South Devon

We are taking a little family break for Easter ....off to South Devon (either Dawlish or Torquay).  Can't make up our minds where to stay or what to do ....any suggestions?  

Dartmoor Dartmoor Dartmoor!  

There is so much!  Let me have a proper think and I shall come back with some nice things I liked and some suggestions from the hubster who knows the area like the back of his hand.

I'm in between Dawlish and Torquay, in fact if you go to Torquay you'll drive past my house (by unfortunately, we won't be there).  Dawlish is very nice, if the weather is co-operating, otherwise there isn't really alot to do there, so I would recommend Torquay.  There are several "attractions" in the area such as the Model Village, Kents Caverns, Paignton Zoo, Princess Theatre and one of my favourites is the Round Robin Trip which is a steam train from Paignton to Dartmouth, Dartmouth to Totnes on a boat and Totnes back to Paignton on an old-time double decker bus (althought, I'm not sure if the season will have started by Easter weekend, but I could find out if you like).  In addition to this, Dartmoor isn't too far away. Also, I think accomodations in the Torquay area would be much nicer than Dawlish, you have options of several B&B's to very nice hotels.  Hope this helps a bit and I hope you enjoy the area....I sure do!!

the round robin trips sounds great ....the kids would love that.   you have any websites?

here is the website for the steam train, www.paignton-steamrailway.co.uk (i'm not sure if it is open yet for the season, but I'll call later today and find out for you). another good site is www.the-english-riviera.net.  This one is a very comprehensive site for the area.

Last night we went to dinner up on the moors, a great place called The Old Inn, at Widdecombe -in-the Mooors. Firstly, I would recommend the restaurant, food is great and its quite reasonable, but mostly the area is so beautiful, even at night its wonderful,,,although you do need to be careful driving along because the sheep like to sleep in the middle of the road!  Also, its not far from Newton Abbot/Torquay area.

Anything else you'd like to know, just give a shout!

oh thanks barbara ur a sweetie    

That's odd Barbabra as I was just about to get to typing and suggest the same Inn in Widdecombe.  It is lovely and we had lunch there -Stiliton Pate YUM!  I also have raves about Lydford Gorge run by The National Trust is a lovely natural place to visit with a stunning waterfall. The Church and Hill at Brent Tor are nice too.  If you happen to get close to Plymouth and out near the moors that way there is a little inn called the "Who'd have Thought It Inn" at Milton Combe, Yelverton. They do nice baguettes at lunch.  They do other food too.  On the weekends they have some guy playing on a keyboard as the locals sing along.  Definately not a touristy spot.   As with everything on the  moors lots of ponies and sheep everywhere.  Will be back as I think of more.

I might mention that the traffic down this way into Torquay can be a nightmare, especially on a bank holiday weekend, so if it is at all possible leave as early as you can and you can avoid some of it.  

yeah we also live in an area where the bank holidays can be a nightmare ....  thanks for the tip  

Near Tavistock there is a kewl little place that my husband took me to on our honeymoon a while back.http://www.morwellham-quay.co.uk,,it's slow in the winter,, but should pick up for the Easter break.

ooh that looks like fun ...

On Dartmoor there is also a Butterfly Farm.... sounds neat though I have never been to it...

Just thought I'd put my 2 cents (or is that 2p?!) in for a couple highlights  on the east side of the Exe River... as I live in Exmouth, I can say take a pass on it. The seafront is nice but it lacks descent restaurants, etc.

I do however, highly recommend  Budleigh Salterton and Otterton. Budleigh has a nice seafront and a great tea shop called the Cosy Teapot. Otterton has a wonderful gallery/restaurant/artist's studios called Otterton Mill. They serve good meals that are organic where poss and almost always locally sourced (we're actually having our wedding reception here as it's our low key kind of style). Just beyond Otterton is a wonderful stone beach called Ladram Bay. And, if you're so inspired, Sidmouth is well worth a visit. All of this is an easy drive from Torquay.

Must more food for thought!