Heidi's Guidebook
Sightseeing
A trip to the cottage wouldn't be complete without a visit to Oddicombe beach. Head up the road towards the sea, turn left & take a slow stroll admiring the beautiful views from Babbacombe Downs. You can choose either to walk down the meandering hill (cars do occasionally pass though you are not strictly allowed to park at the beach) or take the fabulous cliff railway. There is either the cliff railway cafe at the top or Three Degrees West licensed cafe down on the promenade.
In peak season you can hire kayaks & paddle boards from beachside businesses if you're feeling adventurous or equally just enjoy the views or go for a swim. There is also a pathway which links Oddicombe beach to Babbacombe beach & The Cary Arms via the woods. Just be cautious as there are steep steps & uneven surfaces, also very wet if it's been raining!
42 locals recommend
Oddicombe Beach
Babbacombe Downs RoadA trip to the cottage wouldn't be complete without a visit to Oddicombe beach. Head up the road towards the sea, turn left & take a slow stroll admiring the beautiful views from Babbacombe Downs. You can choose either to walk down the meandering hill (cars do occasionally pass though you are not strictly allowed to park at the beach) or take the fabulous cliff railway. There is either the cliff railway cafe at the top or Three Degrees West licensed cafe down on the promenade.
In peak season you can hire kayaks & paddle boards from beachside businesses if you're feeling adventurous or equally just enjoy the views or go for a swim. There is also a pathway which links Oddicombe beach to Babbacombe beach & The Cary Arms via the woods. Just be cautious as there are steep steps & uneven surfaces, also very wet if it's been raining!
A beautiful little spot to stop when visiting Ansteys cove beach which is also walking distance from the cottage along the south west coast path via walls hill.
A small natural cove which enjoys morning sun & is a great place to start your day. I believe that vendors are also on the beach to hire out kayaks and/or paddle boards.
24 locals recommend
Anstey's Cove Cafe
Anstey's Cove RoadA beautiful little spot to stop when visiting Ansteys cove beach which is also walking distance from the cottage along the south west coast path via walls hill.
A small natural cove which enjoys morning sun & is a great place to start your day. I believe that vendors are also on the beach to hire out kayaks and/or paddle boards.
Another beautiful beach around the bay from Babbacombe which can be accessed either by walking the southwest coast path; or by car through wellswood. It is best, if there is space, to park for free alongside meadfoot green.
This is another beach with a cafe for refreshments.
88 locals recommend
Meadfoot Beach
Another beautiful beach around the bay from Babbacombe which can be accessed either by walking the southwest coast path; or by car through wellswood. It is best, if there is space, to park for free alongside meadfoot green.
This is another beach with a cafe for refreshments.
A beautiful little village on the outskirts of Torquay & Paignton. Accessed by heading along the coast road past the 'main' beach at Torre Abbey, and train station, & turning off right when signposted.
A delightful spot for an afternoon tea at one of the cafes, lovely walks through the grounds of the estate for free, an array of independent shops at Cockington Court & a lovely country pub named The Drum.
18 locals recommend
Cockington
A beautiful little village on the outskirts of Torquay & Paignton. Accessed by heading along the coast road past the 'main' beach at Torre Abbey, and train station, & turning off right when signposted.
A delightful spot for an afternoon tea at one of the cafes, lovely walks through the grounds of the estate for free, an array of independent shops at Cockington Court & a lovely country pub named The Drum.
A beautiful green situated in the sought after area of Ilsham Valley. A beautiful spot for a picnic.
No facilities but parking is free.
The green is on a downward incline heading, eventually, to the cliff edge.
Thatcher Rock
Ilsham Marine DriveA beautiful green situated in the sought after area of Ilsham Valley. A beautiful spot for a picnic.
No facilities but parking is free.
The green is on a downward incline heading, eventually, to the cliff edge.
Beautiful little pebbled cove which is a short walk from Broadsands car park in Paignton. Popular with boats, paddle boarders & kayakers.
25 locals recommend
Elberry Cove
Beautiful little pebbled cove which is a short walk from Broadsands car park in Paignton. Popular with boats, paddle boarders & kayakers.
The community owned & volunteer tun funicular railway taking visitors up & down to Oddicombe beach & the
A beautiful traditional carriage system that's well worth a visit.
Please note this service only operates at peak times i.e spring to Autumn circa 9.30 - 4.30pm though times vary.
