Wanting a break away we decided to stick to this country and visit the far south west. As it is a long drive there was to be a stop on the way down and a stop on the way back. Looked at Air BnB places but the ones near eating places were expensive, so decided on a hotel stay. Found a Premier Inn on the seafront of Torquay so that was the final destination. Photographs from the visit in the slideshow at bottom of screen.
Best Western finally managed to let us spend some of the accumulated points on a free night. Gloucester was the place we stayed on the way down, not a bad journey. Gloucester itself was a nice place to walk around, the old docks, the craft market and the ‘outlet’ village. Tired after the drive so we ate in the hotel which was very good – other than the time taken to deliver a pint of beer !
Up early, breakfast and a dash down the M5 to Exeter. A new place for us and one we liked very much. Nearly got caught in shower but dodged into a coffee shop. Had a good mooch round the old streets and into the newer centre. Decided to visit the quayside before we moved on – so glad we did. Found a great place for lunch with small plates next to the river. Then had a good walk around the quayside and looked around the small craft shops. Enjoyed ourselves but needed to move on – off to Torquay it was. Shortish journey and earlier arrival than expected so visited Cockington country park – worth a visit for the craft workshops (good glass blowing) and the picturesque village. A big attraction as it was busy.
A good rest, breakfast and a plan for the day which we almost followed ! We were early for the model village so had a walk along the cliff tops first, then into Babbacombe village. A relaxing visit, nothing highbrow at all ! After this it was Kent’s cavern – a guided tour round some caves with lots of pre-historic tales well delivered by a young enthusiastic guide. Needing something else we decided to visit a National Trust property associated with Agatha Christie. Got part way there on very narrow roads, checked we were heading in the right direction and found that we should have booked a car parking space. All change – off to Brixham. Not impressed with the place. From all the information expected a vibrant and quaint place. The fish quay was very busy and obviously important but the rest of the harbour was a bit dull and uninteresting (even with the colourful houses). Not up to the standards of Seaham Harbour we are used to ! Back to the Hotel. Found a super little restaurant this evening (Globe). Short menu but great quality food and super service.
Up and off early again as we had decided that a visit to the Eden project was something we should do while nearby – well within 90 minutes drive ! They need better signposts to get you there. A worthwhile if slightly underwhelming visit. The Biomes were impressive and some of the plants looked fantastic. Outside of these there wasn’t much for the cost of entry, but go yourselves and make up your own minds, we were pleased we went but …..
A long drive back to Torquay and Thai food. Breezy along the sea front on the walk back to the hotel.
Off to meet college friends this morning near Okehampton. Picked an A class road for the route – it had long narrow stretches with passing places, this became the pattern for the rest of our time down here. Still met Jerry and Trina outside a closed coffee shop, so found another one and had a couple of hours of good conversation. Who thought you could drop back into relaxed company after 40+ years. Called in Castle Drogo (the last castle built in England) on the way back. An impressive looking building (ignore the National Trust hype) with pleasant gardens and a hummingbird hawk moth !
Italian restaurant tonight – decent food but atmosphere poor, not really made to fell welcome it was as if they were doing us a favour to find a table.
Final day in Torquay. Drive down to the ferry and across to Dartmouth. What a contrast to Brixham. A very tidy place with a good atmosphere, great views across the estuary and interesting streets to walk along. From here we set off to the coast. Tried a walk along Slapton sands but it was so hot we retreated and visited Totnes for lunch, another nice little place. Then to Compton castle – a small but interesting National Trust property.
Back to Globe for more super food – welcomed and served with a smile and so helpful.
Started the journey home this morning. Pleased to be in the air conditioned car as it was very hot. Croome abbey (National Trust) was the first stop. Hot to walk around the grounds. An impressive house but not as lot going on inside (for what was promised). The small RAF museum on site was very good – so much information well displayed and organised. The it was back in the car to our final overnight stop (another freebie from Best Western) in Lichfield. Another nice place after we found our way to the hotel – don’t trust satnavs ! Hotel floor was interesting in the bedroom (old hotel). Cathedral was pleasant to look at. Eating place very different – the Jungle Kitchen – wide range of exotic foods, not our usual style but enjoyed it.
Decided to make the most of our time away and called at the National Memorial Arboretum. What an impressive place. So calm. So relaxing. So moving. Lots of memorials to visit. Had a long walk around until the heat got the better of us. Then home up the M1/A1.
A good week away – took a few days to recover but we enjoyed the places, the food and the wine.
Been & Seen 