LAL Torbay - LAL Language Centres

Transcription

LAL Torbay - LAL Language Centres
The school | Host homes | Britain | Safety | Attractions | Eating out | Excursions | Transport
Your complete guide to LAL Torbay
and the English Riviera.
Useful
ation
inform first
ur
from yo oing
g
day to
home!
LAL Torbay
Conway Road
PAIGNTON
Devon
TQ4 5LH
United Kingdom
Tel: + 44 (0)1803 558555
Fax: + 44 (0)1803 559606
E-mail torbay@lalschools.com
w w w. l a l s cho o ls.co m
Emergencies
You can contact
the school in an
emergency 24 hours
a day by telephoning
+ 44 (0) 1803 553062
To call the Fire Brigade,
Police or Coast Guard, or
for an Ambulance,
dial 999 or 112
© LAL Torbay 2013. Produced by
LAL Language Centres UK Limited,
registered in England 1907876.
The LAL Torbay Guide is for
information only. The listing of
services or attractions does not
imply recommendation. Prices will
be subject to change. We have
made every effort to ensure that
the Guide is accurate at the time
of publication, but we cannot be
responsible for any unintentional
errors.
2 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Contents
Facilities at LAL Torbay...... 4
Reception.................................... 4
Adult Lounge............................... 4
Student Lounge........................... 5
Café LAL...................................... 5
Bookshop & Library...................... 5
Computers & Internet.................. 5
Message Board............................ 5
No Smoking................................. 5
Your Lessons....................... 6
Class times................................... 6
Lessons are compulsory................ 6
Academic Office.......................... 6
Students with visas...................... 6
Our teachers................................ 7
What to expect in your lessons..... 7
Error correction............................ 7
Changing classes......................... 8
Outside the classroom.................. 8
Complaints.................................. 9
Torbay Host Homes.......... 10
What to expect.......................... 10
Your room................................. 10
Welcome
Thank you for choosing to study at LAL Torbay. We are
here to ensure you have a safe, fun and educational stay
and aim for you to achieve all of your learning goals and
benefit from everything the region has to offer. We are
here to help you, so if you have any questions or worries,
please tell your teacher or any other member of our
school staff.
The LAL Torbay Guide has been designed to support
you during your time with us and to help you enjoy this
wonderful part of England. From activities, excursions and
destinations, via a spot of history to the more practical
subjects related to living in the UK from tipping to
telephones, all of this information is inside.
Enjoy England and have a great time at LAL Torbay.
Michelle Ramos-Bailey
General Manager
LAL Torbay
Electrical equipment................... 10
Lighting and heating.................. 11
Food.......................................... 11
Cleaning and laundry................. 11
Telephone.................................. 11
Living in Britain................ 12
Cultural background.................. 12
Good manners........................... 13
Queuing.................................... 13
Money....................................... 13
Weights & measures.................. 14
Communications........................ 14
Smoking, drinking, sex & drugs.. 15
Electricity................................... 15
Water........................................ 15
Current currency.............. 16
Coins......................................... 16
Bank notes................................. 17
Understanding the English.18
Health & welfare.............. 20
Feeling unwell?.......................... 20
Long-term conditions................. 20
Is treatment free?...................... 20
Sexual health............................. 20
Feeling unhappy?....................... 21
Safe and Sound................ 22
The police.................................. 22
Staying safe on the streets......... 23
Avoiding theft............................ 23
Public transport.......................... 24
Taxis........................................... 24
Safety in bars and clubs............. 24
Discover Torbay................ 26
History of the English Riviera...... 26
What the English Riviera offers... 26
Beaches..................................... 28
On the water............................. 28
Animals..................................... 29
History....................................... 29
Culture & entertainment............ 30
Nightlife..................................... 31
Excursions & tours........... 32
Visiting London................ 51
Public transport................ 52
Driving in Britain.............. 54
Going home...................... 56
Directory........................... 57
Eating out......................... 60
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 3
Facilities at LAL Torbay
Reception
The Reception desk is in the
main entrance hall:
Receiving Mail & Faxes
If we receive mail,
faxes or e-mail to
students.tlc@lalgroup.com,
it will be held at Reception
and a note will be put on
the Message Board at the
bottom of the main stairs.
Sending Mail & Faxes
You can purchase postage
and send mail at Reception.
Reception will send faxes
with a charge of 75p for
each sheet.
Photocopying
Reception will copy noncopyright material for 10p
for each A4 sheet.
Telephone Cards
You should buy a pre-paid
telephone card if you want
to call home from payphones
or your host’s home. Cards
cost £5 from Reception and
allow you to make calls
without putting money in
a payphone or putting a
charge on your host’s bill.
4 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Souvenirs, Postcards &
Stationery
You can buy a range of
LAL Torbay gifts, as well as
postcards, pens and other
stationery, from Reception.
Lost Property
Any items of personal
belongings that are found
at the school should be
taken to Reception, and you
should ask Reception if you
have lost anything in the
school.
Adult Lounge
The Adult Lounge is on the
5th floor, and is only for the
use of Adult students.
The lounge has comfortable
armchairs, and a work area
where you can catch up on
your studies.
Student Lounge
The Student Lounge on the
ground floor is available for
all students to relax, watch
television and meet friends.
There is a pool table in the
lounge, and a piano.
Café LAL
The school’s café, in the
Student Lounge, is open
from 07.30 until lunch and
serves a range of hot and
cold snacks and drinks,
including hot meals.
Bookshop & Library
The Bookshop & Library, in
the Internet Study on the
1st floor, have course books,
dictionaries, reference books
and reading books.
We also have a wide range
of listening material and
worksheets; ask for details.
Computers & Internet
The Internet Study on the 1st
floor has computers which
you can use free of charge.
We can recommend web
sites to develop your English.
The free wireless
internet network called
‘LAL-Students’ can be used
throughout the school by
students with portable
devices.
Message Board
Please make sure that you
check the notice board
marked ‘Messages’, at the
bottom of the main stairs,
every day.
No Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
anywhere in the school
building, including the
porches and WCs. You may
smoke in the garden, well
away from the building.
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 5
Your Lessons
Class Times
Your lesson times will be
given to you on your first
day, and will be different
for each course. The current
timetable is on display on
the notice board at the
bottom of the main stairs.
Lessons are Compulsory
You must come to all your
lessons and you must arrive
at the right time.
If you do not come to all
your lessons, we may have
to report you to the UK
Border Agency if you are
missing from school.
If you are ill, and cannot
come to school, you must
telephone LAL Torbay on
(01803) 553062 to tell us
that you will stay at home.
If you are late for your
lessons, you may not be able
to join the class.
Academic Office
The Academic Office is in
Room 1.01. You should visit
the office if you have any
questions about your course,
if you would like to book
extra lessons or would like to
discuss exams.
Students with visas to study in England
If you have a student visa to visit Britain, LAL
Torbay will check that you are complying with
the terms of your visa. You must tell us where
you will be if you will not be at school or your
accommodation for 24 hours or more. If you do
not, we will inform the government that you
are missing.
6 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Our Teachers
Most of our teachers have
the Cambridge University
Certificate of English
Language Teaching to Adults
(or equivalent) and some
also have the Diploma of
English Language Teaching
to Adults. They come from
very different educational
backgrounds and many have
a wide range of experience
and expertise.
What to Expect in your
Lessons
We use an eclectic style of
teaching in our classes. In
the morning lessons, you
and your classmates will use
a course book, with which
you will study grammar and
vocabulary, as well as the
four main skills of listening,
reading, writing and
speaking. The course book
will also be supplemented
by discussions, role-plays
and other ways of increasing
your active language. In the
afternoon lessons we focus
on communicative activities
to improve your speaking
skills and confidence.
We often mix two levels in
afternoon lessons. This adds
authenticity to the tasks and
activities.
Error Correction
It is important for you to feel
comfortable and confident
when using English. Our
teachers are listening very
carefully to everything
you say in the lessons.
Sometimes, when the focus
is on accuracy, you will be
corrected as you make the
mistake. When the focus
is on fluency, we will not
interrupt you immediately
but your teacher will be
identifying problem areas
and will correct at the end of
the lesson or prepare future
lessons to deal with the
mistakes. We will not correct
every error because this is
not necessary.
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 7
There are a number of
methods of correction, but
for you to benefit from them
you need to ‘notice’ what
other students and your
teacher say.
Changing Classes
On your first day we test
your vocabulary, grammar,
communicative competence
and writing skills and place
you in a class based on these
results. We aim to place you
in a class which balances
your need to improve your
weakest areas without
ignoring the areas in which
you are strong.
Your course will include level
tests throughout the course
book. The number of tests
you take will depend on the
length of your course. Your
teacher will arrange for a
move to a higher level when
you are ready.
We normally move students
from one class to another
on Mondays only. If you
want to move class for
any reason please speak
to your teacher who will
discuss this with you and the
8 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Academic Managers. If you
want to change level and
we agree that you are ready
to do this, you can change
level without a formal test.
However, if your teacher
does not believe that you are
ready to move to a higher
level, you can only move up
if you pass a comprehensive
English test. If you do not
pass the test, you will have
to study for a month before
trying again.
In Business English
classes, the minimum level
requirement is Intermediate
and levels may vary up
to Advanced. Students
are sometimes grouped
according to their specific
needs and/or experiences
rather than the level reached
during placement testing.
Outside the classroom
There are lots of things you
can do after your lessons to
improve your English.
Keep a learning diary. Try
to read and listen to native
speakers as much as you
can. Start a conversation
with your Host Family - don’t
wait for them to talk to
you! Your Host Family will
want to know about you, so
spend a little time each day
talking to them.
Go to the cinema or watch
television; just a few
minutes each day will help
you understand authentic
English. Remember, you
don’t need to understand
every word, so just getting
the general idea means that
you have succeeded.
Read the signs around the
school and in the street. Use
the pictures in magazines
and newspapers to help you
get the idea of the topic in
the text. Borrow a reading
book from the school library.
We have books for all levels
and for all interests. There
are useful practice exercises
to help you learn new words
and work on grammar.
Write a postcard, Skype or
send an e-mail in English to
an English-speaking friend
at home.
Try the games and practice
exercises on the CD that
comes with your course
book and explore the many
useful websites.
Try not to spend all your
free time talking to other
students who speak your
own language and try to
speak English even if our
staff speak your language
too. All our staff – not just
our teachers – will help you.
Make the most of all these
opportunities and your
English will soon begin to
improve.
Complaints
This is a summary of our policy: the full policy is on
display in Reception.
If you would like to give feedback or have any cause
for complaint, please tell us immediately so that we can
sort out any problems. You can speak to any member of
staff; if they cannot help you themselves, they will tell
you who you need to speak to.
We promise to treat every complaint fairly and as quickly
as possible. If you are not satisfied with our response,
and wish to make a formal complaint, please see
Reception. We will respond to formal complaints within
24 hours.
If you are still not satisfied, you should write to the
General Manager of LAL Torbay.
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 9
Living in a Torbay Host Home
We hope you find living with a local family fun
and rewarding and that the Host Home we have
carefully chosen will be a ‘home away from home’
during your stay.
What to expect
Your host home should
be a place where you feel
welcome. Your hosts should
talk to you and treat you like
one of the family. However,
that means that you’ll need
to act like one of the family
too, and not expect the host
home to be like an hotel.
Your room
You may be given a key
to the house but you will
probably not get a key
for your room, because
bedroom doors are not
usually locked in England.
In your bedroom you should
have a comfortable bed,
bedside light, desk and
storage space.
Ask for permission from your
host if you wish to move any
furniture, or put pictures or
posters on the wall.
10 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Please be very careful with
things like hairspray, nail
varnish, hairdryers, hair
straighteners and cigarettes,
as you would in your own
home. If you break or
damage anything, tell your
host as soon as possible and
pay for repairs.
