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.
May 3, 2011
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.
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
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.
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.