Why We love Torbay

Beautiful Torbay

The English Riviera, Torbados, The Gem of South Devon... Torbay goes by many names, and is often considered the 'poor cousin' to the more afluent areas of south Devon such as Salcombe and Dartmouth. But that certainly isn't the case! Torbay has so much to offer and is ideal for family celebrations, summer holidays and winter breaks alike! Here's our top five reasons why we love the place we're lucky enough to call home!

1 - There's the beach...

Everyone knows that between Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, there's an abundance of two things in particular...

1. Quality holiday cottages, apartments and accommodation provided by the Discovery Holiday Homes team!
2. Beaches. Miles and miles of beaches.

...but something not everyone knows is that Torbay's beaches frequently win the coveted Blue Flag award, which means they're among the cleanest beaches in the UK! With a mix of pebble, shingle and sand to choose from, from Maidencombe Beach all the way along the coastlie to St Mary's Bay, and any of the 27 beaches between!

2 - Peaceful Countryside Villages...

From the breathtaking beauty of the Torbay coast, it's hard to believe that you're within just a gentle walk of the deep countryside. Nestled just a mile from Torquay's coastline lies the country charm of Cockington village. With fabulous tea rooms for a typical Devon cream tea, the historic Cockington Court with its horse and carriage rides through the village, and hundreds of acres of natural trails and lakes. Galmpton offers equal charm, with its quaint country pubs and restaurants, perfect for light bites as well as romantic strolls down leafy rural tracks.

3 - A Pet's Paradise...

There are plenty of fabulous pet-friendly Torbay cottages, but there are even more places that you and your four-legged friend can venture to in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. With over half of the beaches welcoming pets, many throughout the whole year, as well as lush green fields to let your pup run free, and pubs and restaurants which welcome dogs inside and out, families with their furry companions will have no trouble finding entertainment for all creatures great and small!

4 - What about Families...

A great family day out is certain in Torbay, with literally hundreds of local attractions, and with a mix of indoor and outdoor to select from you're sure of family fun no matter the weather! From the depths of the pre-historic caves at Kent's Cavern to the dizzy heights of the Babbacombe Cliff Railway, Torbay has something for everyone. Adventurers young and old will love a day out at the world-class Paignton Zoo, or walking like a giant through miniature versions of some famous attractions at the Babbacombe Model Village, or even climb aboard the replica of Francis Drake's Golden Hind at Brixham. Wherver your cottage lies in Torbay, you're sure for a family treat!

5 - Exciting Food & Nightlife...

Depths of fresh local cuisine fill the Bay with tempting aromas. Many of our guests tell us how much they 'do love to be beside the seaside' with their locally-caught Brixham fish and chips, or how couples have enjoyed a romantic candle-lit meal at The Elephant, Torquay's Michelin star restaurant. And who can forget everyone's favourite seaside treat - Ice Cream!! For tasty evening meals, Torquay's iconic harbourside is an idyll, boasting a number of new and vibrant restaurants along Torre Abbey and towards the harbour to cater to all cuisines from fine dining to fast family food!

We're lucky enough to have plenty of great South Devon destinations, from charming fishing villages such as Shaldon and Brixham, to larger towns with shopping centres like Torquay and Exeter. There's so much we could say, but you'll just have to exprience it for yourself!