Colourful south of Devon, Torbay

While visiting, dot´t forget to explore the area . . . especially Torbay towns -- make a picture in Brixham, Paignton, and Torquay, get a famous "cream tea" in another colourful town called Totnes, make a trip to Dartmoor National Park, or just enjoy the atmosphere of one of the places described in my journal entries.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

The area is easy accessible by coach (about four hours from London -- Victoria station or airport), by bus, or by train.

Torquay is a birthplace of famous detective writer -– Agatha Christie, who spent much of her life in the area. Here are some tips, which will take you to some of the places that were inspirational in her life and works.

When visiting Torquay and being interested in Agatha Christie, start from the Grand Hotel and make your way along the mile to the Imperial Hotel.

1. The Grand Hotel -– in this hotel, Agatha and her husband Archie Christie spent their honeymoon in 1914. The Grand Hotel is well worth stopping at for morning coffee or afternoon tea.

2. In 1990, as part of the town´s Agatha Christie Centenary Celebrations, the Orient Express brought Hercule Poirot (David Suchet as Christie´s character, famous detective) to the station to meet Miss Marple (Joan Hickson, famous character as well) for the first time. In her books, Agatha Christie never allowed the two to meet, so it was a very special occasion. Poirot and Marple came face to face on the platform. The watching crowd applauded!

3. Torre Abbey –- is Torquay´s oldest building dating back to 1196 and is home to the Agatha Christie Memorial Room, which features Agatha´s favourite armchair, her 1937 Remington portable typewriter, and her notebook containing the handwritten manuscript of the bestseller A Caribbean Mistery.

4. The Pavilion -– elegant building, opened in 1912 as a grand concert hall. Agatha had a great love of music and attended many concerts here.

5. Agatha Christie bronze bust -– the only one view in the world. The bust was unveiled on 15 September 1990 by Agatha´s daughter, Mrs Rosalind Hicks, to commemorate the centenary of her mother´s birth and is the work of Dutch sculptor.

6. Torquay Museum –- Devon´s oldest museum is home to the Agatha Christie Centenary Exhibition, the only one of its kind in the world. It was created in 1990 with the help of the Christie family who have loaned exhibits and photos of Agatha previously never seen.

7. The Imperial Hotel -- Agatha herself attended many social occasions here and the hotel still reflects the elegance and grandeur of that period. Experience ambience and elegance by taking morning coffee or afternoon tea in the Palm Court Room which boasts panoramic views of the Bay. The terrace of hotel is the setting for the final chapter of Sleeping Murder.

Cockington is situated in "hidden" valley between Torquay and Paignton. If you walk or ride out of Torquay (Torquay road) to Paignton, just follow the signs on the right side . . . road or footpath leads to this colourful, medieval village.

Cockington Park is ideal for a short walk or a whole day out in the country. Its famous typical English thatched houses remained virtually untouched by turning of the centuries.

You sure won´t miss beautiful building, Cockington court with restaurants, tea rooms together with an organic kitchen garden and craft shop.

To reach Cockington Court, you cross a narrow road, via a gate, and walk along a muddier path. There is also a separate route for horse-riders. The pathway brings you to behind the Court and Cockington Church, where you have a choice -- to stop for a cup of tea of coffee and something to eat, or head off on another of the paths.

Torbay is a beautiful part of English Riviera, situated to the south of Devon. For its pleasant climate it is one of the best destination for holiday.

Torbay consist of three towns: Torquay, Paignton and Brixham with a population of approximately 120.000 . . . Towns are built on the hill so everywhere you go, you can find beautiful nooks and stunning views to the sea. In Torbay you can find several language schools so you can meet here people from almost all the world.

Torquay has a sophisticated charm that attracts many visitors each year. It has white villas, beautiful coastal sceneries and beaches, such as Oddicombe and Meadfoot. Well kept gardens sit alongside new developments such as Fleet Walk and the Riviera Centre.

In the 19th century, Torquay was internationally renowned as a fashionable resort for the rich and famous. Agatha Christie was born here in 1890 and referred to many local places in the area in her best selling books.

