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I lived in Torquay Devon for nearly 3 years. I love Torquay for a MILLION different reasons; the people I met there, who I became while I was living there etc etc. But since it’s my 27th birthday today, and I’m back in Devon to celebrate it, I thought I’d write a list of 27 (you see what I did there) reasons why I love Torquay Devon so much. These are all my personal reasons, and maybe some of my friends from Torquay won’t agree with all these. BUT, it’s a list of why I love Torquay, SO WHO CARES?! 😉 Sorry, feeling feisty. Birthday going to my head and all.
You MAY notice that a lot of my reasons involve food. Can you tell I was hungry when I wrote this?!
1) Breakfast at Angel’s on the Downs . This is worth loving Torquay for all by itself. The Victoria sponge cake is amazing. The portions are INSANE and the vintage decor is BEAUTIFUL. Book a table for a Sunday morning after a big Saturday night and you won’t regret it. It’s kind of a tradition with me and my friends.
2) EVERYTHING at Daisy Cake’s. Kate & Johnnie run this beautiful cafe/ cake shop on Babbacombe road. I used to live around the corner from it and HIGHLY recommend it. Everything about it is cute and delicious.
3) My blog was BORN in Torquay. Simple, but another reason why I love Torquay Devon. A lot of stuff happened for me in this town.
4) Torquay has it’s own Ninja club. I know this because I used to be part of it, for real. Don’t mess with me, I’m awesome with some shuriken. But really though, you should check it out if you’re into martial arts at all.
5) The ice cream van at Meadfoot beach during the Summer. This guy sells the most amazing Devon clotted cream ice cream. Even if it’s freezing out I end up getting one. Sooooo good.
6) Thatcher’s Rock. If you drive up Ilsham Marine Drive, turning left before you get to Meadfoot, there’s a beautiful little park area. If you walk to the very end of this park and make your way through the hedged walkway you will find the MOST beautiful view of Thatcher’s Rock. Check out my friend Barry looking epic!
8) It’s the home of my favourite sunglasses company, BeShades! Use my discount code WIT20 to get 20% off 🙂
9) No matter what age you are, you won’t look out of place on a night out in Torquay. It’s one of the only places I’ve seen teenagers and pensioners in the same club, having a great time! If I was ever going to take my mother to a club, I’d do it in Torquay. There’s also rarely any cover charge in anywhere, so it’s a cheap night out.
10) The Kent’s Pub in Wellswood. Not only does it serve some of the best pub-grub I’ve ever had (Try the Mac & Cheese) but it also has some of the most colourful locals, including 2 parrots and an owl. I LOVE this place.
11) Well…….. where else could you see half a house fall off the edge of a cliff? (Yep, that actually happened!)
12) Bygones will take you back in time. This place is worth visiting if only for the AMAZING retro slot machines and games it has upstairs. I spent hours in there with one of my favourite humans (Kellie, that’s you) feeling like I’d gone back in time.
13) Babbacombe cliff walk. This gives you some of the most beautiful views of the coast. If you’re lucky enough to find it and crazy enough to try it, there is a very rugged path down the side of the cliff to a perfect, untouched outcrop of land just by the sea. I did this once and it was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done.
14) The Geopark viewing platform. This is set into the side of a cliff opposite the theatre on the seafront and lights up at night. The view of the town and harbour is beautiful. It’s even worth all the stairs up to it!
15) The new seafront, featuring Las Iguanas. I mean, who doesn’t love 2 for 1 cocktails?!
16) Brody’s (Union Street) the place where it’s always time for breakfast. Their English breakfast buffet would cure any hang over. Many a time I have nursed myself back to health with refillable energy drink and countless crumpets.
17) When it’s stormy weather. Torquay is usually known for it’s tropical, for the UK, weather. But I LOVE it when it’s stormy. The sea crashes over the walls of the seafront and onto passing traffic. This can be inconvenient (the road often has to be closed) but it LOOKS amazing.
18) Bianco’s in Torquay is one of my favourite Italian restaurants in the world, let alone the UK. They have an amazing meal deal offer; 2 courses & half a bottle of wine for around £21. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is beautiful. I’ve been there on dates, girl’s nights and family nights, it’s pretty much perfect for all occasions. I’m kind of obsessed.
19) The Big Wheel. It comes to Torquay Devon every Summer and somehow makes the harbour/seafront look even more lovely.
20) During the Summer it is one of the warmest parts of the UK. Hence the palm trees growing everywhere and the whole “English Riviera” thing. It is not unusual to see people out on any available patch of grass soaking up the sun. It really feels like you’re on holiday!
21) Torquay has an amazing Judo club ( I might be a little bit biased about that). Because sometimes it’s just fun to roll around on the floor with a bunch of sweaty guys.
22) The Bucaneer on the Babbacombe Downs. This place has an impressive selection of vegetarian options. I have never in my life seen two different veggie burgers on one menu. And they are both unreal! It’s a new favourite of mine, especially with their new patio.
23) BEACH FIRES. On Summer nights you can ( not that I’m recommending it because it’s probably not legal 😉 ) have a beach fire down on Babbacombe beach if you’re careful.
24) Nature is EVERYWHERE. When I lived in Torquay I had a badger and an owl living in my back garden along with at least a dozen squirrels and a couple of foxes. Then there’s the seals that stop by every Summer to say hi too.
25) Faulty Towers. The hotel that Faulty Towers was based on is in Torquay! I actually lived there for a month!
26) Cockington Village. This picturesque town is just a mile from the Torquay seafront and is full of beautiful little thatched cottages. I love it there, especially all the creative shops in the courtyard, well, maybe mainly the chocolate one….. There’s also a fun pub quiz in the Drum Inn every Wednesday night too.
27) Where else could you ride a Triceratops? Only in Dinosaur World in Torquay of course. Actually still enjoyable for adults. Me and my sister loved this place. This photo is ridiculous, I look so cheesy!
So there you have it, 27 things I love about Torquay Devon to celebrate my 27th birthday. Now….. I’m off to sit in bed all day with cake and hide from the cold…… and life’s responsibilities. See you soon 🙂
Have you ever been to Torquay Devon?
What do you love about it? Let me know!
Tara Povey blog . Tara Povey blog. Tara Povey bl
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Hey Tara! Loving this, you make it look so homely and nice! Not somewhere I ever thought to visit but now it’s definitely on the list! Just so you know i’ve nominated you for The Leinster Award! Details on my website should you choose to accept! – http://www.yayatravels.com/the-leibster-award xx
Hi Tara,
I like this story and your writing style.
As I learned from the Travelling Weasels, it’s your birthday – so all the best to you, hope you enjoy the day! 🙂
BTW I am not a pensioner just yet you know……..LOL?Love the post though.?? Have a very happy birthday??
I love Torquay. I first went years ago with a group of friends from uni, and I passed through again last year, as my parents now live in Cornwall. I’ll check out some of the things on your list next summer when I’m back. I’ll start with that Victoria sponge, and then I’ll check out Thatcher’s rock, as my last name is Thatcher 🙂