Electric equipment
Please ask for permission
before you use your own
electrical equipment, and
check that it is suitable for
our electricity supply, which
is 220-240V, 50Hz AC. You
can buy socket adapters
from Reception at LAL
Torbay.
Lighting and heating
All host homes will have
heating in the bedrooms,
but it is unusual in Britain to
use heating all night. If your
bedroom is colder than you
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for extra blankets, or to turn
up the heating.
You must not leave gas or
electric heaters on through
the night or when you are
out, or place anything on or
near the heaters, as this may
cause a fire.
Electricity is expensive, so
please switch off the lights
when you leave the room.
Food
Cleaning and laundry
Your host will keep your
room clean, but you will
need to keep the room tidy.
Your host will change your
sheets every week and,
within reason, wash clothes
for you. You will have to iron
your own clothes.
Telephone
Please ask permission to use
the telephone, and pay for
all calls with a telephone
card.
Your host will provide
breakfast and an evening
meal. Tell your host in the
morning if you do not
want dinner. If you
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www.lalschools.com/torbay | 11
Living in Britain
Some things are
the same in Britain
as in your country,
but many things will
be different from
the way you live at
home. You might
find this exciting, or
you might find it a
bit frightening. We
have adapted this
information from
English UK’s ‘Your
Stay In Britain’ guide
to help you fit in to
our island.
12 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Cultural background
Political structure
Torbay is in England, Britain
and the UK. Confused?
There are three countries
in Great Britain: England,
Scotland and Wales.
Together with Northern
Ireland, these countries make
up the United Kingdom.
Each has its own distinctive
character and identity.
The population, particularly
in larger towns and cities, is
very ‘multicultural’ - there
are many foreign-born
people seeking political
refuge or better work and
education.
Queen Elizabeth II is the
Head of State but all UK laws
are made by the parliament.
National obsessions
Newspapers – particularly
the popular ‘red top’ or
‘tabloid’ papers – are full
of crime, celebrity gossip
and scandals. This really
does not offer a full picture
of Britain. However, the
media’s obsessions with soap
operas, ‘reality’ television
and sport, (particularly
football) are shared by much
of the population. And yes,
we’re still obsessed with the
weather. And tea.
Good Manners
“Manners make the world
go round”, and really help
you in Britain. Say ‘please’
if you want something and
‘thank you’ when you get
it. If you want to interrupt
someone, or walk past
people, say ‘Excuse me!’.
Students who stay for six
months may be able to open
a bank account; ask Welfare.
Banks in Torbay are usually
open 09.30-16.30 Monday
to Friday, and a few open on
Saturday mornings.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
It’s true that the British like
to queue, and you must line
up with everyone else if you
are waiting for a bus or to be
served. If you ‘queue-jump’
by pushing to the front of
the line, you will appear rude
and will be asked to go to
the back.
Money
Britain’s currency is the
Pound Sterling (£). Euros
cannot be used in the UK.
Credit and debit cards such
as Visa and Mastercard
are widely accepted, but
American Express is often
refused. You need your PIN
code to use your card. The
card may be refused if you
don’t know your PIN, if you
have not signed the back of
the card or if the card is not
in your own name.
You should be able to get
money from cash machines
(ATMs).
If you bump into someone,
you must say ‘Sorry!’, or it
may be interpreted as an
attack.
Queuing
You can exchange money at
any bank or Post Office, and
some travel agencies have
Bureau de Change desks.
You will need your passport
to change cash.
VAT of 20% is included in
the price of most goods:
what you see on the price
ticket is the price you will
pay. If you spend £100+ in
one shop, you may be able
to claim tax back if you live
outside the EU.
Tips and service charges
There are few rules for giving
tips to staff in England: the
main rule is that tips are not
compulsory.
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 13
Do not offer tips before you
have been given a service.
Never tip bar staff: offer
them a drink instead.
In restaurants, service is
included in the price unless
the menu says that a service
charge will be added. If you
want to leave a gratuity, give
the tip in cash. 10% of the
bill is sufficient. You don’t
need to offer tips in selfservice shops and cafés.
Weights & Measures
As well as pints of beer, you
may see the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1 mile (m) = 1760 yards ≈ 1.6km
1 yard (yd) = 3 feet ≈ 91cm
1 foot (ft or ') = 12 inches ≈ 30cm
1 inch (in or ") ≈ 2.5cm
1 pint (pt) ≈ 568ml
1 stone = 14 pounds ≈ 6.4kg
1 pound (lb) = 16 ounces ≈ 454g
1 ounce (oz) ≈ 28g
Communications
Post
Individual stamps are sold in
Post Offices, and books of
six or 12 stamps are available
at some other shops.
Overseas mail must carry an
‘airmail’ label. If you need
help, seek advice from the
school, where you can also
buy postage and send mail.
The main Post Office in
Torbay Rd, Paignton, is open
09.00-17.30 Monday Saturday. There is also a Post
Office in St Michael’s Rd, 2
minutes from LAL.
£5
Telephones.
Don’t use your host family’s
phone without permission.
You must pay for all calls,
including local ones. Calls
are cheaper after 19.00 or at
weekends. Numbers starting
080- are free; those starting
09- are very expensive.
The dialling code for Torbay
is 01803, or + 44 1803 if
you use a foreign phone.
For an international call, dial
00 then the country code,
the area code (minus the
first 0) and number. E.g. for
Munich (089) 2525 2400
you would dial 00 49 89
2525 2400.
To call abroad without using
coins or putting a charge on
your host’s bill:
• To reverse the charges,
dial the International
Operator on 155.
• Buy phone cards from
the school’s Reception.
Use these in domestic or
public phones.
• You can pay by credit
card: call 0800 032 0023.
Some payphones take coins
(minimum 60p), others take
cards.
Internet access
Steve Woods
Some host homes will
let you use their internet
connection, and there’s a
free network at LAL Torbay
and at Hunters’ Lodge. You
can use public services such
as the Cloud, Fon and BT
14 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Konstanty Paluchowski
Bjarne Henning Kvaale
Tijmen Van Dobbenburgh
Chris Chidsey
Smoking, Drinking, Sex
& Drugs
Be aware of these laws:
• You must obey all ‘No
Smoking’ signs. You
cannot smoke in shops,
pubs, clubs, bars or
restaurants, nor on railway
stations, on trains or buses
or in taxis. This is the law!
• You must be over 18 to
buy tobacco or alcohol.
• It is illegal to have sex with
anyone under 16.
• The use, possession,
purchase or sale of
cannabis or any other
controlled drug is illegal.
It is, unfortunately, quite
common for British people
to drink too much. Do not
respond to drunk people
who become angry. If
women are more friendly
than in your country, don’t
assume this is an invitation
to have sex.
You can buy adaptors for
UK 3-pin sockets from
Reception at LAL Torbay. Do
not use sockets or adaptors
marked ‘Shavers Only’ for
high-power items, because
they will stop working – you
cannot use hair driers in
bathrooms, for example.
British sockets often
have switches to turn the
electricity on and off.
Water
Tap water in Torbay is safe
to drink. It has a low mineral
content (we say it is ‘soft’)
and fluoride is not added.
It is very common for there
to be separate hot and cold
taps on washbasins. Bidets
are very rare in Britain.
Lavatory paper
Please put used toilet paper
in the WC, not in the
dustbin or waste basket.
Mario Alberto Magallanes Trejo
Openzone, but don’t log in
to private networks without
permission: it’s illegal.
Electricity
The UK’s supply is 220-240V,
50Hz (cycles) AC.
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 15
Current currency
Britain still uses the pound, but you may find that your bank
notes or coins are no longer valid if you were given them a
long time ago. Please check your currency to make sure that
it will be accepted. If you have out-of-date notes or coins,
you may be able to change them at a bank.
Coins
One pound sterling (£) is divided into 100 pence (p). There
are copper (brown) coins of 1p and 2p, silver coins of 5p,
10p, 20p and 50p, a gold £1 coin, and a gold-and-silver £2
coin. Current coins are shown below at the actual size. If your
5p, 10p and 50p coins are larger than these pictures, then
they can’t be used any more. If you have been given coins by
friends and family you should check that they are the same
size as these:
2p
1p
5p
10p
50p
20p
£2
£1
Coins may be of different designs, but are always the same
colour and size as these examples: all the coins have the head
of Queen Elizabeth II on the other side.
16 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Bank Notes
Bank notes are the £5 (blue), £10 (orange/brown), £20
(purple) and £50 (red). Most shops will not accept £50 notes,
but you can change them in banks. Current notes are shown
below: the pictures are (obviously) much smaller than real
notes! If you have been given notes by friends and family you
should check that they are like these:
You
can use
pes
both ty
of £50
note.
Other UK bank notes
You may be offered different bank notes in pounds from
Scotland or Northern Ireland: don’t accept them. While you
should be able to change them at banks, not every shop will
take them as payment.
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 17
Steve Woods
Understanding the English
If you find that you don’t understand what
people say or do, don’t worry: you are
not alone. Here are some tips to help you
understand us a little bit more.
loo, cloakrooms, washroom,
Language
If it is hard to understand
people, don’t assume you
don’t understand English!
public convenience, ladies,
women, female, male, men,
gents, gentlemen - or WC.
Accents
Do we mean ‘yes’ or ‘no’?
Many words for one thing
If we think that you
won’t like the answer to
a question, we may not
answer directly. If you don’t
understand if we mean ‘no’
or ‘yes’, just ask.
Not many people speak in
‘BBC English’ and there are
hundreds of different accents
in Britain. Even the British
find some of them hard to
understand. Do not be afraid
to ask people to repeat
things or speak more slowly.
Chips/fries/sautéed potatoes;
lounge/sitting room/living
room/drawing room: so
many ways to say the same
things. The ruder it is, the
more options there will be.
If you don’t understand
something, ask if there’s
another word for it!
For example, if you need
the WC, you might look for
signs saying toilets, lavatory,
18 | The LAL Torbay Guide
The English are usually fairly
polite – count the number
of times we say ‘please’ and
‘thank you’ when we buy
things. This can make us
hard to understand.
Typically vague ‘no’ phrases:
• I’m afraid not.
• Probably not.
• I don’t think so.
• Not really.
• I’m sorry but...
• I’d like to help, but...
• I’m afraid that...
• I don’t think that I can...
Saying one thing to mean the
opposite
If it’s raining, you may be
told that it’s a lovely day. We
are not trying to lie: this is
supposed to be funny, and is
an example of irony. This can
be confusing, but it’s one of
the most common forms of
‘humour’ in Britain.
Behaviour
English reserve
The English in particular
are often controlled in
public behaviour and keep
emotions private. For
example, we do not hug and
kiss a lot, and people do not
usually talk to strangers. This
is not the same as being cold
or unfriendly: although we
don’t display our emotions
like in some other countries,
we still feel the same, and
we will be perfectly friendly
when we get to know you.
English excess
By contrast, the British do
some things to excess:
after a few (or often a lot
of) drinks we can become
louder and ruder than almost
anyone. Don’t copy us!
Meeting new people
When we meet new people
we may not show much
interest: don’t expect to find
out names or be involved in
conversations immediately.
This is not a sign that we
don’t like you. We seem
to like to give people time
to ‘settle in’ before asking
questions and ‘confusing’
you with conversation.
Fair play
In general Britons obey the
rules and have respect for
the law, the police and other
people. There is a belief in
‘fair play’ - making sure that
everyone is treated properly
and has equal rights and
opportunities.
Bribes are unacceptable,
and offering more money
to anyone to get what
you want is unlikely to
succeed. Don’t even think
about offering money to
policemen: you will be
arrested.
Disrespectful deference
It is common to hear rude
comments about politicians
and the royal family and
we have a long tradition
of satire. Yet millions vote
for the same politicians in
elections, and bow when
they see the Queen. You
could say that the British just
like to say one thing and do
the opposite.
Families
If you stay with a host family,
you may be surprised how
little time English families
spend together. English
people love their parents and
children - but like to have
independence.
No matter how strange you
think the British are, don’t be
shy: we’re all normal really!
