Summerhill Hotel Paignton Devon

Travel back in time to the Jazz Age at the country home of the D'Oyly Carte family.

You can lose yourself in the magical 12-hectare (30-acre) garden:viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea, paths weave through glades past tranquil ponds, and tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand thrive in the moist and sheltered valley.

This most evocative of country homes, built in the Arts &Crafts style, is imbued with 1920s' elegance. A light, joyful atmosphere fills the rooms and music plays, echoing the family's Gilbert and Sullivan connections.

Torquay Centre (2.9 miles)

Known as �Queen of the Riviera�in Victorian times Torquay possesses some of the best of the English weather and most sought after beaches. Stroll along the palm lined promenade watching the rows of graceful Victorian terraces and white villas pass you by or just lay by the almost tropical beaches as the sea gently rolls in. Enjoy an entertaining nightlife presenting theatres, pubs, night clubs and quality Continental foods from all around the world. Weather you�re looking for Cantonese, Thai, Indian, Italian, Spanish or even specialist seafood bistros and traditional cuisine tempt your taste buds in the English Riviera.

Torquay United Football Club

In May 1985, just six days after the Bradford Stadium fire, a third of the old grandstand was destroyed during an early morning blaze. Nobody was hurt, but as a result, the ground�s capacity fell to below 5,000. In the few years after the fire the ground saw little change. During the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, Plainmoor has finally seen some major changes. The old Mini Stand made way for the all-seating Family Stand, which also houses offices, the boardroom and the club shop, as well as the pub and restaurant Boots and Laces, and the 200 Club bar.

Berry Pomeroy House

This romantic ruined castle is situated in a picturesque Devon valley and steeped in local folklore and legend. The gatehouse and defensive curtain wall date from the late 15th century and behind them are the remains of an Elizabethan country house built C.1560-1600 by the Seymour family. Edward Seymour, first Duke of Somerset �also known as the uncle and governor of the boy-king, Edward VI �acquired the castle in 1547. On the wall of the gatehouse chamber is a 15th-century painting of the three kings bearing gifts to Christ. A fascinating audio tour is also available.

Dartmouth Castle

This brilliantly positioned defensive castle juts out into the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary, with the sea lapping at its foot. Begun in the late 14th century, the castle was intended to protect the warehouses and homes of Dartmouth�s merchants. It was one of the earliest castles built with the prospect of artillery attack in mind. It is said that Chaucer based The Shipman character in his Canterbury Tales on the colourful John Hawley �the merchant and mayor of Dartmouth who built the first castle on this site. Today, you can enjoy other tales of the castle as you journey through time from the Tudor period and the Civil War to World War II. Displays on the castle�s 600-year history add to the experience.

Things to do

Nowhere else can offer the best in lush English landscapes accompanied by its own special climate. Enjoy the English weather with so many places to visit near Summerhill.

Whatever the weather, there is a massive range of activities for all. From watersports to historic buildings, from golf to theatres, there is always something for everyone !!
ON THOSE SUNNY DAYS Take a paddle, sunbath or swim at Goodrington beach, only 175m away (just one and a half lengths of a football pitch!) from our front door. Our beach is one of the safest in the UK!

Stretch your legs on the truly beautiful coastal walk from Goodrington beach to the small fishing town of Brixham (the frequent number 12 bus also runs to Brixham and back).

A unique way to celebrate summer in Torbay! A step away from the beach stands The Quaywest Waterpark, flowing and ready to ride!

ON THOSE CLOUDY DAYS Paignton Zoo, (only a 3 minute drive away). Spend the day discovering one of the UK's very largest Zoos, with approximately 2000 species, Indoor and Outdoor expositions and botanical gardens! Follow the link for more information:http://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

Visit Dartmouth on the popular Round Robin trip (Steam train and Ferry across the Dart River). Once in the picturesque town see the Royal Naval College and enjoy the many restaurants, cafes, views and shops.

Have a day at the important naval city of Plymouth (45 minute drive away), stroll along the hoe, discover the National Marine Aquarium and shop in the new "Drake Circus" shopping mall.

ON THOSE RAINY DAYS Why not enjoy the relaxing spa, 33m pool, or great gym complex at the Torbay Leisure Centre (2 minute drive away, or 5 minute walk through Young's Park).

Brows the hundreds of popular shops in the Torquay main town (3 miles away). Lunch in one of the many bars and cafes around Torquay harbour side, some with fantastic views across the bay. Or find that perfect gift from Summerhill's own designer jewellery and Antique collection.

Visit the Roman city of Exeter (25 miles away). See the magnificent cathedral, buildings and the new shopping complex. For those without a car there in an hourly train from nearby Paington train station with wonderful views along the coast line as intended by its designer the great engineer Isambad Kingdom Brunel along the journey. Dawlish and Teignmouth are also stops on this train route!

The Eden Project. Learn more about the worlds trees and plants, from rainforests to the Sahara this amazingly successful project is well worth visiting, whether you are a devout gardener or just looking to enjoy discovering more about our planet.

ON THOSE LAZY DAYS Enjoy a boat trip across the Bay from Paignton Harbour (5 minute walk away) to Brixham. Many are lucky enough to see the dolphin pods which are known to come to Torbay during early autumn time.

Go to the Princess theatre (3 miles away) and dine in one of the many restaurants at the harbour side.

See the latest film in the 9 screen Apollo Cinema (5 minute walk away on Paignton seafront). While you are there have a round of crazy golf at the new Pirate themed courts!

ON THOSE ACTIVE DAYS Walk the wild Dartmoor hills with its stunning views and quaint villages. Or just enjoy a paddle at the many streams of the nascent River Dart. (About a 45 minute drive away).

Try your hand at Kayaking and see Torbay from the water! Kayaking is an increasingly popular sport here and the equipment can be hired from Goodrington Beach or Paignton harbour, either for the day or just a few hours).

Play golf at The Churston Golf Club which look over Broadsands beach and the bay.

Go fishing here along the coast (Goodrington beach is only 175m away), or the nearby Course Fishing Centres, for beginners to professionals!

Torbay Hotels - Paignton Steam RailwayON THOSE HISTORICAL DAYS Visit Agatha Christie's "Best Loved Home" Greenway House and gardens. A National Trust property, now a fascinating museum (10 minute drive away). The house and contents were generously donated by the Christie family to the National Trust and after years of restoration and cataloguing of the intriguing collections are now open to the public, shedding some of the mystery of the famous writer and her equally successful archaeologist husband Sir Max Mallowen. Visiting the house can also be combined with a boat trip on the River Dart.

Go back in time at Bygones (Babbacombe, approx. 3 miles away). "A living Victorian Street".

Dine or enjoy drinks at Churston Court. The old home of the Lord of Churston, this interesting property is still decorated in a typical Tudor style and is locally thought to be haunted!

Water Activities in Paignton