Category Archives: English Riviera Attractions Partnership Events

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Riviera International Centre: Events Diary

December 2013 Events

* Torbay Business Forum ~ Tuesday 3rd December, 7:30am to 9am

Register online: www.rivieracentre.co.uk/events/251

* Civic Carol Concert ~ Tuesday 10th December

Tickets £3 call 01803 206333.

* RICC Shared Christmas Party Nights ~ Selected nights throughout December, 7:30am to 9:am

To book call the Christmas Party Hotline on 01803 206311.

* Christian Talk Group ~ Wednesday 18th December, 9:30am to 11:30am

* NYE Apocalypse ~ Tuesday 31st December, 9pm to 6am

Visit: http://www.rivieracentre.co.uk/events/253

 

 

January 2014 Events

* Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra ~ Friday 10th January, 7:30pm to 9:45pm – Seating prices: from £10. To book call the Box Office on 01803 206333.

 

What’s On @ Occombe Farm

 

Events June – Sept

Booking essential for all events on 01803 520022 or online at www.countryside-trust.org.uk

Mussels by Moonlight
Thursday 7 June
An unforgettable evening boat trip exploring our amazing Geopark coast with a marine ranger who will tell you more about the local geology and will help spot dolphins, seals, seabirds and other amazing marine life.  As the sun goes down enjoy a dish of delicious local mussels and crusty bread cooked up by expert chef David Jones of Manna from Devon Cookery School.  
Meet: Inner Harbour, Brixham
Time: 7.15pm – 9.15pm
Cost: Cost: £25 adults / £10 children

Canoe the Coves
Saturday 9 June
Explore Torbay’s spectacular coastline on this memorable canoe adventure – this is the perfect way to discover the Bay’s stunning marine wildlife and fascinating geology.  You will be kitted out and shown canoeing techniques by an experienced instructor before taking to the water to begin your sea voyage.  You will be accompanied by a marine ranger throughout the trip to help you spot spectacular marine wildlife such as seals, dolphins and seabirds.  We will stop in a secluded cove to enjoy a beach picnic and a brief rockpooling session.  During your return journey, you will have the chance to test your canoeing skills by weaving in and out of the rocky crevices.
Meet: Grenville House, Brixham
Time: 10am – 4pm
Cost: £50 per person

Occombe Beer Festival
Friday 15 & Saturday 16 June
Sample from a menu of over 50 Westcountry beers at Occombe’s annual festival, plus local cider, perry and a Pimm’s bar.  Live bands perform throughout the festival.  Sponsored by Bays Brewery.
For full details visit: www.occombebeerfestival.co.uk
Friday 15 June 4.30pm – 11pm: Tickets £7
Saturday 16 June 2pm – 11pm: Tickets £9
Tickets on sale from 1 May at Occombe Farm, at www.occombebeerfestival.co.uk, or at a Torbay Visitor Information Centre.  We are sorry but under 18s are not permitted at this event.  Please bring photo ID.
Occombe Beer Festival is a fundraising event in aid of Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust. 

Sails at Sunset Wildlife Voyage
Friday 22 June
Enjoy an exclusive sunset sailing voyage around our beautiful bay and see some of Tor Bay’s stunning wildlife and amazing geology. Sit back and relax with a glass of wine and nibbles whilst a marine ranger will help you spot dolphins, seabirds and grey seals. This is the perfect way to discover and learn more about our incredible Bay with the Trust’s marine wildlife expert. If you are feeling adventurous you can also try your hand at sailing the yacht with Grenville House instructors.
Meet: Grenville House, Brixham
Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Cost: £30 per person

Italian Summer Feast
Sunday 24 June
No cuisine in the world celebrates summer like Italian but these dishes taste fabulous using the freshest local ingredients found on our doorstep.  We will show you how to create easy and delicious dishes brimming with herbs and vegetables home-grown in our soils, Westcountry cheeses, and local pork to create a mouth-watering centrepiece.  We will prepare an array of tasty antipasti and make a luscious Italian dessert too.  Discover how to make catering for larger numbers easier, using cheats to help with planning your menu!  If you want to throw a special summer party to impress, then come along and learn the art of the Italian summer feast.  Workshop led by Gabrielle Jackson – chef and ex-BBC producer of series including Rhodes around Britain and Kitchen Chemistry with Heston Blumenthal.
Meet: Occombe Cookery School
Time: 10am – 4pm
Cost: £65 per person, includes lunch

