Torre Abbey is located just a 1 minute stroll from The Westbank B&B Guest House, Torquay.

Since its foundation in 1196, Torre Abbey has witnessed, survived and even played a role in some epic moments of history. But through all that, the one thing that has never changed is the hospitality offered to its guests.

The six Canons of the Premonstratensian order who arrived on the south coast of England from Wellbeck Abbey in Nottinghamshire (having been gifted the Abbey land by Lord William Brewer) began the tradition eight hundred years ago and it has been maintained ever since. First, for three and a half centuries by the Abbots and Canons, then by the Cary family, who, following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, bought the property in 1662, after a succession of owners, and lived here for 268 years. This tradition of hospitality continues today the local authority, taking great pride in allowing the public to enter and explore the largest surviving medieval monastery in Devon and Cornwall.

 

During all that time, and in all of its roles – as an abbey, a family home, art gallery and attraction – eight centuries of history have been absorbed into the very fabric of a building which is divided into 122 rooms, rambling over 20 different levels and with 265 steps.

It all contributes to a fascinating experience for the 21st century ‘pilgrim’, who can step inside – and back-in-time – to see what life was like for a 12th century Canon following the strict rule of St Augustine. It was an austere life, yet they were supported by servants and staff; and by the end of the 15th century, Torre Abbey had become the wealthiest Premonstratensian Abbey in England earning 1.8 million pounds a year.

That fortune enabled them to build Torquay’s first real harbour – and, in order to sell the produce from their vast landholdings they gained a charter from the king to found the nearby market town of “Newton Abbot. As well as caring for the sick and poor, it was customary for the Abbey to offer one night’s free board-and-lodge to travellers. (This was one Torquay boarding house where the “No Vacancies” sign never appeared!).

Following Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries, the surviving buildings were bought by Cary family in 1662 and became a private house. Surrounded at that time by fields, the Abbey gradually changed in appearance during the 300 years of ownership by the family, and today bears all the hallmarks of a Georgian Mansion.

 

However, the one thing which never changed was the welcome given to all visitors. Members of the Cary family were renowned for their hospitality – so much so that at one point, the Abbey became better known locally as “The George Hotel” (George being the Cary’s favourite family name).

The Abbey also boasts another of the English Riviera’s most famous buildings, The “Spanish Barn” – a medieval Tithe Barn originally built to store taxes paid to the Abbey in the form of grain, hay and other farm produce. The barn’s place in the history books was firmly established at the time of the Spanish Armada, when the “Nuestra Senora del Rosario” was among the first of the Spanish fleet to come to grief. A total of 397 prisoners were captured by Sir Francis Drake and were held in the barn for a fortnight. Under the ownership of the Cary’s it became a stable, and later a garage for Colonel Cary’s Daimler; and these days it houses temporary exhibitions…and even barn dances!

Someone who dances to an altogether different tune, however, is the Abbey’s most famous ghost!, Assured of an easy victory, many of the sailors in the Spanish Armada took their wives along for the voyage. A young Lieutenant and his fiancée were amongst those on board the Rosario when the vessel was captured. She quickly disguised herself as a sailor and was imprisoned in the tithe barn. But she died there, and “The Spanish Lady” is now said to roam the barn and the surrounding parkland…sobbing for her lost love.

The Abbey was purchased by the local authority for £40,000, in 1930, for use as an art gallery. Part of the need for this was created when the widow of prominent Victorian sculptor Frederick Thrupp gifted much of his surviving work to the town. Actually the largest surviving collection from a Victorian sculptor’s studio, his work today takes centre stage within a fine-art collection which also boasts a collection of pictures including Pre-Raphaelite works of national standing, such as Holman Hunt’s “The Children’s Holiday”, Edward Burne-Jones’ cartoons and William Blake’s for the “Book of Job”.

Part-gallery, part-museum, and part-historic house, Torre Abbey nevertheless found itself heading towards the new millennium with a detailed surveyor’s report which revealed that works on a frightening scale would be needed just to keep the building standing. Now, as the result of a £6-million restoration project, completed in July 2008, a completely new generation of visitors will receive the very special Torre Abbey welcome as they step inside this precious building to experience and discover 800 years of history.

