Dear Guest,
Welcome to The Cary Arms, I hope that you have an enjoyable and relaxing stay with us on Babbacombe Bay.
Please read this compendium for some useful information regarding your room, the hotel, and the surrounding area. If there are any areas we haven’t covered my team are on hand 24 hours a day to help you out with anything you may need.
If during your stay there is absolutely anything you wish to discuss with me, please do not hesitate to do so by either asking for me on site or contacting me on my mobile number which is listed at the end of the compendium.
I would also like to ask you a small favour; I think my team work very hard and do their best to look after you. If during your stay one (or more) of the team in particular does really impress you then please take the time to leave a Trip Advisor review mentioning their name so I can award them a cash bonus!
Now, please sit back with a complimentary sloe gin and enjoy the view!
Best Regards,
David Adams
General Manager
Contacting Reception
The Cary Arms is manned 24 hours a day with a full team available from 7am until 11pm and a night porter is also available for emergencies outside of these hours.
If there is anything at all you need, from booking a table in the restaurant, ordering a taxi, advice on the local area, or maintenance issues to report please do not hesitate to contact reception either in person or by calling 01803 327110.
Access & Room Keys
Your key set includes a key for your room, a key to the front door of the Inn, a key leading to the terrace and a handy torch should you be venturing outside at night!
Between 11pm and 7am the front and back door to the hotel will be locked. If you do find yourself stuck please just contact the night porter on 01803 327110 who will be happy to assist.
An additional private exit to the beach can be found at the bottom of our terraced gardens by following the signs towards “Beach Suite 8” / “Fire Exit to Beach”. The code for the gate is 9365.
Our Restaurant & Dining
The Cary Arms operates a 1 AA Rosette restaurant, serving breakfast 8am to 10am, lunch 12noon to 3pm and dinner from 6.30pm to 9pm.
Our restaurant is dog friendly, however, we do keep our conservatory dog free, if you do have a preference to sit in the conservatory or the more traditional inn section of our restaurant please let us know and we will do our best for you.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served in the Inn at a time of your choosing between 8am and 10am, no reservations are required so please help yourself to a table when you arrive down from your room.
A full continental buffet is available on a help yourself basis from the bar with baked goods, local yoghurts, fresh bread, fruit, smoked salmon, home roasted ham, and much more to choose from.
In addition cooked breakfast is available and one of our waiting team will come to your table to take your order. Choose from the classic full Devon Breakfast, or other favourites like Bubble & Squeak with Fried Duck Egg, or Eggs Hollandaise.
If you would prefer to spend the morning in bed just let us know before 9pm the night before and we will arrange for a breakfast hamper to be left outside your door at 8.30am. Our breakfast hamper includes a selection of cereal, yoghurt parfaits, toasted bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon, ham, fresh fruit and orange juice.
Lunch
From 12noon until 3pm lunch is served in the Inn with a variety of options available from lighter bites such as Smoked Salmon & Dill Sandwiches, to classic favourites such as Steak & Ale Pie, or Fish & Chips.
Our lunchtimes can get busy so reservations are always recommended.
Dinner
Served from 6.30pm to 9pm our dinner service is incredibly popular and reservations are required. We will do our best to get your preferred dining time for you but do suggest you make your reservations as early as you can.
Head Chef Ben Kingdon produces a seasonal menu with a focus on classic dishes and seafood specialities. If you would like to order anything special such as lobster or seafood platter or have any favourites which you do not see on the menu please let us know and with 24 hours’ notice Chef will be able to prepare a dish to your liking.
Cream Tea
Between 3pm and 6pm we offer a Devonshire cream tea. Our scones are home baked on the premises, accompanied by West Country clotted cream and rich strawberry jam made in the Kitchen Garden in Dartmouth.
The Captains table and the Pod are also available for dining but must be reserved in advance.
Please note that any menu items mentioned may be subject to change dependent on availability.
Don’t forget to let us know if you have any allergens, intolerances or special dietary requirements. We will do our very best to cater for you and Chef’s team will be able to make suggestions to suit your needs. A Vegetarian and Vegan menu is available upon request.
Useful Information
Check In / Check Out
Check in is 3pm and check out is at 11am unless otherwise stated. If you would like to request a slightly later check out please speak to reception who may be able to arrange this for you. Please note that unauthorised late check outs may be charged at £50 per hour.
Parking
Our car park is situated a short 3-4 minute walk from the front door of the hotel but there is a challenging steep set of steps to reach it. We do offer a full valet parking service between 8am and 9pm so if you do need your car please just let reception know.