Catch and Cook
Sunday 8 July
Get your sea legs ready for this seafood adventure. You’ll be taken on a morning boat trip mackerel fishing, and once you’ve reeled in your catch it’s off to Occombe Farm Cookery School where the sous chef from the Michelin-starred Elephant Restaurant will show you how to turn your catch into a culinary masterpiece. You will get hands on with the fish and learn to cook delicious fish dishes, which you will enjoy for your lunch.  While at sea, you’ll be accompanied by a ranger from the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust who’ll provide a fascinating commentary on the coastal landscape of the English Riviera, its wildlife, its fish stocks and why the area is recognised by UNESCO as a Global Geopark.
Meet: Below Decks, Torquay Harbour
Time: 9am – 3pm
Cost: £70, to include two course lunch

Canoe the Coves
Saturday 21 July
Explore Torbay’s spectacular coastline on this memorable canoe adventure – this is the perfect way to discover the Bay’s stunning marine wildlife and fascinating geology.  You will be kitted out and shown canoeing techniques by an experienced instructor before taking to the water to begin your sea voyage.  You will be accompanied by a marine ranger throughout the trip to help you spot spectacular marine wildlife such as seals, dolphins and seabirds.  We will stop in a secluded cove to enjoy a beach picnic and a brief rockpooling session.  During your return journey, you will have the chance to test your canoeing skills by weaving in and out of the rocky crevices.
Meet: Grenville House, Brixham
Time: 10am – 4pm
Cost: £50 per person

Mussels by Moonlight
Thursday 26 July
An unforgettable evening boat trip exploring our amazing Geopark coast with a marine ranger who will tell you more about the local geology and will help spot dolphins, seals, seabirds and other amazing marine life.  As the sun goes down enjoy a dish of delicious local mussels and crusty bread cooked up by expert chef David Jones of Manna from Devon Cookery School.  
Meet: Inner Harbour, Brixham
Time: 7.15pm – 9.15pm
Cost: £25 adults / £10 children

Coasteering
Saturday 28 July
If you’re in search of an adrenalin rush there is no better way to explore our Geopark coast than through this thrill seekers adventure!  You will experience Torbay’s incredible coastline through the exhilaration of coasteering as you are taken on a thrilling trail by an experienced instructor.  You will find yourself swimming across inlets, scrambling across cliffs and for the brave – taking part in adrenalin fuelled jumps into deep water!  A marine ranger will be on hand throughout to help you spot some of our local marine life from your unique cliff edge viewing points including dolphins, seals, seabirds and more – plus discover how our coast was created over 400 million years ago!
Meet: Ansteys Cove, car park
Times: 10am – 1pm
Cost: £35 per person

Coasteering
Saturday 4 August
If you’re in search of an adrenalin rush there is no better way to explore our Geopark coast than through this thrill seekers adventure!  You will experience Torbay’s incredible coastline through the exhilaration of coasteering as you are taken on a thrilling trail by an experienced instructor.  You will find yourself swimming across inlets, scrambling across cliffs and for the brave – taking part in adrenalin fuelled jumps into deep water!  A marine ranger will be on hand throughout to help you spot some of our local marine life from your unique cliff edge viewing points including dolphins, seals, seabirds and more – plus discover how our coast was created over 400 million years ago!
Meet: Ansteys Cove, car park
Times: 9.30am – 12.30pm
Cost: £35 per person

Canoe the Coves
Saturday 11 August
Explore Torbay’s spectacular coastline on this memorable canoe adventure – this is the perfect way to discover the Bay’s stunning marine wildlife and fascinating geology.  You will be kitted out and shown canoeing techniques by an experienced instructor before taking to the water to begin your sea voyage.  You will be accompanied by a marine ranger throughout the trip to help you spot spectacular marine wildlife such as seals, dolphins and seabirds.  We will stop in a secluded cove to enjoy a beach picnic and a brief rockpooling session.  During your return journey, you will have the chance to test your canoeing skills by weaving in and out of the rocky crevices.
Meet: Grenville House, Brixham
Time: 10am – 4pm
Cost: £50 per person