72 locals recommend
Babbacombe Cliff Railway
Babbacombe Downs RoadThe community owned & volunteer tun funicular railway taking visitors up & down to Oddicombe beach & the
A beautiful traditional carriage system that's well worth a visit.
Please note this service only operates at peak times i.e spring to Autumn circa 9.30 - 4.30pm though times vary.
Beautiful Babbacombe Beach:
A much smallerspor thanneighbouring oddicombe & beautiful spot to catch the late afternoon/early evening sun after its left Oddicombe.
Small beach, cafe open depending on seasons and weather but serves hot & cold drinks & snacks including bacon butties for breakfast.
Very small carpark not for driverslacking confidence & fills up quickly. A very steep & winding hill to drive/walk down or if on foot you cancut through the woods along the theatre end of babbscimbe downs; a path set below the New toilet block.
28 locals recommend
Babbacombe Beach
Beach RoadBeautiful Babbacombe Beach:
A much smallerspor thanneighbouring oddicombe & beautiful spot to catch the late afternoon/early evening sun after its left Oddicombe.
Small beach, cafe open depending on seasons and weather but serves hot & cold drinks & snacks including bacon butties for breakfast.
Very small carpark not for driverslacking confidence & fills up quickly. A very steep & winding hill to drive/walk down or if on foot you cancut through the woods along the theatre end of babbscimbe downs; a path set below the New toilet block.
Activities & Places of Interest
Situated across a large green from the main seafront at Torre Abbey this delightful old building has been restored & the buildings are used for many private & public functions.
Entry Fees required.
102 locals recommend
Torre Abbey
Situated across a large green from the main seafront at Torre Abbey this delightful old building has been restored & the buildings are used for many private & public functions.
Entry Fees required.
A trip to a miniature world where you will feel like a giant. The grounds are set over several acres with lovely gardens and an onsite cafe.
Entrance fees apply.
150 locals recommend
Babbacombe Model Village
Hampton AvenueA trip to a miniature world where you will feel like a giant. The grounds are set over several acres with lovely gardens and an onsite cafe.
Entrance fees apply.
A local play park 10 minutes walk from the cottage with slides & swings etc for little ones to enjoy.
Handily situated near to the Anchorage Hotel which often have fantastic offers on breakfasts or coffee & cake.
Cary Park
Cary ParkA local play park 10 minutes walk from the cottage with slides & swings etc for little ones to enjoy.
Handily situated near to the Anchorage Hotel which often have fantastic offers on breakfasts or coffee & cake.
Fabulous fun for kids. Situated next to the beach, pier & cinema at Paignton.
9 locals recommend
Geoplay Park
Esplanade RoadFabulous fun for kids. Situated next to the beach, pier & cinema at Paignton.
Adventure Parks etc..
Perfect for a full day of family fun; this large zoo has various activities in & outdoors to keep you entertained.
Entrance Fees Apply
269 locals recommend
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Totnes RoadPerfect for a full day of family fun; this large zoo has various activities in & outdoors to keep you entertained.
Entrance Fees Apply
A little further out but another great family day out.
Entry Fees Apply
135 locals recommend
Woodlands Family Theme Park
A3122A little further out but another great family day out.
Entry Fees Apply
Another great family fun day a little further out.
Entrance Fees Apply
59 locals recommend
River Dart Country Park
Another great family fun day a little further out.
Entrance Fees Apply
A little further out but lots of fun.
Entrance Fees Apply.
175 locals recommend
Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Sidmouth RoadA little further out but lots of fun.
Entrance Fees Apply.
Indoor Activities
Family fun pool. Cafe with small soft play area within the building
9 locals recommend
Waves Leisure Pool
Chestnut AvenueFamily fun pool. Cafe with small soft play area within the building
You may not fancy the gym but the indoor pool complex with 2 pools, jacuzzi, sauna & steam room is a great way to relax plus they often offer dip & dine deals. The attached spa also offers deals.
Aztec Gym and Studio
Falkland RoadYou may not fancy the gym but the indoor pool complex with 2 pools, jacuzzi, sauna & steam room is a great way to relax plus they often offer dip & dine deals. The attached spa also offers deals.
You can visit here for stand alone treatment or deals including a treatment, use of pool complex & food for a very reasonable price.
Aztec Spa
You can visit here for stand alone treatment or deals including a treatment, use of pool complex & food for a very reasonable price.
