​Babbacombe

Babbacombe, set around the headland from Torbay, has a different more relaxed atmosphere than the likes of Paignton and Torquay. Its “olde worlde” charm made Babbacombe the number one honeymoon destination following the Second World War, thanks to the stunning beach and spectacular views across Lyme Bay.

The beach here is the main draw - a lovely sand and shingle affair hidden deep below the forested cliffs that make Babbacombe seem much further away from Torquay than it actually is. The classic beachside Inn The Cary Arms sits here, along with a beach cafe and the chance to rent a kayak from the beach for an hours paddle around the bay at the end of the days walk is well worth taking.

The attractions here are geared towards these genteel days of tourism and family holidays with the model village, museum and Tessier gardens, as well as the historic cliff railway, built in 1926 and still carrying passengers up the 240ft cliff from Oddicombe beach to Babbacombe town.

You will either take the railway or walk some switchbacks to get to your accommodation which is all in the village of Babbacombe above the cliffs on the Babbacombe Downs. B&B's and guest houses are the main options here – although, at a price, you can opt to stay on the beach at the Carey Arms itself.

There are a good selection of eating options including bistros, pubs and seafood within Babbacombe, and the village makes a very capable "half way house" between Torquay and the rather wilder Exmouth stop tomorrow.