You won’t see many
British flags in Britain:
we love our country, but
we don’t like to say so,
unless it’s a very special
occasion!
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 19
Health & welfare
We are all ill from time to
time. Don’t panic! Our staff
are here to help.
We have people trained in
first aid in the school, so
please report any accident or
illness to the Welfare Team.
You can get quick advice and
buy many medicines from
the pharmacist at a chemist.
If you need a doctor, Welfare
will make an appointment
for you, or you can call
Devon Doctors out of hours
(see page 58). There is
often a charge of at least
£35.00. This may be free if
you have a European Health
Entitlement Card, or if you
have health insurance you
can claim costs back (make
sure you get receipts).
Long-term conditions
Let the Welfare Team know
if you have a long-term
condition, such as diabetes,
so that we can help if you
fall ill at school.
• if you are a national of an
EU country.
• if your country has a
full reciprocal health
agreement with Britain.
• if you have an infectious
illness
Anyone else will have to
pay if they are admitted to a
hospital bed or if they need
to see a doctor.
If you study with us for
more than six months, you
can register with a doctor
and receive free treatment
for illnesses which began
after you arrived in England.
However, you may be asked
to pay for all or part of the
cost of medicine.
If you need to see a dentist
you will have to pay the full
cost as a private patient.
Sexual Health
Is treatment free?
Contraception is widely
available through chemists.
Condoms are also available
in supermarkets, many
garages and from machines
in the lavatories in pubs,
clubs and bars.
Other treatment in hospital
under the National Health
Service (NHS) is free:
If you think you may have
caught a sexually transmitted
disease, a doctor will treat
you in private and without
charge. The only exception is
HIV/AIDS: only diagnosis and
emergency treatment is free.
If you have an accident or
fall suddenly ill, you will
be given free accident and
emergency treatment.
20 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Paul Barker
Feeling unwell?
We’re
here to
help!
If you have any problems,
whether it’s to do with your
health, your accommodation
or even something at home,
ask to see the Welfare team.
These staff are here to help you
in any way they can, and have
plenty of experience in dealing with
problems. The Welfare Team are on the ground
floor. You can telephone us on + 44 (0)1803 553062.
Feeling unhappy?
British behaviour may seem very strange to your culture. At
home you feel secure as you can easily interpret the things
around you, but you may find things are very different here.
Keeping an open mind is essential: expect to find differences,
and don’t try to judge your experiences in Britain by the
standards of your home country.
Culture Shock
If you were excited by coming to Britain, but you are
now getting more nervous, don’t worry: it’s perfectly
normal.
You may go through lots of changes of mood and
attitude before coming to terms with your new
environment.
Strange food, new routines, different travel arrangements
and unfamiliar official procedures can be made worse by the
deeper cultural differences in everyday life or language.
Many people are initially very excited and positive about
being somewhere new. However, as the reality of deeper
cultural differences sinks in, this excited feeling wears away.
You may start to miss friends, family and places as you begin
to have doubts about yourself and your new environment.
Do not worry. You will find that most British people are
happy to help you if you have a problem or need some
information.
Language
You may not understand spoken English no matter what level
of proficiency you achieved in your country. Listening and
speaking in English all the time will make you tired, so you
may make more mistakes. Don’t feel frustrated or depressed
if you cannot contribute to conversations as you can at home.
Using a second language all day takes a lot of effort and may
sometimes seem too intense an experience. These feelings
are perfectly normal and things will improve as you get used
to your situation.
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 21
Safe and Sound
Much of the advice that follows is common sense,
but taking a few simple precautions will make you
feel safer and help stop you becoming one of the
unlucky few who may become a victim of crime.
The UK is generally a safe country, and Torbay is
one of the safest places to visit in the UK. However,
just as in your own country, crimes do take place
in Torbay. We want to make your time in Torbay as
safe as possible. The vast majority of students who
visit Torbay will not experience any form of crime.
The Police
Nick Winchester
Britain’s police are friendly.
They are here to help you as
well as to look after you: feel
free to speak to them and
ask them questions.
If you want to report a
crime, tell a member of the
LAL Torbay Welfare Team
who can contact the police
on your behalf.
In an Emergency
You can contact the school in
an emergency 24 hours a day
by telephoning
+44 (0)1803 553062
22 | The LAL Torbay Guide
You can call the Police, Fire
Brigade, Coast Guard or an
Ambulance by dialling 999
or 112 free of charge.
If you feel afraid or are
threatened when you
are out, leave the place
immediately. Never reply to
threats or insults. If you think
that someone is following
you, cross the road, go to a
public place, such as a shop
or restaurant and either ask
or telephone for help.
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Avoiding Theft
Mark it!
If you contact the police
directly, please tell the
Welfare Team.
Look after your personal
belongings. Make sure that
anything valuable is marked
with your name and address:
it is unlikely that it will be
stolen, but you might lose
it! You can use an ‘invisible’
marker that can only be seen
under special light - ask the
Welfare Team.
You can telephone the
police on 101 (or + 44 1392
420320) for non-urgent
enquiries.
If you were told to register
with the police when you
arrived in the UK, ask the
Welfare team to arrange for
you to visit the local police
station. There is a police
station at South Street in
Torquay. The police have
translators who can speak
your language.
Record it!
Write down the serial
numbers of electronic
devices, especially mobile
telephones, to identify them
if they are lost. You can
register these items with LAL
Torbay.
Staying Safe on the
Streets
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 23
ije
ch e
nS
It’s safer to walk with friends
and not on your own. If you
do have to walk on your
own, avoid dark or empty
places. Don’t listen to music
while you are walking. It is a
good idea to find safe routes
during the day, rather than
struggling with a map in the
dark.
Don’t leave anything
valuable where it can be
seen by other people. Don’t
talk for a long time on a
mobile telephone in public,
for example. Make sure that
you can see your coat, bag
and other belongings all the
time. Keep your keys in a
pocket, not in a bag. If you
have a portable computer
or tablet, don’t use a bag
which is obviously
designed for
computers, and
be careful
when you
use it in
public.
Jea
The biggest risk on the
streets is traffic, not
criminals. Remember that
our cars are driven on the
left of the road, and look
both ways before you cross
or step onto the road. Use a
pedestrian crossing to cross
the road if possible.
n
Hide it!
licensed taxis!
Licensed taxis must have signs
like these on the car:
Only use licensed taxis with plates like this on the car.
Leave it at home!
great, it is safer to travel on
the bottom, near the driver.
Carry at least enough
change to make a telephone
call (60p), but do not, under
any circumstances, carry
large amounts of cash.
Taxis
You must carry your Student
Card with you, but you
do not need to carry your
passport in Britain. You
should keep your passport
and large amounts of money
safely locked away. At the
very least you should keep
them locked in your suitcase.
If you travel on your own in
a taxi, sit behind the driver.
Keep alert!
Take care if you use a cash
machine, both to make sure
that your card or money is
not stolen, and to make sure
that your PIN (code number)
is not copied. Never write
down your PIN.
Public Transport
Try not to wait on your own
at bus stops. Check the time
of the last bus or train. If you
travel late at night, try to get
friends to meet you at the
bus stop or station and walk
home with you.
Taxis which have a notice
on the back which shows
the licence from the council
may be considered safe; taxis
with no license plate are
dangerous.
Safety in Bars and
Clubs
There is an increasing risk of
drinks being ‘spiked’ with
drugs in bars and clubs.
Do not accept drinks from
strangers, and do not let
your drinks out of your sight.
If you feel unusually unwell
or ‘strange’ after a drink,
get help from a friend or a
senior member of the bar
staff immediately.
Rodrigo Reis
Although the view from the
top of double-deck buses is
24 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Discover Torbay
and the south-west of England
Where to go, what to see and how to get there:
turn the page to begin your journey of discovery 
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 25
Discover Torbay
Torbay is full of great places to see and great places
to go. A popular tourist resort since Victorian times,
the bay’s three towns each have their own character
and attract different people.
History of the English
Riviera
The Torbay area first gained
a reputation as a destination
for relaxation in the late
18th century. Its ‘romantic’
location and fantastic
weather conditions were
praised by families of sailors
stationed in the bay.
It was the Victorians,
however, that coined the
phrase the ‘English Riviera’,
likening the area to the
south of France. Torbay has a
warm, sunny climate, and
sub-tropical plants such
as the famous Torbay Palm
add to the Mediterranean
feel, as do the luxury boats
and open-air cafes and bars.
The sea has always been the
focus of the towns and these
days the busy waterfronts
are full of working boats
and pleasure craft, while the
coast is ideal for swimming
and water sports.
26 | The LAL Torbay Guide
What the English Riviera
has to offer.
The three Riviera towns of
Torquay, Paignton and
Brixham surround the
natural, sheltered Bay which
forms an ideal suntrap with
many Blue Flag beaches.
Each town lends its own
individual character to a
holiday, so whether it is for a
relaxing break enjoying local
food, an action-packed visit
out on the waves, or a funfilled family trip, the English
Riviera offers something for
everyone. The three towns
have a combined population
of approximately 130,000
and the resort attracts 1.5
million visitors every year.
Torquay is the main town of
Torbay. It has a sophisticated
charm with white villas,
superb coastal scenery and
excellent beaches, such as
Oddicombe and Meadfoot.
Well-kept gardens sit
alongside new developments
ERTC
Brixham is a picturesque
fishing town at the southern
end of Torbay. Life here
revolves around the busy
harbour, where fish are
unloaded and pleasure
boats make tours of the
coast. There are stalls selling
freshly-caught seafood,
and restaurants and pubs
serving fresh fish cooked in
traditional recipes.
Paignton has colourful
gardens, pretty coastal
ERTC
such as Fleet Walk and the
Riviera International Centre.
Many visitors enjoy walking
around Torquay soaking up
the atmosphere. It’s also the
best town for shopping.
From top Torquay Harbour; typical
beach huts; the Pavilion.
lights and plenty of special
activities. The town has a
long seafront with a popular
pier, an old harbour, a
water park, great beaches
and a steam railway. In
summer the wide-open area
known as Paignton Green
holds events, including
funfairs and firework
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 27
Clockwise from top: Breakwater beach; Splashdown water park; penguins
at Living Coasts
displays. Paignton has a lively
centre with interesting shops
and nightlife. Most shops
can be found by walking
along Winner Street,
through Palace Avenue,
along Victoria Street and
down Torbay Road to the
seafront - the closer you are
to the sea, the more touristorientated are the shops!
Beaches
Torbay has 22 miles
of coast with stunning
beaches. Four beaches at
Oddicombe (Torquay),
Meadfoot (Torquay),
Broadsands (Paignton)
and Breakwater Beach
(Brixham) received the
European Blue Flag award
for excellent facilities and
water quality in 2012.
Most beaches are safe for
swimming and have cafés
and lavatories. You can hire
deckchairs, pedaloes and
kayaks at the more popular
beaches.
The largest beach in
Paignton is the long, sandy
28 | The LAL Torbay Guide
beach next to the town
centre. The beach is next to
Paignton Green and has
lots of kiosks and cafes by
the beach and amusements
on the pier. You can hire
deckchairs and pedaloes on
the beach.
Right below Hunters’ Lodge
residence, Goodrington
Sands is a popular beach for
families, with the Seashore
Centre, Splashdown at
Quaywest Waterpark,
Youngs Park and Inn on
the Quay all right behind
the beach. There are lots of
rock pools at low tide.
In Torquay, Oddicombe
Beach is famous for the cliff
railway, which descends
73m to the beach.
On the Water
If you prefer to get out on
the water rather than relax
on the beach, Ski West at
Goodrington offers waterskiing and wakeboarding.
There are also lots of sightseeing and fishing trips
available from the harbours
Splashdown at Quaywest,
in Paignton, has eight water
slides, from a terrifying 20m
plunge on the Devil’s Drop,
to relaxing ring- and matslides. There are swimming
pools at Torbay Leisure
Centre in Paignton and the
Riviera Centre in Torquay.
