The wonderful place we call Torquay (Torquay in general)

Member Name: Jazzy09

Product:	Torquay in general
Date:	09/06/09 (175 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots to do, lots to eat and lots of fun!

Disadvantages: I cannot thing of any!

Torquay in General

The first time I went to Torquay I thought that this wasn't going to be that good compared to holidays abroad. To my surprise I really enjoyed it and tend to go there whenever I have the chance along with my wife.

~ Where did I stay? ~

Me and my wife stayed in a little hotel called The Coppice. It was run by two men who were as camp as Christmas but very friendly and polite although this has now changed as it has been taken over. I would fully recommend this hotel to anyone who plans on visiting Torquay for the first time. The hotel includes two swimming pools which considering the size of the hotel is a mighty achievement.

Other types of facilities which are included is a steam room, gym, pool table and a Jacuzzi which is great for relaxing after a long walk around the Riviera.

The food is very scrummy and delicious and you look forward to seeing the menu an hour before teatime and wondering what you might get for desert (sad I know but it's what holidays are about!). The rooms themselves are spacious and very clean and are up to five star standards in my opinion.

There is also entertainment every other night and can be a bit cheesy but the quiz is the one which brings in the crowds.

~ What is there to do? ~

*Paignton Zoo*

The zoo is not far away from where we stayed and is based in Paignton just five minutes from the Riviera. Here you can see lots of animals and also are able to adopt an animal/plant on the day. My wife's favourite animal at the zoo was an Eastern Bongo and she had to adopt it.

*Babbacombe Model Village*

The village is a great place for children and famous for its beauty and originality and after visiting here we had to come back each year we visited Torquay. Here you will find model buildings, beautiful gardens and cars which will amaze you.

*Riviera Centre*

This is a great place to come in from the sun or even if it is a bit rainy and have a swim. We used this mainly if the weather was a bit dull or just to cool down after a hot day in the sun. There are many water slides in which the children can use to add a bit of excitement to swimming and it is quite cheap too.

*Agatha Christie*

This was the birthplace of the famous writer Agatha Christie who was born in the 1890's. If you read her novels then you will know that many places in Torquay can be found in her books.

*Other leisure facilities*

During our visit we played bowling, crazy gold, tennis, go karting and pitch and putt which all added to the enjoyment of our holiday.

*Trusts and Parks*

You can visit Dartmoor National Park which is well known for its beauty and also has some fantastic attractions and well worth a day out. We also visited Devon Wildlife trust which preserves animals and generates money for wildlife projects Sea quest and the wetlands.

*Paignton Pier*

This is fabulous at night especially with your loved one or with friends and is normally found lit up with lots of colourful lights. Its also nice if you have a big bag of chips to share and a nice breeze especially after a long hot day.

*Shopping*

You can shop till you drop here and my wife usually does for a day or so. If this happens there are plenty of tea and scone shops for us men to have a rest while she is shops like crazy for bargains and there are lots to be found here!

*Eating out*

If you like cream scones or just fish and chips then this is the place for you. There is so much choice for eating out which we hardly ever needed too but if you do then all you need to do is walk into the centre and you won't be disappointed.

Before you go you can look for a certain type of restaurant and you will be able to find a brochure for it I can guarantee they all have one online.

~Places I recommend to eat out~

Fish Bistro: Here you will find a lovely selection of fish type dishes and they do also have an excellent selection of wines. It is also only five minutes from the town centre. The price can be a bit expensive but you are on your holidays!

The Orchid: This is one of my favourite places to eat out at. It comes with three AA stars and I can back that up as the food is so tasty and each meal is fresh and you can tell that a lot of care and attention has been put into your dish. Great price for the quality of food you are served up here.

Hanbury's: Here you will find the tastiest fish and chips you have ever had. The chips are big, chunky and golden and so is the fish. The price is a bit inflated but who cares, you pay for quality.

~When is the best time to go? ~

I would recommend going in August as you can practically guarantee wonderful weather. We have never had a holiday were we didn't have more than one day of rain and we always went in August.

If you go around this time the fair is there so you can take your children on rides and try to win that teddy for your loved one. There tends not to be a great amount of rides but still great for entertaining your children.

~Best way to travel to Torquay~

We tend to put on a good old CD and have a good sing along whilst driving the entire way there in the car. We just tend to stop off at services and then off we go again. You can beat driving to your holidays and is very exciting just packing the car (very sad I know!).

~How much spend would I require~

When we go we spend around £600 for two weeks in the hotel but that includes breakfast and tea. In terms of spend if you have kids I would take £200-£300 as each activity in the centre of Torquay can cost £2-£4 a go. Overall I would put aside £1000 to have a great time and maximise the enjoyment. For a large family I would say £1500+.

~Any negative points? ~

The driver who drives down to Torquay will be very tired after driving but it is a great adventure. Torquay can be a bit pricey at times but you just spend wisely and you will have a great time.

Parking can be tricky at times during peak times but there are lots of spaces and you will just have to park a bit away from were you want to be and walk.

~What are the beaches like? ~

The beaches are very clean and can often find deck chairs to put up to sit on while your little ones build sand castles or even have a paddle in the sea. The beaches tend to be quite busy in August time especially if the weather is nice and would recommend you get there early if you wish to read your book or just to sunbathe.

~Nightlife~

If you enjoy the nightlife, for example clubbing or just going to the pub then there are lots of these to be found to please your needs. There is a club just near the sea front which tends to be very busy on weekends and would recommend this if you want to go out with the girls or lads.

~Conclusion~

Overall Torquay is my favourite holiday place of all time and I have been to some nice places abroad. It pleases all your needs and revitalises you for when you have to go back to work.

If you go for a week then you will not fit everything in and will have to come back for two weeks the next time which is what we did. There is something for everyone here and is a great holiday especially for families or just couples wanting to spend some time together in the sun.

It is also a great place for the older generations who can sit and sizzle in the sun whilst enjoying the splendid scenery and gardens which surround you everywhere you go. You never feel in danger at night and the locals are very friendly.

~My rating~
5/5

Summary: After visiting here you will want to go again and again!