Torquay Treats & Devon Delights

On our first full day, enjoy some time at leisure to explore charming Torquay at your own pace. Nestled along the stunning English Riviera, this seaside town offers a delightful blend of coastal beauty and elegant Victorian charm. Stroll along the palm-lined promenade, browse the boutique shops or relax with a cream tea as you take in views of the sparkling bay. However you choose to spend the day, Torquay’s relaxed pace and sea air are sure to refresh and inspire.

For our first included visit we head to Exeter, a handsome and compact university city that offers a beautiful cathedral, fascinating historic attractions and a great range of shops. There’s also the lively cobbled quayside area, the perfect place to take a stroll along the canal, browse the quaint antique shops and art exhibitions or enjoy the bars and waterside restaurants.

We then spend some time in pretty Exmouth. One of the oldest seaside towns in Devon, this coastal gem offers a lovely small harbour, two miles of sandy beach and is the gateway to the World Heritage Jurassic Coast with its dramatic cliffs and stunning views. Learn more at the interesting Exmouth Museum, or you may like to treat yourself to a leisurely boat trip along the scenic River Exe.

We make our way to Plymouth, taking the scenic route through Dartmoor National Park and admiring its beautiful landscapes and free-roaming ponies. Upon arrival in Plymouth, we enjoy some leisure time in this vibrant waterfront city, known for its university and picturesque views of the ocean: enjoy the fresh air and the scenery while you take a stroll around the waterfront and immerse yourself in the city’s rich maritime heritage. There is much to explore, such as the iconic Plymouth Hoe, where you’ll find a lovely long promenade and a statue of Sir Francis Drake, as well as one of the best views of the ocean from ‘Smeaton’s Lighthouse.’ Don’t miss the historic Barbican too, a labyrinth of cobbled streets and smugglers' alleyways, as well as Sutton Harbour.

Our first stop today is Brixham, an attractive port with colourful fisher cottages on the surrounding hillsides. Explore the winding streets, snug with bustling arcades and gift shops. The horseshoe harbour is well worth a look too, being home to a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship, the Golden Hind.

We then make our way to the riverside town of Dartmouth. Known as the ‘Jewel of the South Hams’ and a former home to Agatha Christie, Dartmouth is easily one of Devon's prettiest destinations thanks to its views over the estuary. Discover the pastel-coloured buildings leaning at angles and the picturesque harbour laden with yachts and pleasure boats.

Once a small fishing port until the 19^th century, Paignton is now one of the most popular resorts in Torbay, due to its long white sandy beaches, historic buildings and old-fashioned, Victorian-style pier with stunning views. Take a stroll along the traditional promenade or enjoy a bite to eat in one of the many beachfront cafés overlooking the sea, or there’s also a beautiful garden, Youngs Park, a natural habitat for wild birds.