UNSPOILT VILLAGES, RUGGED MOORLAND and golden beaches - there are many reasons to visit South Devon, though sitting proudly in the beautiful Babbacombe Bay, there’s an award winning “Inn on the Beach” - making the destination yet more inviting, irresistible perhaps. Few hotels on our British coastline have a setting as spectacular as Cary Arms & Spa, and from stepping foot inside, the views, character and warmth induce an alluring sense of tranquillity.
Built in the late 1800s, the Torquay inn is steeped in history and has hosted Admiral Lord Nelson, King Edward VII and Sir Winston Churchill. There are coastal-chic memorabilia lining the walls of the cosy alcoves and hidden corners with some intriguing finds – one of which is an original hand-written thank you letter from Winston's secretary in the 1940’s to the then owners, Mr and Mrs Cox, expressing how they “thoroughly enjoyed their Cary Arms Babbacombe Bay lobsters over dinner with Pol Roger champagne”.
Cary Arms was named after The Cary family, who have been a part of Torquay’s history since 1662 when Sir George Cary moved into Torre Abbey. Today a museum and well worth a visit, the monument itself dates back to 1196 and is set within 18 acres of garden and parkland. The Cary family owned much of the land at Cockington, St Marychurch and Babbacombe.
The hotel is privately owned and managed by multi-millionaire entrepreneur Peter de Savary, or PdeS (as he is known) and wife Lana, the inspiration behind some of the finest clubs