Animals
Natural history enthusiasts
should visit Paignton Zoo
and Living Coasts. Paignton
Zoo is one of the largest
in Britain, and houses over
250 species of creatures.
You can walk with penguins
at Living Coasts, the zoo’s
sister attraction in Torquay,
which focuses on coastal
animals, plants and birds.
History
Torbay has historic sites
stretching back thousands
of years. Kents Cavern,
in Torquay, was home to
humans between 30,000
and 40,000 years ago. It is a
fascinating place, and offers
Harry McCord
at Torquay Paignton &
Brixham, including ‘Round
Robin’ circular trips by bus,
steam train and boat.
From top: Paignton Zoo; Torquay
Harbour.
tours of the extensive caves
every day. Also in Torquay
is Torre Abbey, which is
the largest art gallery in
Devon, re-opening in July
2013. Babbacombe Model
Village is more modern, but
has entertained visitors for
several decades.
Between Torquay and
Paignton lies Cockington
village. It has a historic forge,
picture-postcard cottages,
horse and carriage rides, a
court and church, tea rooms,
thatched pub, and walks
through lakes and woods to
Cockington Court.
Paignton was once home
to the Singer family, of
sewing-machine fame, who
built Oldway Mansion. You
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 29
Culture & Entertainment
ERTC
Torbay has two main
cinemas, the Apollo next to
the beach in Paignton and
the Central Cinema in the
centre of Torquay.
can enjoy the gardens and
tea room, but the house is
being converted to a hotel.
There are also tennis courts
and a croquet lawn. Much
smaller is Kirkham House,
a mediaeval survival just off
Cecil Road in Paignton.
Brixham harbour is home to
a replica of the ship in which
Sir Francis Drake sailed round
the world in the 1570s, the
Golden Hind. On the coast
outside Brixham lies Berry
Head, the site of a major
fort built to defend Torbay
from Napoleon. It is now a
national nature reserve.
You can follow in Hercule
Poirot’s footsteps by taking
the Steam Railway from
Paignton Queen’s Park (next
to the National Rail Station)
to Kingswear. Steam trains
run from April to October.
30 | The LAL Torbay Guide
The bay has five theatres:
The Babbacombe Theatre
in Torquay specialises in
variety shows. The Little
Theatre in Torquay is an
old church and hosts a
wide range of plays and
concerts from the local
amateur dramatic society.
The Princess Theatre, on
Torquay’s seafront, is the
largest theatre in Torbay
and offers a year-long
programme of professional
large-scale productions.
From West End musicals to
concerts and a full summer
season, the Princess offers
something for everyone.
Here in Paignton, the
Palace Theatre, in Palace
Avenue, offers a range of
locally-produced shows
and concerts. The Brixham
Theatre is open occasionally
for a range of performances.
ERTC
Nightlife
Torbay has plenty of clubs
and bars with entertainment
in the evenings. Torquay
is the centre of Torbay’s
nightlife, but Paignton
has several venues geared
towards live music and
family entertainment.
The harbourside in
Torquay is the main focus
for clubs and has plenty of
cafés with outside seating.
Mambo is a popular and
lively night spot with three
different zones: the ground
floor features live music,
the first floor specialises in
popular tunes and the top
floor hosts R&B and Hip Hop.
You can also find R&B and
Dance DJs at the Bohemia
Nightclub. Torquay’s biggest
night club is The Venue
which, like Bed Bar, offers
middle of the road music to
a young audience. Green
Ginger is a modern bar with
a dance floor, while the Hole
in the Wall, in Park Lane,
regularly offers traditional
live music in a pub bar and
the Apple and Parrot also
has live music.
Opposite: Oldway Mansion. above:
English Riviera Cocktail at Mambo,
the Inn on the Green
Nearby in Belgrave Road
is Club Rainbow, which
offers singers, groups and
discos. Candyfloss, above
Meadfoot beach in Rock
Road, is a gay club.
Paignton’s main venues
are its lively bars and pubs.
The Spinning Wheel on
Esplanade Road is a very
popular pub with live music
every evening and acts for all
ages. The nearby Inn on the
Green and the Isaac Merrit
pub, on Torquay Road, offer
a wide selection of local
beers in a warm friendly
environment. If you want to
party, Torbay Road is the
place to be, with bars and
clubs offering a lively insight
into English nightlife.
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 31
Excursions & Tours
Torbay is lucky to have
the coast on one side and
stunning countryside on the
other. For centuries, life in
the Westcountry revolved
around fishing and farming,
and the lasting remains are
picturesque villages and
towns clinging to the coast
or nestling in valleys. But it’s
not all rural idyll: the south
west also has major towns
and cities which are full of
things to see and do, as well
as world-class attractions,
both ancient and modern.
Devon has a thousand miles
of road crammed into the
county, but the roads are
often very narrow and,
although urban areas have
good bus networks and are
32 | The LAL Torbay Guide
well connected by trains
and coaches, away from the
towns public transport is
often poor.
That’s why LAL Torbay has
a great range of excursions
to help you see as much of
the area as possible during
your stay here. Each week a
new programme sets out the
options for the next seven
days, with tours ranging
from historic houses to local
pubs. Excursions start at
£10, and can be booked
at the dedicated counter in
the main Reception. Book
as early as possible to avoid
disappointment in busy
periods!
A Cathedral
B Wildlife
C Castle
E Church
F Farm
G Gardens
H Historic house
K Cave
L Landscape
M Live music
O Prehistoric site
k Roman site
P Pub
Q Good food
S Shopping
T Café
U Local crafts
i Industrial site
V Views
W Walk
w Guided walk
b Site of battle
f Beach
j Funfair
m Museum
s Historic railway
u Other attraction
v Vineyard
z Literary
connection
Above: Dartmouth. Top right: Bath.
Below: Battlefield live.
The following pages contain
a useful guide to the places
we visit regularly on our
excursions programmes.
Bath and Wells
Full Day kASzwT
After this you will have time
to explore the city, to visit
any attractions you may
want to, or spend some time
shopping.
In Wells your guide will
take you to the beautiful
cathedral and tell you about
this unique city.
Battlefield Live
This is a trip to the famous
Roman city of Bath, stopping
on the way at England’s
smallest city, Wells.
In Bath you will go on a tour
of the city. During this time
your guide will show you
some of the wonderful and
well-preserved attractions
this city has to offer.
Half Day u
This great infra red paintballstyle game is 2 hours of
fun and games set over a
brilliant and authentic three
acre battlefield. It is similar
to paintball but without any
of the pain. You will have a
full briefing before you start
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 33
Simon Gray
Destination Bristol
ERTC
Top: Brunel’s suspension bridge
at Bristol. Above left: Bays Beer.
Above right: Birmingham.
have the chance to sample a
couple of the drinks Bays has
to offer.
and each 10 – 20 minute
game will be explained
and supervised by very
experienced marshals.
Birmingham
Overalls are provided to keep
you from getting muddy,
but make sure you wear
full length trousers and flat
shoes.
Bays Brewery
Half Day P
Bays have become one
of the most celebrated
breweries in Devon for
their distinctive ales and
traditional ciders.
On this tour you will see
everything that goes into
the production of these fine
products, and you will also
34 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Full Day wST
Birmingham is generally
regarded as England’s
second city and as such has
a rich and diverse history.
During our visit we will focus
on the history that made
Birmingham the thriving
city it is today, from the
businesses that shaped the
city to the current times
which has seen Birmingham
nominated as a city of
culture for 2013.
After a tour with your guide
you will have some time to
explore the city.
Left: Brixham. Below: Totnes.
Bottom: Coast at Tintagel.
Bristol
Visit the largest city in the
west of England. Bristol is a
modern and vibrant city with
an interesting history.
Your guide will take you on a
tour of the city showing you
the many attractions and the
history this city has. It will
also include time for you to
explore the city and modern
shopping centres.
Brixham
Maniple
Full Day wST
Boscastle and
Tintagel
Full Day LCwVT
Take a trip to one of the
most beautiful and rugged
parts of North Cornwall’s
Atlantic coastline.
Your day will start with a
visit to Boscastle, where you
can explore this picturesque
village and maybe visit the
Witchcraft Museum.
Half Day LBWST
Visit Brixham, the smallest
town in Torbay, along with
a stop off at the natural
beauty of Berry Head
Country Park and Nature
Reserve.
At Berry Head your guide
will walk you around the
cliff top showing you some
breathtaking views of
Torbay.
Brixham is a picturesque
port, famous for its fish
market and harbour, and is
a popular destination within
Torbay. During your visit your
guide will tell you about the
history of Brixham as well as
what happens there today.
Then, as long as the weather
allows, your guide will give
you the option of a 2-3 hour
walk along the coast path
to Tintagel. For people who
would prefer a shorter walk,
your guide will drive you
back to Rocky Valley, half
way between Tintagel and
Boscastle, where you can
join the coast path.
At Tintagel you hear all
about the legend of King
Arthur and will have a
chance to visit the ruins of
the castle down by the sea,
the Old Post Office or the
wonderful Great Halls.
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 35
ERTC
Castle Drogo
Half Day Cw
Top: Cardiff. Above: part of Castle
Drogo.
Cardiff
Full Day ACLSw
On our way to Cardiff, the
capital city of Wales, you will
cross over the River Severn
and enjoy some spectacular
views down the Bristol
Channel.
Your guide will first take
you on a tour of the historic
City, after which there will
be time in the city centre
to explore the various
attractions and shopping
areas that Cardiff has to
offer.
The centre of the city
houses its main attractions,
including the famous and
well preserved St David’s
Castle and, unusually, some
very historic loos.
36 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Visit the last castle to be
built in England. Castle
Drogo has the appearance
of a mediaeval fortress but
because it was built between
1910 and 1920 has the
modern comforts of a 20th
century property.
Travel through time as you
explore the castle, from the
Norman-themed library,
to the ‘Georgian’ drawing
room complete with intricate
Venetian chandeliers. Look
out for the electric table
cloth in the Jacobean-styled
dining room.
Castles of South
Devon
Half Day CwH
Visit three of the best known
castles in South Devon.
First we visit the ruined
castle at Berry Pomeroy. It is
set in beautiful woodlands
but beware: it is the most
haunted castle in England!
After this we will go to the
ruins of Totnes castle, which
Left: Dartmouth Castle Below:
coast near Torbay. Bottom:
Cockington village.
stands high above the town
as a mighty legacy to the
power of the Norman era.
The third castle in this tour
will be the magnificent 600year old Dartmouth Castle.
It was built on the bank of
the river Dart in the perfect
position to defend the
wealthy merchant port.
At each stop you will hear
about the history of these
unique castles.
Coast Drive
Half Day LfBTV
Take a drive along the
beautiful South Devon
coastline. First we go
through Torquay to the
popular Victorian seaside
town of Teignmouth where
you will have time to take a
look around this traditional
British holiday destination.
We then move further along
the coast to the town of
Dawlish, famous for being
Sir Winston Churchill’s
regular and favourite holiday
retreat and for the black
swans that live freely on the
river that runs through the
town to the sea.
Cockington and
Torquay
Half Day UTGS
First we visit the village of
Cockington, a unique village
with traditional thatched
cottages, tearooms and the
old blacksmith’s shop.
Your guide will take you
around the beautiful
gardens, set in the grounds
of the Great Hall, where you
will be shown the wonderful
array of trees and plants
along with the fishing lakes
and wildlife.
After this there will be time
to visit the Hall itself, which
now houses craft shops,
glass and basket making
displays, a rose garden and
various exhibitions.
We will then move on to
Torquay town and harbour
for a chance to explore the
town.
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 37
Coleton Fishacre
House and Gardens
Dartington Hall and
Highcross House
A short drive will bring us to
the National Trust property
of Coleton Fishacre.
The elegant art deco interior
and spectacular gardens
include a wide range of rare
and exotic plants.
