TLH Leisure Resort in Torquay offers  ‘Learn to Dance’ holidays which includes fantastic coaching and facilities to dancers of all abilities – from those who are experienced to complete beginners. Instead of us telling you why TLH offers some of the best dance holidays in the UK, we asked Mrs Preece, a guest who has recently started learning to dance with us, to tell you her story of dancing at TLH.

“I have been keen to learn to dance for years, I danced a little as an early teenager but ballroom dance is completely new to my husband; I did have to work on him a bit to get him to come along. We were looking specifically for a dance break and I searched the internet for dance holidays and found your website easily with plenty of information.  As we are living in nearby Exeter the journey would be short and convenient for us.

We have been to two dance holidays so far at TLH Leisure Resort and have booked two more for in the near future. We started with Pam Peters in June of this year, and attended another dancing break with Linda & John West last month. As we have only been dancing for three months we found the latter break much more challenging but still very enjoyable. We are progressing well with our dancing, my husband and I are now at the same level and it works very well, and most importantly, my husband now loves it! We found that we were able to bring back the steps we learnt at our recent break in August and use them in our weekly dancing classes that we now attend at home.

We love the TLH dance breaks for several reasons. Firstly there is so much dancing available over the stay and the tuition is a fantastic bonus. The hosts have been friendly and welcoming towards us even though we are still both quite novice dancers. They were willing to give lots of help and advice and are always very encouraging. We love that we get to meet like minded people over the weekends, it’s great making new friends.

The facilities are very good, especially the pool complex and the Aztec Bistro is also very nice. I have not yet had chance to take advantage of the Spa facilities as we are always occupied with dance in some way. The Hotel food is very enjoyable; there is always a great selection and plenty of it and the staff are very pleasant and helpful. We do look out for other dancing breaks around the UK, however we do so much enjoy the facilities that TLH has to offer it’s hard to find the same combination elsewhere.”

So really, you don’t need to take our word for it.

For further information and details on our dance breaks click here, or call our reservations team on 01803 400500.

Strictly Come TLH! is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

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However you discover the art of walking, through an accidental detour when going from A to B or simply because you enjoy walking as a hobby, there are many walks to suit everyone and with places as breathtakingly beautiful as the South Devon coast, it’s not hard to see why walking holidays in the UK are becoming increasingly popular.

The English Riviera is fast becoming one of the most popular walking destinations in the South West, with its wonderful array of landscapes all within a compact geographical area. The unspoilt coastline is managed by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust who have graded the walks according to difficulty (Grade 1 = easy to Grade 6 = more adventurous) and have ensured that there is a walk to suit everyone; including wheelchair users!

At TLH Leisure Resort, we are extremely proud of our beautiful surroundings in Torquay and the neighbouring area and have therefore created our Autumn Walking Break. We have picked the best walks along the South West coastal footpaths combining our beautiful countryside, tranquil villages and breathtakingly beautiful beaches, offering a great variety of walking experiences. Our walking break has an emphasis on walking for pleasure and is ideal for social walkers of all levels; explore the beautiful South Devon Coastal Footpath at a pace to suit all.

The break is for 4 nights from the 3rd – 6th October at the Toorak Hotel, including dinner, bed and breakfast for only £215.

For a detailed itinerary and more information on our walking break click here, or call our reservations team on 01803 400500.

Walking on the English Riviera is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

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Not only do we offer fantastic indoor and outdoor activities with our Arena Games, swimming pools, outdoor adventure and much more, there is now an added bonus for your kids this August. Just across from us on the Sea Front at Torre Abbey Park they are hosting children’s activity days with qualified coaches, providing training in Tennis, Golf, Football and outdoor Bowling – there will even be competitions and medals!

The days are run from 10am to 4pm on the 18th, 22nd and 30th of August and are suitable for children between the ages of 7 and 14. The cost of the day is £17 per child and an extra £5 will provide a trip on the Torquay Highflyer!

If you would like more information on the activity days, contact Heath Parkin on 07956 983980 – let him know you have seen our blog!

