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Bestselling local author Belinda Jones (aka Molly James) reveals how Torquay inspired the plot of her new novel ONE DAY TO FALL IN LOVE!
For the first 20 years of my novel writing career I set my romcoms a world away from my Devon roots - an overwater bungalow in Tahiti, a coffee plantation in Costa Rica, a salsa club in Cuba… Then one day my publisher proposed an idea for a time loop story and suddenly I could see every scene playing out on my English Riviera doorstep!
In One Day to Fall in Love, heroine Rena signs up for the Love Guaranteed dating app promising her true love in 24 hours, what she doesn’t know is that those 24 hours will repeat until she figures out who her dream match is! With all that repetition, I knew each encounter needed a distinctive backdrop so the reader could keep track of the different days. Torquay was ideal. You can’t mistake the the shadowy stalactites of Kents Cavern for the sun-kissed figurines at Babbacombe Model Village. Food options range from takeaway fish & chips (complete with seagull serenade) to the Michelin-starred Elephant restaurant. One minute you can be learning about the ten botanics distilled in Torbay Gin, the next you’re perusing poisons in the Agatha Christie Potent Plants Garden!
Instead of having to travel to do my research, I had 40 years of explorations to draw upon! I would think of a scenario and then run through the possible settings, sometimes picking a place for contrast, like historic Cockington Court for an all-too-modern online dating workshop. Or adding to the tension of a family reunion by suspending dad and daughter on the English Riviera Wheel!
I knew I wanted the renovation of the exquisite art deco Torquay Pavilion to be a key part of the plot so it made sense for my leading lady to work ‘next door’ at the Princess Theatre. This 1,500 seat, pier side venue opened in 1961 with the legendary Morecambe & Wise. While I was writing the book Michael McIntyre was testing out new material, prompting tears of laughter with his off-the-cuff banter with the audience. I knew then that a significant male character was getting a career change to A list comedian!
That’s the beauty of writing on location, ideas are all around you. Spending time at WeSUP cafe (now Soak Lifestyle at Torre Abbey Sands) I would admire harmonious husband and wife owners Sean and Laura and imagine Rena having a crush on the cafe barista and her best friend working as a paddle board instructor! I loved that I could have the book’s friendship group all living and working within walking distance of the glittering, glamorous sweep of the bay. That view never gets old. In fact, one of my favourite ways to work on the dialogue was to stroll between The Grand and The Imperial hotels, having imaginary conversations, pausing at one of the many benches to make notes en route.
The more time I spent finding the right words to describe a view (like the Capri-esque Cary Arms terrace with its unique dolphin sighting bell), or ‘researching’ cream teas (the ginger one at Angel’s is heavenly!), the more I realized this book was more than just another romcom - it is also a love letter to Torquay.
One Day to Fall in Love by Molly James is out now, published by Quercus.
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Explore underground at Europe’s top Stone Age cave, with an extensive labyrinth of spectacular and easily accessible caverns open daily all year. Our entertaining guides will take you on an underground adventure in the Stone Age home to Britain’s earliest humans and Ice Age beasts.
Feel like a giant as you step through the small entrance and the vast miniature world opens up before you. Explore 4 acres of award-winning gardens showcasing hundreds of uniquely hand-crafted model scenes, vehicles & people. The Model Village is set in a large beautiful valley and portrays a generic version of Britain through the decades with some well-known landmarks and a few twists. There are many hidden puns, fun scenes and lots of humour for all to enjoy. Our INDOOR Mythical Kingdom, a land of miniature animated legendary creatures set in a colourfully illuminated world, is a marvel in its own right.
Fine dining at its very best! The multi award-winning Elephant is a Michelin star restaurant, overlooking beautiful Torquay harbour. Award winning chef Simon Hulstone runs the restaurant with his wife Katy and his talented team of chefs and friendly front of house staff. Simon has won multiple awards for his creative cuisine, and has represented Great Britain in prestigious competitions around the world. At the Elephant, they offer a changing menu based around local and sustainable ingredients, using the abundance of fantastic produce available in South Devon. They have a dedicated farm, based in Brixham which provides the team with delicious seasonal produce and free range chicken, lamb, pork and Kelly Bronze turkeys.