Alternatively, you may use the public car park on the beach but this is pay & display.
Housekeeping
A daily service is offered by housekeeping each morning when your tea and coffee will be replenished along with a clean and tidy of your room. If you would like new towels please leave your used ones in the shower or bath and these will be replaced.
Bed linen will be changed after the third night of your stay with us.
If you would prefer not to receive a daily service or nightly turndown please let us know. Please note that the service or turndown will not happen if there is a dog left unattended in the room.
Your Room
Food & Drink
Please help yourself to any of the food and drink in your room, it is all complimentary! Although the sloe gin is a treat for your day of arrival, all other items will be replenished each day and if you do need any extras just let us know and we will be happy to help. If you would like to order additional sloe gin or any bottles of wine or champagne for your room please speak to a member of the bar team who will be happy to arrange this.
Fans
To use the large ceiling fan ensure the switch is on(found behind the curtain to the left o the door) and use the white remote control to adjust the settings. (Ceiling fans found only in the beach hut)
Your room is equipped with a small portable fan which will be found within your wardrobe should you need it.
Fire
The fireplace, does not give off any heat, but should you wish to turn it on or off or adjust the settings it is the black OPTI-V remote control.
TV
The remote for the smart TV in the lounge is on your coffee table table and the remote for the bedroom TV is on the bedside table.
Netflix
Netflix is provided for your use and the smart TV in the lounge should be logged in and ready to go with hours of film and TV available for viewing. If for any reason you are unable to connect please contact reception.
Wi- Fi
The hotel is equipped with free Wi-Fi, please connect to Cary Arms Wi-Fi, no password is required. After connecting just open up your internet browser, accept the terms and conditions and away you go!
Dog Friendly
We pride ourselves on being a dog friendly hotel and do all we can to look after your four legged friends! Several of our rooms are dog friendly and we will set these up for you with dog beds, treats, food and water bowls for your arrival.
We do what we can to make your stay and your pets stay as welcoming as possible and ask that you help us out too by following a few rules to make your stay and other guests stay as comfortable as possible.
• Please always clear up after your dog, you will find dispensers dotted around the ground holding waste bags, if more are required please ask reception.
• Keep dogs under control and on leads at all times please. Dogs are welcome in most common areas of the hotel but as with badly behaved humans we do reserve the right to request that disruptive dogs are removed from these areas if they are causing a nuisance.
• Please do keep your dog off of the bed, dog paw prints and white linen are not great companions!
• Please respect the dog free conservatory and spa.
• Be aware that charges may be incurred for any damage caused to the room or its contents.
Babbacombe Beach, located directly in front of the hotel, is dog friendly all year round, as is Livermead Beach, a sandy beach popular for water-sports, only 15 minutes away by car. There is also Goodrington Sands – (North Sands only), a lovely long sandy beach which is about half an hour’s drive away.
A grassy area can be found towards the front of the hotel between the forecourt and Beach Cottage. A more expansive grassy area is Babbacombe Downs at the top of the hill.
We offer a dog’s dinner with delicious lamb or beef, couscous and gravy which is a real treat for your four-legged friend. Available Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner – for £5. Please order with your waiter or at the bar.
Important – Fire Procedures
Please familiarise yourself with the hotel fire procedure. You will find the information located on the wall in your room.
Fire extinguishers are available around the hotel in clearly marked locations, however please notify us immediately if you suspect a fire or see smoke in your room.
Activities & Facilities
Spa
If you would like to relax and indulge in a spa treatment during your stay please see reception to make a reservation. We use the Parisian marine brand Thalgo, the products are rich and full of natural ingredients.
To access the spa a fee of £25 per person per day is charged, free spa access is received for any day which you book a treatment and is also included if you have booked on one of our spa rates. Reception can book you in and issue you with access cards upon request.
Please see a brief outline of our spa menu below. For further information please refer to the full spa brochure or request a chat with one of our therapists by contacting reception.
