Babbacombe Inn
You're in for a treat at this pub. It truly gets the best evening sun among all the "Downs" pubs, making it the
perfect spot to unwind as the day ends. Perfect for Families
If you're bringing the little ones, you'll love it here. They have a fantastic play area that keeps kids
entertained, giving you a chance to relax.Great Food, Great Views, Great Drinks
We had a pint of Devon Red and Dartmouth Legend tasty – the views are what really steal the show. Imagine
sipping a pint while looking out over the sea and the amazing Downs.
They're also well-known for their good food, especially their sizzling dishes. With such a combination, what more could you ask for Friendly Atmosphere
The bar staff are super friendly, and Tom in particular is a real asset to the team, making sure everyone feels welcome.
P&P
Walk through coming soon
Background......
The Babbacombe Inn, located at 59 Babbacombe Downs Road, is a prominent feature on the picturesque Babbacombe Downs, an area renowned for its stunning coastal views in Torquay. While Babbacombe itself has a rich history dating back to Saxon times and evidence of a fishing community around 1500, the Babbacombe Inn's specific history is part of the later Victorian development of the area as a popular tourist destination.
Victorian Era Development: Babbacombe truly began to flourish as a desirable destination for Victorians in the mid to late 19th century. This era saw the construction of new housing, hotels (like the Royal Hotel, built in 1863), and the development of the Babbacombe Downs into a recreational area with promenades and a bandstand. It's within this period of growth and increasing tourism that the Babbacombe Inn likely emerged.
Part of a "Uniform Frontage": Babbacombe Downs Road, where the inn is situated, developed with a "largely uniform 19th-century frontage" overlooking the Downs and the coastline. These buildings were typically domestic in scale, well-proportioned, and often finished in stucco. While many were originally villas, many have since been converted into hotels or inns. The Babbacombe Inn would fit into this pattern of development, providing accommodation and refreshment for visitors.
Focus on Tourism: The very location of the Babbacombe Inn on Babbacombe Downs Road, with its prime views, indicates its purpose from its inception (or early conversion) was to cater to the growing tourist trade. People flocked to Babbacombe for its "romantic, rocky glen" as described by guidebooks of the time.
Modern Presence: Today, the Babbacombe Inn continues this tradition, offering food, drink, and accommodation. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, drawing on the area's enduring appeal. Its position makes it a key part of the Babbacombe Downs experience.
While specific dates for the Babbacombe Inn's construction are not as readily available as for some other, older establishments, its style and location firmly place its origins within the vibrant Victorian expansion of Babbacombe as a prime English Riviera resort. It has evolved over the decades but has maintained its role as a welcoming inn contributing to the area's enduring charm.via Gemini
