things to do
views over the estuary and coast. the gardens contain a hidden paradise of tropical plants,
including palm trees, banana plants, citrus and olive trees. the house is full of surprises too with Otto’s quirky collections. A magical polyphon - disc playing music box - still plays and cabinets of butterflies and bugs sit happily with collections of dolls, toys and model boats. take lunch or tea in the old billiard room, a favourite of convalescing First World War soldiers, or eat alfresco on the warm, sheltered terrace. see
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/overbecks/ for more details.
14 The English Riviera Wheel
torquay’s big wheel is back at the pavilion gardens this summer. A round trip takes approximately 12 minutes and the 40 gondolas are enclosed for safety and comfort. With breathtaking 360-degree views, the top is 60 metres high – about 15 double decker buses. this bird’s eye view expands across torquay Harbour and the english riviera. the gondolas hold six people each, and can be booked for exclusive occupancy. A VIp gondola comes with the option of a
bottle of champagne. the wheel is open until November 1, from 10am to 8pm, and 10pm bank holidays and during school holidays. Visit
www.englishrivierawheel.co.uk for more information and to purchase tickets in advance.
the majestic torre Abbey was once the home of the medieval White Canons. torquay’s famous Cary family transformed it into a country home. It now holds an impressive permanent art collection and lively programme of contemporary arts events. And the picturesque gardens are full of exotic and exciting plants. there are activities for children and a lovely
15 Torre Abbey
tearoom at the front of the house, with sea views and vintage décor. the tearooms can be visited on their own. For more information see
www.torre-abbey.org.uk
running head
16 Pirate Days Brixham
every thursday during the school summer holidays brixham Harbourside becomes alive with pirate shenanigans. the brixham buccaneers provide pirate fun for the young and young at heart, with free laughs and entertainment on the street. entertainment includes soak
the pirate; balloon modeling; puppet shows; arts and crafts workshops; fancy dress competitions; photo shoots; live music; and more Jack sparrow lookalikes than you can swing a parrot at. For more details and the history of these events, see
www.brixhambuccaneers.co.uk
17 Decoy Country Park
Newton Abbot’s Decoy park was once a clay quarry but now supports a wealth of wildlife, in its lake, ponds, streams, and heathy woodland. most of the park is classed as a County Wildlife Site or a Site of special scientific Interest. The trails offer great opportunities for walking, cycling, wildlife watching, duck feeding and picnics, with good wheelchair and pushchair access. there’s also a great play area with water play features for the children, and a refreshment kiosk. And a popular bmX bike track too. sailing, canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding are all available on the lake from the Devon Windsurf and Canoe Centre stationed there.
21
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64