Sorry to bring up Valentine’s Day while you’re still recovering from Christmas, but you’ll need to book this event early if you fancy it.

Paignton Zoo is offering lucky visitors the chance to plant their own rose with the gardeners the weekend before.

Book a 25 minute session on 11 or 12 February and you can mark your romance by planting your own rose together for just £4 (in addition to the entrance fee).

Well done to our very own Rachel Farley for taking a pretty chilly dip this Boxing Day. 

Blue Chip’s Quality Assessor Rachel very bravely dressed as a goldfish and (wait for it!) ran into the sea – all in the name of charity!

Rachel joined hundreds in Boxing Day Walk into the Sea in Paignton and helped raise funds for local charity Paignton Lions Club.

A Paignton sculptor wowed visitors to the seaside with a stunning sand creation this weekend!

Crowds gathered at Paignton seafront to watch as a huge dinosaur was created from the bright red sand, complete with a set of very ominous-looking teeth.

With just a spade and some water, the artist spent the day on Paignton Beach forming a solid dinosaur in the sand close to the pier, impressing the many who stayed to wait for the completed result.

First we saw him on our way to Torquay, then he hit Facebook and now the national news...ladies and gentlemen meet Moses.

The curving drive along the coast between Paignton and Torquay would be a treat no matter what, as the sea looms into view lapping at the bay.

But thanks to a kindly local celebrity called Moses, it’s become extra special over the last few years.

Brixham Pirate Festival

The sounds of pirate shanty songs and revving engines resounded around Torbay this weekend, as two of its biggest annual events attracted thousands.

If you’re spending family time together in Torbay on the English Riviera this half term, there are some lovely events on offer from Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust.

The events are great fun for the whole family, and they’re based around seaside and countryside adventures that children will love.

Rockpool Expedition, Tuesday 22 Feb (Goodrington Sands)

Sam Sheriff, from Torquay, is a sergeant with 45 Commando Royal Marines, and has given the gorillas at the zoo 90 feet of climbing rope to enjoy.

Sam’s donation to the gorillas  included a pair of 15-foot lengths used in the gym by Royal Marines as well as a 60-foot length from an outdoor commando slide.

Sam explained that the marines replace ropes on a regular basis so they were happy to see them go to a good home.

The winner of June’s writing competition is Stephanie Sawyer from Oxford who stayed at High Gables and booked a trip on the Round Robin tour to Paignton, Dartmouth and Totnes. 

Stephanie has snapped up a prize of a £50 Marks & Spencer voucher, as well as the chance to win a break in one of Blue Chip Holiday's most luxurious holiday properties. 

Torbay, on the English Riviera, will see its sheltered waters come alive with activity for the Torbay Sailing Regatta in August. The annual Torbay Sailing Week will take place between Friday 20th and Wednesday 25th August.

The fun-filled regatta will include many events and activities throughout Torbay - in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham – so those on well-timed Torbay holidays will be treated to various displays and spectacles!

Torbay’s excellent conditions for sailing make it the perfect location for the annual regatta, and those who prefer to enjoy the festivities from dry land will have plenty of opportunity to watch the thrilling races from various locations throughout the Bay.  

Blue Chip Holidays’ intrepid Environmental Coordinator Jon Pressling once again braved the elements in the line of duty, on this occasion cycling the coastline that links Paignton and Torquay. Appreciating the breath taking scenery and stunningly picturesque views, he provided us with a running commentary.