Sunday 18 August 2013

Phase 1 - Topsham Devon


We started our holiday by driving to Topsham in Devon, as it had been on my "list" for a while.  It is conveniently placed at the end of the long drive down the M5 motorway and the gorgeous old sea port on the river Exe did not dissapoint.

 It was a very dull day and drizzle turned to heavy rain, but we did our best to explore.


 We loved it.  It is very well preserved but still functions well as a small town and community.
 It has a great variety of interesting old houses - all different shapes and sizes.





 We really loved it.  There are some great walks round about and its a haven for bird watching on the estuary.

 We missed the opening of the museum - but peered through the window and it looked well worth a visit.  Next time.
 We retired to our room at the Globe Inn on the main street - a gorgeous old coaching Inn.  Whilst it had rained, it was still very very hot but our room had great big windows that we could open (unusual for hotels in the UK, but very handy).  I can highly recommend the Globe, it was very comfortable and the food was great (but the car park is very tight!!).
 The next morning, en route to phase 2 of our holiday, we were going to call in Exeter, but we thought Exmouth itself looked worth a visit.  It was boiling hot, so we explored the beach which was vast and really clean.
 We wandered all way up to the cliffs, and then back down to the newly restored quays.  It looks as if a lot of money has been spent regenerating the whole sea front at Exmouth and it was all very lovely.
But we had phase 2 to crack on with.  So after a spot of lunch, we hopped into the car, and headed down the A30.

9 comments:

Down by the sea said...

Snap we were in Topsham the week before last for a night and stayed in the Globe Inn too! We rented a place in Topsham for a week in March too - it was a lot of colder there then. I hope you get a chance to visit the museum it is well worth it. We love Topshan luckily for us it is not too far away.
Sarah x

Diane said...

Some great photos here, sounds like you have had a fantastic time. Have a great week, t'other Diane

Lisa said...

Topsham looks very pretty and you picked out some unusual pieces of it to share with us. My MIL and SIL were in Exeter and Exmouth last week!
Looking forward to the next phase.
Lisa x

Unknown said...

What a pretty little place - must make a note to visit.
Jill x

Rosie said...

We loved Topsham when we visited a couple of years ago. We did it the other way round to you and visited on our way back from holiday - didn't stay overnight though - the Globe looks wonderful:)

Curtise said...

Gorgeous places and photos, Diane. I have never been to Devon, I'd love to visit. xxx

Unknown said...

What lovely photos. Some of those homes are delightful. I like the entrance with the big seashell above the door. Looking forward to the rest of your trip! Devon is high on my list of future trips when in the UK.

Patricia said...

Topsham sounds a lovely place to visit by the look of your stunning photos and lots of history too. It's always nice to have a hotel recommendation as well. Thank you Diane
Patricia x

Lyn said...

It does look very pretty....and well maintained around there!
I like the look of the Globe, it's on the list!
xxx