 

Only a mile from Torquay seafront, the Domesday book village of Cockington has hardly changed through the centuries.

Come and explore this special  village, its historic manor house and the 460 acres of beautiful parkland, woodland and farmland around. The Court is also home to a wide variety of skilled craftsmen – watch them as they work and perhaps take a unique gift home with you! It is completely free to enter and you can lose yourself here for a whole day!

The landscape of Cockington has been shaped by its inhabitants for the last thousand years and there are miles of walks to explore.

Cockington Court is the manor house in the centre of the estate and the oldest parts of the building date back to the times when it was owned by the Cary family who lived there from 1375 to 1654.

It was then sold to the Mallocks, a family of rich silversmiths who owned it until the 1930s when it passed into the hands of the people of Torbay, more recently becoming part of theTorbay Coast and Countryside Trust.

The manor house is open to the public and now houses a community of craft workers including a potter and a blacksmith. There is also a popular tea room and the carriage rides start from here. Found in the stableyard is Our Glass, a glass-blowing working studio which is open daily. Here you are welcome to watch the traditional manufacturing process.

A more recent addition to the estate is the Drum Inn, designed by famous architect, Edwin Lutyens, and now a popular and friendly pub.

With tea rooms, gift shops and so much to see, a visit to the picture postcard village of Cockington offers a truly different holiday experience to the lively waterfront bustle of Torquay.

The ranger staff run special events through the year from hedgelaying to batwatching and the estate is also a lovely and unusual venue for meetings, conferences and weddings.

 

Both districts were independent parishes before becoming part of Torquay at the turn of the 20th Century, and St Marychurch was mentioned in the Domesday Book.

Babbacombe’s most infamous resident was John Lee, also known as the “man they couldn’t hang”. In 1884, he was convicted of the murder of his employer, and sentenced to death by hanging. Fortunately for Lee, only 20 years old at the time, the trap door of the gallows failed to open three times, despite being tested with sacks and dummies. His sentence was commuted and he served 22 years – and lived to a grand old age.

 

Culture

This part of Torquay has long been a popular site for holidaymakers seeking a spot away from the bustle of the town centre, and many grand hotels have been built along the roads. Amongst the shops and cafes visitors can discover the little gem that is Bygones, a replica Victorian Street attraction that is both fun and educational.

Further along the road and within walking distance of all the amenities stands Babbacombe Model Village, an excellent place to visit for all the family.

 

The two parishes of Babbacombe & St Marychurch in Torquay are small villages in their own right and boast a delightful alternative to Torquay town centre, with independent shops, a wide range of tea rooms andrestaurants, stunning sea views and a number of interesting attractions.

Babbacombe

Perched atop distinctive, red sandstone cliffs , this district boasts a colourful promenade following the Babbacombe Downs, enjoying stunning coastal vistas across the wider Lyme Bay and, on a clear day, the Golden Cap in Dorset.

 

In fact the area was especially popular amongst post war honeymoon couples, attracted to the romantic views and walks the area is blessed with.

Oddicombe Beach can be reached by foot down a very steep, wooded lane, or you may choose a more gentle ascent on the historic Babbacombe Cliff Railway. One of only a few original working funicular railways, the Babbacombe Cliff Railway has been transporting visitors up and down the 240 foot cliff face since 1926. A short stroll from Oddicombe Beach leads toBabbacombe Beach and the Cary Arms Pub. Nearby isBabbacombe Model Village, where thousands of miniture buildings and people capture the essence of all things British.
On returning from the beach, your healthy appetite can be satisfied at one of the numerous tea rooms and eateries dotted along the cliff top overlooking the stunning Babbacombe Downs. No visit to the area would be complete without indulging yourself in traditional cream teas, while the area also boasts several award-winning fish and chip shops.

 

St Marychurch

Just a short stroll from Babbacombe reveals the historic village of St. Marychurch, boasting a timeless charm and refreshing community spirit.

