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Website: Kents Cavern, Torquay Kents Cavern is a spectacular natural cave on the coast of south Devon. The cave is a short walk from Meadfoot Beach and the beautiful South West Coast Path. It is easy to access by foot, coach and public transport and is open for organised school visits all year. Undoubtedly Kents Cavern is one of Britain's most special caves. The cave's incredible geology and rich archaeological heritage have astounded scientists and visitors for centuries. Records show the caves' mysteries have enticed explorers to venture into their depths since 1571. However, archaeological evidence and research reveal that people and animals have visited the caves for hundreds of thousands of years. The following is an extract from the Kents Caverns FAQ's page: How big is the cave? Kents Cavern’s total passage length is 934m. The visitor trail is around 33% of this. Why the name "Kents Cavern"? Kents Cavern was initially known as Kant’s Hole, derived from an old Celtic word Kant/Kantos, meaning headland. Kents Cavern, therefore, means ‘Hole in the Headland’. Why is the cave so protected? Kents Cavern is listed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and therefore has the highest level of protection, equal to sites such as Stonehenge. The cave is ‘Britain’s Oldest Home’, with human occupation stretching over half a million years, and its importance in proving human antiquity is paramount. Is this a natural cave? Yes. Kents Cavern is made from Devonian limestone and was formed by rainwater seeping through tiny cracks in the rock, gradually dissolving it. How old is the cave? Kents Caverns Devonian limestone rock is around 385 million years old. The cave was formed around 2.5 million years ago through a weak acid solution in rainwater dissolving the limestone rock. What animals lived in the cave? The oldest animals that lived in Kents Cavern are cave bears which date back half a million years. Other animals that have lived in the cave are; cave lions, scimitar cats and hyenas. Remains of woolly mammoths and woolly rhinos have also been found. What people lived in the cave? Humans have inhabited the caves for over half a million years. Three different species of human have occupied in the cave; Homo Heidelbergensis, Neanderthal and Homo Sapiens. Kents Cavern is the only site in the world to yield evidence from all three of these different types of humans. Do the caves ever flood? The caves do not flood but are still affected by large amounts of rain, which increases the drips of water percolating through the cave's limestone ceiling. Are there any more caves to be discovered? Whilst it is possible, it is doubtful that any more caves will be found; there is potential for further passageways to be hidden behind calcite walls or boulder chokes. The cave was extensively surveyed in 1988 by Dr Chris Proctor. Who first discovered the caves? Kents Cavern has never been lost and has almost always been occupied. Kents Cavern is the only cave in Britain with three different species of humans dwelling in it. The Romans were possibly the first early modern people to enter the cave: evidence for this is provided by a few Roman coins found in the cave. Early modern explorers of the cave also inscribed their names and date on the walls. These inscriptions range between the sixteenth and twentieth centuries. The oldest inscription dates back to 1571 and was inscribed by William Petre.

Website: Paignton Zoo Paignton Zoo is a worldwide attraction, famous for its conservation activities and well worth its own promotional page on Torquay.com. 100 years old in 2023 and still as much fun as ever. A perennial favourite of the local community, with many taking seasonal passes to entertain their children, family and friends alike. This is an extract from their website: “Paignton Zoo is part of the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, and it is our mission to conserve biodiversity by protecting threatened animals, plants and their environments, locally and internationally. Both Paignton Zoo and the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust are conservation, research and education charities, and we support many conservation projects around the world. We are part of a worldwide network of zoos called the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and work together to do more for conservation and help coordinate breeding programmes for endangered species. Paignton Zoo collaborates with other zoos worldwide, exchanging animals to prevent inbreeding and ensure that healthy genetic diversity is maintained. We also belong to UK and European organisations, which include: the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).” The Paignton Zoo website is well worth a visit to fully understand the extent of its passion, its heritage, and its care for the flora and fauna that it so carefully tends. It is an evolving and charitable business that deserves all the support it can get.

We have a few resident seals. This one was seen basking off Hopes Nose and the video gives you a bit of a perspective of the terrain if you fancy a fairly steep hike up and down from Ilsham Marine Drive. This one was caught chilling just off the landward side of Thatcher Rock. They tend to prefer the open sea side but a very calm day. The video below was taken whilst walking the dogs. The seals quickly moved into the sea but stayed a few yards offshore, having fun with each other.

Main Listing Pages Torbay Velopark Website Previous Next Torbay Velopark - Paignton A Cycling and Multisport Complex The circuit is the only outdoor closed road circuit in Devon and Cornwall and can accommodate both amateur and professional cycling and also a range of other sporting activities. There are three different distance options that the Velopark offers; Whole Track: 1.5km - 2.1.0km and 3.0.5km. British Cycling provided match funding to Torbay Council to help fund the creation of an outdoor velopark. Torbay Council made a decision during a Council meeting in May of this year to build these facilities and to match fund the remaining 50% of the cost - around £800k. Alternative activities include athletics, jogging, nordic walking, in line skating and a range of fitness activities for people with disabilities. The Park offers a dog-free activity area that includes changing and toilet facilities, bike and helmet hire, bike storage, an office and a rest area. Link: http://www.torbay.gov.uk/index/yourbay/sports/sportsfacilities/velopark.htm Tides & Weather Torquay Webcams Torquay Maps

Main Listing Pages Paignton Bowling Club Website Previous Next Paignton Bowling Club was founded in 1902 and is situated in the heart of Paignton, one of three seaside resorts, - the other two being Torquay and Brixham. Together, this area is known as Torbay. We have a reputation of being a very friendly club and the fact that we currently have around 160 members, both male and female, surely backs up this claim. The club has a very busy bowling calendar. The men, in addition to playing in the Mid Devon League, also play in County games and competitions. The ladies are just as busy playing in the Gallery Leagues and many County games. We also play a host of friendly games with teams from all over Devon and touring sides from all parts of the country. This year we will be holding our "inaugural mixed triples open tournament" which will be sponsored by the clubs sponsor, A B Coaches. Our in-house bowling competitions complete our bowling programme for the year. We warmly welcome both touring sides and members of the public to enjoy a game of bowls with us at Paignton Bowling Club. Tides & Weather Torquay Webcams Torquay Maps

Main Listing Pages Buckfast Abbey Website Previous Next A Tranquil Haven ~ Nestled in the shadow of Dartmoor, in a beautiful wooded valley beside the river Dart, Buckfast Abbey offers visitors a tranquil refuge from the hectic pace of everyday life.The Abbey is a working monastery where a community of Benedictine monks live self-sufficiently, welcoming visitors from all around the world. At the heart of the site is the Abbey Church, a spiritual haven for the many thousands of visitors who come each year. There is an overwhelming sense of peace as soon as you enter the grounds with the church surrounded by gardens which in the summer come alive with colour. Within the Abbey precinct, visitors can browse in the Bookshop or visit the Monastic Shop which has an extraordinary array of products made by nuns and monks across Europe. There is also a gift shop and information point by the Westgate entrance. In the Grange Restaurant, you can relax and enjoy tea and homemade cakes or choose from a range of hot meals and light snacks which are changed daily. Escape for a while at Buckfast – worlds away from the busy rush of the everyday and just a few minutes from the A38. Tides & Weather Torquay Webcams Torquay Maps