Coasteering
Saturday 18 August
If you’re in search of an adrenalin rush there is no better way to explore our Geopark coast than through this thrill seekers adventure!  You will experience Torbay’s incredible coastline through the exhilaration of coasteering as you are taken on a thrilling trail by an experienced instructor.  You will find yourself swimming across inlets, scrambling across cliffs and for the brave – taking part in adrenalin fuelled jumps into deep water!  A marine ranger will be on hand throughout to help you spot some of our local marine life from your unique cliff edge viewing points including dolphins, seals, seabirds and more – plus discover how our coast was created over 400 million years ago!
Meet: Ansteys Cove, car park
Times: 9am – 12pm
Cost: £35 per person

Catch and Cook
Sunday 19 August
Get your sea legs ready for this seafood adventure. You’ll be taken on a morning boat trip mackerel fishing, and once you’ve reeled in your catch it’s off to Occombe Farm Cookery School where the sous chef from the Michelin-starred Elephant Restaurant will show you how to turn your catch into a culinary masterpiece. You will get hands on with the fish and learn to cook delicious fish dishes, which you will enjoy for your lunch.  While at sea, you’ll be accompanied by a ranger from the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust who’ll provide a fascinating commentary on the coastal landscape of the English Riviera, its wildlife, its fish stocks and why the area is recognised by UNESCO as a Global Geopark.
Meet: Below Decks, Torquay Harbour
Time: 9am – 3pm
Cost: £70, to include two course lunch

Mussels by Moonlight
Thursday 23 August
An unforgettable evening boat trip exploring our amazing Geopark coast with a marine ranger who will tell you more about the local geology and will help spot dolphins, seals, seabirds and other amazing marine life.  As the sun goes down enjoy a dish of delicious local mussels and crusty bread cooked up by expert chef David Jones of Manna from Devon Cookery School.  
Meet: Inner Harbour, Brixham
Time: 6.45pm – 8.45pm
Cost: £25 adults / £10 children

Canoe the Coves
Saturday 25 August
Explore Torbay’s spectacular coastline on this memorable canoe adventure – this is the perfect way to discover the Bay’s stunning marine wildlife and fascinating geology.  You will be kitted out and shown canoeing techniques by an experienced instructor before taking to the water to begin your sea voyage.  You will be accompanied by a marine ranger throughout the trip to help you spot spectacular marine wildlife such as seals, dolphins and seabirds.  We will stop in a secluded cove to enjoy a beach picnic and a brief rockpooling session.  During your return journey, you will have the chance to test your canoeing skills by weaving in and out of the rocky crevices.
Meet: Grenville House, Brixham
Time: 10am – 4pm
Cost: £50 per person

Coasteering
Monday 27 August
If you’re in search of an adrenalin rush there is no better way to explore our Geopark coast than through this thrill seekers adventure!  You will experience Torbay’s incredible coastline through the exhilaration of coasteering as you are taken on a thrilling trail by an experienced instructor.  You will find yourself swimming across inlets, scrambling across cliffs and for the brave – taking part in adrenalin fuelled jumps into deep water!  A marine ranger will be on hand throughout to help you spot some of our local marine life from your unique cliff edge viewing points including dolphins, seals, seabirds and more – plus discover how our coast was created over 400 million years ago!
Meet: Ansteys Cove, car park
Times: 10am – 1pm
Cost: £35 per person

Canoe the Coves
Saturday 1 September
Explore Torbay’s spectacular coastline on this memorable canoe adventure – this is the perfect way to discover the Bay’s stunning marine wildlife and fascinating geology.  You will be kitted out and shown canoeing techniques by an experienced instructor before taking to the water to begin your sea voyage.  You will be accompanied by a marine ranger throughout the trip to help you spot spectacular marine wildlife such as seals, dolphins and seabirds.  We will stop in a secluded cove to enjoy a beach picnic and a brief rockpooling session.  During your return journey, you will have the chance to test your canoeing skills by weaving in and out of the rocky crevices.
Meet: Grenville House, Brixham
Time: 10am – 4pm
Cost: £50 per person

Mussels by Moonlight
Thursday 6 September
An unforgettable evening boat trip exploring our amazing Geopark coast with a marine ranger who will tell you more about the local geology and will help spot dolphins, seals, seabirds and other amazing marine life.  As the sun goes down enjoy a dish of delicious local mussels and crusty bread cooked up by expert chef David Jones of Manna from Devon Cookery School.  
Meet: Inner Harbour, Brixham
Time: 6.15pm – 8.15pm
Cost: £25 adults / £10 children