So what are you waiting for? Guaranteed family fun both in- and outside of TLH Leisure Resort; the kids will have a fantastic time and so will the grownups! For special offers and availability click here or call reservations on 01803 400500.

Torquay – the place to be for kids this summer! is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

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The popular weekend which is held at the Toorak hotel in Torquay provides a chance for ‘old boys’ to catch up with past comrades and to become reacquainted with those that they may have lost touch with. The weekend includes a formal dinner followed by entertainment on the Saturday – truly a night to be enjoyed by all – and on Sunday morning the AGM association will be held.

Did you serve in the RAF? The Transport Commands Veteran Association are always on the lookout for new members, particularly those who served at the following RAF stations:

Abingdon – Akrotiri – Benson – Binbrook – Bramcote – Brize Norton – Bushey Park – Dishforth – Down Ampney – Eastleigh – Fayid – Habbanyia – Hendon – Ismalia Kai Tak – Khomaksar – Luga – Lyneham – Manston – Northolt  – Steamer Point – Stoney Cross – Topcliffe – Upper Heyford – Upavon

The next reunion weekend will be held at TLH Leisure Resort in the Toorak Hotel on Friday 18th May 2012 – Sunday 20th May 2012.

If you at interested in the weekend or membership with the association please contact Jim Semple 01703 728206 or visit the association website.

RAF Reunion Weekend is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

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August in Torquay was historically a month of Rock & Roll, especially throughout the 60s. 1963 was a special summer here in Torquay; the music scene was just starting to erupt into something huge and the Princess Theatre became host to the epitome of 60s music – the Beatles. As you can imagine with the arrival of a band on the brink of worldwide stardom, this caused a great uproar of excitement in the area.

But it didn’t stop there. Torquay Town Hall also played host to some iconic acts during this Rock & Roll era. In August 1964 the Rolling Stones played and resided in the Bay for 5 days. In August of 1966, The Who also played to a full house of fans in the Town Hall. The band, who were idolised for their Mod style, could often be seen cruising along the sea front on their scooters whilst they were staying in Torquay!

This time honoured tradition has not been forgotten and for those who lived through the era themselves, or fans who simply have an admiration for the music, The Riviera International Centre is proud to be hosting Torquay’s first annual 60′s Music Festival. The 3 day weekend is being held over the August Bank Holiday on the 26th, 27th & 28th 2011.

August really is a time for Rock and Roll down in Torquay and with the Riviera International Centre being a mere stone’s throw away from our Toorak Hotel, why not take advantage of the bank holiday and make a small break of your 60’s weekend.

For more information on offers and availability click here or call reservations on 01803 400500.

For more information on Torquay’s 60’s Music Festival click here.

Rock and roll down to Torquay this summer! is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

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Jack & Sheila, Darren & Terri and Kimblerley & Melissa Shelmerdine

At TLH we pride ourselves on providing the ultimate family holiday experience and nothing is more rewarding to us than seeing the many familiar faces of our guests returning year on year.

The Shelmerdine family is the epitome of the true family holiday experience. Jack & Sheila Shelmerdine and their two sons first stayed with us in 1981, initially attracted to the dancing on offer in the Victoria. However, it was their sons Darren and Ian who persuaded their Mum & Dad to keep coming back (they had previously never been to the same place twice before then) and subsequently have never missed a year since! Jack & Sheila always felt it important that the children were happy, then as a result the overall holiday would be more relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.

The Shelmerdines originally hail from Manchester and their regular visits to TLH have become an integral part of their family tradition, with visits usually amounting to 2 or 3 a year, including a longer break in the summer (which usually ends up being extended!). When we asked Darren about the memories he had of coming here as a child, he stated that he remembers his trips to TLH as a youngster very fondly. Up until 1996 their grandmother, Mrs. Shelmerdine senior or otherwise known as Eleanor, also stayed with them and it was a family ritual to all meet in the reception at 11.45pm and walk down to the seafront for a midnight stroll along the beach.

