www.goodrington.net Blue Waters Holiday Guide to Paignton | Torbay Attractions
English Riviera - Brixham - Paignton - Torquay - English Riviera
"A Tourist Guide for Torbay on the English Riviera."
Torbay Attractions
There are three main towns around the bay: Torquay in the north, Paignton in the centre, and Brixham in the south. Renowned for its healthful climate, the bay earned the nickname of the English Riviera.
Tor Bay itself is a fine natural harbour and home to a host of maritime events all year round, and due to the mild climate Torbay Palm trees are a common sight along the coast.
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Living Coasts
Living Coasts
, Torquay's Coastal Zoo, is a unique, world class aquatic visitor attraction, focusing on the conservation of coastal and marine life around the globe. It has been developed by Paignton Zoo, with financial support from
the South West Regional Development Agency and the European Regional Development fund.
Living Coasts is situated right on Torquay's harbourside and is easy to find - just look out for the big net!
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Kents Caven
Kents Cavern
is one of the most important Palaeolithic caves in Northern Europe and the oldest recognisable human dwelling in Britain.
It holds beautiful and spectacular geological formations and significant prehistoric finds, some over 700,000 years old.
The area comprising modern Torquay has been inhabited since paleolithic times. Hand axes found in Kents Cavern date to 450,000 years ago.
Kents Cavern is situated in the heart of Torquay on the beautiful south coast of Devon.
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Torbay Theatres & Cinemas
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Torbay Theatres & Cinemas.
See what´s showing at the Babbacombe Theatre, Princess Theatre & The Little Theatre in Torquay and in Paignton; The Palace Theatre & Apollo Cinema.
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Compton Castle
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Compton Castle
is a fortified manor house nestled in a valley in Marldon, Paignton, about five miles west of Torquay, Devon, England. Compton Castle has been a National Trust property since 1951.
Built in three periods (1340, 1450 and 1520), Compton Castle has been home to the Gilbert family for most of the intervening period. Members of the Gilbert family still occupy the castle, and administer it for the National Trust. Among the most famous inhabitants one finds Sir Humphrey Gilbert (1539 to 1583), coloniser of Newfoundland and half-brother of Sir Walter Raleigh; legend has it that Sir Walter smoked the first pipe of tobacco in Britain while visiting Sir Humphrey.
The grounds are noted for a rose and knot garden. In fact, the lush gardens of trees, flowers, rare shrubs, and thick tall grass bring thousands of tourists during the spring and autumn.
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Oldway Mansion
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Oldway Mansion
and its grounds can be visited free of charge by members of the public, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Torbay. The mansion has a small museum with exhibits that are linked to the building's history, including antique Singer sewing machines. Oldway Mansion is a Grade II listed building.
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The Golden Hind
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The Golden Hind
captained by Sir Francis Drake undertook one of the most historic and exciting voyages of all time. Between 1577 and 1580 the Golden Hind circumnavigated the world making vital discoveries before returning home with amazing treasures.
This ship now offers an amazing insight into life onboard a 16th century sailing ship and is based in Brixham, Devon the area where Sir Francis Drake lived and worked.
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Torbay Lifeboat
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Torbay Lifeboat.
Welcome to the Torbay Lifeboat Station Web Site. The site, which is maintained by lifeboat station personnel and as such is not an official RNLI Web Site, includes both history and indicative operational information of the service provided to those who spend time along the South Devon Coastline from Teignmouth to Start Point and 50 miles out into the English Channel
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Waves Leisure Pool
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Waves Leisure Pool
~ it´s indoor family fun! Featuring an exciting waves machine, giant flume, sloping access and water heated to a comfortable 29°C. Situated within the Riviera International Centre, itself a popular conference venue that also house an excellent fitness suite and the locally renowned Bay Brasserie.
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Helium Balloon
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Hi Flyer Rising from its landing pad in Abbey Gardens beside Abbey Sands in Torquay, this is a unique experience not to be missed when visiting the bay. So don´t forget your camera as there are sure to be some awesome views. The 15-minute trip is affordable and accessible for everyone. Open weave viewing ports ensure that the view for wheelchair users and small children is not obstructed. A unique and affordable experience for the whole family.
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Pirate Golf
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Pirate Golf
an 18 hole pirate themed adventure golf course on Paignton Green next to the beach, full of fun and adventure for adults and children alike.
Rather than the traditional UK style crazy golf, adventure golf is an American concept where the holes are skill based and the old style luck based windmill type holes are replaced with water obstacles, sand traps, sweeping contours and a whole lot more.... Look out for our holes where you´re putting over the water, or our island green, watch out for the pirates, the marooned shipwreck and many other pirate themed elements.
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English Riviera Geopark Website
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English Riviera Geopark
welcomes you to a landscape of dramatic changes, of exploration and discovery. A landscape untouched by glaciation, revealing stories unseen elsewhere in the world. Stories of tropical seas and scorching deserts, raised beaches and drowned forests, hippopotami and mammoth, straight-tusked elephant and sabre-toothed tiger, cave bear and earliest man.
The international importance of Torbay´s geology is undeniable, 32 geosites covering a story of 3 geological time periods, all found within a compact area.
We hope you enjoy visiting us.
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Occombe Farm Paignton
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Occombe Farm Paignton
is an organic farm on the edge of Paignton, open to the public and entry is free. It has a 2Km easy-access nature trail, education centre and award-winning farm shop and cafe.
Nowhere else in the reigion can you get this close to local wildlife, experience the day-to-day workings of an organic open farm and sample authentic Devon food and drink.
All profits from Occombe Farm go towards the conservation work of Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust.
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Paignton Pier
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Paignton Pier
Paignton Pier first opened to the public in 1879 and has seen many changes over the years. Set at the centre of one of Torbay's best beaches, within an easy level walk to the town centre, station and buses, the Pier has plenty of parking nearby, many attractions on the open deck and inside, plus magnificent views of Torbay.
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Babbacombe Model Village
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Babbacombe Model Village.
Take time out from the hustle and bustle of every day life and feel on top of the world as you see it recreated in miniature.
Thousands of miniature buildings, people and vehicles capture the essence of England´s past, present and future. It's not just the humour, nor the animation - it has a life of its own. Come and see for yourself!
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Torre Abbey
Torre Abbey
is the oldest building in Torquay. It has a story spanning 800 years and was once the most important Abbey of its kind in England, the brothers who lived here then were known as the White Canons. Following a massive three-year restoration project visitors can now explore the most ancient and hallowed parts of the building where some stunning finds have been unearthed.
Since its foundation in 1196, Torre Abbey has witnessed, survived and even played a role in some epic moments of history. But through all that, the one thing that has never changed is the hospitality offered to its guests.
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Greenway
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Greenway
has been an important Devonshire property for over 500 years. There have been a fascinating array of owners over this period, each leaving their mark on the estate we treasure today, the most famous was Agatha Christie (known locally by her married name, Mrs Mallowan) who could not resist buying Greenway. She and her husband Max, who was later knighted for his services to archaeology, soon became very attached to the place. It became their holiday home.
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