Catch and Cook
Sunday 9 September
Get your sea legs ready for this seafood adventure. You’ll be taken on a morning boat trip mackerel fishing, and once you’ve reeled in your catch it’s off to Occombe Farm Cookery School where the sous chef from the Michelin-starred Elephant Restaurant will show you how to turn your catch into a culinary masterpiece. You will get hands on with the fish and learn to cook delicious fish dishes, which you will enjoy for your lunch.  While at sea, you’ll be accompanied by a ranger from the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust who’ll provide a fascinating commentary on the coastal landscape of the English Riviera, its wildlife, its fish stocks and why the area is recognised by UNESCO as a Global Geopark.
Meet: Below Decks, Torquay Harbour
Time: 9am – 3pm
Cost: £70, to include two course lunch

ENGLISH RIVIERA GLOBAL GEOPARK

The Geopark

Geoparks, like National Parks, are special places that enrich our lives through their stunning natural landscapes and heritage. Specifically, they are sites recognised by UNESCO for their geological significance, and at the moment there are only 87 in the world, and only 8 in the UK and Ireland.

The English Riviera was designated a Geopark in 2007 due to its rich geological, historical and cultural heritage. Its geology has created the beautiful coastline we see today, which links the rich diversity of landscape with wildlife, people and culture. It is also the backdrop for a multitude of exciting sports and leisure activities that stem from the natural and marine environments. As the first urban Geopark in the world – that’s to say, others are in rural areas – the English Riviera has it all. Diving, sailing, kayaking, fishing, cycling, wild food and local crafts, plus plenty of beaches and a holiday atmosphere thrown in!

Geopark Discovery Packages

For those seeking to explore the Geopark, there are a number of exciting NEW packages that have been developed by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust.

1. Geopark Thrill Seekers

If you’re in search of an adrenalin rush there’s no better way to explore the Geopark coast than through this thrill seekers adventure! You’ll experience the exhilaration of coasteering with an experienced instructor, negotiating rugged coastlines, swimming across inlets, climbing on some of our spectacular cliffs and – for the more adventurous – taking part in adrenalin-fuelled jumps into deep water.

2. Canoe the Coves

Explore the coastline on this memorable canoe adventure – the perfect way to discover the Geopark’s stunning marine wildlife and geology. You’ll be kitted out and shown canoeing techniques by an experienced instructor, then take to the water and begin your sea voyage – accompanied by a marine ranger to help spot seals, dolphins and seabirds. We’ll stop in a secluded cove to enjoy a beach picnic and a brief rockpooling session.

3. The Geopark From Sea to Plate

Join Simon Hulstone, Head Chef of the Michelin-starred Elephant Restaurant, on this culinary journey from sea to plate. In the morning you’ll be taken out on a fishing boat to test your angling skills catching local mackerel. Later, you’ll visit the Elephant Restaurant to watch as Simon demonstrates cooking techniques and delicious masterpieces using local fish, before enjoying a two-course seafood lunch.

4. Mussels By Moonlight

Enjoy an unforgettable evening boat trip exploring the spectacular Geopark coastline with a marine ranger, while an expert chef cooks up delicious local mussels sourced from the Brixham Sea Farm. The mussels of Tor Bay are renowned for their quality and delicious flavour!

All the packages are organised by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust.

For the Free Spirits

All year round independent adventures – diving, sailing, kayaking, fishing, sight-seeing cruises, hiking, cycling and more – can be organised through a range of providers that hire equipment and offer adventure breaks. Information can be found on the Geopark Leaflet produced by the ERTC.

Geopark Gateway Sites

For an in-depth understanding and appreciation of just what the Geopark is all about, visitors can go to one of the four key gateway sites. These are:

- Kents Cavern: Devon’s most ancient secret! One of the most important Stone Age cave sites in Europe and the Ice Age home of Britain’s earliest humans. www.kents-cavern.co.uk Tel: 01803 215136

- The Seashore Centre: A great place to explore the coastal life of the English Riviera Geopark! www.countryside-trust.org.uk Tel: 01803 528841

- Berry Head National Nature Reserve: An internationally-acclaimed heritage site, home to a fascinating array of wildlife and history.  www.berryhead.org.uk Tel: 01803 882619

- Royal Terrace Gardens and Rock Walk: Landscaped gardens on the side of the cliff face with stunning views out to sea, newly-restored in 2010 and featuring a magnificent illuminated staircase.