The pretty, Victorian-style pedestrianised precinct of St Marychurch offers a wide choice of independently owned small shops and boutiques, all offering friendly service and a personal touch. A pleasant stroll will reveal antiques shops and clockmakers, a traditional sweet shop and a number of excellent cafes.
This is the site of the two landmark churches that make up Torquay’s unique sky-line, as well as a beautifully landscapedgolf course with spectacular views out to sea. No visit to the area would be complete without a few hours spent in Bygones, a fascinating Victorian Museum that offers three floors of pure nostalgia, sure to be popular with adults and children alike.
St Marychurch is just a short bus ride from the heart of Torquay and is best explored on foot, with plenty of traditional cafes and pubs only too happy to reward the weary traveller.

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This quaint, harbour town at the southern end of the English Riviera is in fact one of Britain’s busiest fishing ports.
Every year over ten thousand tonnes of fresh fish and crustaceans land on Brixham’s quays and are sent around the country. It is here you must come to sample sea food specialties in the numerous restaurants, cafes and seafood stalls offering Catch of the Day, and revel in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the sea.

Brixham represents all things maritime, from pirates and smugglers to trawlers and tall ships. A replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind rests in the harbour, complete with sails, masts and rigging above deck and period scenes below, to give you a feel for life at sea as it used to be in the 16th century.

There are many independent shops and businesses that surround the harbour and align the busy high street, as well as a little museum that gives an insight into the fascinating history of Brixham’s connections with the sea. Every Thursday throughout the year don’t miss Pirate Day, a chance for everyone in the town to decorate their windows with skulls and crossbones.

The old fish market was used until the 1970′s before modern quays were built and fishermen still use the old sheltered area for working on their nets. On a summer evening, you may be fortunate to hear the Brixham Town Band or the Brixham Orpheus Male Voice Choir.

Explore any of the network of narrow alleys and steep steps around the harbour area and it’s possible to transport yourself back in time to when the colourful cottages belonged to fishermen. Imagine yourself back on trawler race day (which still takes place every June) when each cottage would hang up the burgee (flag) of the family trawler they would be cheering for.

The statue to William of Orange can be found close to the Tourist Information centre on the edge of the old fishing harbour. It was erected in 1888 to commemorate William landing in the town back in 1688 and his unopposed march from Brixham to London to overthrow the unpopular James II. It’s part of the colourful history that you’ll be able to uncover when you visit the nearby Brixham Heritage Museum.

Fans of culture of a more sinister nature won’t want to miss the Ghost Walks which take place during the summer months. The sleepy fishing town is apparently one of the most haunted places in Great Britain, and actors guide you through a history crammed with ghostly tales, spooky stories and paranormal activity.

Battery Gardens make an attractive park and viewpoint, where you will be able to discover buildings and structures from the 1935-1945 War. This was formally the site of Brixham’s Emergency Coastal Defense Battery, where the local Guardsmen joined forces with the Royal Artillery and is the best-preserved site of its kind in the UK. It is now a scheduled monument and has it’s own on-site museum.

Brixham is bordered by the imposing National Nature Reserve of Berry Head, where on cliffs that drop dramatically to the sea an ecologically important colony of guillemots has nested. Atop the headland amidst rare flora and fauna stands a Napoleonic fort, a strategic point in the wars of the late 18th Century. The views from the headland are stunning, looking one way across Tor Bay and the other along the coast towards Dartmouth.

Brixham remains a hugely popular holiday destination, for those seeking a relaxed break in an unspoilt traditional fishing town. Whether you want to walk, fish, shop or indulge in some Great British history, Brixham has it all.

 

Brixham has a fascinating maritime history stretching back a thousand years and more.

The ancient Britons may have launched their coracles from the sheltered beaches and the Romans are thought to have had a watch-tower on Berry Head overlooking the sea route from Lyme Bay to the Southwest.

There are many thrilling stories of smuggling in Brixham with evidence as early as 1645 when the Customs House Officer reported a find of tobacco.

 

Fishing since Medieval times!

It is fishing, however, that has been the lifeblood of the community since medieval times and Brixham fishermen were known to be supplying the London markets in the 18th century.

In 1688, Brixham was the cradle of the Bloodless Revolution. Prince William of Orange landed at the port and went on to claim the throne as King William III. See if you can spot the statue near the Tourist Information Centre which commemorates the site in both English and Dutch.

