You know how a tune gets stuck in your head? Dionne Warwick or the famous Burt Bacharach may have sung the words to the song:
“Trains and boats and planes are passing by. They mean a trip to Paris or Rome……”
However, for me, they recall our stunning English Riviera on the south coast and the adventures to be had there. If you are looking to make a booking in the Paignton area for self-catering holiday accommodation, these are just a few of the enjoyable activities on offer.
Trains
Dartmouth Steam Railway meanders for seven miles through the spectacular South Devon coastline and the Dart Valley, with stop off station points at Churston, Kingswear village and Goodrington sands. You will be able to spot seals and dolphins, buzzards and kingfishers as you travel on this fine heritage steam railway journey through the picturesque Devon countryside.
If you have a milestone birthday or anniversary coming up, why not treat a special person to a “Footplate Experience” aboard the steam train as it makes its way from Kingswear to Paignton or vice versa? Travel on the footplate with the fireman and driver of the steam train; watch as they feed the coal fuel into the engine and learn how to control the water and work the train’s regulator.
Boats
Visit the Golden Hind ship whose captain, Sir Francis Drake, voyaged around the world between 1577 and 1580. The ship is currently moored in Brixham and shows how life on a sailing ship in the 16th century was lived. Get an astonishing insight into life above and below deck and view many exhibits from this Tudor era. The Golden Hind has featured in many documentaries and TV programmes since it was first moored at Brixham in 1964.
The famous Kingswear Castle Paddle Steamer, Britain’s last coal burning river paddle steamer, built in 1924 and recently restored and returned home after an absence of 45 years, to the River Dart in 2012. The steamer sails from Totnes and Dartmouth, offering 90-minute cruises and on occasion, with suitable tidal conditions, she will steam up the River Dart to Totnes and return.
Planes
Torbay and District Model Aircraft flying club, founded in 1974, is one of the friendliest and active model aircraft flying clubs; situated near Dartmoor, around five miles from Totnes, Newton Abbot. They fly both helicopters and fixed wing, radio controlled, model planes. The Club is affiliated to the British Model Flying Association and holds regular events and members meetings.
Exeter and Plymouth airports have flights from UK cities, such as Glasgow and Edinburgh, with rail, bus and taxi services available to reach Paignton.
The English Riviera is such an accessible place to visit, whether it is from within the UK or from overseas. The majority of the area’s visitors are from the British Isles and many choose to arrive by rail, sea or air as well as by car.
Bedford Holiday Apartments offer high quality, fully equipped, self-catering accommodation in Paignton. We are open all year round and our winter tariffs are very reasonable for a late autumn or winter break, which includes all bed linen, hot water and central heating charges.
Please contact us via our contact form or telephone 01803 557737, where we will do our best to meet your requirements for self-catering accommodation in Paignton.
