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.
September 2, 2010
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.
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.