Roman artefacts found at Berry Head suggest a long history of sea defence on the headland, but the first evidence of a battery and camp on the site dates from the 1780s. In 1803 work on three substantial forts began, which held a total of 40 canons – interestingly, these were never fired in anger. Many of the remains of these Napoleonic fortifications can be seen today and the guardhouse is now a busy café.

 

Coastal defence and preservation

In the World War years many Brixham trawlers were requisitioned for the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from France and in 1944 the harbour was one of many along the south coast to be used by the US Army for embarking prior to the invasion of Normandy. The town’s Battery Gardens were an important part of the area’s coastal defences and housed guns manned first by troops but subsequently taken over by the Home Guard.

Of the 116 of these emergency sites set up during the war years, only 7 remain today and Brixham is the most important and well preserved of these. In March 2002 this Battery the site became a scheduled monument Class 1. A volunteer group preserve the Battery and run an interesting war-time visitor centre at Fishcombe Road.

 

Generations have been enchanted by the charm and romance of Brixham, a colourful and bustling fishing port at the southern end of Torbay.

The hilly town is built around the central harbour area, which remains the lifeblood of this quaint historic town. Vibrant fishermen’s cottages gaze out across the port and the fishing trawlers below. Many of the Brixham hotelsare within easy reach of the harbour.
Fishing for compliments…

The trawler was invented in Brixham back in the 19th century and today they share the harbour with a replica of SirFrancis Drake’s ship, the Golden Hind, a popular tourist attraction and focal point of the town.

Brixham remains one of the UK’s busiest fishing ports and every year, over ten thousand tonnes of fresh fish and crustaceans land on the quays.

The nearby statue of William of Orange is another hint to the rich and diverse history the town boasts. The Hymn, “Abide With Me” was written in Brixham, and there are endless tales of smugglers and pirates to be unearthed by the inquisitive.

Have a relaxing drink by the Harbour…

There are plenty of cafes and unusual shops to be discovered as you explore the charming streets and alleys, while there is no end of traditional pubs willing to reward you with an ale or glass of wine at the end of a busy day sightseeing.

Of course, the best way to experience the allure of Brixham is to take one of the many boat trips and enjoy the commentary – with the added charm of a Devonian accent. You’ll learn plenty about the rich heritage and history of the area, whilst also returning with amazing photographs of your nautical adventures.

Brixham is blessed with some of the most stunning coastal walks in the UK, and no visit would be complete without a climb to the cliff-top nature reserve of Berry Head, past Breakwater Beach and Shoalstone seawater pool.

 

There’s even more to come!
Brixham is undergoing a programme of sympathetic regeneration, and the stylish marina blends in perfectly with the traditional working harbour. It’s the perfect holiday spot for those who want to get away from it all and take things easy in charming, picturesque surroundings.

But don’t take our word for it, come and see for yourself! You are sure to fall in love with the place, as have generations before you. And did we mention the delicious seafood…

 

Paignton is a true resort town, ideal for family holidays. There are a number of pubs and restaurantson the seafront with lovely views out to sea, and a quaint harbour tucked away where it is possible to arrange water sports in the Bay.

There are also a number of cultural possibilities for those who want to dig a little deeper that just building sandcastles.

Environmental Paignton…

Paignton Zoo is one of the best in the UK and is home to thousands of plants and endangered species. Having supported environmental and green issues, years before they became fashionable, the zoo is a fascinating place for all the family and home to everything from lemurs to gorillas and snakes to pink flamingoes.

Travel in style like Poirot!

Why not take a ride on the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway to Kingswear and then cross the Dart by ferry to enjoy a day out in Dartmouth. The train follows a seven mile route often taken by Agatha Christie – in fact her creation, Hercule Poirot took the same journey in both the ABC Murders and Dead Man’s Folly.

The train also stops at Churston Ferrers, which is nestled between Paignton and Brixham. Agatha frequently visited the parish church of St. Mary the Virgin and she paid for the beautiful stained glass east window. She would also lunch at the beautiful Churston Court, which makes a fantastic historical spot for a drink and a bite to eat.

Visit the stunning historic Oldway Mansions…

No visit to Paignton would be complete without a visit to the stunning Oldway Mansions, built back in 1874 for Isaac Singer, creator of the famous sewing machine.