Darren now has a family of his own with his wife Terri but this has not stopped that tradition of visiting TLH continuing. Along with their daughters Kimberley and Melissa, their visits now comprise of 3 generations of Shelmerdines, all of which continue to stay in the Derwent, as like Jack and Sheila they feel that that particular hotel offers a better atmosphere for their young children.

When we asked the Shelmerdines the inevitable question; ‘just what is it that has you all returning year on year?’ they came back with a unanimous answer. Firstly, not only do they love Torquay because there’s always something to do and see in the area, but fore mostly, they love TLH because there is so much on offer for all ages to enjoy, particularly the entertainment and leisure facilities – a pivotal draw for a family with ages ranging from 3 to 80 years old. They have nothing but praise for the staff that make them feel so welcome, the warm and friendly family atmosphere, and as Sheila particularly mentioned, how accommodating the hotel has always been with regard to her gluten free diet; “nothing is ever too much trouble.”

And of course as you would expect, the family have not only become well known and welcomed faces among the staff here, but they have also developed numerous friendships with the other families who also regularly return to TLH. They try to coincide holidays with them whenever they can, alongside the anniversaries, birthdays and family occasions that they celebrate here at TLH.

We hope this family tradition continues for generations to follow and look forward to welcoming the Shelmerdine family back very soon!

The Shelmerdine Family – 3 Generations of TLH Holidays is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

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What is perhaps not as well known is the fact that Dame Christie was born in Torquay and spent a significant amount of her life here in the English Riviera. Torquay was very close to Agatha’s heart; she met her first husband here and spent her honeymoon night in a hotel overlooking the beautiful Bay. In 1915, Germany had occupied Belgium which led to a number of them fleeing to the United Kingdom, in particular Torquay. It was here that Agatha spotted a small Belgian on a tram, becoming the inspiration for Hercule Poirot (Hercule being a pun on the small stature of the renowned detective). In 1938, Agatha had purchased Greenway with her second husband Max Mallowan, an estate situated on the River Dart. The house was occupied by them both until their deaths in 1976 and 1978 respectively. Christie’s daughter Rosalind Hicks and her husband Anthony lived in the house up until 2004, when Rosalind passed away.

The estate was acquired by the National Trust and has become one of today’s most visited exhibits in the South West. The Grade II listed building provides an extraordinary glimpse into the private home of Agatha and her family and is particularly renowned for its large picturesque riverside gardens. More significantly, the house also served as a backdrop for many of her novels, including Five Little Pigs, Towards Zero and Dead Man’s Folly.

It comes then as no surprise that the Bay’s annual calendar event, the Agatha Christie Festival, is now attracting a large number of people from all around the world. What better way to celebrate the world’s most famous crime writer than by visiting the source itself, and with the astounding amount of activities on offer during the festival, you will truly be immersed into the spectacular world of murder & mystery on the English Riviera.

At TLH Leisure Resort, we are extremely proud of our connections to Torquay and have therefore created our ‘Secret World of Agatha Christie’ break; providing the perfect opportunity to discover and explore the many places that were a source of inspiration for her books. The break includes a vintage bus ride to Greenway House & Gardens, a visit to Bygones Victorian Street Museum, a Murder Mystery dinner and a film showing of Agatha Christie’s life.

For more details on our Agatha Christies breaks, click here, or call Reservations on 01803 400500.

Agatha Christie’s Devon is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

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We are extremely lucky to be situated in the temperate English Riviera, where we more often than not experience warmer climates, however we are also very aware that even here in the South West we are occasionally partial to the brunt of the renowned English weather. But fear not, even in these climatically trying times there is no reason to let the weather control what you do, how you do it or when! We firmly believe that the weather should not affect the quality of your holiday with us at TLH Leisure Resort. We have devised a range of activities, along with our amazing leisure facilities, to guarantee all weather fun for all ages whilst you’re with us at our Torquay Hotel!

Here is just a snapshot of the amazing things you can expect during your time with us at TLH!

