A tiny village situated in Devon, on the northern edge of the Dartmoor National Park, Sticklepath is in an area of picturesque countryside, challenging walking country and historic monuments. Location of the National Trust’s Finch Foundry, Sticklepath attracts its fair share of visitors, who come to enjoy the peace and quiet, the walking, the fishing, the pony trekking, and to enjoy the Tarka Trail which runs through the village. Another attraction is the Lady Well, a historic well which never dries up and has provided drinking water for people passing Sticklepath for many centuries. Located close to Okehampton and midway between Exeter and Launceston, Sticklepath is well worth a visit if you are in the Dartmoor region.
May 8, 2011
May 3, 2011
Ilfracombe North Devon
A large and popular seaside resort located on the north coast of Devon, in the United Kingdom, Ilfracombe first developed around an Iron Age hillfort, established on a nearby hill. Its sheltered position, protecting it from the worst of the region’s stormy weather, led to its becoming an important seaport, and it was used for a number of naval sorties over the centuries. Making its income mostly from fishing for many years Ilfracombe has, since Victorian times become popular as a seaside holiday resort. The Victorian used it for sea bathing after tunnels were dug to several of its shingle beaches. These days it attracts holidaymakers, who enjoy its charming and attractive harbour, good climate and weather, superb coastal walks, boat trips and sea fishing trips. Catch up on the local history of Ilfracombe at the Ilfracombe Museum, where you will find interesting facts about the town’s maritime history, and also see a collection of model ships and steamers, which have sailed the Devon coast through the centuries.
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November 18, 2010
Riviera Bay Brixham Devon
Riviera Bay Brixham Devon
Overlooking the picturesque St Mary’s Bay in Brixham, Devon, the popular Riviera Bay resort is an ideal spot for a family holiday in this desirable area on Torbay. Offering access to beautiful beaches, charming villages and stunning walks along the Devon coastline, the resort also has plenty of great facilities for those not wanting to venture too far. The Tropicana clubroom is at the heart of Riviera Bay entertainment with shows, discos and cabarets taking place here, other leisure activities include heated indoor swimming pool, so you can swim whatever the weather, 10-pin bowling, crazy golf, amusement arcade, soft play area for under fives, pool, darts, tennis court, big screen television, bingo and an adventure playground. Accommodation is in chalets and prices start at £148 for a 4 person chalet. Nearby Brixham is a charming town with an attractive harbour, here you will find plenty of pubs, restaurants and shops. Why not take a look at the replica of the Golden Hind, Sir Francis Drake’s famous ship. The lovely local coastline is perfect for hiking, so when the weather is fine, why not take a few hours out to get away from it all along this picturesque coastline. You could head along to Berry Head, a nearby coastal headland, which is also a nature reserve with some rare species of flora and fauna. So for your holidays in Devon, why not choose the delightful Riviera Bay. Brixham Map.
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September 6, 2010
Dawlish and Dawlish Warren Devon
A charming Regency seaside resort located on the south coast of Devon, Dawlish is attractively nestled between steep hills, with a sandy beach backed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s railway line which opened in 1846. Narrow streets lined with character cottages add to Dawlish still feeling like a Victorian resort, going back to the days when it was first popular. The delightful Lawn area of gardens, with pretty waterfalls and black swans, still give enjoyment to visitors as they have for almost 200 years. Dawlish reached its zenith of popularity in the 1960’s, when hardly a room could be had in the town during the summer months, it is a little quieter these day but still very popular with tourists, who come to enjoy the pleasant weather conditions, the sandy beach and the general feel of the place. To the north east of the town is the even smaller resort of Dawlish Warren, home of many holiday camps and caravan parks, and also home to a golf course and Nature Reserve. Dawlish Warren is connected to Dawlish itself by the aforementioned railway, and is also worth a visit if you in the area. Dawlish Warren has miles of sandy beaches and sand dunes, a great place to take the kids when the weather is sunny.
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September 2, 2010
Budleigh Salterton Devon
Located between the towns of Exmouth and Sidmouth in the north of Devon, the small town of Budleigh Salterton has a population of just under 5,000 and sits at the mouth of the Otter river, in an area of great natural beauty. The estuary around Budleigh Salterton is a significant area for migratory birds and attracts many “twitchers” to this tranquil residential town. The town does attract some holidaymakers, as it has a decent beach, and the surrounding coastline is popular with walkers and hikers as well as fossil hunters who are attracted to the Jurassic World Heritage Site. When the weather is fine, it welcomes many day trippers from nearby Exeter and other surrounding towns, though for most of the year it is a peaceful place. Nearby towns include Seaton, Sidmouth, Ottery St Mary and Exeter
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Teignmouth Devon
A popular town and seaside resort located in the county of Devon, England, Teignmouth stands on the River Teign estuary to the north of Torquay. With a population of around 14,000, Teignmouth is just a small town, though its numbers of course grow during the summer season as thousands of holidaymakers descend on the resort for their summer vacation. For many centuries just a small fishing village, Teignmouth became popular as a holiday destination during Victorian times, after the arrival of the railway line connecting it with neighbouring towns as well as London and Penzance. The fine weather experienced by the town was of course the major draw, but bathing in the healthy sea waters was much the rage during the Victorian era. Historically Teignmouth is famous as being the last place in England to be invaded by a foreign power (1690). The port of Teignmouth has had significance since the 13th century, and handled grain, timber and clay, the first quay was built during the 18th century. These days tourism is the major industry for the town and it has plenty of hotels and guest houses for those wishing to visit the town.