Treatment Price
Tailored Body Massage (50 minutes) £90
Tailored Thalgo Facial (50 minutes) £90
Cary Arms Signature Facial (80 minutes) £110
Hyaluronic or Collagen Advanced Anti-Aging Facial (50 minutes) £90
Silicum Anti-Aging Facial (80 minutes) £110
Tailored Body Wrapl (50 minutes) £90
Nourishing Body Ritual (50 minutes) £105
Polynesia Signature Ritual (50 minutes) £105
Thalgo Pregnancy Ritual (90 minutes) £90
Merveille Arctique Ritual (105 minutes) £130
Manicure / Pedicure £45 / £50
Gel Manicure / Gel Pedicure £50 / £55
Fishing
We have a selection of fishing rods available for complimentary use. These are located in the porch, just behind the back door leading to the terraces. Please let us know if you would like to borrow the rods and then just help yourself. The pier on Babbacombe Beach is very popular with local fisherman, who regularly land a healthy catch of mackerel. This is a really fun activity, particularly with children. Should you have a lucky day and wish to bring your mackerel back to the hotel, then the kitchen team will be more than happy to cook this for you. What better than some fresh fish for lunch! We recommend, lightly oven baked and served with butter, lemon and salad!
Watch out for the competition though, our local celebrity is Sammy the Seal! Found lazing around in the Babbacombe waters by the pier most days, particularly in spring, summer and autumn. He’s not daft and definitely knows the easiest spot to find his supper! Watching him show off really is a unique experience and well worth a look!
The bays’ dolphins make regular visits too but not as frequently as Sammy. However occasionally they do like to come in very close to shore for some fun, please ring the dolphin bell on the Captains table if you spot a pod!
Resident’s Lounge
Please feel free to relax anywhere in the hotel. The saloon / residents lounge has a lovely ambience and is perfect for aperitifs and night caps! You will find a selection of traditional board games, cards, dominos, and chess in the lounge. Through the door at the back you will find a compact billiards table with both snooker and pool balls provided.
Local Attractions
Torre Abbey
Tel: 01803 293593
TQ2 5JE www.torre-abbey.org.uk
Built in 1196, Torre Abbey is located in the gardens of Torre Abbey Meadows opposite Torquay Seafront approximately 10 minutes’ drive from the hotel.
Open 10am-5pm Wed-Sun March-May & Oct-Dec Open 7 days per week June-Sept
Cockington Country Park
Tel: 01803 607230
TQ2 6XA www.cockingtoncourt.org
Set in an award-winning country park a mile away from Torquay seafront, Cockington Court is an historic manor house with over twenty craft studios, tea rooms, walled art garden, tudor rose garden, contemporary art gallery and a popular children’s play area.
Cockington is dog friendly too!
Historical facts - For almost 300 years, the village was owned by the Cary family. It is particularly interesting that George Cary was deputy lord lieutant for Queen Elizabeth I and was responsible for defending this area of the country from Spanish invasion. In 1654, Henry Cary sold the estate to the Malloch family, a rich family of silversmiths from Exeter, having fought for the King in the Civil War.
Berry Pomeroy Castle
Tel: 0370 333 1181
TQ9 6LJ www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/berry-pomeroy-castle/
Berry Pomeroy Castle now stands as a Tudor Mansion, built within the walls of an earlier castle. It is located about a mile north east of the village of Berry Pomeroy, near the historic market town of Totnes. Between 1980 and 1996 the castle was put through extensive archaeological excavations that have defined much of its history and radically changed previously-held opinions.
Approximately 25 minutes’ drive.
Opening 10am-6pm every day March-Sept, Oct 10am-4pm every day
Nov-March 10am-4pm Sat & Sun only.
Greenway National Trust
Tel: 01803 842382
TQ5 0ES www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway
Greenway truly is a fascinating place to visit! Combine breathtaking beauty with plenty of history and you have an incredible day out. Once owned by Agatha Christie, as her holiday home, it really does come alive with history!
Before you decide to visit Greenway, please take note of the point below;
Greenway operates a traffic management system to reduce car impact on the local village. All visitors wishing to park their car at Greenway MUST book a car park space. Whenever possible please travel by 'green ways' to Greenway. Ferries available from Dartmouth, Brixham and Torquay. All unbooked cars are turned away at Greenway, due to the limited space in the car park, and local traffic restrictions. Please telephone ahead or visit the website.
Babbacombe Model Village
Tel: 01803 315315
TQ1 3LA www.babbacombemodelvillage.co.uk
Babbacombe Model Village is exquisite. Being maintained by 11 full time craftsmen, this dedicated team, put in a lot of hard work to looking after the beautiful models and gardens. At winter time they even cover the whole area in snow!
New to the village in 2007 was the 4-d theatre. If you have never experienced one of these, then be prepared for a surprise. It is generally aimed at children, however, plenty of adults seem to enjoy it as well!
Bygones
Tel: 01803 326108
TQ1 4PR
This fascinating place is worth a visit. With wax work models, ranging from a Victorian street and living room, to a WWI trench and an Anderson Shelter. There is even fantasy land, with models of Buckingham Palace and Disney World.
