Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Babbacombe Beach
BEACH Arguably the locals' favorite beach, Babbacombe
stretches out toward the sea beneath red cliffs that soar 75m (240 ft.) above it. You
can rent a beach lounger, or just stretch out on the sand, taking in the view. A
funicular chugs up the steep cliffs—the view from the top is endless.
Seafront, Babbacombe, Torquay. Free admission.
Babbacombe Model Village
OFFBEAT SITE This knee-high world recre-
ates much of England in miniature—towns, countryside, farms, parts of London, and
the rail system are all recreated across 1.6 hectares (4 acres) of charming weirdness.
Children adore it, the lights work (the mini-Piccadilly Circus is particularly amazing),
the trains chug by and, frankly, it is all just rather strange.
Hampton Ave., Babbacombe, Torquay.
&
01803/315315.
www.babbacombemodelvillage.co.uk.
Admission £8 adults; £5.50 children 3-14. Year-round daily 10am-dusk.
Kents Cavern
HISTORIC SITE A fun place to take the kids and an archeo-
logical site of genuine scientific interest, this cave system was created around 2 mil-
lion years ago and was occupied for hundreds of years by early species. In 2009, teeth
and bones from Ice Age animals including hyenas, wooly rhinos, and deer were dis-
covered during a dig in the cave. Tours wander through caverns and caves where the
early creatures lived; guides are great with children.
89 Ilsham Rd, Torquay.
&
01803/215135.
www.kentscavern.co.uk. Admission £9 adults; £8 children
3-15. Tours hourly in the summer 11am-4:30pm, 4 times daily in the winter.
Oldway Mansion
ARCHITECTURE This lavish, Palladian mansion offers a
window into the glory of England's Gilded Age. Built in 1874 by Isaac Merritt Singer,
founder of the sewing-machine empire, the building is a symphony of excess. The
grand staircase is made of marble, and the balusters are made of bronze. The ceiling
is covered in an ornate painting based on a design from the Palace of Versailles. A
first-floor gallery, a reproduction of the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles, leads into a
gilded ballroom. The house is surrounded by 7 hectares (17 acres) of Italian gardens.
Singer's son, Paris, famously had a love affair with the dancer Isadora Duncan, who
used Oldway as both rehearsal space and performance venue.
Torbay Rd., Preston, near Paignton.
&
01803/207933.
Free admission. Year-round Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm.
Where to Eat
The Boathouse Bar & Grill
STEAKS & SEAFOOD It's worth coming to this
seafront restaurant in the Paignton area of Torquay for the view alone. From your
table on the terrace you can see clearly across the bay to the neighboring town of
Brixham. This is a relaxed place, popular with surfers and locals, and the menu has a
something-for-everyone approach with pizzas, burgers, steaks, and fresh local fish.
You can feast on the Boathouse surf 'n'turf (steak and shrimp), or try a local rib-eye
steak with grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and french fries. Start with nachos or dough
balls while you sip a cocktail from the busy bar and enjoy the view.
Marine Drive, Paignton.
&
01803/665066.
www.boathousebar.co.uk. Reservations recommended.
Main courses £8-£12. MC, V. Daily noon-2pm and 6:30-11pm.
The Elephant
MODERN BRITISH With a perfect location on Torquay's
seafront, this Michelin-starred restaurant is considered by many foodies to be Tor-
quay's best gourmet eatery. The restaurant is essentially divided into two: Upstairs is
a formal fine-dining option dubbed The Room, while downstairs is a more laid-back
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