• Aztec Falls Pool: you’ll be enchanted with our stunning indoor swimming pool complex.
• Arena Games: 2000 sq ft of fun including 10 pin bowling, Nintendo Wii, Pool & Snooker, Arcade games and table tennis to name but a few.
• Indoor bowls arena.
• Year round entertainment: something for all tastes and ages including music and dancing each evening, together with our Entertainment Team Show and visiting cabaret acts.
• Aztec Spa: Indulge yourself with our wide range of treatments and therapies to relax and refresh mind, body and soul.
• Aztec Gym: providing the perfect environment for shaping up and working out. Apparatus includes the latest CV equipment with on-board TV monitors.
• Aztec Studio: Shape up and keep fit with a whole range of classes including Yoga, Pilates, Nifty Fifties, Strike, Aqua Aerobics, Zumba and Kettlercise.

• Aztec Active: A range of sporting, fitness and entertainment activities including Scuba diving, Aquajets & Snorkeling to name but a few.

That list is only a snapshot of everything we have in store for you here at TLH Leisure Resort in Torquay, there really is no excuse for dreary days regardless of whether the Sun has decided to stay behind the clouds for a day…

For details on special offers click here, or phone our reservations team on 01803 400500.

Whatever the Weather! is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

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The process started with a great story, in this case a family of 4 having a wonderful summer holiday in Torquay staying at TLH Leisure Resort, with Mum recounting what a great time they all had. We then had to find our ‘typical’ family of 4 – if there is such a thing!  That done, we needed to plan the schedule of filming and make sure that all the hotel departments were aware of what was happening so that everywhere looked its best. Then of course, we just had to book the weather! Fortunately we picked a dry and reasonably sunny week, but we knew we only had a window of opportunity of 3 days to complete filming, so if we didn’t get it ‘in the can’ then, (as we film types say!) then we were in trouble.

The 3 days of filming flew by in a flurry of activity. A tight knit group of 5 young and enthusiastic university graduates were our director, cameraman and crew and they kept everything on track. There were some interesting moments such as our director in the pool filming underwater and me climbing up the children’s slide the wrong way to ensure it was clean! Finally though we were able to say ‘it’s a wrap’.

If the filming seemed like hard work, then the next process of actually getting the advert to the TV screens was like pushing treacle uphill! There are lots of hoops to jump through before getting an advert to air, but they are all there for a very good reason. You have to make sure you substantiate any claims or offers you make and that rightfully protects consumers. Eventually however, we signed it off and the first airing was last Monday. You can see it during prime time TV slots on ITV1 in the Bristol, HTV West areas, or you can catch it on some of the popular digital channels such as Really, Watch, Pop and Tiny Pop.

Why not take a quick peek below? Hopefully you’ll agree it’s a great advert which really shows how everyone in the family can have a great summer holiday at TLH, whatever the weather. And the advert is right, there are free child places throughout the summer so don’t leave it any longer – pick up the phone and ask about availability now!

Click here to view the embedded video.

For special offers and further details of breaks at TLH Leisure Resort Torquay click here, or contact our Private Reservations team on 01803 400500.

Lights, Camera, Action at TLH Leisure Resort is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

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With so much uncertainty surrounding holidays abroad, forget airport queues, delayed flights poor exchange rates. Just hop in the car and head down the M5 to the English Riviera, the jewel in the crown of the glorious south west and the perfect location for an Easter break.

With the additional bank holiday provided by royal wedding taking place at the end of April, the holiday period extends pretty much through the whole of April. Here at TLH you can choose from a range of value-for-money family breaks which include some great offers including kids under 10 staying free. And we’ve arranged a great deal with Babbacombe Model Village where kids age 3-14 can get free entry with a full paying adult. This offer is exclusive to guests staying at TLH Leisure Resort.

There are also events taking place for bowlers with the Spring Short Mat Festival, the Easter Bowls Festival and the Toorak Pairs Festival. Dancers can choose from Ballroom & Latin events or the Easter Sequence Dance Break.

It’s been a long old Winter, so give yourself something to look forward to and book an April Break here at TLH. Call us on 01803 400500.

Easter Holidays in Devon – the perfect choice. is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

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