Trafalgar House Hotel

Stretching along 22 miles of stunning South Devon coastline, the beautiful English Riviera has been a popular holiday destination for centuries. Sandy beaches, rocky coves, picturesque harbours and a wonderfully mild climate combine to attract visitors seeking a unique experience.

 

The Torbay area first gained a reputation as a destination for relaxation and convalescence during the Napoleonic Wars in the late 18th century. Its 'romantic' location and fantastic weather conditions were praised by families of naval officers stationed in the bay.

 

It was the Victorians, however, that coined the phrase the 'English Riviera', likening the area to its French equivalent. Sub-tropical plants and the celebrated Torbay Palm add to the Mediterranean feel, and these days the busy waterfronts are a hive of activity as both working and pleasure craft come and go.

The three Riviera towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham surround the natural, sheltered Bay which, with a south-easterly aspect, forms an ideal suntrap and boasts many Blue Flag beaches.

 

Each town lends its own individual character to a holiday, so whether it is for a relaxing break enjoying local gastronomy, or an action-packed visit out on the waves, the English Riviera offers something for everyone!

Flight to Bristol, Exeter or Bournemouth. Drive to Torquay to your Hotel. The 'Trafalgar House Hotel' is a detached, quiet and delightful Victorian Villa filled with charm, standing in its own sub-tropical gardens. The Resident Proprietors, Ian and Annette Gay are always on hand to provide you with a warm welcome and to look after your every need. The excellent hospitality, tastefully appointed en-suite guest rooms, fresh prepared English & Continental breakfast and service combine to make your stay enjoyable.

Named 'Queen of the Riviera' by the Victorians, Torquay is one of the UK's premier holiday destinations. Explore the waterfront and you will find a palm lined promenade which skirts the busy harbour, marina and beyond. For those who want to take in the sun, head for the beautiful sandy beaches which can be easily accessed within minutes of the town centre. Visit Torquay museum which houses the world's only Agatha Christie Exhibition displaying an array of photographs, book covers, costumes, posters and other memorabilia.

 

A visit to Torre Abbey Historic House which is home to Agatha Christie's Memorial Room is essential. It holds a small collection of original handwritten manuscripts, her favourite Remington typewriter and other personal effects are on view to the public.

 

In the evening enjoy a spectacular West End musical or concert in the large 1500 seat auditorium in the Princess Theatre.

After breakfast visit Kents Cavern where you will see beautiful and spectacular geological formations and 700,000 year old prehistoric finds, the Cavern is one of the most important Palaeolithic caves in Northern Europe.

 

From Torquay travel along to Brixham and visit the harbour. In the Middle Ages, Brixham was the largest fishing port in the South-West, and at one time it was the greatest in England, known as the "Mother of Deep-Sea Fisheries". In the 1890s there were around 300 trawling vessels here, there is still a big fishing fleet, and you can seen the boats coming in and out of the harbour, followed by flocks of seagulls. There was once an important boat building industry here, as well as all the associated trades. Walk around the narrow streets and see something of the area long ago, or visit Brixham Heritage Museum.

 

Cockington with its 17th century Manor House, picture postcard thatched cottages and Norman Church is a must. Only a mile inland from Torquay seafront, it is a pleasant walk or, if you prefer you can take advantage of the horse drawn carriages that will add to the illusion of stepping back in time. The acres of gardens and woodland are an oasis in a busy, modern town and are often host to various outdoor events.

Start your day heading out towards beautiful Totnes and paying a visit to an English Heritage Property - Berry Pomeroy Castle. This romantic ruined castle is situated in a picturesque Devon valley and steeped in local folklore and legend. The gatehouse and defensive curtain wall date from the late 15th century and behind them are the remains of an Elizabethan country house.

 

Continue your journey on towards to Blackpool Sands a beautiful coastal town. Here you can visit Blackpool Gardens - a beautifully restored 19th century garden. With breathtaking coastal views seen through a collection or rare and exotic trees, shrubs and ferns.

Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway is the holiday line with steam trains running for seven miles in Great Western tradtion along the spectacular Torbay coast to Churston amd through the wooded slopes bordering the Dart esturay to Kingswear.

 

The scenery is superb, with escapes right across Lyme Bay to Port Bill on clear days. At Kingswear is the beautiful River Dart, with fascinating craft, on the far side, the town of Dartmouth. The historic marina town of Dartmouth set in a picture book location with steep wooded hillsides on both sides, and the cobbled Bayard’s Cove where little has changed since 1539. At the southern end of the cove is a small fortification, the cove was featured regularly in the television series The Onedin Line. Two impressive castles have maintained a guard at the mouth of the River Dart - Dartmouth Castle since 1481 and Kingswear Castle on the opposite bank of the river. The Pilgrim Fathers put into Bayard's Cove en-route from Southampton to the New World. Dartmouth offers the visitor a stunning array of bistros, boutiques and specialist shops these line Dartmouth's narrow streets, with their long flights of winding steps, alongside intriguing medieval buildings some dating back to the 14th century.

Built between the 14th and 16th centuries, the Compton Castle has been home to the Gilbert family for most of the last 600 years. Sir Humphrey Gilbert (1539–1583) was coloniser of Newfoundland and half-brother to Sir Walter Raleigh. Given to the National Trust in 1951 by Commander Walter Raleigh Gilbert, the castle is lived in by his son and daughter-in-law. Within the curtain wall can be seen the old kitchen with spiral staircase to the guard room, reconstructed great hall, solar and chapel. There are lovely rose gardens and a knot garden.

 

Travel to the Greenway estate, overlooking the River Dart near Galmpton in South Devon, was bought by the Queen of Crime in 1938. It was offered to the trust by Dame Agatha's daughter, Rosalind Hicks, and her husband Anthony, in 1999. Beautiful in all seasons and renowned for rare half-hardy plants underplanted with native wild flowers, Greenway has an atmosphere of wildness and timelessness. This true 'secret' garden of peace and tranquility, with wonderful views, is set within an extensive estate and associated with many fascinating characters.

 

In the afternoon visit the Coleton Fishacre which is called "A garden by the sea," and it boasts some breath-taking views of the South Devon coastline. The house and gardens nestle in the rolling fields between Paignton and Brixham, with Kingswear just down the road. The place has quite a history. It was built in the 1920s for the D'Oyly Carte family - which were known for their theatrical connections. hey spent 20 years creating the lovely gardens, which are now managed by the National Trust. In the spring and early summer at Coleton Fishacre wild flowers abound amid Rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas, planted among tender and exotic plants which thrive in the subtropical climate. Formal terraces and walled garden provide summer long interest. Paths descend the informal wooded valley to the coastal path and lookout.

Drive to Bristol, Exeter or Bournemouth airport.