Visiting a Childhood Place

A little history about Teignmouth, the Devon seaside town just 15 minutes from my hometown. The coast ride along the cliffs, overlooking the English Channel, was always exciting to a young girl put on a bus and sent to spend a few wonderful weeks each Summer with her only girl cousin, Sue. I had such fun there and enjoyed reliving the memories with her during this recent visit.

In the local guide, the simplicity of the natural beauty of the area is stated thus.........Who could fail to appreciate this place where so many contrasting aspects combine to please the eye.....warm rosy sandstone cliffs and verdant meadows.....gentle promenade and towering Ness (French 'nez').....river and sea in glorious union never still, ever lively.

Below is an aerial view of Teignmouth, the River Teign Estuary, and the tiny town of Shaldon across the river. The original pier was much longer, built in the 1860's. In its heyday of Victorian and Edwardian times, there were band concerts, magic lantern shows, steamer trips and dances. Unfortunately the seaward end including the ballroom was removed in the 1960's when it was found to be unsafe. Sue and I spent a lot of time on this pier as children/teenagers.

A small ferry has crossed the Teign ever since the 13th Century. The black and white design on the gunwales is a continuing tradition stretching back to Elizabeth I who bestowed royal patronage on West Teignmouth. The design emulates the galleons of that time.

We stayed here at the Bay Hotel in a seaview room for three nights to be close to where my cousin and her family live. This terrace of Victorian homes was constructed by the Earl of Devon in the 1860's. During World War II, three of the houses were bombed but the rebuilding matches the original style perfectly, thank goodness..

The rooms were beautiful, especially the ceilings, mirrors, and elegant lighting. At the hotel, American husband went all out and ordered 'the full English' each morning for breakfast - I told him that eating like that would never get him a role in 'The Full Monty' that's for sure!!

Next time I'll show you more about my cousin's seaside town..............and the wild things 'kissin' cousins' can get up to!