Dartington is a beautiful
estate just outside Totnes.
It was originally built as a
medieval playground, but
in the 1970s Dartington
became famous for glass
and pottery which is still
collected throughout the
world. As well as the Hall
and gardens, there are a
selection of shops.
You will be given a tour of
the house followed by a
walk through the gardens
with your Guide.
This will be followed by a
visit to Highcross House,
which was at the forefront
of 1930s design.
Half Day HGT
It was designed in 1925 for
Rupert and Lady Dorothy
D’Oyly Carte.
Half Day HGSU
Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor is a wild area of Devon which is famous for
its landscape and heritage. Heather-covered moor, treefilled valleys, waterfalls, a patchwork of fields and huge
rock tors surround market towns and villages. Nearly half
of Dartmoor’s 368 square miles (942 square km) is open
moorland, home to a unique breed of horse, the Dartmoor
Pony. There are more archaeological sites, including standing
stones, ancient settlements and tombs, than anywhere else
in northern Europe. You can also find more modern features
hidden under rocks in the form of ‘letterboxes’, which have
visitors’ books to sign and stamps to collect.
LAL runs tours all year round. Please wear stout, comfortable
shoes for these tours.
Dartmoor
Half Day LVzW
Take a trip to Dartmoor National Park and sample its tors,
history, culture & legends. We will also visit the picturesque
village of Widecombe in the Moor and the grave of Kitty Jay.
Dartmoor by Dusk
Evening (Summer only)
LWVP
This evening drive to Dartmoor will give you a different
perspective of the National Park. Your Guide will take you on
a drive on to the moor and then head up to Hay Tor, where
we will park the bus and take a walk. We will then finish with
a visit to traditional pub.
38 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Top: Dartington Hall. Bottom: ferry
to Dartmouth.
Dartmouth
Half Day GCSVT
A scenic drive brings us
to the beautiful town of
Dartmouth at the estuary of
the River Dart.
Your guide will take you on
a tour of the town showing
you Bayard’s Cove, the
Butterwalk and the Royal
Avenue Gardens.
After some time to explore,
you will meet your guide to
cross the river to Kingswear
by ferry.
Dartmoor Highlights
Extended Half Day
LAOVUW
On this extended visit to Dartmoor National Park the places
you visit will include Princetown, which is the largest town on
the moor and also home to the notorious Dartmoor Prison,
Buckfast Abbey, one of England’s finest Benedictine abbeys
and situated right on the edge of the moor, and the famous
clapper bridge, Dartmeet, where the East and West Dart
rivers join.
There will also be time to eat out at a traditional Dartmoor
pub.
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 39
British seaside town of
Seaton, with its beach, shops
and miniature Tramway.
Eden Project
Full Day GBV
Visit one of Britain’s top
attractions the Eden
Project. The huge ‘biomes’
are effectively Britain’s
largest greenhouses with
plants from all over the
world, including huge
rainforest trees in a tropical
environment. It also features
crops, landscapes and wild
plants which reflect the
amazing diversity of our
planet.
From the top: the Eden Project;
ancient and modern in Exeter.
East Devon
Half Day LfTV
Our first port of call will be
the award-winning Darts
Farm, suppliers of some
of England’s finest home
produced food, wines,
ciders, liqueurs & local
products.
A short drive through the
beautiful Axe Valley then
brings us into the typically
40 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Exeter
Half Day ASCT
This beautiful city is steeped
in history that dates back to
the Roman times, when it
became the furthest Roman
settlement in the west of
England. It has one of the
finest cathedrals in England,
which was begun in the
11th Century and completed
in the 16th Century.
The city has some of
England’s finest Tudor
From the top: The beach at Seaton;
spring flowers in Greenway
Gardens; fossil hunters flock to the
Jurassic Coast.
Makio Kusahara
Architecture. Your Guide will
take you on an historic walk
around the centre pointing
out highlights such as Sir
Francis Drake’s favourite Inn,
the old Guildhall and Court
House and Rougemont
Castle.
After a tour with your guide,
there will be time to sample
the large variety of shops in
the city centre.
Karolina Przybysz
Greenway Gardens
Half Day Gz
A short but scenic drive
down to the edge of the
River Dart will bring us to the
magnificent former home of
crime writer, Agatha Christie.
The house is open to view
and your guide will take you
for a leisurely stroll around
the extensive garden.
Jurassic Coast
Half Day LVf
This tour includes the trip
along the Jurassic coast to
the historic town of Lyme
Regis.
On this tour you will have
some amazing photographic
opportunities while viewing
the spectacular scenery that
the area has to offer. When
you arrive at Lyme Regis your
guide will tell you about the
links to Thomas Hardy and
other pillars of the English
literary past.
You will also have the
chance to visit Lyme Bay
winery, where they make
many traditional fruit wines
and ciders as well as many
other locally produced
products.
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 41
ERTC
Jazz Night
Evening PM
See Pub Tours
Kents Cavern with a
taste of Devon
Take a fascinating tour of the
oldest caves in Europe and
one of Torbay’s top visitor
attractions. The tour of the
caves will be fully escorted
by one of Kent’s Cavern’s
professional Guides.
You will see the natural
formations of the caves as
well as many items that have
been discovered over years
of excavation. These include
human and animal skulls
dating as far back as the last
ice age, and a 450,000 year
old flint hand axe.
After the tour there will be
time to look around their
visitors’ centre and then try
a traditional cream tea in the
Red Rock Café.
ERTC
Half Day KT
Land’s End and St Ives
Full Day LfVW
On this full day tour you will
travel down to the far west
of England to Land’s End.
During the journey your
guide will tell you about
the people and culture of
England’s most beautiful
county. On the way we
will visit Marazion to see
St Michael’s Mount and
perhaps walk out to it if the
tide is out.
The next stop will be Sennen
Cove for its stunning views
and, if the weather allows it,
a coastal walk from here to
Land’s End.
Kents Cavern Ghost
Tour
Land’s End, the most
westerly point of both
Cornwall and England,
has spectacular views and
interesting local attractions.
This fascinating evening tour
will be an experience you
will not forget. Dare you
enter the caves at night and
experience the Kents Cavern
Ghost Show? This is scary
and not recommended for
the fainthearted or people of
a nervous disposition!
The final stop is at the
picturesque town of St Ives
on the Atlantic Coast. This
is famous for its slate roof
houses, the Tate Gallery and
artists who work around
the harbour, enjoying the
special quality of the town’s
daylight.
Evening Ku
42 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Living Coasts
Half Day B
Living coast is the seaside
conservation side of
Paignton Zoo. They have
one of the largest breeding
colonies of penguins in the
UK and operate a fun and
educational approach to
conservation.
You will find out about the
lifestyles of the animals and
have the chance to interact
with the penguins as they
are cared for in an open
environment.
Looe and Polperro
Full Day LfVW
Taking in the stunning
south Cornish coast, this
tour will take you over the
River Tamar from Devon into
Top left: Kents Cavern. Bottom
Left: Living Coasts. Top right: St
Ives. Above: Polperro.
Cornwall and then along the
coastal town of Looe.
Here you will have a chance
to explore the narrow
streets, visit the fishing
port, and maybe enjoy the
sandy beach or a stroll along
the river Looe. The town
also boasts many good
restaurants, pubs and cafes
to enjoy some local food and
drink including the famous
Cornish Pasties.
We will then take a short
drive along the coast to
the old fishing port of
Polperro. Here you will be
able to enjoy the peaceful
surroundings of this
beautiful village.
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 43
ERTC
Left, from top: Lost Gardens of
Heligan; Nature boat cruise. Top
right: Radcliffe Camera at Oxford.
Right: Paignton Zoo.
Lost Gardens
of Heligan and
Mevagissey
Full Day GBV
Visit one of the most
popular botanical gardens
in the UK. Here you have a
guided tour around these
unique gardens, which were
rediscovered in 1990. After
this there will be a short stop
in the typical Cornish fishing
village of Mevagissey.
Mystery Pub Tour
Evening P
See Pub Tours
Nature Boat Cruise
Evening BfV
The nature boat cruise offers
a unique insight into the
wildlife and geology of the
beautiful coastline of Torbay.
44 | The LAL Torbay Guide
The tour starts from
Paignton harbour where you
will be introduced to your
experienced captain as he
takes you on this exciting
and informative voyage.
Your captain will try and
show you the varied wildlife
on offer including dolphins
and seals. The boat offers
a fully stocked bar and
a friendly and relaxed
atmosphere to enjoy the tour
while watching the beautiful
scenery float by.
Oxford
Full Day Aw
Oxford is known worldwide
for its university; this is the
oldest one in the English
speaking world. The city
benefits from having one of
the most diverse education
opportunities in the country.
Because of this the area has
a unique feel, with things
happening at every turn.
The history on offer has to
be seen to be believed.
Alan Rainbow
ERTC / Ray Wiltshire
Our tour of the city begins
with Oxford Castle, which
has been everything
from a place of power, a
prison, up to the modern
day when it is a museum
and restaurant complex.
Your guide will explain
the importance of the city
throughout the centuries
and how it developed into
the educational centre it
is today. From here you
will be taken through the
narrow walkways of the old
city where you will learn
about the diverse learning
opportunities the city has to
offer, while soaking in the
glorious old architecture of
the area. You will learn the
extraordinary history of the
Bodleian library and how it
links back to Devon and the
town of Totnes.
After the tour you will
have time to explore and
experience the many varied
cafes and restaurants, as
well as the incredible range
of independent shops that
Oxford has to offer.
Paignton Zoo
Half Day B
Paignton Zoo is the third
largest zoo in the UK and as
such offers a unique view
into the conservation efforts
to protect many endangered
species.
This tour includes the
admission to the zoo and
you will be able to explore
the wide and varied range
of animals that the zoo has
to offer.
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 45
Pub Tours
The pub is a great British institution. Pubs started life when
the Romans arrived, and spread until nearly every town and
village had its own alehouse. Pubs are not just places for
drinking; they are often at the very heart of communities as
social centres where people can get together to relax. Whole
families will go to pubs for a meal and a drink, and friends
will often meet up in pubs for a chat or game of darts.
A good pub will have plenty of traditional British drinks such
as hand-pumped pints of real ale and local cider, served in a
lively bar with a friendly atmosphere and a blazing log fire.
Jazz Night
drink, while getting to know
the other students.
The Jazz night provides a
unique experience, not only
for those lovers of Jazz but
also to those who wish to
soak in the atmosphere of a
very quirky environment.
From here we head to The
Crown and Sceptre, one of
the most celebrated pubs
for traditional jazz music
and its wide range of award
winning beer. You will be
given a warm welcome by
the experienced staff who
are on hand to explain the
beer on offer.
Evening PM
The tour includes two pubs.
The first is hidden along
the South-Devon coast and
offers a range of traditional
ales, beers, and ciders many
of which are brewed in the
local area. This is a lovely
place to start your night
as it offers a very relaxed
atmosphere and gives you
the chance to unwind with a
46 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Every week the bands
change but you can always
be sure that they will be of
a high calibre and will make
you appreciate the art of the
jazz musician even more.
Country Pub Tour
suggestions to help you find
your choice of tipple.
The country pub tour is a
fantastic way to explore the
countryside while enjoying
the atmosphere of a
traditional English pub.
From here our next
destination is the wonderful
Churston Court, this
traditional manor house
became a coaching inn
during the 19th century and
has been entertaining and
enthralling guests ever since.
Evening P
On our tour, we will take you
to two very different pubs.
Our guide will join you every
step of the way regaling you
with stories and tales from
the ancient history of the
establishments you will visit
and provide you with the
knowledge to choose the
right drink for you.
The tour will take you deep
into the Devon countryside,
where you will arrive at your
first pub in the beautiful
village of Stoke Gabriel. At
this location our guide will
take you into the mediaeval
graveyard that is situated
very close to the first pub,
where you will be told stories
of the history, superstitions
and folklore surrounding
the area. It is now time
to sample the delights of
locally produced ales and
ciders; our guide is on
hand to provide advice and
Mystery Pub Tour
Evening P
The mystery pub tour is a
wonderful experience and
one that changes each time
you take it, because the only
person who knows where
you will be going is our
guide.