With its elegant colonnade, beautiful Italian gardens and resplendent architecture, the buildings and grounds are reminiscent of the palace of Versailles.

Be entertained and take in a show!

A trip to the cinema is always a possibility for an evening in Paignton, in the multi-screen leisure complex on Paignton Green.

Palace Theatre on Palace Avenue is a traditional Victorian theatre that has just re-opened after a massive refurbishment. it is a true community theatre, with a programme of local amateur entertainment, as well as professional performances.

Find out more about year round events in Paignton…

Paignton has enough activities to satisfy everyone from culture vultures to families and makes a great base for a holiday any time of the year.

 

Originally the Celtic settlement of Paega’s town, Paignton was referred to as ‘the manor and borough of Peynton’ in the 17th Century. It remained a small fishing village until the early 19th Century, with big merchant and fishing fleets preferring the more sheltered quays of Torquay and Brixham. Around the time of the construction of its new harbour in 1837, Paignton was described as a “neat and improving village and bathing place”. After a seawall had been built to protect its sandy shores from erosion, the foreshore was bought from the Duchy of Cornwall in the late 19th Century for £256.00!

Paignton residents have long been known as ‘pudden’ eaters, referring to the pudding that was baked to mark the granting of the town’s charter in the 13th Century. A simple recipe consisting of suet, flour, raisins and eggs, the Paignton Pudding has been made on several important occasions since, notably the opening of the railway line to Paignton in 1858, and more recently at the 200th anniversary of the birth of engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Paignton became renowned as a seaside resort once the railway reached it in the late 1800s. It still retains that family-friendly feel that has appealed to visitors of all ages for centuries, and the colourful beach huts, very popular with tourists and residents alike, still align its promenades.

Architecturally, Paignton has some really interesting buildings tucked away. Look out for some of these hidden gems during your holiday:

Oldway Mansion is a particularly stunning house that was built in the 1870s for Isaac Singer, of Singer sewing machine fame. Much of the house was rebuilt by Isaac’s son Paris in the early 1900s, when it earned the nickname of Little Versailles due to its ornate interior. The 17 acres of beautiful grounds, originally designed by French landscape artist Duschesne, are the perfect place to relax with a picnic, or watch a game of croquet on the lawn. The mansion has starred in a number of films including the 2004 movie Churchill: The Hollywood Years starring Christian Slater. Along the seafront in Paignton, the beautiful buildings of the Palace Hotel and what is now the Inn on the Green were built around the same time as Oldway for two of Isaac Singer’s other sons.

Hidden along a small street in Paignton town centre is the medieval stone building Kirkham House, which dates from the 14th Century. The house, managed by English Heritage, is laid out in a medieval style with replica furniture. It is also known as Priest’s House, and was probably at one time owned by an important local official. Nowadays it is open to the public at certain times of the year.

One fine example of a building in the local red sandstone is the Bishop’s or Coverdale Tower, located on one of the back streets near the Palace Theatre. This was once the residence of Bishop Coverdale, the man responsible for publishing an English translation of the Bible in 1536.

 

Famous for its long, sandy beaches, paddler-friendly waters and a colourful, bustling pier, Paignton remains a popular, traditional seaside resort.

The lively seafront of Paignton, Devon, and that of nearby Goodrington, offer a host of attractions from the waterslides of Quaywest to crazy golf on Paignton Green.

Paignton hotels offer easy access to the beach with facilities to suit all tastes. During the summer months you will find the area hosts many festivals and fairs, in addition to the many yearlyexhibitions and events which are held on the green.

Fun away from the beach…

Away from the shores, there’s no shortage of things to do and visitors are spoilt for choice!

Take the steam train trip with the Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company to Kingswear, visit the endangered species at Paignton Zoo, or indulge in some history at the 500 year old Kirkham House or at Oldway Mansion, once home of Isaac Singer of Singer sewing machine fame.

And at the end of the day..

An evening stroll along the seafront, under the soft light of the beach front illuminations, is a perfect way to wrap up your day. With all the essential ingredients for a magical family holiday, Paignton is the ideal seaside resort.

 

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