South Devon Bike Hire - where to go and what to do - perfect for a summer staycation!

The English Riviera boasts some of the best coastal views in the country, so a bike ride across the coastline taking in towns such as Torquay, Paignton and Brixham is very appealing.

The English Riviera boasts cycle rides which will allow you to; explore local pubs or cafes, try out a few woodland trails or a ride along the coast to see the fantastic views across Torbay.

Take a look at http://www.mapmyride.com/gb/torquay-eng/ and check out the many glorious cycle rides you can do across the South Devon coastline.

And, there's no need to worry about owning or transporting your own bike to enjoy a wonderful experience during your staycation. In Torquay there is fab company called Simply The Bike.


Simply the Bike is an Independent bike shop based in Torquay. They specialise in family, leisure, commuting cycling and offer a great range of hybrid, mountain bikes and BMX as well as workshop/repair services. (They are a Shimano Certified workshop and their mechanics are Cytech accredited).

The bikes they offer are first class and they come in different sizes and styles to suit each user.
To Hire:

Hire Requirements - Debit Card/Credit Card is required as deposit and identification. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. It is recommended you book early to ensure the best possibility of getting the right bike for you. You can book your bikes in advance over the phone to pick up by 11am

(Call on 01803 200024)

Tarriffs: Hire Rates for bikes.
Adult - Day £17.00, Half Day £11.00
Youth - Day £15.00, Half Day £10.00
Child - Day £11.00 , Half Day £8.00
Tandem Bike - Day £25, Half Day £18

(Helmets & Locks are included in the Hire Price).

Weddings in South Devon by guest blog writer - Every Avenue Weddings Magazine

Hello to all you lovely Brides & Grooms-to-be.  Welcome to my first Wedding blog post for www.IloveSouthDevon.co.uk

My name is Penny and I am the editor of the Every Avenue Weddings Magazine. (www.every-avenue.com) There are so many glorious things to talk about when it comes to Weddings; the themes and ideas are endless.  In each of my monthly blogs I will touch upon some of the great things in the wonderful world of Weddings around the South Devon area …………..

Location Hotspot

Summer is upon us and so are the most popular months for marriage. We have had the opportunity of visiting some fabulous venues & definitely recommend that you have a good look around before deciding where you will be taking your vows.  If you are not opting for the tradition style church ceremony then how about a castle to fulfil those Princess fairy-tale dreams? 

Bovey Castle is set in acres upon acres of picturesque land, situated in the Dartmoor National Park.  The castle itself is filled with grandeur & original features.  The grounds are perfect for a summer wedding, take a look at their website:                       www.boveycastle.com.  

Just Bootiful

If the weather does take a turn for the worse on your special day & you have planned an outdoor Wedding, it may be worth investing in a pair of ‘Wedding Day Wellingtons’ such as these from www.thewellyshop.com,

priced at £44.99. 

If you would like a boot with a bit more elegance & you are not planning on sloshing about near any mud then how about these gorgeous lace Victorian knee high boots from www.elegantsteps.co.uk.  Elegant Steps even feature Bridal shoes especially designed for Vegetarians & Vegans.

Marriage with or without the Carriage?

Have you thought about how you will arrive at your ceremony?  Have you considered a Horse & Carriage but are unsure if it’s for you.  Devon Carriages are offering you the chance to ‘try before you buy’.  You & your husband/wife-to-be can win a ride in their gorgeous 18th Century, Horse Drawn Carriage & enjoy a ride around Westward Ho.  Just go along to their Facebook page & ‘LIKE’ the page (if you have already liked their page then simply write ‘blog comp’ on their Facebook wall). 

Draw takes place 30th June 2014

Dine out of this Time

How about this for a blast from the past.  A 1940’s 

style green bus, converted into a stylish mobile restaurant, available for Weddings & Events.  You can read about the ‘On The Green’ Bus in our Summer issue of the Every Avenue Weddings

Magazine. 

Finally

If this blog has whet your appetite, check out the next issue of the Every Avenue Weddings Magazine for lots of feature, ideas, competitions including winning swimwear from the fab designer collection at www.sandstormluxury.com 

& we are also giving away a pair of custom made shoes courtesy of ‘Shoe be do’.  Out 20th June 2014.  In the meantime, pop along to our website at www.every-avenue.com & have a look at our spring issue, there are some great features & wonderful images by our talented in-house photographer Kevin Hicks.

Torre Abbey - a great day out in Torquay.