Do not touch! is the warning for all visitors to the Potent Plants Garden at Torre Abbey. Discover a world of poisons, antidotes and remedies in the serene setting of the Abbey grounds.
At the heart of Cockington Village lies Cockington Court, a manor house with roots into history, surrounded by acres of stunning country park. Today, the court prides itself in being a centre of creativity. Providing a vibrant events programme and home to a diverse mix of exceptionally skilled, contemporary local artists and craft makers. Located in onsite craft studios that are open to the public to offer the chance to experience first-hand the makers busy at work and to buy directly from local creative businesses.
Soaring high over the beautiful harbor in the heart of the English Riviera at Torquay, the wheel is situated within the famous Pavilion Gardens, next to The Princess Theatre, enjoying amazing views of the town and harbour. A birds eye view of the surrounding area The English Riviera Wheel is completely silent in operation incorporating the latest in observation wheel technology and design. A trip on the wheel takes approximately 12 minutes. Step into one of the wheel’s gondolas and be transported into the air. Gaze out over the skyline and see the surrounding area with a wonderous view in every direction. Fun, thrills, geography and history – all rolled into one!
2025 welcomes some of the hottest shows touring the UK including The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Cruel Intentions, The Rocky Horror Show, SIX, Riverdance and this year’s Pantomime – Sleeping Beauty. Top stand up comedy, tribute shows and local events are all part of the theatres regular offerings. The Princess Theatre, Torquay had a large refurbishment in Spring 2024 and is looking forward to welcoming audiences from all over the region to a fantastic season of entertainment.
Perched on top of Corbyn Beach, The Grand Hotel in Torquay invites you to discover its storied past and coastal charm. Steeped in history, the iconic hotel seamlessly blends traditional luxury and modern comforts with amazing sea views of the English Riviera. The Grand has been Torquay’s landmark hotel for over 140 years. Overlooking one of the finest bays, this elegant Victorian hotel offers 132 individually styled bedrooms, situated oppoosite Torre Abbey, with a golden sand beach and just a short walk from the Marina and Harbour.
The Imperial Torquay is set overlooking the beautiful Bay from its cliff-top position there are breathtaking views over the impressive coastline and sparkling waters of Torbay...
One of the finest boutique hotels in Devon. Brimming with coastal charm, Cary Arms and Spa on the Beach combine all the values of a classic English Inn with the style and comfort of the best luxury hotels in Devon. Join us for superb seaside gastro dining, unwind at the sublime Spa on the Beach, or make it a true seaside escape with our selection of chic rooms, suites and cottages. Sitting in the sunny, sheltered haven of Babbacombe Bay on the South Devon coast, the outstanding setting and views are breathtakingly beautiful 365 days of the year. Spend your days with a restorative massage or bespoke spa treatment, a picnic down on the beach or take a table on the terrace for lunch.
Angels is a wonderful little surprise. This tea room and daytime restaurant bustles from the moment the doors are open. Fine bone china and loose leaf tea with home made scones, local jams and Devonshire cream make this a must stop for cream tea lovers every where. Locals rave about the breakfast and visitors jostle for a seat in a delightful garden courtyard for lunch. Fresh local produce used to great effect and a stunning view of Lyme Bay thrown in for free. Traditionally English through and through! Dogs are welcome on the outside terrace.
With almost 1,000 berths available, Torquay Harbour is a well-protected yacht haven with access to some of the best facilities in the Southwest. It’s the ideal base from which to explore the English Riviera’s coast. Torquay Harbour lies on the North shore of Tor Bay and whilst benefiting from an expanding marine leisure industry, Torquay remains a fully commercial and busy little Devonshire port. The Harbour’s also on the fringe of the Town centre giving easy access to shops, restaurants and bars. Haldon Pier to the South and Princess Pier to the West, form the main breakwaters and give shelter to the enclosed harbour facilities.
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