It could be anything from
sipping beer while looking
over the River Dart of maybe
a visit to a Traditional cider
bar.
Our guide will try and
provide you with a night
of fun and will tailor the
experience to the needs and
desires of the students.
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 47
Above: Smeaton’s Tower - the
old Eddystone LIghthouse - at
Plymouth. Right: Stonehenge.
Plymouth
Half Day wST
In Plymouth your guide will
start a tour in the Barbican
and old Sutton Harbour area
where you will get a taste
of a time when Plymouth
was one of the largest and
most important sea ports in
England. Included in this we
will show you where the first
European settlers of America
finally set sail on their epic
journey across the sea in
1620.
We will then continue
around to Plymouth Hoe
where we can enjoy some
splendid views across
Plymouth Sound and out to
sea. Your guide will tell you
about Sir Frances Drake’s
epic battle with the Spanish
in 1588.
After this there will be
time in the city centre for
shopping or to explore more
attractions.
48 | The LAL Torbay Guide
South Hams
Half Day LVf
We will start by taking a
short journey to Kingswear,
where we cross the River
Dart by ferry taking us from
Torbay into Dartmouth and
the South Hams. We then
head along the coast to one
of England’s finest beaches
at Blackpool Sands.
After this we continue
further along the picturesque
coastline to reach Slapton
Sands, one of the largest
training sites for British and
allied troops in preparation
for the historical D-Day
Landings that took place in
June 1944.
Stonehenge and
Salisbury
Full Day OAS
Visit one of Great Britain’s
most famous landmarks
set in the heart of the
Wiltshire countryside and
now a World Heritage Site.
Described as one of the
wonders of the world it
is believed to have been
constructed between 2400
SXC/ chappy14
Top: Salisbury. Middle: South
Hams. Bottom: Slapton.
and 2200 BC. To this day
it is still interesting and
mysterious. It has been said
that the stones contain many
kinds of mythical and magic
powers that have attracted
many people and religious
sects over the years.
We will travel to the city of
Salisbury in Wiltshire. Here
your guide will point out
many of this beautiful and
picturesque city’s landmarks
including the famous
Cathedral.
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 49
Alan Mort
Top: Totnes. Above: Wookey Hole.
Totnes
Half Day CEwSTQ
Totnes is a unique town
steeped in history. It has
remains of Norman and
Saxon settlements and
legend says that it was the
site where the first people
arrived in Britain.
In more recent history Totnes
became one of the first
‘alternative’ communities in
the country.
Modern Totnes is at the
forefront of ‘new age’
therapy and as such is a focal
point for those who wish to
live a slightly alternative way
of life.
Your guide will take you on
a tour of the town to show
you the historical landmarks
and then give you time to
explore this interesting town.
50 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Wookey Hole and
Weston-Super-Mare
Full Day Kfj
Wookey Hole has some of
Britain’s most spectacular
caves and is the home of the
infamous Witch of Wookey.
The earliest men lived in this
valley 50,000 years ago,
hunting bear and rhinoceros
with stone weapons.
At Wookey Hole you
can wander through the
prehistoric Valley of the
Dinosaurs featuring King
Kong and relax in the
magical fairy garden. The
19th Century Paper Mill
has a variety of attractions
including a Victorian Penny
Arcade, Magical Mirror
Maze, Hall of Crazy Mirrors
and the Cave Museum
Then a stop off at Westonsuper-Mare, one of Britain’s
most traditional seaside
resorts, famous for a huge
beach and donkey rides.
Visiting London
We don’t offer excursions to London, but if you want to visit
England’s capital, it’s easy to travel to London from Torbay.
By coach
National Express coaches run direct to London Victoria coach
station, and the journey takes about six hours. There are
several services every day. One of the most popular is service
404 which leaves Paignton at about midnight and arrives in
London at about 06.30, then returns from London at about
23.00 and arrives in Paignton at about 05.00. If you want to
spend only one day in London, this can be booked as a day
return for about £32. Book at the Transfers counter at LAL
Torbay.
By train
visit London Images
Trains to London usually require one change of train, but still
take only about 3½ hours. However, the services are not ideal
for day trips. The earliest First Great Western service will get
to London no earlier than 10.00 on Saturdays and the last
train leaves London at around 18.00. Book at the railway
station, and book as far in advance as possible in order to get
cheap fares starting from £25 return.
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 51
Stagecoach
Public transport
Want to get out and about on your own? No
problem: Torbay is fortunate to have a good local
bus network and convenient links to the rest of
Britain.
Local Buses
Getting around Torbay
is easy thanks to a good
bus network. Buses are
run throughout Torbay by
Stagecoach, with a network
that stretches from Brixham
to Babbacombe. To stop a
bus at a bus stop, you must
hold out your hand to signal
to the driver.
You can buy tickets for each
journey from the bus driver.
You can pay in cash, and
you will be given change if
necessary, but it helps if you
give the driver coins rather
than notes. The fare will get
more expensive the further
you travel. Remember to
You can buy a pre-paid bus
ticket from Stagecoach.
These tickets last one, two
or three weeks and allow
unlimited journeys within
Torbay. You can buy these
tickets at LAL Torbay.
52 | The LAL Torbay Guide
push the ‘STOP’ or ‘PRESS’
button on the bus when you
reach your bus stop.
Some services are also
provided by the First bus
company. You can buy
tickets from the driver,
including day and weekly
tickets.
Note that First’s tickets
cannot be used on
Stagecoach buses, nor
Stagecoach tickets on First’s
buses!
Longer Local Journeys
Some of Stagecoach’s
buses run to towns outside
Torbay, including Kingswear
(for Dartmouth), Totnes
and Exeter. There are also
services run by First to
Plymouth via Totnes. Services
outside big towns can be
limited, however, and you
should plan your journey
carefully before you set out.
You can check journeys at
www.transportdirect.info.
Long-distance Coaches
Buses which run on long
routes with only a few stops
are called ‘coaches’. National
Express run long-distance
coaches from Paignton and
Torquay. For example, there
are several coaches direct
to London every day. If you
are staying in Britain for a
while, and you are under
27 or a long-stay student,
you may like to purchase a
Young Persons Coachcard.
This costs £10 and gives you
30% off coach fares.
You can buy National Express
tickets and coachcards
at LAL Torbay from the
Transfers counter.
Trains
Britain’s rail network is one
of the fastest ways to get
around. Trains can be more
expensive than coaches,
but there can be very
cheap tickets if you book in
advance, and tickets to go
and return on the same day
are often very good value.
Tickets are complicated:
return tickets are almost
never the same price as
two single tickets. There are
time and day restrictions on
all but the most expensive
tickets. You don’t pay more
for fast trains, nor need to
reserve a seat on any service
- but it can be cheaper if you
do. If you don’t reserve a
seat, you may have to stand.
You can get information at
the railway station and at
www.nationalrail.co.uk. The
prices at the station are the
same as on the internet.
Taxis
Only use licenced taxis
which have official signs on
the back (see the bottom of
the page).
Traditional taxis, or ‘Hackney
Carriages’ have a ‘TAXI’ light
on the roof and can be hired
in the street. The charge is
shown on a meter in the cab
and varies with the length
of the journey, number of
passengers and luggage.
Private Hire taxis (‘minicabs’)
do not have a ‘TAXI’ lamp,
but have the telephone
number of the company
on the side or windscreen.
Private hire taxis must be
pre-booked; they cannot be
hired by stopping them on
the street. The charge will be
metered unless you agree a
fare before the journey.
LAL Torbay uses Torbay
Taxis: (01803) 211611
Make sure you only use
licensed taxis!
Licensed taxis must have signs
like these on the car:
Only use licensed taxis with plates like this on the car.
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 53
Driving in Britain
Seat belts
If you have brought your
own car or want to hire a
car in Torbay, you must keep
to the law and be prepared
for some odd features on
our roads. Be aware that the
roads in Devon can be very
narrow, and parking is often
difficult and expensive in
towns and cities.
You MUST wear a seat belt
in vehicles.
Drink-driving
The legal alcohol limit is
80mg alcohol in 100ml
blood. If you drive while over
this limit, you can be sent
to prison, fined £5,000 and
banned from driving. That’s
if you don’t kill yourself first.
DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE.
You must have an
appropriate driving licence
to drive in Britain. If you
come from EU or European
Economic Area countries,
you can drive any vehicle
which is permitted by your
licence AND which is shown
on your licence.
country, your licence or
g orders
permit must be valid for at
Mobile telephones
You MUST NOT use a mobile
telephone while you drive.
Miles, not metres
All road signs give distances
in miles (m) and yards (yds)
and speeds in miles per hour.
(mph).
If you are from any other
12 months from the
es areleast
mostly
prohibitive.
date you arrive in Britain.
qualify
message.
Youtheir
can drive
on a foreign
licence for up to 12 months,
and cannot drive any vehicle
with more than 8 seats.
1 mile = 1.6km (so 50 mph
is about 80km/h). 1 yard is
about 1 metre.
Speed limits
This sign means that the
Rules of the road
Britain’s roads are governed
by the Highway Code,
and you should buy a
Maximum
copy from any
bookshop
speed
if you intend to
drive in
Britain.
You
can
read a
End of
summary on the internet at
mph zone
www.gov.uk/highway-code.
The following are important
points to note:
Keep left
National
‘nationalspeed
speed limit’School
applies crossing
to
theapplies
road.
limit
patrol
The National Speed Limits
for cars, unless signs say
otherwise, are as follows:
•30 mph (48km/h) in towns
and villages
•60 mph (96km/h) on other
Britain drives on the LEFT.
single-carriage roads
This also means that you
•70 mph (112 km/h) on
must only overtake on the
roads with two or more
right,
and
go
clockwise
()
e way to
Manually operated temporary
No entry for
lanes in BOTH directions
affic on round roundabouts.
STOP and GO signs
vehicular traffic
(dual carriageways and
jor road
motorways)
54 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Accidents
If you have an accident, you
must report it to the Police
and give your details to any
other drivers involved in the
accident.
Stop!
You MUST stop at Zebra
pedestrian crossings (which
have black-and-white stripes
on the road and flashing
orange lamps on striped
posts) if pedestrians are
crossing or waiting to cross.
Breakdown
If you break down, there are
two main organisations who
can help. Both will charge
you to join their organisation
if your car is not already
covered by their insurance:
•The AA; 0800 887 766
•The RAC; 0800 197 7815
If you break down on
a motorway or dual
carriageway, signs on white
posts at the side of the road
will point you to an orange
You must also stop for red
emergency ‘SOS’ telephone.
orParking
amber traffic lights, or if
king
Use this telephone to help
lights
are
flashing
where
the
No
stopping
during
No stopping
No stopping during the emergency
ted to restricted to
No stopping
during
services to
road
crosses
a
railway
line.
period
indicated
permit
holders
period
indicated
holders
times shown times sho
find you.
except for busesexcept for as except
long for a
Parking except for buses
necessar
as necessary as
to set
down or pick down
up or pi
passengers passeng
aiting
No waiting
No stopping No stopping
(Clearway) (Clearway)
Road signs are colour-coded:
These signs and/or yellow
lines by the side of the
mean
youred
must
not
circles
but
no
border
mostly give
ut
no road
red
border
mostly
give
park there. Britain’s parking
tion. attendants and traffic
wardens are well-known for
being ruthless in applying
fines - and chasing them up
even overseas.
Most parking places in
Torbay, including parking
spaces at the side of the
Turn leftroad
ahead
leftKeep left
Keep Vehicles
left
ad
Turn
may Vehicles
and left
car parks,Turn
are ‘Pay
symbol
(right
if
symbol
(right
if
symbol
pass eit
ol(right if and
(right
if
symbol
(right
if
symbol
pass
either
Display’ - you must buy
reversed)
reversed)
reversed)
reversed)
reversed)
side to reach side to re
a ticket
from a machine
same
when you park and leave
same
the ticket in your car so
destination destinat
it is visible through the
windscreen. Remember that
some car parks are locked at
night!