Torre Abbey is at the heart of Torquay – its’ past, the present and for its’ future.  When entering the grounds and magnificent buildings you can’t help but imagine the silent prayers of the Abbey’s medieval "White Canons" or picture the opulent lifestyle of the Cary family who transformed the Abbey into a fine country home. 

Due to an amazing restoration project, today, you can experience the many lives of Torre Abbey and experience its place in history.

There is so much to see and do on a day trip to Torre Abbey. You can enjoy the impressive permanent art collection and there is an fabulous and  lively programme of contemporary arts and events for all members of a family.

Check out the link below for the Summer programme of events and to find out more about this incredible location.

http//www.torre-abbey.org.uk/events

Looking for somewhere to stay in Torquay when you visit Torre Abbey?  We recommend the stylish boutique Haytor Hotel: Contact them direct for special offers at: http://www.haytorhotel.com/

For more places to stay in Torquay check out our online brochure to discover B & Bs, guest houses and hotels to suit your personal style and budget.

Dog Friendly Beaches in South Devon

Here in South Devon we like to extend a warm friendly welcome to all our visitors and that also includes our four legged friends. Don’t leave your pet at home, with friends or put them in kennels, consider the fun you can have on the English Riviera coastline with your pet.  

When you have a staycation bring your pet   along to the beautiful South Devon region and enjoy; cafe life, friendly and welcoming accommodation and have fun in the sun on one of our beautiful beaches with your family pet.  

Once you find the perfect accommodation which accepts dogs during your pet friendly holiday, the next thing to discover where and when you can take your dog. 

South Devon is a great dog friendly holiday destination. You can enjoy walking along numerous beaches throughout the year in the region. 

Each of the South Devon beaches has its own regulations on dog walking and you’ll find that some have strict restrictions and ban pets during the summer months.

However, there are many beaches that allow dogs’ full access on beaches throughout the year and there are some that provide special designated areas of the beach for dog walking during the busy summer season.

All year access can be gained at the following locations:

Beesands Beach

East Portlemouth

Mill Bay

Shaldon

Salcombe, North Sands

Salpton and Torcross

Soar Mill Cove

Strete Gate

Teignmouth River Beach

Thurlestone

Restricted Access can be gained on the following beaches during the following times:

Bigbury-on-Sea (May to September)

Blackpool Sands (March to November)

Bovisand (may to September)

Challaborough (May to September)

Coryton Cove (May to September)

Dawlish Beach

Hope Cove (May to September)

Mothecombe Beach

 Salcombe South Sands (May to September)

Shaldon Beach (May to September)

Teignmouth Town Beach (May to September

Wembury (May to September

To book dog friendly accomodation open our guide on the side bar for all the latest listings. 

For further information on dog friendly holidays visit: thegooddogguide.com

Richard and Judy Book Club.

The Richard and Judy Book Club is the perfect refer to list when planning your holiday this summer.  Buy some books for a summer full of imaginary fun and emotional thrills and spills!
 Buy just one or buy the bundle and get a great discount at W.H.Smith. Paperback or ebook you choose! There's a great selection of authors and styles to choose from and enjoy on your South Devon holiday!  
Click on the link to read the Richard and Judy book reviews and to purchase the items. https://www.richardandjudy.co.uk/home

English Riviera Geopark - Torbay.

Website: http://www.englishrivierageopark.org.uk/

In September 2007 the area of Torbay in Devon, UK became the 32^ndmember of the European Geoparks Network (EGN). The Torbay Geopark is known as the English Riviera Geopark (ERG) and has a strong urban characteristic with a population of 134,000 in an area of 62km² and 42km² of sea.

Torbay has been working since 2003 on its application to join the EGN and was able to demonstrate that it uses its geological heritage and its wider cultural heritage in its community and educational development framework.  It also uses this heritage to promote and attract tourists to the area.  The Geopark is an important component in all the strategic plans for the economic regeneration of Torbay.

The Geopark territory has a rich and well-exposed geological heritage, from Devonian reefs to Pleistocene bone-caves. This geology has strong links to the history of the science and culture, not least as Torbay includes sites crucial to the initial characterisation of the Devonian Period.

The area includes one of the highest concentrations of protected geological sites in the UK with 11 nationally protected sites (‘SSSIs’) and 15 regionally important sites (‘RIGS’). A single organisation has direct responsibility for the management of the majority of these sites, as well as a range of educational and community functions linked to the sustainable use of Torbay’s natural heritage.

The unique combination of a superb geological resource, a well established and mature tourism infrastructure, an innovative conservation trust with well-developed partnerships with public, private and voluntary sectors, makes the English Riviera Geopark well placed to develop in a dynamic and successful way within the Global Geopark Network.