Other Sites of Interest

There are a number of other key sites linked with the Geopark: Occombe Farm, Cockington Court, Torquay Museum, and Brixham Heritage Museum.

Festivities

Every May/June the English Riviera hosts the Geopark Festival, a celebration of all things Geopark. More information on the events is available online at www.englishriviera.co.uk.

English Riviera Tourism Company Welcomes Journalists

We host a number of familiarisation visits throughout the year and tailor each itinerary to suit your perfect story. We are always happy to welcome journalists to the English Riviera, if you are interested in visiting please contact:

Lydia Stone
e-mail:
Telephone: 01803 408346

Launched in October 2010 the ERTC is a new private sector led public/private tourism partnership leading on the official promotion of the English Riviera as a leading UK resort and overseeing the effective delivery of the 2010-2015 Turning the Tide for Tourism in Torbay Strategy.  To download a copy of the strategy please visit: www.englishriviera.co.uk/ertc Please note that the ERTC is a company controlled by the council of the borough of Torbay.

English Riviera Attractions Partnership Events Guide

Babbacombe Cliff Railway

Babbacombe Down Road, Torquay TQ1 3LF

T: 01803 328750 W: babbacombecliffrailway.co.uk

The Cliff Railway provides a vital and non-exhausting way to soak up the peaceful atmosphere and take in amazing view as they travel to and from the water’s edge of Oddicombe Beach.

Babbacombe Model Village

Hampton Avenue, Torquay TQ1 3LA

T: 01803 315315 W: model-village.co.uk

Brixham Heritage Museum

Bolton Cross, Brixham TQ5 8LZ

T: 01803 856267 W: brixhamheritage.org.uk

Bygones Victorian Street

Fore Street, St Marychurch, Torquay TQ1 4PR

T: 01803 326108 W: bygones.co.uk

Cockington Court

Torquay TQ2 6XA

T: 01803 607230 W: cockingtoncourt.org

Open daily from 10am with free entry, the Manor House and Stable Yard is home to skilled craftmakers. Explore the medieval church, ornamental lakes, children’s play park, woodlands and formal gardens.

Greenway Ferry

Princess Pier, Torquay TQ2 5EZ and The Quay, Brixham TQ5 8AW

T: 01803 882811 W: greenwayferry.co.uk

Greenway House

National Trust, Churston Ferrers TQ5 0ES

T: 01803 842382 W: nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway

HiFlyer Balloon

The Winch House, Abbey Meadows, Torbay Road, Torquay TQ2 5DG

T: 298550 W: thehiflyer.com

The 15 minute flight rises gently to 400 feet, offering a bird’s eye view of the breath-taking Devon coast and countryside. On a clear day you can see for miles.

Kents Cavern

Cavern House, Ilsham Road, Torquay TQ1 2JF

T: 01803 215136 W: kents-cavern.co.uk

We are open every day except Christmas. Open on Boxing Day. The café and gift shop are open to everyone, no need to visit the caves

Book all Kents Cavern events online at www.kents-cavern.co.uk

Living Coasts

Beacon Quay, Harbourside, Torquay TQ1 2BG

T: 0844 474 3366 W: livingcoasts.org.uk

Paignton Pier

The Esplanade, Paignton TQ4 6BW

T: 01803 552139 W: paigntonpier.co.uk

Set at the centre of on the English Riviera’s best beaches, the Pier is a great all weather, family attraction with amusements, café, ice creams, shops and much more. Open every day from 10am.

Paignton Zoo

Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7EU

T: 0844 474 2222 W: paigntonzoo.org.uk

Splashdown@Quaywest

Goodrington Sands, Paignton TQ4 6LN

T: 01803 555550 W: splashdownwaterparks.co.uk

Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust

Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN

T: 01803 520022 W: occombe.org.uk

Torquay Museum

529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG

T: 01803 293975 W: torquaymuseum.org

 

Torre Abbey

The King’s Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE

 

Waves Leisure Pool

Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ

T: 01803 299992 W: rivieracentre.co.uk