Not yet visited myself but I hear the Spa is rather luxurious... though does have a price tag to match.
Lincombe Hall Hotel & Spa
Meadfoot RoadNot yet visited myself but I hear the Spa is rather luxurious... though does have a price tag to match.
Award winning fish & chips literally on the doorstep! Eat in the separate restaurant or head to the takeaway & bring back to the cottage... or out on the downs.
135 locals recommend
Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves
91 Ilsham RdAward winning fish & chips literally on the doorstep! Eat in the separate restaurant or head to the takeaway & bring back to the cottage... or out on the downs.
The Boulder Bunker
11 South StIndoor climbing (bouldering) centre in Torquay
Not been for years but this bowling alley is a short drive from the cottage along the babbacombe road & into town.
67 locals recommend
AMF Bowling Torquay
Torwood StreetNot been for years but this bowling alley is a short drive from the cottage along the babbacombe road & into town.
Food Scene
Award winning fish & chips literally on the doorstep! Eat in the separate restaurant or head to the takeaway & bring back to the cottage... or out on the downs.
21 locals recommend
Hanbury's Licensed Fish Restaurant
Princes StreetAward winning fish & chips literally on the doorstep! Eat in the separate restaurant or head to the takeaway & bring back to the cottage... or out on the downs.
Beautiful food & drinks in lovely surroundings just minutes walk from the cottage. A nice place for a treat.
Hamiltons
63 Babbacombe Downs RdBeautiful food & drinks in lovely surroundings just minutes walk from the cottage. A nice place for a treat.
Great deals to be found in this hotel just 10 minutes walk from the cottage. Check out if the £5 all you can eat breakfast is running!
Anchorage Hotel
Aveland RoadGreat deals to be found in this hotel just 10 minutes walk from the cottage. Check out if the £5 all you can eat breakfast is running!
One of my favourite spots for breakfast with the family just down the hill on Oddicombe beach. Just relax and take in the views!! Booking may be required at peak times... if you get there at 9ish for opening on a sunny day you can enjoy the views before the crowds.
14 locals recommend
Three Degrees West
Oddicombe Beach HillOne of my favourite spots for breakfast with the family just down the hill on Oddicombe beach. Just relax and take in the views!! Booking may be required at peak times... if you get there at 9ish for opening on a sunny day you can enjoy the views before the crowds.
Situated at the end of the road looking out over the downs. A quaint, and very popular, tearoom serving lots of tasty treats. Booking may be required.
26 locals recommend
Angels
49 Babbacombe Downs RdSituated at the end of the road looking out over the downs. A quaint, and very popular, tearoom serving lots of tasty treats. Booking may be required.
Further out along the coast road to maidencombe & shaldon; this is a salubrious spot for an afternoon tea... or of course any meal!
7 locals recommend
Orestone Manor
Further out along the coast road to maidencombe & shaldon; this is a salubrious spot for an afternoon tea... or of course any meal!
A little further out between Dawlish & Starcross is this cosy pub famed for its seafood. Parking is limited & can be tricky but it's worth it.
20 locals recommend
The Anchor Inn
A little further out between Dawlish & Starcross is this cosy pub famed for its seafood. Parking is limited & can be tricky but it's worth it.
Fab selection of burgers including plenty of delicious veggie options. Fab location overlooking the harbour.
7 locals recommend
Fat Cow
16 Victoria ParadeFab selection of burgers including plenty of delicious veggie options. Fab location overlooking the harbour.
A beautiful spot overlooking the inner harbour with a good selection of food & drinks.
17 locals recommend
Twenty1
21 Victoria ParadeA beautiful spot overlooking the inner harbour with a good selection of food & drinks.
Chain cafe bar offering a selection of food and drinks situated opposite Torre Abbey Beach.
53 locals recommend
Visto Lounge
Torbay RoadChain cafe bar offering a selection of food and drinks situated opposite Torre Abbey Beach.
A few minutes walk from the cottage. Beautiful & delicious homemade cakes & lunches; often vegan or vegetarian.
A fab selection of hot drinks & coffee alternatives including turmeric or beetroot lattes.
Margo's Cafe & Lounge
147 Reddenhill RdA few minutes walk from the cottage. Beautiful & delicious homemade cakes & lunches; often vegan or vegetarian.
A fab selection of hot drinks & coffee alternatives including turmeric or beetroot lattes.