This is a lovely place to take the children, especially if they are specialising in the Victorians or WWI at school, as it really does “bring the past alive!”
The Shops at Dartington
Tel: 01803 847528
TQ9 6TQ
You may purchase Dartington Crystal, perfect for gifts to take home. Dartington Crystal is made in the factory in Torrington in Devon. Handcrafted and established in 1967, it’s the only major crystal factory in the UK.
We recommend the following local attractions, all within 1 hours drive:
• Kents Cavern - Torquay
• Prickly Ball Farm - Totnes
• Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
• Living Coasts - Torquay
• Crealy Adventure Park – Exeter
• Torquay Museum
• River Dart Country Park – Ashburton
• Woodlands Adventure Park – Dartmouth
• Segway Bikes – Riding through Haldon Forest in Exeter
• Ashcombe Adventure Centre, Dawlish - Offering clay pigeon shooting, archery, and paintball
• Dartmoor Hawking Falconry Experience – North Bovey
• Yaraks Birds Of Prey Falconry Centre – Cullompton
• Dartmoor National Park, Widdecombe on the moor, Becky Falls and so much more!
• A visit to Beautiful Salcombe, Dartmouth or Brixham,
• Exeter Cathedral and shopping
• Colleton Fishacre, National Trust Property – Dartmouth
• Plymouth Hoe
Outdoor activities
For those who would prefer a more energetic lifestyle during your stay with us, we can organise lots of activities including, tennis, sailing, golf, horse riding, fishing trips and scuba diving in Babbacombe Bay. Please see one of our team for more information.
Haldon Riding Stables, Home Farm, Exeter, EX6 7YD Tel: 01392 832645
Skiwest Watersports, Goodrington Beach, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6LN Tel: 01803 663243
E Mail [email protected]
South Devon Cruises - Luxury cruises on the River Dart
The Round Robin is a truly fun day out, it is one of the best ways to explore part of the stunning South Devon Coast, offering a steam train ride from Paignton to Kingswear, a ferry crossing to Dartmouth then a cruise down the river from Dartmouth to Totnes. www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk Please see us if you would like help with a booking.
Walking
With several miles of beautiful coastline, you’re spoilt for choice! The South West Coast Path runs straight past us, you may walk as little or as far as you like! You will find a useful book of walks in your room.
We recommend a stroll to Oddicombe Beach, opposite. This takes about 15 minutes to walk across just over the wooden bridge then you may take the funicular railway to the top of the cliff, Babbacombe Downs has a choice of lovely tea rooms and cafes. Finish with a gentle stroll back down the cliff through the woods by Babbacombe Theatre. This walk is perfect if you wish to leave the car where it is and just pop out for an hour or so.
St Marychurch precinct is just another 5 minutes further walk and offers a variety of quaint shops and somewhere to purchase any essentials you may have forgotten.
Local Restaurants
Below is a list of our recommended restaurants. Should you be staying with us for more than a few days and wish to dine out for a change one night, then please do not hesitate to ask one of our team and they will be more than happy to make a reservation for you.
The Elephant – Brasserie
Beacon Terrace, Torquay
Tel: 01803 200044
The No 7 Fish Restaurant
Beacon Terrace, Torquay
Tel: 01803 295055
The Orange Tree – Brasserie
Parkhill Road, Torquay
Tel: 01803 213936
Shops, Doctors, Dentists, Vets
Located in The Willows, on the A380 (Torquay to Newton Abbot Road) you will find Marks and Spencer, Boots (24 hour pharmacy) and Sainsbury’s.
Wren Park, Browns Bridge Road, Torquay, TQ2 7BJ Tel: 01803 615874
Brunel Medical Practice, St Albans Road, Babbacombe. TQ1 3SL Tel: 01803 312233
Park Hill Dental Surgery, 3 Park Hill Road, Torquay, TQ1 2AL Tel: 01803 380090
Bayview Veterinary Centre, 96, Warbro Road, Babbacombe , TQ1 3RE Tel: 01803 314940
Should you wish for any further information, please do ask, and we will be more than happy to help.
Had fun with us, stay in touch! Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
We’d also appreciate you sharing your happy holiday memories on Trip Advisor with us.
Thank you from all the Cary Arms team.
Cary Arms – Hotel main number 01803 327110
Night Porter – located in room 01 on the 1st Floor
Price First Taxis of Babbacombe – 01803 322322
General Manager – David Adams – 07483 227593
Deputy Manager – Robert Allen – 07944 074 605