A visit to Paignton will even be more interesting if you have the chance to visit some of the most popular historic houses. Paignton, originally a small fishing village, has preserved most of the prominent historical landmarks. Many of them are located right near the different Paignton holiday cottages so it should be fairly easy for you to go and take a peek at these special places of interest. Here are some important houses you must visit in order to get your dose of interesting history.
Compton Castle
Marldon, Paignton
(01803) 661-906
The Compton Castle is an interesting place to explore as it is one of the rare survivors of the ravages of war and time. This is a medieval fortress that has majestic towers, high curtain walls and a portcullis. You can enjoy the beautiful landscape with rolling hills and verdant orchards. Not only does this place give you a large dose of history but it also treats you to a captivating romantic ambiance. This castle was the home of the Gilbert family for more than 600 years. One of the residents was Sir Humphrey Gilbert, the half-brother of Sir Walter Raleigh. You can explore this small castle with its detached medieval kitchen and grand hall where you can see a model of Sir Humphrey's ship named the Squirrel. Squirrels figure prominently and can be spotted around the castle. There is even a Squirrel Trail that kids can explore. The rose garden is a relaxing oasis after a tiring walk around the castle and the garden before returning to the comforts of your relaxing Paignton holiday cottages. There is a Castle Barton restaurant where you can have some refreshments. Make sure you stop by and get some souvenirs from the table-top shop. Entrance to the whole property will cost £5.00 for adults and £2.50 for children.
Oldway Mansion
Torquay Road, Paignton
(01803) 207-670
Torquay Mansion, a popular landmark that can be easily accessed from your Paignton holiday cottages is an imposing building surrounded by beautiful grounds. It is currently used by the local council. This 100 room mansion was purchased by Isaac Merritt Singer, founder of Singer Sewing Machine in 1871. His son, Paris Singer renovated the mansion to look like the Palace of Versailles. The Gallery, a reproduction of the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles with gilt panelled walls and mirrors is currently used as Council Chambers. The mansion is surrounded by 17 acres of gardens with part of it landscaped based on an Italian theme. The Grotto Gardens, planted to subtropical plants, has waterfalls that cascade down over rocks that resemble caves. The mansion was used as a hospital during the 1914-1918 war and as RAF housing during World War II. The Torbay Borough Council bought the Mansion in 1946. You can visit the mansion free of charge and tour the small museum that shows interesting exhibits that tell about the mansion's history including a collection of antique Singer sewing machines. This is a very interesting historical house and is worth visiting while you are staying at the prestigious Paignton holiday cottages.
Central Macedonia Dipping Into The Aegean Sea Full Of Summer Resorts And Spiritual Monastic Beauty Central Macedonia Dipping Into The Aegean Sea Full Of Summer Resorts And Spiritual Monastic Beauty
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