Route toSegregated
be
Segregated
Minimum
speed
Minimum
speed
End
of minimum
www.lalschools.com/torbay
| 55 End of min
speed
alused by pedal
pedal cycle pedal cycle
speed
Going Home
All good things must
come to an end, and one
day you will have to say
goodbye to LAL Torbay
and return home.
have the wrong flight
details for your journey,
it is usually not possible
to change your departure
time.
The departures list
Our transfers service will
make arrangements for
your journey from your
pick-up point in Torbay
to the airport of your
departure. This may be
by minibus, coach, taxi or
National Express coach or
a combination of these.
If we arrange a transfer
including a journey by
National Express, you must
collect a ticket from the
Transfers counter. You are
responsible for your own
flight tickets, passport and
luggage, and for checking
yourself in at the airport.
If you have booked an
airport transfer, we will
put your name on a list
of departure times on the
Messages notice board at
the bottom of the main
stairs on Tuesday in the
week before you depart.
We will also send a letter
to your host if you are
staying in a host family,
or leave a note for you on
the Messages board if you
are staying in a hotel or
residence.
The departures list and
letters/notes will show
the time and place of
departure, and tell you
if you need to pick up a
ticket. The departures
list also shows your flight
details.
Departure times
We aim for you to reach
your departure airport
no later than two hours
before your flight’s
departure. However, in
most cases you will be
travelling to the airport
with other students, and
we cannot always get you
to the airport exactly two
hours before your flight.
We regret that, unless we
56 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Don’t need your
transfer?
If we say that we have
arranged a transfer for
you, but you don’t need it,
tell us so that we can take
you off our passenger lists.
We regret that refunds
are not given for transfers
that have been booked
but are not required, nor
can we alter Standard
Transfers to any day other
than Sunday.
Not on the list?
If you are not on the
transfers list, or we show
the wrong flight details
for you, please see the
Transfers Department
as soon as possible so
that we can check your
arrangements.
Directory
There is so much in Torbay that we can’t tell you
where everything is - but we hope that this list of
attractions and services is useful.
Grid references for the LAL map are shown next to the names
of the businesses. Telephone numbers preceded by ‘T.’ are on
the + 44 (0)1803 dialling code.
Asian Foods
Chemists
Siam Thai & Asian Shop (D9)
Lloyd’s Pharmacy (E10)
Banks
Sarson’s (E10)
Winner St, Paignton. T 540200
Barclays Bank (E10)
Palace Avenue, Paignton.
Lloyds Bank (E10)
Palace Avenue, Paignton
Halifax (E9)
30 Torquay Road, Paignton
HSBC (E9)
7 Palace Avenue, Paignton
NatWest (E9)
15 Victoria Street, Paignton
Santander (E9)
50 Victoria Street, Paignton
Beauty Salon
Natural Beauty (E9)
23 Torquay Road, Paignton. T. 525279
Bicycle Hire
Colin Lewis Cycle Hire (E9)
17 Dartmouth Road (by bus station),
Paignton. T. 553095
Torbay Bike Hire (E9)
11 Palace Avenue, Paignton. T. 559446
Torquay Road, Paignton. T. 559015
Boots the Chemist (E10)
Winner Street, Paignton. T. 558196
Victoria Street, Paignton. T. 559180
Crossways Pharmacy (E9)
Crossways Shopping Centre, Paignton.
T. 555235
Churches
Paignton Parish Church (E9)
Church Street, Paignton. T. 551866
Services: Sunday Matins 07.30,
Holy Communion 08.00, Family
Communion 09.30, Alternative Service
(Eucharist with contemporary music)
11.00, Evening Service: 18.00; MondayFriday Matins 08.30; Daily Evensong
17.00; Holy Communion daily at
varying times.
Paignton Baptist Church (D10)
Winner Street, Paignton. T. 520453
Service Sunday 09.30
Tuesday evening prayer meeting 19.30
T. 520453
Paignton Pier. T. 391385
Christ Church (E9)
Bowling
Torquay Rd, Paignton. T. 552872
Services Sunday 09.00, 10.30
AMF Bowling (H7)
Palace Avenue Methodists (D10)
Car Hire
Catholic Sacred Heart of Jesus & St.
Theresa (E9)
See Page 31 for discount voucher
Torwood Street, Torquay.
T. 0844 8263034
Riviera Car Centre (E8)
391 Torquay Rd, Paignton. T. 523328
Chief Vehicle Rentals (E9)
Paignton Railway Station, Paignton.
T. 663838 www.chiefrentals.com
Practical Car Rental (E9)
232-236 Torquay Rd, Paignton. T.
664155
Palace Avenue, Paignton. T. 555694
Service Sunday 10.30
Cecil Road, Paignton. T. 557518
Mass Saturday 19.00 & Sunday 08.30
& 10.30
Jehovah’s Witnesses (D9)
Kingdom Hall, Colley End Rd, Paignton.
T. 559354. Services Sunday 10:00am,
Thurs 19.00
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 57
Living Waters Pentecostal (E9)
358 Torquay Rd, Paignton. T. 552538
Services Sunday 10.30 & 18.00
Greek Orthodox Church (G6)
St. Elfriedes Road, Torquay.
(01752) 215503
Service 1st Sunday of month 09.30
Salvation Army (E9)
Princes Street, Paignton.
T. 527044/559582
Service Sunday 10.00 & 15.00
Torbay Family Church (Assemblies
of God) (F6)
Burridge Road, Torquay. T. 607659
Services Sunday 10.30 & 18.00, Tues
20.00
Torbay Islamic Centre (F6)
Greenway Ferry & Pleasure Cruises
Torquay/Brixham to Greenway & day
trips. www.greenwayferry.co.uk
T. 832811
Doctors
Ask the Welfare Team to
book an appointment with
a Doctor.
Corner Place Surgery (E10)
46 Dartmouth Rd, Paignton. T. 557458
Grosvenor Road Surgery (E10)
17 Grosvenor Rd, Paignton. T. 559308
Devon Doctors (Evenings &
Weekends)
130 Avenue Rd, Torquay. T. 211818
Friday Meeting 13.30
0845 671 0270
Torbay Hebrew Congregation
0845 46 47
T. 607197
Cinemas & Theatres
Apollo Cinema (E10)
Esplanade Road, Paignton.
0871 220 6000
Central Cinema (G6)
27-29 Abbey Rd, Torquay. T. 380001
Babbacombe Theatre (I5)
Babbacombe Downs, Torquay.
T. 328385
NHS Direct
Dry Cleaners
Ultra Dry Cleaners (E9)
26 Church Street, Paignton T. 550919
Golf
Clubs at Churston & Torquay, plus
driving range in Paignton. See
Activities Dept for details.
Historic Attractions
Babbacombe Cliff Railway (H5)
Little Theatre (H7)
St. Marks Rd, Torquay. T. 299330
Open daily in school summer holidays
Babbacombe Downs Rd, Torquay.
T. 328750
Princess Theatre (G7)
Babbacombe Model Village (H5)
Torbay Road, Torquay 0844 871 3023
Hampton Avenue, Torquay. T. 315315
Palace Theatre (D10)
Torre Abbey (G7)
Palace Avenue, Paignton. T. 665800
Brixham Theatre (H14)
New Road, Brixham. T. 850899
(From July 2013) The King’s Drive,
Torquay. T. 293593
Kents Cavern (J6)
Cruises and Boat Trips
89/91 Ilsham Road, Torquay. T. 215136
Ashley’s Fishing Trips (E10)
Cockington, Torquay. T. 607230
April to October
Paignton Harbour, Paignton.
07767 622727
Paignton Pleasure Cruises (E10)
Daily in summer
Paignton Harbour, Paignton.
07768 014174
Dartmouth River Boats (E10)
Round-Robin trips by boat/train/bus
T. 555872 www.dartmouthrailriver.
co.uk
58 | The LAL Torbay Guide
Cockington (E7)
Oldway Mansion Gardens (E9)
Open Monday to Friday
Torquay Road, Paignton. T. 201201
Kirkham House (E9)
Sundays in July & August.
Kirkham St, off Cecil Rd, Paignton.
T. 522775
Dartmouth Steam Railway (E10)
Daily June-September. Most days in
April, May and October.
Queen’s Park Station, Paignton.
T. 555872
Internet Cafés
Candyfloss Nightclub (H7)
Rock Cottage, Rock Road, Torquay.
T. 292279
Studio Internet Lounge (G6)
Lucius Street, Torquay. T. 297294
Bohemia (H7)
Launderette
41 Torwood St, Torquay. T. 292079
Paignton Washeteria (D10)
The Venue (H7)
The Washing Well (D9)
Cafe Mambo (H7)
Library
Post Offices
Winner Street, Paignton. T. 522565
13 Torwood St, Torquay. T. 403350
Foxhole Road, Paignton. T. 552617
Strand, Torquay T. 291112
Paignton Library (E10)
Post letters and parcels from
Reception at LAL!
Great Western Road, Paignton. T.
208321
Leisure Centres &
Swimming Pools
St Michael’s Post Office (D10)
Torbay Leisure Centre (E11)
Torquay Road, Paignton.
28 St Michael’s Road, Paignton
Paignton Crown Post Office (E9)
Penwill Way, Clennon Valley, Paignton.
T. 522240
Riviera International Centre (G6)
Chestnut Avenue, Torquay. T. 299992
Nature
Paignton Zoo (D10)
Totnes Road, Paignton. T. 697500
Living Coasts (H9)
Beacon Quay, Torquay. T. 202470
Seashore Centre (E11)
Open school holidays only
Tanners Road, Goodrington, Paignton.
T. 528841
Night Clubs & Bars
Winstons (E9)
Supermarkets
Co-operative (D10)
Palace Avenue, Paignton.
Tesco (E9)
Dartmouth Road, Paignton
Lidl (E9)
Parkside Road, Paignton
Taxis
Torbay Taxis (E9)
Derby Road, Paignton. T. 211611
Tourist Information
Torquay TIC (H7)
Vaughan Road, Paignton. T. 296296
Victoria Street, Paignton. T. 553944
Transport
Henry’s Bar (E10)
Transport Direct
Torbay Road, Paignton. T. 551190
Grand Central (E10)
Torbay Road, Paignton. T. 555151
The Factory (E10)
Torbay Road, Paignton. T. 557740
Spinning Wheel Inn (E9)
Esplanade Road, Paignton. T. 555000
Inn On The Green (E9)
Esplanade Road, Paignton. T. 557841
The Isaac Merritt (E9)
54–58 Torquay Road, Paignton.
T. 556066
Talk of the Town (E9)
Torquay Road, Paignton. T 668070
National journey planner
www.transportdirect.info
Traveline
National public transport information
0871 200 2233
Stagecoach Bus
www.stagecoachbus.com/devon
T. 664500
National Rail Enquiries
www.nationalrail.co.uk
08457 48 49 50
(foreign mobiles +44 20 7278 5240)
First Great Western trains
www.gwt.co.uk
08457 000 125
(foreign mobiles +44 1752 835705)
www.lalschools.com/torbay | 59
Buy bus passes and book
National Express coach
tickets at LAL Torbay!
National Express coaches
www.nationalexpress.com
08717 81 81 81 (or book at LAL
Torbay)
Travel Agents with
currency exchange
Thomas Cook (E9)
77 Hyde Road, Paignton.
T. 529376
First Choice (E9)
28 Victoria Street, Paignton.
T. 665000
Bureau de Change also at
St Michael’s Post Office (D10)
28 St Michael’s Road, Paignton
Watersports
Splashdown at Quaywest Water
Park (E11)
Open end of May-September daily
Goodrington Sands, Paignton.
