Bayview Retreat
We stayed at the lovely Torquay Bayview Retreat in early autumn. The weather was pleasantly mild, the view from the apartment’s terrace spectacular and the countryside stunningly green. Part of the ‘English Riviera’, with is sandy beaches, coastal walks and rolling hills and vales, it really is the quintessential English landscape! As a history buff I found much of ‘Old England’ to discover. Kent’s Cavern, a prehistoric cave in nearby Peignton, is well worth a visit. A palaeolithic labyrinth of caverns, with 400-million-year-old stalagmites and stalactites, it now includes exhibits of Ice Age tools and fossils. Close to Torquay is charming Totnes, full of local crafts. Once a Roman settlement, with a road running north along the River Dart, it has always been a transport throughfare. In the nineteenth century its cider and woollen warehouses, now residential and office blocks, were served in the Industrial Revolution by barges, and you can still enjoy peaceful rambles along the old towpath. High up Totnes’s main street it’s the 11th century Norman motte-and-bailey Castle (now run by English Heritage) and the walk around the ramparts of the 14th century keep offers 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. In Dartington, nestled in the valley, is the very beautiful Dartington Estate with its Courtyard and Grade II Listed Gardens (entry fee applies) and free access to footpaths and trails. Its quaint village is renowned for its musical and cultural events as well as its handmade crystal industry, local craft shops and fine food outlets. A week’s stay in Torquay was not enough for us. Next time we would love to explore Exmouth and Lyme Regis on the west Jurassic Coast, and inland to the Dartmoor National Park, an open moorland, and Exeter Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century. Thank you, Nick for maintaining a beautiful apartment as well as a veritable launching pad to Devon’s amazing scenery and rich history!
Charles
Ngày trải nghiệm: 05 October, 2025
Ngày trải nghiệm: 05 October, 2025
Trả lời từ Saltwater Escapes
2025.11.18
Thank you for sharing such a beautifully detailed review, Charles! We're thrilled you enjoyed your stay at Saltwater Escapes’ Bayview Retreat and had the chance to explore the incredible history and beauty of the area. It sounds like you made the most of your time in Torquay and beyond! We’d be delighted to welcome you back for more adventures, Exmouth and Dartmoor await! I'll also pass on your kind words to Nick. Thank you again!