Address.:
English Riviera Geopark office
Residents & Visitor Services,
Floor 3 Roebuck House,
Abbey Rd
Torquay
Devon
TQ2 5TF
UK
Tel.: (+44) 01803 207358
Fax: (+44) 01803 215136

Top 5 'FREE' Activities to do during your South Devon Staycation.

With the weather forecasters promising a summer full of sun and warm weather, the South Devon Coastline is the perfect place to spend a UK based staycation.
So, with fabulous weather more could a family ask for but free activities to enjoy together and create treasured memories.
The English Rivieria is abundant with little gems which are FREE OF CHARGE.  Here are just 5 we think you will enjoy.

1. Go crabbing in Dittisham near Dartmouth - it's a South Devon hotspot for this fun activity. Check out the village website for directions and more information:  http://www.dittisham.org.uk/
2. Build Sandcastles on one of a number of the South Devon Beaches.
  http://www.ilovesouthdevon.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/recommended-south-devon-blue-flag.html
3. Visit Totnes for a little bit of window shopping. Soak up the atmosphere of this multi-cultural town. There's lots to see and do. There is also the castle, river and weekly farmers market.
4. See the Red Arrows in Action at the Dawlish and Torbay Regatta in August.
5. Soak up the atmosphere at Torre Abbey Grounds or Visit Buckfast Abbey and discover some South Devon heritage.  http://www.torre-abbey.org.uk  http://www.buckfast.org.uk

Babbacombe 2014 Festival

Fun, fun fun is on the menu at South Devon's Babbacombe 2014 Festival. 

Check out the details below ...

Wednesday 18 June – Party Night with 3 Bags Full

An evening of real ale and live music to celebrate the opening night of the Babbacombe Festival Marquee 2014.  Come and join us for a fine selection of real ales and ciders and some fantastic summer music from great local band, 3 Bags Full. Find out all about what's on for the next few days and enjoy catching up with friends in this fantastic venue on the stunning Babbacombe Downs.

From 7pm  FREE Admission  For more information visit www.babbacombefestival.com

Thursday 19 June - Babbacombe – The War Years

Find out all about Babbacombe's role during World War 2.  With exhibits, presentations, pictures and plenty of local history experts to talk to the Babbacombe Festival Marquee will feature all things wartime in this look back at the area, the people and the effects.  There will also be a guided walk around those areas most affected by World War 2.  Refreshments available throughout the event.  Do pop in and take a look around.

From 10am to 2pm.  FREE Admission

Thursday 19 June - Rotary Proms Night

This year's Proms commemorates 100 years since the start of WW1 with classic wartime songs courtesy of the glamorous Rockabellas and magnificent sing-along British anthems led by soprano soloist Donna-Marie Hughes and the Riviera Concert Brass Band. Guests are encouraged to dress the part of either WW1 or WW2, bring hampers and enjoy the best of British with Rotary. Entrance from 7pm. Tickets cost £15 per person or book a table of 10 for £135. For more information visit www.rotaryevent.co.uk or call 01803 315006 or 07909 640416.

Friday 20 June - A Devon Cream Tea for CLIC Sargent

With musical entertainment throughout the day why not get together with friends and make this lovely event a must-do on Festival Friday.  The event is being put on to raise funds for CLIC Sargent.  So, enjoy some delicious treats and help raise some money for a fantastic cause.  From 11am to 3pm.  £4 per Cream Tea to include home-made scones, strawberry jam, Devon clotted cream and tea or coffee.  There will also be a mouthwatering selection of home-made cakes on offer.

Friday 20 June – Oompah Night

It's Oompah time again and that means a fun night out for all concerned.  With fantastic music and audience participation this ever-popular night in the Festival Marquee is always a sell-out so get your tickets early! Featuring the Bavarian sounds of Die Dorf Fest Kapelle, the scene is set for another classic Babbacombe Oompah Night.  With roast pork rolls and sauerkraut on sale in the Marquee.

£12 per person or just £10 for groups of 10 or more.

Buy tickets securely on line at www.babbacombefestival.com

Saturday 21 June – Torbay Armed Forces Day

Torbay Armed Forces Day is the opportunity for the whole family to gather on Babbacombe Downs and celebrate with our Armed Forces past, present and future.  Enjoy live music, exhibits and displays.  Show your support and wave your flags whilst watching the Parade at 1pm.  Keep your eyes peeled for surprises and look out for our special Spot the Spitfire!

