Background......

The Royal Hotel and Carvery in Babbacombe, Torquay, has a notable history as one of the area's earliest purpose-built hotels.

Here's a summary of its history:

* Established in 1863: The Royal Hotel was the first purpose-built hotel in the Babbacombe area, opened by Henry Turner. This marked a significant step in Babbacombe's development as a tourist destination for Victorians seeking a "new Riviera."

* Victorian Era Growth: Its establishment, along with other key buildings like Babbacombe School (1868), All Saints Church (1874), and St Anne's Hall (1884), transformed Babbacombe into a hub for tourism.

* Location and Features: Today, the hotel is situated on the beautiful Babbacombe Downs, offering stunning views across Lyme Bay. It's known for its carvery restaurant, and guests can enjoy the views from the restaurant or outdoor terrace.

* Current Ownership: As of a recent record (April 2025), the freehold owner is Bay View Hotels Limited.

It's important to note that there are other "Royal Hotels" in the broader Devon area with their own distinct 

histories, such as The Royal Hotel in Bideford, which dates back to 1688. However, for the specific "Royal Hotel and Carvery Babbacombe Torquay," its origins are firmly rooted in the mid-19th century as a pioneering hotel in the local tourism industry.