Devon Cruising on the Dart

Dartmouth ©Solange Hando

      Dartmouth is the start of the upriver cruise to Totnes, a lovely place with a gleaming marina, half-timbered buildings and steep flower-draped lanes with spectacular views from the hill top.

    If you are staying in the 'English Riviera', consider the 'round robin' tour which takes you on a steam train from Paignton with spectacular views along the Devon coast, down to Kingston on the left bank of the Dart then across to Dartmouth on a three minute ferry ride.

Dart Cruise, Ready to Go ©Solange Hando

Departure times will depend on the tide but if you come on the round robin, this will be sorted out, giving you plenty of time to look around Dartmouth and enjoy a spot of lunch before boarding.

If you do this on your own, you will have a choice of boats, including a paddle steamer on specific dates. But don't leave it to chance, book early, especially in the summer season.

Dart Estuary ©Solange Hando

    If the tide is right, the cruise will briefly take you downstream, past the medieval castles which once guarded the river mouth on either side.

    Then turn around and enjoy superb views of Dartmouth from the water, town clinging to the hills, yachts, the impressive Royal Britannia Naval College and you might just spot the steam train puffing away through the trees.

On the River Dart ©Solange Hando

    Now all is quiet, first along forested banks, all different trees and maybe a mighty oak here and there, once so common they gave the river its Celtic name.

    It's a lovely time to relax, just the odd boat now and then, a lonely cottage on the river bank and a hamlet or two, loved by visitors but still genuine and traditional.

Canadian Geese on the River Dart ©Solange Hando

    This is your chance to see the wild life, flocks of Canadian geese in season, an osprey, a rare dipper, a colourful kingfisher and lots of egrets and black-headed gulls.The river is also rich in fish, especially salmon and trout.

    Then before you leave the wooded area, look out for the elegant Georgian house peeping through he trees om the hill top. This was the holiday home of Agatha Christie and the place which inspired some of her murder stories. 

Devon Hills along the Dart ©Solange Hando

    After a while, the views open up as rolling hills rise above the river, dotted with ancient stones and cattle grazing on lush grass. 

    You may see a few canoeists and not far from Totnes, look out for the vineyards of Sharpam Estate which offer award-winning wines and also make their own cheese.

Totnes ©Solange Hando

Ninety minutes or so after leaving Datmouth, you reach the end of the cruise in Totnes as you approach the old bridge, the last one before the river heads downstream through deep water and steep valleys.

Totnes is an attractive place to look around with its bohemian lanes full of artists, historic church,  Devon cream teas and panoramic views from the hill top castle.

Totnes on the River Dart ©Solange Hando

    

    

 

Devon Langstone Cliff Hotel Review, Dawlish Warren

Langstone Cliff Hotel ©Solange Hando

As the name indicates, this lovely family-run hotel is situated on a cliff top with spacious grounds, trees and lawns, overlooking the Exe estuary. 

There's plenty of private parking, bus stops just outside the entrance and a shaded footpath leading to the rail station and the beach with eating places and entertainment. The hotel is family and dog friendly. 

Pleasant Room at the Langstone ©Solange Hando

The Langstone has 64 rooms on two floors with all the amenities you would expect, free WiFi, TV, tea and coffee making facilities, biscuits included, comfortable beds and a choice of bath or walk-in shower.

Luxury rooms boast private balconies or patios, with lawn or sea views.

Orchids a Treat ©Solange Hando

The hotel is justly proud of its flowers, from orchids to hanging baskets, hydrangeas and more.

If you love flowers and colour, this is the place for you, all beautifully tended and in perfect condition.

Lincoln Restaurant ©Solange Hando

With its adjoining bar, the Lincoln serves delicious food, in smaller areas with waiter service or in the main restaurant which offers a buffet with a wide choice of starters, main courses and desserts with clotted cream if you wish. 

Food and snacks are also available in a range of connecting rooms overlooking the lawn and pool. Look out for afternoon tea on the lawn.

Guests Lounge at the Langstone ©Solange Hando

Plenty of comfort and space to chat and meet friends, share a drink or read the free paper.

Though if you want to be active, there are two swimming pools (in and outdoors), tennis court, a fitness room and a beauty-therapy room to pamper yourself.

The Verandah ©Solange Hando

The veranda is a lovely place to relax, in the shade or in the sun, close to the bar and looking across garden and pool and the estuary beyond.

Relax with a View ©Solange Hando

Langstone Cliff Hotel

Images of Devon, Torquay Riviera

Paignton in Torbay ©Solange Hando

Paignton is all you would expect from a traditional seaside resort, fine sands, a pier and a lovely little marina, at its best when the tide is in.

In the rolling hills of southern Devon, Paignton has plenty of flat land, appreciated by families and  seniors, and a quaint Victorian shopping arcade with an old bus shelter to match and tall façades across the green.

Paignton for Families ©Solange Hando

Playground, amusements, lawns to run around, picnic tables and plenty of affordable eating venues, there's lots to keep the little ones happy besides the sea.

Torquay, Queen of the English Riviera ©Solange Hando

Just around the bay to the north,Torquay is different, hilly, slightly upmarket with its seafront promenade, its pier to breathe in the sea air and a vast beach which all but disappears at high tide.

There's a pleasant marina with a lifting pedestrian bridge, cliffside gardens and a waterfront park where you will find the Princess Theatre and the Big Wheel,offering superb views of the bay, all the way to the cliffs at the southern end glowing red and gold in the sunset. 

Cockington near Torquay ©Solange Hando

A short drive up a hill above Torquay, this small thatched village is truly delightful, even though most of its colourful cottages are now tea rooms or craft shops. It's a picture postcard sort of place and probably at its best when the crowds have left.

You will find a watermill, a thatched forge and a mansion set in parklands twittering with birds. Next to the mansion are a rose garden and a craft centre where in the former stables, you can watch blacksmiths, glassblowers and other artisans at work.

Goodrington Sands ©Solange Hando

South of Paignton over a panoramic headland, you reach the colourful sands of Goodrington fringed by exotic cliff gardens and red rocks.

It's a great place to paddle, build castles or look for devil crab or pipe fish in the rock pools. Most commercial outlets are set well back from the beach and only the whistle of the steam train breaks the peace now and then on its way to Kingswear.

Beach Huts, Goodrington ©Solange Hando

Goodrington likes to be on the wild side but Goodrington loves colour, red sand and rocks, gardens in all shades of green and pristine beach huts in pastel colours neatly tucked below the cliff.

They lend Goodrington that special little touch which lingers in your mind long after you have left.

Brixham Harbour ©Solange Hando

Brixham may come last on the English Riviera coast but you can't beat it for charm, scenery and character. See the fishing harbour packed with crab and lobster pots, the long breakwater sheltering a glistening marina, the picturesque lanes climbing up the hill and right by the quay the statue of William of Orange and the replica (above) of the Golden Hind.

 Devon Coast from Berry Head ©Solange Hando

Beyond Brixham harbour, a trail leads up through the woods to Berry Head, a windswept headland with superb views of Torbay and the red cliffs to the north and to the south the ever meandering limestone cliffs, the wild meadows and rocks and islands sprinkled into the sea.