10am onwards  FREE event www.torbayafd.co.uk

Saturday 21 June – Midsummer Party in the Marquee

After last year's hugely successful Party Night in the Marquee, the event is back and this year is in aid of local charity, Rowcroft.  By popular demand, fantastic band Funkty Dumpty will be entertaining the crowds with their funk, soul and pop music and Palm FM's Colin Leslie will be blasting out some classics guaranteed to fill the dance floor.  With fully licensed bar and delicious BBQ spend your midsummer evening having a ball in the Babbacombe Festival Marquee. 

Tickets just £10 each and available from www.babbacombefestival.com

Sunday 22 June – Hanbury's Fish and Chips Music Festival

This year's line-up includes The Land of the Giants and Mama Stone's House Band. In aid of the Torbay Holiday Helpers Network (THHN), tickets will be on sale from Hanbury's in Princes Street from 1 May. The ticket price will include admission to the Marquee as well as Festival fish and chips from Hanbury's (available between midday and 6pm). Tickets are £10 for adults and £6 for children (aged 3-10). Due to health and safety regulations please note that pushchairs will not be allowed in the main Marquee area.
For more information visit www.hanburys.net 01803 314616
From midday 'til late

Recommended - South Devon Blue Flag Beaches

South Devon is renowned for having beautiful, clean beaches.  In fact, in 2013 the South West region of the UK was awarded a multitude of Blue Flag and Seaside Awards. 14 of these beaches were won by Torbay, English Riviera alone.
To qualify the beaches have to meet strict criteria relating to beach management, access, facilities and more importantly the quality of the bathing water.
Many of the beaches in South Devon can be easily reached by road and they have safe parking nearby which means they are great for families or those with limited mobility. We also have secluded beaches which are accessible via well used footpaths and for those looking for total privacy, some of the beaches are only accessible from the sea.
So, if you are looking for a quiet retreat or something which is both popular with locals and visitors and have plenty of attractions and amusements available, check out our recommended south Devon Blue Flag Beaches.

South Devon's Award Winning Beachesare as follows:
Maidencombe, Oddicombe, Anstey's Cove, Meadfoot, Torre Sands, Preston Sands, Paignton Beach, Goodrington Sands, Broadsands - Brixham, Breakwater Beach, Blackpool Sands - Dartmouth, Teignmouth, Ness Cove, Coryton Cove - Dawlish, Sandy Bay - Exmouth, Salcombe.

Maidencombe Beach.  
This pretty sandy beach is full of rockpools at low tide so it's great for family fun. It is accessable via a steep hill.
There is amble parking with toilets, cafe and it is dog friendly (check when pets are allowed).

Oddicombe Beach.
This is a sands and shingle beach with parking nearby. Safe for swimming and fun for families. It is popular for sailing and watersports. Facilities include; cafe, toilets, beach shop and deckchair hire.

Torre Abbey Sands is a tidal sandy beach with parking nearby, safe swimming and lots of facilities to keep all members of the family happy.  It's popular for watersports, jet skis, kite surfing and the local artist the Sandman.


Goodrington Sands, Paignton is a long sandy beach with rockpools at low tide. It is easily accessible with plenty of parking. It is safe for swimming and it has great facilities, activities and amusements onsite and nearby. (dogs are permitted on the north sands area).





To see all the award winning beaches please check out page 11 of our free holiday guide/brochure (image taken at Meadfoot Beach) click on the link below to see the online PDF :
 

I Love South Devon Guide

Coming Soon to the English Riviera - HMS Gay Archer find out more from www.ILoveSouthDevon.co.uk

HMS Gay Archer is now the last of its class to exist in the world today and during its previous operational duties has many stories to tell within the role of Britain’s Coastal Defence Forces during the Cold War, 1951 – 1962. From escorting the Swiss Royal family to the Houses of Parliament, aiding the Portuguese Government, covert Cold War operations and there are even rumours that Her Majesty the Queen herself sailed aboard her. 

Unlike a submarine that uses stealth underwater, the Motor Torpedo Boats used their speed and agility in order to launch the torpedoes at ships. A crew of 12 against a crew of 1,000 on a battleship.  Originally being one of 12, HMS Gay Archer formed a fast fighting flotilla that could unleash devastating firepower

This incredible vessel will be in the local waters from 2nd May (Brixham) until Mid May when it will leave Torquay Harbour to continue on the rest of it's amazing journey. To find out more about this incredible new attraction in the area, contact www.ILoveSouthDevon.co.uk