normally see by car.
Arriving at St Erth I was met by Jodie who took me for a well earned coffee at the local Tesco’s, which is a few minutes’ drive away from Tregenna Castle Estate which was where our meeting would be taking place. This is the second time I have visited Tregenna and the stunning views of wide open space and down to St Ives beach are still breathtaking and better than I remembered.
Continuing along the drive way you approach Tregenna Castle itself which is extremely impressive. Jodie and I met with Sheila, Wendy and James where we discussed pricing and how our bookings would work and James told us about their future plans for Tregenna. The pool area is currently undergoing some refurbishment which meant the swimming pool had to be emptied and to refill it was going to cost around £5000. For the summer months they are planning to have a kids club with entertainment provided by a magician. There is plenty of things for all the family to do on Tregenna Estate if the weather is not kind!
