Chapter 5
All At Sea
Now to one of our most favourite days. Miss Lemon enjoys nothing better than taking to the waters of the English Riviera, much like our heroine Agatha Christie and today she has a water discovery day for you, exploring our beautiful bay …
2 Guests -please ask about additional guests
7 Days a Week: 9am to 5pm
Full Day Excursion
Price from £275 for up to two people
Details & Itinerary
We will start our day with an invigorating walk along the beautiful Babbacombe Downs, where on a clear day it’s possible to see as far as Portland Bill in Dorset, Miss Lemon will have a story or two for you here. Following the Southwest Coast Path, we suggest breakfast on the terrace at the Cary Arms or the wonderful beachside Three Degrees West before enjoying a guided sea kayak or paddleboard tour.
You will discover crystal coves, ancient coral coasts, raised beaches and the natural sea arches on a geo safari. After all this adventure it’s time to board The Babbacombe Cliff funicular railway to return to the top before onto an afternoon picnic on Meadfoot beach.
In 1903 (when Agatha was 13) the council approved mixed bathing on its beaches for the first time and Meadfoot was a favourite of both Agatha and her mother. If time permits, our day may end at Beacon Cove, which remained a ladies only bathing cove, where in the summer Agatha used to swim practically every day – whatever the weather! With toasted marshmallows and a hot chocolate, this could be the perfect end to the day.
Pricing
- Price from £275 for up to two people
- Includes equipment hire and a delicious hot chocolate
- Refreshments and meals not included
Schedule
10am meet Babbacombe Theatre (or let us know if you would like a car to collect you). The Theatre is on Babbacombe Downs, Torquay TQ1 3LU. Starting with a lovely walk lasting approximately an hour, we will make our way to the beach for our water-sports adventure. Ending at with a peek at Agatha’s favourite beaches, you should return to your accommodation around 4:30pm.
What You Should Bring
Swimming costumes, water shoes and a change of clothes are essential. We will supply kayaks and paddleboards, but recommend a t shirt and shorts or other suitable clothing to head onto the water. We have dryrobes to keep you warm afterwards.
Best Times for This Excursion
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you collect me from an airport or railway station?
Yes absolutely, in fact we would love to do so, as it gives us chance to get to know each other before our wonderful custom days out.
Do you mix groups of travellers?
No, this is very much a private tour, custom made and tailored for single or duo travellers. We want you to write your own travel story and so exclusivity is really important to us.
Can I bring a dog?
Well behaved dogs are welcome on walks, but unfortunately, we can’t transport them in our own vehicle. Some venues and attractions also do not allow dogs (other than guide dogs), so please do chat to us before booking with English Riviera Custom Tours.
Can you arrange my accommodation?
While we ask you to book directly, we are very happy to offer guidance and suggestions using our extensive local knowledge. We also work closely with some providers and ask you mention English Riviera Custom Tours at the time of booking, to ensure you receive any preferential rates.
Can I book all year round?
Absolutely! The English Riviera has a mild climate and benefits from some of the best weather anywhere in the UK. There are some attractions and venues that operate with more opening times through the high season, but we are an all year round destination and welcome guests throughout the year.
I am thinking of hiring a car, can you help me with that?
We can certainly provide information for local car hire.
Do I need special walking clothes and equipment?
While we say no, obviously we ask you to consider your footwear for our lovely walks. The English Riviera coastline is stunning and every opportunity to see crystal clear waters and our rich geological landscape cannot be missed. So comfortable and appropriate clothing is essential. We can provide walking poles if needed. The Dartmoor chapter is probably the most important to consider layers of clothing, as it can change so quickly on the rugged moors.
Do I need to be a very good walker?
For most of our walks, no. We consider all the practical elements (including toilet stops) and terrain and so will assess your booked tours in advance for you. Some of the coastal walks have some undulating terrain and so a reasonable level of walking ability is needed. If you are unsure before choosing your custom tour, please ask.
I am driving to the area, what are the roads like and the parking?
Devon has more roads than any other UK county ( fun fact!) and while we have plenty of great major roads, some of our country roads can be a little challenging for first time users. Reversing skills need to be honed! Greenway House only allows prebooked parking – but all other attractions here on the English Riviera have good parking facilities. But do not worry, Miss Lemon will ensure you have all the info you require for each adventure.
What’s the weather like?
Well everyone knows we British are obsessed with the weather, so Miss Lemon will keep you updated on whether you need your suncream or your winter woollies, so do not fear! After all, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing!
I’ve heard of wild swimming, what is it?
Really it is just a posh name for sea swimming, but we do take it very seriously here on the English Riviera. Both Miss Lemons are seasoned all year round swimmers and so are very safety conscious and aware of the power of the sea. But if you’d like to give it a go, we suggest a sunrise swim for the most perfect start to the day. Let us custom make your day and maybe add a swim every morning – you might just love it!
I would love to find some great eateries, can you help me with this?
Definitely! We are happy to make bookings and recommendations and have some really great places to eat on the English Riviera. There really is something for everyone and we might even share some of our best kept secrets!
Have you got a question we haven’t thought of? Please drop us a note and ask us, Miss Lemon is here to take care of your every need.