Brixham is picturesque fishing town set into the cliffs at the southern end of Torbay. Life here revolves around the busy harbour, where the daily catch is unloaded and pleasure boats operate tours of the surrounding coast. There are many stalls selling freshly caught seafood and restaurants and pubs serving fresh fish prepared in traditional recipes.

Paignton is the right place for family fun. It has colourful gardens, pretty coastal lights and plenty of special activities. Paignton has a long seafront, a harbour and a wide open area known as Paignton Green. The town area has a lively center with interesting shops. In Paignton you can find numerous places where you will really enjoy the atmosphere of the area, sound of the sea, and meet nice and polite locals. If visiting Paignton out of season or in the winter, one can find the town a bit sleepy. But give it another chance and you will enjoy it.

Churston, Brixham Devon TQ5JE
Tel: 01803 842186

Olde Churston Court Inn (Brixham) –- situated beside the ancient church and farm is in a timewarp. As you step inside you smell the log fires from the great inglenooks and why not meet the locals in the bars . . . Beautiful staircases and the old stone mullion windows, flagstoned floors, oak panelling and great ceilings with all carved oak beams and the walls are completely covered with the original portraits, tapestries, armoury and mirrors. This place, lots of rooms, cosy snugs and old passages one of which leads to a dungeon, is full of strong old English atmosphere.

In the candlelit rooms, you can drink and eat delicious homemade food. The Inn has 16 bedrooms ensuite, TV´s, tea and coffee making facilities. The Inn is a step back in time, so full of history it will mesmerise you -- a gem you´ll never find the like of.

Churston Court was a Saxon Manor where the Saxon Earl Ulf and his son lived as Lords of Totnes and they ruled all the surrounding land here in the first half of the 11th century.

The atmosphere and impression of this racy place renews a lady, who is playing here on piano once a week. Just ask the locals about "Pam on piano" and they will sure recommend you the great experience.

When driving from Paignton (Totnes road) you can´t miss the river Dart and small, but rich hictorical town - Totnes.

First thing you will see is Totnes Bridge - the gate to the town. Totnes Bridge was built in 1828 to replace an earlier structure. It leads to the attractive suburb of Bridgetown, Steamer Quay, the Riverside Walk to Dartington.

Totnes is an ancient market town and riverport in the South Hams area of South Devon. Covers a long hill sloping gently to the Dart Estuary, surrounded by rich and beautiful countryside. The busy narrow streets dominated by castle and church tower are full of architectural and historic interests.

Medieval mythology says that Totnes is where the British people had their origins. The story is that after long war between Troy and Greece the defeated Troyans set out to find a new home, led by a young Prince called Brutus. Brutus found this place the best, named it Totnes and Troyans settled down here in 1170 BC. The Brutus Stone can be seen beside 51 Fore Street.

Fore Street together with High Street is the main shopping area. On this street you can find small bakeries, charming tea rooms, as well as many shops with everything alternative. Alternative music, alternative medicines, alternative food . . . that´s why is Totnes called the town of alternative lifestyles. Years ago, Totnes was home of many hippies. If you would ask people, you sure would get the answer, "Yes, I used to be hippie and I am a vegetarian."

Actually, Totnes is nowadays home for the rich people, because life here is quite expensive . . .

Totnes sights:

East Gate - the most famous landmark in Totnes known as The Arch. It was the main entrance to the Medieval town and has been rebuilt after a fire in 1990. Beyond here you are in High Street.

Town Mill – a restored mill and interpretation centre offering an introduction of Totnes. It is also home for Tourist information centre.

Atherton Lane - leading off Fore Street on the left, has won many prizes for its floral displays. Don't miss the Brutus Stone, set in the pavement opposite, where Brutus of Troy, mythical founder of the British people.

Totnes Elizabethan Museum - a beautiful restored Elizabethan merchant's house. Inside, see lots of fascinating objects and displays, including a tribute to the computer pioneer Charles Babbage, who was educated in Totnes.

St Mary's Parish Church - from the 15th century, and famous for its magnificent red sandstone tower.

Totnes Castle - climb to the top and marvel at the views in every direction. Just below is the North Gate Arch, the other remaining Medieval entrance to Totnes.