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Paignton Devon a Brief History
A lovely seaside town located in the town of Devon in south-west England, Paignton has a population of around 48,000 and lies on Torbay between the equally popular resorts of Torquay and Brixham. For many centuries just a small fishing village Paignton traces its history back to the times of the ancient Celts, though it is first recorded as a settlement in the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was called Peynton, a name derived from the Celtic language meaning “town of Paega”. Paignton mostly grew as a town during the 19th century when a new harbour was constructed (1847) to improve the towns seabound communications, and the railway arrived, linking the town with London via Torquay. The town grew considerably after this taking in several surrounding villages such as Preston and Goodrington. Becoming popular as a seaside resort during the Victorian period due to its fine weather and healthy atmosphere, Paignton has its pier erected in 1879, in the height of the British seaside resort era in the 1960’s the Festival Theatre opened to provide entertainment for its many visitors. Paignton has plenty of guest houses and hotels, should you wish to stay overnight or for a holiday and such establishments as the Preston Sands Hotel should prove adequate for your needs, larger hotels are of course available as are holiday cottages in the surrounding villages, which may be your preferred accommodation. When staying in Paignton you should take a day out to visit the nearby Dartmoor National Park, a large area of great natural beauty with many charming little villages and some interesting archaeological sites. Paignton can be reached by road by way of the A380, can be reached by rail, and is also within easy driving distance of Exeter airport, it is about 20 miles from Exeter, only 8 miles from Newton Abbot and its racecourse, and just 2 miles from Torquay.
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September 1, 2010
The Devoncourt Hotel Exmouth
If you are visiting Exmouth in Devon this year, and planning more than just a day trip, you will probably be looking for a hotel of guest house for your accommodation in the town. A good candidate that you might want to consider is the Devoncourt Hotel in Douglas Avenue. Standing in extensive grounds (it even has its own golf course) the hotel offers excellent leisure facilities and comfortable rooms. A good base for touring this part of Devon, Exmouth is just nine miles south of the city of Exeter and its International airport. A port and popular holiday resort enjoying some fine weather conditions, Exmouth is at the mouth of the Exe river and has some decent beaches and a good range of amenities. Rooms in the Devoncourt Hotel are available from around 92 euros per night (£76). Exmouth can be accessed by road, rail or air (via Exeter airport), and stands on the A376.
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August 31, 2010
The Imperial Hotel Torquay
Imperial Hotel Torquay Devon
If you are planning a trip to the Devon coastal town of Torquay, you may well be looking for hotel accommodation for your stay in the town, a hotel which comes highly recommended is the Imperial Hotel which stands on a cliff overlooking the beautiful Torbay offering stunning views of the coast around Torquay. The hotel which was built in 1886 is in a Mediterranean style and many of its 153 rooms have fantastic sea views, as do its conservatory and restaurant. Handy for Torquay railway station and within a short stroll of the marina, beaches and shops the Imperial Hotel Torquay is ideal for both business and holiday visitors. The hotel has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, so you can take a dip whatever the weather, it also offers fine restaurant, fitness centre, games room, hairdressing salon and beauty salon. Rooms in the Imperial Hotel are currently offered from around 44 euros per night (about £37). Formerly a fishing town, Torquay has developed into one of Devon’s most popular seaside resorts, located on what is often called the “English Riviera”, due to the fine weather that it experiences, with average temperatures several degree higher than most of Britain. Torquay is easily reached by road and rail, and is only sixteen miles from Exeter and its airport. Devon Map.
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July 16, 2010
June 14, 2010
Bideford Devon
Bideford Devon Long Bridge
For two centuries from 1550 to 1750, Bideford was the principal port of north Devon and was also a centre for shipbuilding. Bideford’s 15th century long bridge over the River Torridge, was originally from the 13th century, and comprises 24 arches all with different spans, it connects the original old town with the area known as East-the-Water. The long tree-lined quay is still at the heart of life in Bideford and attracts many visitors to this popular Devon town. Other attractions include the Burton Art Gallery and Museum, and the Pannier Market, held on Saturdays and Tuesdays, a great place to visit if the weather is fine. In the disused railway station at East-the-Water, you can visit the Tarka Trail information centre, housed in a converted railway carriage. If you are enjoying sunny weather during your visit you could also head for the beach at Westward Ho!, to the north of Bideford.
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June 13, 2010
Brixham Devon
Brixham Harbour
Located at the southern end of Tor Bay, the historic fishing town and resort of Brixham is popular with holidaymakers and artists alike. With a population of just under 18,000, Brixham is a small town with a pretty harbour and port, with a long fishing tradition. William of Orange landed in Brixham in 1688 and a statue commemorating this historic event can be seen on the quayside today. Brixham stands in a good position and is sheltered from south-westerly gales, enjoying mild weather conditions. Among Brixham’s attractions are a full sized reproduction of Francis Drake’s ship, the Golden Hind, the St Mary’s parish church, with its buttressed tower, and the Brixham Heritage Museum in New Road, offering an insight into Brixham’s past history and maritime traditions. Brixham Map.
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October 17, 2009
Holsworthy Devon
A historic market town situated in the county of Devon, England, United Kingdom, Holsworthy has been settled since Saxon times, when it was a significant trading centre. Listed as part of Harold Godwinson’s estate in the Domesday Book of 1086, Holsworthy later became important as a market town, receiving charter’s for its weekly market. Standing on the River Deer, Holsworthy these days has a population of 2,256 and still boasts one of the largest cattle markets in south-west England. Holsworth is located near to the border with Cornwall and is east of Bude. Holsworthy Map.