Babbacombe History (See Webcam)
Babbacombe (in older times sometimes referred to as Babbicombe) is often tied into the Parish of St. Marychurch about 1/2 mile away and the two can easily be confused as they merge into each other where the Babbacombe Model Village is situated and Babbacombe Cliff Railway is sited.
Babbacombe has a rich heritage and although it may be not be as well known for its Victorian Heritage it does have its own interesting history……
In 1896, J. Sydney Curtis wrote: ” Babbacombe has rapidly sprung into eminence as a place for invalids and visitors on health and vigour intent. It seems yesterday that is was sequestered and scarcely known hamlet; it is now, unfortunately a happy hunting ground for the speculative builder, with a population of 1,600 to 1,700 and shorn of its romantic seclusion. But that fiend, the speculative builder, cannot rob Babbacombe Bay of its glorious climate, its lovely views or its pretty bay, he can only introduce unlovely buildings called “Villas” which contrast to their disadvantage, with the tiny cottages that nestle here and there fancifully and picturesquely amongst the woods. Babbacombe Bay is small here and is bounded by cliffs if marble and red sandstone and its waters are blue and its beach is of white crystalline shingle.
It seems things have not changed so much in 150 years!
Babbacombe Theatre
A valuable asset to the English Riviera for nearly eighty years, the Babbacombe Theatre in
Torquay, is renowned for wowing audiences with their highly-acclaimed family variety
shows, performed throughout the year by a professional cast.
A TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence Award winner for five consecutive years the theatre
is also ranked at the No.1 Theatre in Devon. It was also the only theatre in the Bay to have
produced consecutive ‘5 STAR’ productions during 2015/16.
The Babbacombe Model Village
This outdoor model village was opened in 1963 by Tom Dobbins. Mr Dobbins had previously opened another model village at Southport in 1957. This wonderful exhibition covers 4 acres and includes over 400 models along with over 1,000 ft of model train track.
The Beaches
Babbacombe Beach & Oddicombe Beach offer contrasting scenarios, Babbacombe Beach has a small pier and pub, while Oddicombe Beach has the historic Babbacombe Cliff Railway and decent size beach, all within walking distance of Babbacombe hotels & shops.
Hotels in Babbacombe
There are some great hotels overlooking Babbacombe Downs. Please check out our hotels page to see what is available or try the Schooner Room at the Bucanner on Babbacombe Downs
Babbacombe Ukulele Strummers
Want to have a go at playing the ukulele, or already play one, then why not come along to one of our Monday sessions and try it out?
We meet most Monday evenings at 7:15pm at the Precinct Centre, St Mary’s Church, St Marychurch, Torquay, TQ 1 4QY
The first ‘taster’ session is free, after that it is just £2 for each session you attend (aged 18 and under £1)
All are welcome, young, old, new to the ukulele, experienced at playing the ukulele.
We can lend you a Uke for the taster session.
(No previous musical knowledge required)
Find out the meeting dates & more from our
Website: www.babbacombeukulele.co.uk
E-mail: [email protected]
