Babbacombe

Although Babbacombe is just a stone’s throw from the vibrant and cosmopolitan town of Torquay, it has a completely different feel to its neighbour. As a pretty English village, it is a picture postcard idyll, and a day spent amongst Babbacombe’s shops and cafés is a favourite pastime with locals and tourists alike.

A long-standing favourite

The village first became a popular tourist destination after World War II, with honeymooning couples particularly partial to the tranquil atmosphere and charming, romantic location. Little has changed today, as the area still has a touch of traditional romance about it, providing the perfect setting in which to enjoy some retail therapy. Saunter in and out of the shops at a relaxed pace, stopping every now and then to take in the views across Lyme Bay. 

When you’ve purchased all your gifts to take back to family and friends, refuel with a proper Devon cream tea, complete with delicious, thick clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam. In summer you can sit al fresco and enjoy the stunning sea views, or in winter warm up by a cosy log fire in one of the many attractive pubs, cafés or restaurants.

Afterwards, why not work off the calories by taking a stroll along the promenade? Or if you haven’t got the energy, take a trip on the funicular railway – one of the few original funicular railways still working in the UK. The panoramic views at the top of the 240-foot cliff are spectacular.