Torquay

Torquay is a seaside town in Devon, about a 3 1/2 hr. drive west of London.  The area is referred to as the "british riviera" and overlooks the English Channel (in the far distance is the coast of France).  One claim to fame is that Torquay was home to Agatha Christie.  Having grown up on Long Island and having lived in California for 10+ years the bar for pretty, seaside towns and coastal views is pretty high.  I'm not sure Torquay made the cut although it didn't help that it was a very windy, rainy afternoon when we arrived.




There was a main downtown area with a smattering of arcades (more like mini-casinos), shops and restaurants.  It was very touristy and cheesy...perhaps a bit like Atlantic City. J&I didn't care for it one bit.  The kids wanted to go on the Ferris Wheel but we never made it.

The highlight of our stay was dinner at No.7 Fish Bistro.  Upon arrival we were greeted by the very friendly owner/chef who once we were seated, came around with a platter of fresh fish and explained our options for the evening.  It was so hard to choose but in the end, J chose a the whole sole (bones in) and I went with a John Dory (x-bones).  Both fish were cooked in a lovely butter and herb sauce. The kids were easy - both had fish and chips.  We eat a lot of fish and chips in London and this was by far the best yet.  Dessert did not disappoint either - rhubarb creme brûlée, chocolate cake and the best strawberry ice cream ever. Definitely a dinner we won't soon forget (J is still talking about it).

After dinner we walked back up the hill to our B&B.  The kids had bunk beds which they were thrilled with and in the morning we were served a lovely english breakfast by the owner.  A dog lived at the house and both kids couldn't get enough.


The sun was out but rather than head to the beach, we decided to drive to Dartmoor National Park for a visit to the Miniature Pony Centre.