Babbacombe Cliff Railway re-opens on 6th March.

The English Riviera in the heart of glorious South Devon offers something for everyone, whatever your taste. There are 22 miles of coastline, cliffs, coves and beaches and walks to rival any in the South West of England, with a climate that belongs somewhere much further South. Torbay has five blue flag beaches and 9 coastal awards.

Torbay is one of just six Geoparks in the UK. More information about the amazing features that have earned us this status can be found at www.englishrivierageopark.org.uk Archeologists have carried out two major excavations at Kents Cavern this year to learn more about the Neanderthals who lived in the caves tens of thousands of years ago.

Torquay's waterfront is the focus of life in the town. Here you'll find the palm-lined promenade, seafront gardens, a lively harbour and an International Marina. There is a variety of pavement cafes, pubs, restaurants, nightlife and good quality shops. Torquay is an ideal base for exploring South Devon. You can ramble across the beautiful Dartmoor National Park, see the Dartmoor Ponies and visit the numerous hidden wonders such as Widdecombe in the Moor.

Totnes and Dartington Hall are less than 30 minutes away. Totnes is an Elizabethan river town with an ancient castle. The beauty of Dartington Hall with its glorious gardens and world famous arts and music activities makes this an essential place to visit. Dartmouth, Dartmoor, Salcombe, Exeter and Plymouth can all be easily reached.

Forthcoming Events:

Tha Babbacombe Cliff Railway  reopens on 6th March.

The 2010 Babbacombe Festival will run from 12th-20th June. Watch this space for further updates or log onto www.babbacombe.org.uk.

More information on events and attractions can be found at www.whatsonsouthwest.co.uk

Among the many attractions in and around the English Riviera are:

Babbacombe Model Village More details including opening times and prices can be found on the website - www.model-village.co.uk.

Don't miss the unique Agatha Christie Exhibition at Torquay Museum where you can take a journey into Torquay's fascinating past, find out about local wildlife, famous people and Torquay through the ages and don't miss the unique Agatha Christie Exhibition. This year Agatha Christies holiday home at Greenway has been opened to the public for the first time.

Torre Abbey with its abbey ruins is Torquay's oldest building. It houses a superb collection of paintings and antiques. The nearby Spanish Barn was used to hold Spanish Prisoners after the Armada of 1588.

At the Riviera Centre you will find Torquay's indoor beach with Fun Pool, complete with flume ride and wave machine. There are shows for children, an indoor soft play area, a fully equipped gym, sauna, restaurants, bars and much more.

Along the 22 miles of the English Riviera coastline are 19 beaches and coves. Some are wide, open stretches of sand with beach facilities, such as cafes, beach huts and water sports. Others are smaller and more secluded. Several of our beaches hold coveted awards for cleanliness and water quality.

Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway lets you experience the magic of the steam age on a 7-mile stretch of the Great Western Railway. The train takes you on a spectacular journey alongside Torbay, then through wooded slopes to the River Dart. More details of forthcoming can be found on their website: www.pdsr.co.uk

This year the Dart Valley Railway celebrates its 40th anniversary. More details of forthcoming can be found on their website: www.southdevonrailway.org.

The West Somerset Railway is also within range for a good day out, either from the Taunton end at Bishops Lydeard or from Minehead by way of a drive through the beauty of Exmoor. The 2010 Spring Gala is to be held on 20th, 21st and 25th-28th March celebrating the 'GWR 175'. 'Tornado' returns to the WSR 12th-16th July and 13th-17th September. More information on these and other WSR events can be found on their website - www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk.

Any railway modellers in the Letchworth area looking to make contact with other modellers might like to get in touch with the Letchworth Model Railway Society: www.letchworthmodelrailwaysociety.com 

In the exciting world of wildlife that is Paignton Zoo you will find state of the art enclosures designed with the animals and visitors in mind. Stalk through the Big Cat Forest, swoop into the Bird Aviary and sink into the Wetland experience. There is also plenty of hands on fun and a lively programme of wildlife events.