T. 555550
Ski West (E11)
April - October. Telephone for
details.
Near Quaywest Water Park,
Goodrington Sands, Paignton.
T. 663243
Divers Down (H7)
Scuba Diving training and dives.
139 Babbacombe Road, Torquay
and from Torquay Harbour. T.
327111
Eating Out
Torbay has many
excellent places to eat,
from fast-food snack
bars and take-aways
to Michelin-starred
restaurants. Take your
pick from our guide.
This list is only a selection
of restaurants in Torbay,
and should not be taken
as a recommendation.
Prices may change, and we
cannot be responsible for
any unintentional errors in
this list.
American
Chic-o-land (D10)
62 Palace Avenue, Paignton. T. 554400
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, L, D
Hooks Bar & Grill (H7)
43 Torwood Street, TORQUAY,
T. 203 203
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, L D, £18
Tiger Bill’s (H7)
3 Victoria Parade, Torquay. T. 203703
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, L, D, £13
British
Lily’s Restaurant & Tea Room (E9)
9 Torquay Road, PAIGNTON, T. 557 527
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, B L,
The Boathouse (E9)
Marine Drive, Preston Beach,
PAIGNTON, T. 665 066
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, B L D, £15
Shoreline (E9)
Eastern Esplanade, Paignton,
T. 556 943
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, L D, £12
t
nd wha
Can’t fi
?
d
e
you ne
at LAL
eption
Ask Rec ’ll be happy
We
the
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t you in
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ir
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60 | The LAL Torbay Guide
The Palm Tree (E9)
41 Hyde Road, Paignton. T. 521035
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, BL, D £16
The Prince William (J14)
Brixham Marina, Berry Head Road,
Brixham, T. 854 468
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, L D, £10
What the listings mean:
The Restaurant (A1)
3-4 Gastronome Terrace, TORQUAY,
T. 100 000
Tu W Th F Sa, D £35 Michelin *
Days open
Awards
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
Grid reference on LAL map
Typical cost of 2 courses
Serves alcohol
Accepts credit cards
Take away
Telephone dialling code ‘T.’
is + 44 (0)1803
Service Charges
Service is included in the price in most restaurants. Leaving extra
money for the staff (tips) is common, but not compulsory.
Do not ‘tip’ bar staff in pubs; you may offer them a drink instead.
The Mermaid (E9)
Yum Sing (H7)
TJ’s (E10)
Honeymoon Restaurant (E9)
18 Esplanade Road, Paignton,
T. 355 543
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, L D, £10
44 Cliff Rd, Paignton Harbour,
Paignton, T. 527389
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, B L D, £12
Shiraz (H7)
2 Vaughan Parade, TORQUAY,
T. 200 201
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, B L D, £10
Orchid (G7)
Corbyn Head Hotel, Seafront, Torquay,
T. 296 366
Tu W Th F S, L D, £32.50
AA 3
Rosettes
Old Torwood Road, Torquay, T. 293 314
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, D, £15
Free
drink on arrival for LAL students
31 Church Street Paignton. T. 393999
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, D £11
Indian
Ganges (E9)
33 Hyde Road, Paignton,
T. 551007
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, D, £10
Dada (E9)
4A Parkside Road, Paignton,
T. 522 529
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, D, £9
Premier Cru (G4)
Indian Ocean (D10)
Chinese
Maha-Bharat (H7)
31 Ilsham Road, Wellswood, Torquay,
T. 213141
M Tu W Th F Sa, L D, £22.50
77 Winner Street, PAIGNTON,
T. 528 005
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, L D
33 Hyde Rd, Paignton, T. 552220
Tu W Th F Sa Su, L D, £14
All-you-can-eat buffet dinner £14.
52 Torwood St, Torquay, T. 215 541
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, D, £12
British Curry Award 2007. 10%
discount on table meals for LAL
Students
China Blue Takeaway (G6)
Curry Ocean (H7)
Dragon Pearl (E9)
30 Tor Hill Rd, Torquay, T. 293 288
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, L D, £10.50
12 Victoria Parade, Harbourside,
Torquay, T. 292 851
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, L D, £10
10% discount to LAL students
www.lalschools.com/torbay
| 61
www.lalschools.com/torbay
61
Tharik’s Indian Restaurant (F8)
379A Torquay Road, Paignton,
T. 664 116
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, D, £13
Italian
Amici (H7)
29 Torwood Street, Torquay, T. 201770
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, D, £15
Bianco’s (H7)
38 Torwood Street, Torquay, T. 293 430
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, D, £20
Buon Appetito Restaurant (G6)
171 Higher Union Street, Torquay,
T. 296 321
Th F Sa Su, D, £10
Student
party menu: drink, 12” pizza and ice
cream £8
La Scala (E10)
28 Queen’s Road, Paignton, T 521832
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, L, D.
Live music every Thursday.
Pizza Express (H7)
16 Strand, TORQUAY, T. 211 525
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, L D, £13,
Prezzo (H7)
1 Vaughan Parade, Torquay, T. 389 525
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, L D, £14
2
take-away pizzas for the price of 1
Modern
Hennessey (H7)
41 Torwood St, Torquay, T 290900
Tu W Th F Sa Su, D, £20
The Elephant Restaurant and
Brasserie (H7)
3-4 Beacon Terrace, Torquay,
T. 200 044
Tu W Th F Sa, L D, Brasserie lunch
£17, dinner £25. Restaurant £45
Michelin 1*, AA 3 Rosettes, Knorr
National Chef of the Year 2008, Les
Routiers South West Restaurant of the
Year, Devon Life Restaurant of the Year
Mediterranean & Tapas
TJ’s (E10)
44 Cliff Road, Paignton Harbour,
T. 527389
Th F Sa, D, plus lunch and other
evenings in summer, £19,
Orange Blossom Bistro (E9)
29 Hyde Road, Paignton, T. 556600
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, D, £13,
Mi Coto (G6)
11 Abbey Road, Torquay, T. 211 755
W Th F Sa Su, D, £12,
Seafood
No. 7 Fish Bistro (H7)
Beacon Terrace, Torquay, T. 295 055
M* Tu* W Th F Sa Su* *not always, L
D, £22,
Poopdeck Restaurant (J14)
14 The Quay, Brixham, T. 858 681
Tu W Th F Sa Su, L (Sa & Su) D, £20,
Six tasters for £20 per person at
lunchtime.
Saxtys (J14)
1 The Quay, Brixham, T. 858 519
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, L D
£5
Specials
Thai
Thai Garden (E10)
30-32 Palace Avenue, Paignton,
T. 521 540
M Tu W Th F Sa, L D, £10
Lunch £4
Torbay Thai (E8)
48 Old Torquay Road, Paignton,
T. 663914
M Tu W Th F Sa Su, L D, £10 tc�
Lunch £4
Vegetarian
Epicentre Book Cafe (E9)
59 Torquay Road, Paignton, T. 553790
M Tu W Th F Sa, B L, £6 tc
Vegetarian food is quite popular in
England and all restaurants will offer
a range of vegetarian options. The
nearest full vegetarian restaurant is:
Willow Garden Restaurant
87 HIgh Street, Totnes, T. 862605
M Tu W Th F Sa, L D, £15
62 | The LAL Torbay Guide
2013
January
Su M Tu
1
6 7 8
13 14 15
20 21 22
27 28 29
W
2
9
16
23
30
Th
3
10
17
24
31
F
4
11
18
25
Sa
5
12
19
26
February
Su M Tu W Th
March
Su M Tu W Th
3 4 5
10 11 12
17 18 19
24 25 26
3 4
10 11
17 18
24 25
31
F Sa
1 2
6 7 8 9
13 14 15 16
20 21 22 23
27 28
F
1
5 6 7 8
12 13 14 15
19 20 21 22
26 27 28 29
April
Su M
1
7 8
14 15
21 22
28 29
Tu
2
9
16
23
30
W
3
10
17
24
Th
4
11
18
25
F
5
12
19
26
Sa
6
13
20
27
May
Su M Tu W
1
5 6 7 8
12 13 14 15
19 20 21 22
26 27 28 29
Th
2
9
16
23
30
F
3
10
17
24
31
Sa
4
11
18
25
July
Su M
1
7 8
14 15
21 22
28 29
Tu
2
9
16
23
30
W
3
10
17
24
31
Th
4
11
18
25
F
5
12
19
26
Sa
6
13
20
27
August
Su M Tu W Th
1
4 5 6 7 8
11 12 13 14 15
18 19 20 21 22
25 26 27 28 29
F
2
9
16
23
30
Sa
3
10
17
24
31
September
Su M Tu
1 2 3
8 9 10
15 16 17
22 23 24
29 30
W
4
11
18
25
Th
5
12
19
26
F
6
13
20
27
Sa
7
14
21
28
October
Su M Tu
1
6 7 8
13 14 15
20 21 22
27 28 29
W
2
9
16
23
30
Th
3
10
17
24
31
F
4
11
18
25
Sa
5
12
19
26
F
1
5 6 7 8
12 13 14 15
19 20 21 22
26 27 28 29
Sa
2
9
16
23
30
December
Su M Tu
1 2 3
8 9 10
15 16 17
22 23 24
29 30 31
W
4
11
18
25
Th
5
12
19
26
F
6
13
20
27
Sa
7
14
21
28
January
Su M Tu W
1
5 6 7 8
12 13 14 15
19 20 21 22
26 27 28 29
Th
2
9
16
23
30
F
3
10
17
24
31
Sa
4
11
18
25
March
Su M Tu W Th
F
November
Su M Tu W Th
3
10
17
24
4
11
18
25
June
Su M Tu W Th
Sa
2
9
16
23
30
2 3 4
9 10 11
16 17 18
23 24 25
30
F
Sa
1
5 6 7 8
12 13 14 15
19 20 21 22
26 27 28 29
2014
April
Su M Tu
1
6 7 8
13 14 15
20 21 22
27 28 29
W
2
9
16
23
30
Th
3
10
17
24
F
4
11
18
25
Sa
5
12
19
26
July
Su M Tu
1
6 7 8
13 14 15
20 21 22
27 28 29
W
2
9
16
23
30
Th
3
10
17
24
31
F
4
11
18
25
Sa
5
12
19
26
October
Su M Tu W
1
5 6 7 8
12 13 14 15
19 20 21 22
26 27 28 29
Th
2
9
16
23
30
F
3
10
17
24
31
Sa
4
11
18
25
February
Su M Tu W Th
2 3 4 5
9 10 11 12
16 17 18 19
23 24 25 26
Sa
1
6 7 8
13 14 15
20 21 22
27 28
May
Su M Tu W Th
1
4 5 6 7 8
11 12 13 14 15
18 19 20 21 22
25 26 27 28 29
F
3 4
10 11
17 18
24 25
31
F
2
9
16
23
30
Sa
3
10
17
24
31
June
Su
1
8
15
22
29
Tu
3
10
17
24
W
4
11
18
25
Th
5
12
19
26
F
6
13
20
27
Sa
7
14
21
28
F
1
5 6 7 8
12 13 14 15
19 20 21 22
26 27 28 29
Sa
2
9
16
23
30
September
Su M Tu
1 2
7 8 9
14 15 16
21 22 23
28 29 30
W
3
10
17
24
Th
4
11
18
25
F
5
12
19
26
Sa
6
13
20
27
Sa
1
5 6 7 8
12 13 14 15
19 20 21 22
26 27 28 29
December
Su M Tu
1 2
7 8 9
14 15 16
21 22 23
28 29 30
W
3
10
17
24
31
Th
4
11
18
25
F
5
12
19
26
Sa
6
13
20
27
August
Su M Tu W Th
3 4
10 11
17 18
24 25
31
2
9
16
23
30
Sa
1
5 6 7 8
12 13 14 15
19 20 21 22
26 27 28 29
November
Su M Tu W Th
2 3 4
9 10 11
16 17 18
23 24 25
30
F
M
2
9
16
23
30
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