Explore the English Riviera
Torbay (Torquay, Paignton & Brixham) has over 22 miles of spectacular coast and beaches. The area is affectionately known as the English Riviera. With many beaches to choose from, and 2,000 acres of award-winning public parks and gardens to explore, it is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations around.
Whenever you visit Torbay, you will always find a busy calendar of events to choose from. The programme incorporates something for everyone, with fantastic firework displays, festivals, carnivals, regattas, sporting events, with special appearances from famous faces, not to mention the Red Arrow Display Team.
There really is something for everyone, from long days relaxing on the beach, enjoying a spot of sightseeing, shopping, coastal walks, to days out at many of Torbay’s popular tourist attractions.
With all the glamour and style of a Mediterranean resort, the English Riviera really does live up to its name, and with one of the best climates in Britain, it’s holiday time all the time.
Local attractions
Here are some of the local attractions you can find when staying at the Ambassador guest house:
Paignton Zoo
This famous zoo is a great way to view animals in their natural habitat. The zoo’s emphasis is on conservation and environmental concerns and is sure to keep adults and kids alike amused and interested all day.
Living Coast
In July 2004, we saw Paignton Zoo’s latest addition in the form of ‘Living Coasts’, a unique attraction with underwater views, taking you to the coastal habitats around the world. Situated on Beacon Quay, with spectacular views across the bay, it is a short walk away from Torquay’s bustling marina.Dartmouth Steam railway
Enjoy a trip around the coast, overlooking the River Dart on a steam train.
Splash Down at Quaywest
The only outdoor water park to be found in Devon , and certainly the wettest fun to be had during your holiday. Choose from 8 of the flumes, catering for a range of age groups, with a separate swimming and paddling area.Model Village
Just a short drive from the hotel, you will discover the popular tourist attraction of the Babbacombe Model Village. With over 400 models making up a miniature West Country, and many special features throughout the year, it is a great place to spend a fun-filled afternoon, or a relaxing evening when the village is completely illuminated.Kents Cavern
These caves are officially the oldest recognised human dwelling in Britain. Take a stroll through the beautiful caverns and enjoy the same experience as your ancestors did, nearly half a million years ago.
Bygones
.Just a short drive from the hotel, you will find the popular Victorian experience Bygones. With a range of displays and interesting exhibits, taking you back to the sights and the sounds of the Victorian age.
Crealy Adventure Park
Situated just outside of Exeter , about 30 minutes’ drive away from the hotel, you will discover a theme park designed for the younger members of the family. With fun, small versions of the popular rollercoaster, pirate ship and log flume, combined with grassy picnic areas, inside and outdoor play areas, Crealy Adventure Park , makes for a fantastic family day out.Woodlands Adventure Park
Situated just a few minutes away from Dartmouth, you will discover the magic of Woodlands Adventure Park, a real treat for families, or the young at heart. The park has many exciting outdoor activities, enormous water slides, a toboggan run and many indoor and outdoor activity areas for all age groups.
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Mini Golf
Avast me Hearties! There be a place on Paignton coastline, one of skulduggery and wretched piracy. It be called Pirates Bay… A beautifully landscaped 18 hole Adventure Golf Course situated on Paignton Seafront. Watch out for those exploding cannons! Adventure Golf is also perfect for all ages young and old.No need to book, all clubs and equipment provided, just come along and play!
Paignton Pier
Award-winning Paignton Pier, reaching out majestically from the centre of Paignton seafront, is an unmissable destination for fun, food and relaxation.The Pier is a magnet for young visitors who enjoy a jaw-dropping choice of rides, games – including the latest video games – and amusements for all ages. For older visitors it provides a unique chance to stretch the legs, grab some fresh sea air, relax and take in unrivalled views of Torquay to the north and Brixham to the south.
Entry is FREE, the Pier is close to the town centre and there’s plenty to do. Voted one of Devon’s top attractions
Cockington
Cockington Village is a quintessential chocolate box village complete with delightful, picturesque thatched cottages. Steeped in history, the Manor House at Cockington dates back to the Domesday times.Cockington Court is a thriving centre of creativity, set within 450 acres of inspiring parkland. See the skilled artists and craft makers busy at work. Enjoy brunch, lunch or afternoon tea at the Seven Dials Café. Wander around 450 acres of beautiful parkland or take a Horse-drawn Carriage Ride. The Manor House is free of charge so can be enjoyed by everyone.
Local beaches
Preston Sands
This long, sandy beach has easy access as well as a wide range of facilities including a Cafe, Beach shop. Why not hire a Deckchair / Sunbed and bask in the warmth of the Sun or take it easy and hire a Beach Hut for comfort on your day out. Please note dogs are banned and the rating for swimming is “Safe – With Care”.Paignton Beach
With a large, lawned green adjacent to the beach itself and ample parking nearby, you can take in all of the sun or simply have a walk along the green. There are lots of Kiosks and Cafes by the beach and amusements on Paignton Pier for all the family. Dogs are banned from the beach and the conditions for swimming are “Safe – With Care”. Some of the other facilities available to you are Toilets, Deckchair / Sunbed hire. Pedelos and family bikes are also available.
Goodrington Beach
Goodrington beach has a range of amenities adjacent to it including the Seashore Centre, Quaywest Waterpark, Youngs Park and Inn On The Quay for a quiet drink out. Plenty of Kiosks, Toilets and Amusements are available with the swimming conditions being “Safe – With Care”. Deckchair / Sunbed hire available. Dogs are allowed on North Sands only with excellent low tide rockpooling.Broadsands Beach
A golden, sparkling beach awaits visitors, with good access and parking throughout, as well as a large green behind Promenade. Dogs are banned and swimming conditions are “Safe – With Care”. Also available is a Cafe, Beach shop (no amusements), Deckchair / Sunbed and Beach Hut hire. Pedelos and boats are also available for hire.
A short walk away
Join the South West Coastal Path near the top of our road and wander off in either direction.
Only a couple of minutes’ walk to the north is the gorgeous Goodrington Sands, a perfect safe clean sandy beach ideal for a swim or building sandcastles, snorkelling and rock pools, and warm shallow bathing ideal for all ages. Also the Splashdown Water Park with water flumes and play areas.
Walk through Roundham Gardens and through the beautifully kept cliff gardens to the promenade and enjoy Devonshire ice-cream, the boating lake and Youngs Park Wildfowl Conservation Area, large green for ball games etc, there is also a pub and restaurant in-between the north and south sands.
Behind Goodrington Sands is Torbay Leisure Centre with large indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and health suite, squash courts and other great sports and leisure facilities.
Walk in the other direction and you come to the picturesque Paignton Harbour. Take a ride on a boat, go on a fishing trip, get a ferry to Torquay or Dartmouth. There are many lovely restaurants and cafes to enjoy. Also the hidden Fairy Cove; a small sandy ‘secret’ beach perfect for a swim or sun bathing.
A short walk on takes you to Paignton’s main beach with the greens and the famous pier, there are regular events on the seafront from concerts to sailing events, also a crazy golf course and large modern playpark. There are many hotels, restaurants, pubs, and clubs, many with outdoor seating, nightclubs with live music, also quieter venues; something for everyone.
Good days out include Dartmoor National Park, The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, Exeter Cathedral, Dartmouth, and Totnes.
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