A scenic staycation that includes clear turquoise waters, rugged cliffs and not too many crowds sounds appealing to most, and that’s exactly what Verity Craig discovered at the picturesque Babbacombe district on The South Devon Coast
There’s something totally different about a British holiday in comparison to one abroad. I personally don’t think you should compare the two, as one is guaranteed to often be hot, a different culture and the excitement of a plane journey. While the other, here in the UK, can be a salty-covered adventure with views and waters arguably more stunning than you will see anywhere else in the world. And as for the quirky traditions that one has to indulge in on a staycation trip (the fish’n’chips, maybe the odd canoe, tram or boat trip), for me the UK wins hands down as a family holiday.
For us as a family (including our dog), our trip was to The Cary Arms on Babbacombe Beach, near Torquay, on the Southern District of Devon.
After a rather breathtaking drive through the scenic roads and lanes of Devon, you enter the steep entrance road that takes you down to The Cary Arms Hotel and Spa; an independently-owned hotel spearheaded by hotel entrepreneur and philanthropist, Peter De Savary.
“There’s not many holidays where you can be enjoying your breakfast and dinner outside on a terrace overlooking the sea, only to be greeted by a seal bobbing his head up looking at you!”
Arranged and terraced upon the cliffs overlooking the clear waters and beach below, The Cary Arms has a selection of cottages, beach huts or the main house for accommodation. Being secluded away from the bustle of the main town, tucked away in its own bay and facing the old harbour arm, makes it a quiet little haven where you feel you have left the rest of the world behind.
Although The Cary Arms has kept its character and history in tact, it also has the comfort and service of a five star hotel; the original cottages have been restored but have kept their character, while luxury amenities are on hand. Meanwhile, the Beach Hut suites take on more of a New-England style, situated sea-facing, and are incidentally next to the modern fully-equipped spa. I was fortunate enough to enjoy a relaxing massage there with wonderful masseuse, Chloe. There’s something very calming during a massage knowing you are beside the sea. Or maybe it’s just the karma of the area that The Cary Arms is situated!
“…a quiet little haven where you feel you have left the rest of the world behind,”
A must-do experience when visiting Babbacombe, is to take the funicular railway to the beach. Also known as the Babbacombe Cliff Lift, it’s a fun experience, with a great view, to travel to and from the beach (it runs every half hour, each day from 9.30am till 5.30pm.)
We were very lucky to have a wonderful guided tour by local man, Graham, who’s knowledge of the area, and its’ history, brought a fascinating angle to our stay. He even added in a treasure hunt for my daughter to do along the way, which included looking for the local pet…’Sammy the Seal,’ who I am happy to report, we saw in the sea several times. There’s not many holidays where you can be enjoying your breakfast and dinner outside on a terrace overlooking the sea, only to be greeted by a seal bobbing his head up looking at you!
There’s so much interesting history to this little area in Devon, that not many people have heard of; from Queen Victoria being a regular visitor of this bay (since her former nanny lived there,) to Agatha Christie taking inspiration when creating Miss Marple’s fictional village, St Mary Mead.
There’s also lots to do and see in the area for those that like an action-packed holiday. We enjoyed canoeing to look at the caves and surrounding headlands. And there’s a lovely walk above The Cary Arms that is part of the South West Coast Path; stunning views can be captured at St Marychurch!
The Cary Arms Hotel & Spa Luxury Seaview Rooms start from £275 per night B&B (up to £455 high season) and from £335 B&B for a Beach Hut. Tel: 01803 327 110.
But if simply unwinding, not doing much and enjoying the comfort of a hotel with stunning views and service to match is all you require, then also look no further than The Cary Arms. The luxury comforts are abound, and you can enjoy an exquisite food menu (and a very impressive wine list!) Most evenings, we sat outside enjoying a family game of Uno after dinner on the terrace, followed by toasting marshmallow’s under provided cosy blankets, while watching people fishing off the harbour arm…and looking out for our new friend ‘Sammy.’