THE VENUE

Torquay is situated on the south coast of Devon. Torquay may be infamous for its portral in "Faulty Towers" which stared John Cleese, but Devon had lots more to offer: cathedrals and maritime cities, caves, castles and prehistoric stone circles combining royal connections, famous authors and sea-faring adventurers.

England's 3rd largest county, it has 2 coastlines and 2 national parks - Dartmoor and Exmoor. Spectacular coastal scenery, dramatic landscapes on the moors and in between the county is chocker block with picturesque towns and villages full of thatched cottages and charming inns.

This is one county where driving isn't necessary to see all it has to offer. There is walking galore, cycling or you can let the train take the strain as branch lines pass through areas of outstanding natural beauty, some trips offering real ale stops on the way! England's first World Heritage site, the Jurassic Coast offers 95 miles of beautiful coastline to roam and 185 million years of geological history to think about.

It was from Devon shores that the English fleet set sail to fight the Spanish Armada and also from where the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth Hoe in search of a better life in the new world.

Devon is perhaps best known for its English Riviera on the south coast that offers visitors a truly continental feel. The maritime towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, that line the 22 miles of English Riviera coastline, offer some of the best beaches in the county and are home to some of the county's top attractions such as the famous Paignton Zoo, Torquay's Living Coast, Cockington Old Village and Country Park and the Agatha Christie Mile to name but a few. In Brixham you can step aboard a replica of Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hind. Nearby is Dartmouth with its rich naval history and all these towns offer a vibrant summer of activity on the water. The Devon coast is littered with charming seaside towns with lots of character, shops, galleries and entertainment spots that can provide a welcome break from sunbathing and watersports. If you are feeling "twitchy" then head for the Exe River estuary with its abundant bird life or just sit along the cliffs on the coastline and dolphin spot.

With its rolling green hills and fertile valleys, Devon is also a paradise for "foodies". Towns like Tavistock have annual food festivals that showcase the best the county has to offer and as well as good pubs and restaurants in every town and village, there is an abundance of gastropubs in the countryside. And of course, one mustn't forget the famous Brixham crab and the calorific delight of Devon Clotted Cream with freshly baked scones and jam!