The Yellows and Blues of the English Riviera

The loveliest weather of the year so far drew us to the coast on Saturday for a dose of sea, sun, sand and soccer. Stopping en route to pick up some cheese and onion rolls and cream cakes, we took our picnic to a cliff edge near Ilsham Marine Drive, one of Torquay's most exclusive postcodes, to a high point that overlooks Thatcher Rock. We were more-or-less alone, save for a holidaying couple from the Midlands who asked us to take a photo, and there is no better place to be on a sunny day than overlooking the blue sea with a lovely lady (pictured, shortly before tucking into said cream cake!) The coastline here is dotted with little coves and beaches, a perfect haunt for pirates and smugglers or, on a day like this, kayakers. I also picked my favourite house in the area, complete with amazing sea views and impossible-to-mow lawn.

A little further around the coast, the downs of Babbacombe are an ideal place to while away an hour before heading to the football. On a very clear day you can see as far as Portland, Dorset, but the weather being hazy, we couldn't even see Exmouth. I always think the view down to Oddicombe Beach is rather pleasant, and the whirring of the cliff railway was a reminder that the Westcountry's holiday season is beginning once again. I don't quite know why, but there's something about this beach that is always reminiscent of the Jaws movies to me; maybe it's that so many people use it to launch pleasure crafts, or perhaps it's the azure sea, but I fancy I could see a sharp dorsal fin making its way to the beach.

Torquay's League 2 football team, Torquay United, play just a stone's throw from Babbacombe at Plainmoor ground. Plainmoor has its own unique history, and has certainly seen its share of ups and downs through the years, but at the moment it is buzzing; Torquay are second in the league and the ground is getting a new grandstand. Perhaps this accounted for the lively atmosphere come kick off, and with a generous amount of support from the visitors, Port Vale, the ground was mostly full. Torquay - the Gulls - went in 1-0 down at half time, but recovered brilliantly to win the match 2-1.

Feeling we didn't quite want to finish our day, we jumped in the car and drove down the hill to Meadfoot Beach. Meadfoot is a special place for Lizzie and I; we often enjoy a stroll along the sea there, and last year we stayed in the fabulous Osbourne Hotel, on the sea front. I much prefer it to many of the other beaches in the bay because it is quieter, and feels altogether more natural. Unfortunately the tide was in, so our stroll was restricted to the pavement behind the sea wall, but hand-in-hand, fresh sea breeze blowing in our faces, it was the perfect way to end a very lovely day.