The best B&B in England has been revealed – it's right by the seaside and even Joanna Lumley has stayed there
Located on the English Riviera, The 25 Boutique B&B in Torquay, Devon is located moments away (a 10-minute walk) from the sandy beach of Torre Abbey Sands.
Advertisement
3
Located on the English Riviera, The 25 Boutique B&B in Torquay, Devon has been named the best B&B by the AA
Credit: The 25
3
The B&B boasts a number of different rooms and suites all named after local beaches
Credit: The 25
A little further and guests will reach a bustling harbour full of extravagant boats and the town centre too.
Named the best bed and breakfast of the year, the AA
said: "After nearly a decade, The 25 Boutique B&B is still very much on top of its game, an engaging fusion of comfort, quality and hospitality, all of which combine to ensure a rewarding and fulfilling guest experience.
They added: "Breakfast remains a tour de force."
Inside the B&B, guests will find a number of differently designed bedrooms and suites - all named after local beaches.
Advertisement
Read more on travel inspo
In the Torre Suite (named after Torre Abbey Sands), a faux zebra named Frank hangs over the orange bed.
In the Shoalstone Suite (named after Shoalstone Beach), there is a king-size bed and a glittery wall.
This room was even stayed in by
Joanna Lumley
as well.
There is then also the
Advertisement
Most read in News Travel
The rooms all have ensuites, free WiFi and fridges with fresh milk and bottled water, Netflix and air conditioning - for when it is especially warm.
The B&B also
features
an outdoor terrace, where guests can relax on sofas with a drink from the 'honesty bar'.
The Sun's Travel Editor Lisa Minot shares her top tips when flying hand luggage only
In the morning, guests can also enjoy a full English breakfast.
One recent guest said: "The most amazingly elegant B&B I've ever stayed in. It was faultless from start to finish."
Advertisement
Another said: "The decor was impeccable, delivered with imagination and a quirky flair that sets the accommodation apart.
"Everything is five star - exceptionally comfortable bed, amazing lighting, a separate lounge, separate TV's, separate Alexas and an en-suite that even had a TV in the shower!"
The five-star B&B was opened back in 2015 by Andy and Julian - who previously ran a successful country house hotel in North Wales.
The B&B is adults-only and a room can be found for £287.30 for two adults for two nights (minimum stay).
Advertisement
The B&B makes a great base for exploring south Devon's beaches and Torquay's neighbouring towns - including Paignton,
All the winners of the AA B&B Awards 2025
THESE are the top B&Bs across the UK according to the AA Hospitality Awards:
AA INN OF THE YEAR
England: The George Inn, Norton St Philip, Somerset
Scotland: The Colintraive, Isle of Bute, Argyll & Bute
Wales: The Nags Head Inn, Montgomery, Powys
AA RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS OF THE YEAR
England: Restaurant Interlude, Lower Beeding, West Sussex
Scotland: The Dipping Lugger, Ullapool, Highland
Wales: Plas Dinas Country House, Bontnewydd, Caernarfon
AA BED AND BREAKFAST OF THE YEAR
England: The 25 Boutique B&B, Torquay, Devon
Scotland: The Townhouse, Perth, Perth & Kinross
Wales: Ramsey House, St Davids, Pembrokeshire
AA BEST BREAKFAST OF THE YEAR
Roskhill House, Dunvegan, Highland
AA SUSTAINABLE CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
The Riverside at Aymestrey, Aymestrey, Herefordshire
AA FRIENDLIEST B&B OF THE YEAR
Broad Bay House, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides
Plus, the
3
The B&B is adults-only and a room can be found for £287.30 for two adults for two nights
Credit: The 25
Advertisement
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
TUI launches ‘extreme day trips' to Lapland from 11 UK airports – including first-time regional base
TUI has launched a new 'extreme day trip' to Lapland for winter 2026. Flying from 11 airports , families can head to Lapland and back with TUI in just a day. Advertisement 4 TUI has launched an 'extreme day trip' to Lapland Credit: Getty 4 Throughout the day, families get to go on sleigh rides and meet Santa Credit: Getty 4 Then on the plane back they even get a Christmas dinner Credit: Getty There will be flights from Cardiff for the first time to Kittila, pandemic . The 'Search for Santa' day trip will see families fly to Kittila, with a traditional cooked English breakfast served to you on the flight. After landing at midday, you'll grab your snowsuit and boots before heading to the Snow Village. At the Snow Village you will be able to see an ice hotel with igloo-inspired rooms, an ice bar, ice chapel and numerous ice sculptures. Advertisement Read more on travel inspo Families will then hop onto a sleigh ride led by Rudolph. After this, you'll head off on another animal-based adventure with a husky-led sleigh ride. And if those rides weren't enough, you'll then be able to explore the snow wonderland more by learning to drive your own snowmobile. Away from the different 'rides', you'll get to meet one of the Lapland locals and listen to stories and legends about the area. Advertisement Most read in News Travel For kids, there are some arts and crafts too. Then the big moment of the day arrives with a magical journey through a snow-covered woodland to meet Santa. My trip to Lapland with TUI Once you have met with Santa and his elves, you'll head back into the snow where you will have some time to build a snowman, ride a sleigh or even start a snowball fight. A little chilly? Well, there is a Advertisement At the end of your 'extreme day trip', you will then be delivered back to the airport by Santa's elves and once airbourne, you will have a Christmas dinner in the sky as you fly home. Flights will run between December 5 and 23, 2026 with departures from London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester , Newcastle , Bristol , East Midlands, Glasgow , Birmingham, Bournemouth, Cardiff and Dublin . Tickets to see Mr Christmas himself don't come cheap though, starting at £750 per person. But every child does get a gift and the chance to make memories that will last a lifetime. Advertisement What is LaplandUK like? The Sun's LaplandUK promises to transport children on a magical Christmas adventure without need of a plane or even flying sleigh. Nestled in Whitmoor Forest near Ascot, Berkshire, even the walk through the car park manages to be exciting with lights twinkling in the trees as you approach the cluster of Finnish-style cabins at this magical destination in the woods. It is the fine details that really set this woodland wonderland apart. From the miniature doorways, just for 'small folk' to use, to the beautifully fashioned individualised costumes worn by all the elves- and the big man himself-details are styled to perfection. And the experience of meeting Father Christmas is a far cry from a quick grip and grin at the shopping centre. It was pure joy to watch their jaws drop when Santa started congratulating them on recent achievements and quoting small details about them, thanks to an online form you fill in about each child before you go. Whilst LaplandUK is not a cheap day out, it certainly comprises many activities which would add up considerably for a family of five if you did them separately over the holidays. We enjoyed a top-notch theatre show experience, crafting, skating, a grotto visit and the children came away with two beautiful toys and a lot of amazing memories. There is also a Plus, why you should have a 4 Prices start at £750 per person Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Holidaying in Spain this summer? The locals have a name for British tourists… and it's not flattering
AS Brits head to Spain's buzzing beaches and captivating cities this summer, it's worth knowing the one phrase locals have for tourists. While the majority will enjoy a holiday without problems, some tourists can embarrass themselves - and the Advertisement 3 British tourists are sometimes named a 'guiri' by locals when in Spain Credit: Lee Bell - Supplied A 'guiri' - pronounced 'guee-ree' - is used by the Spanish to describe these types of tourists. According to Lee Bell, a Brit who regularly travels to Barcelona , the name is believed to come from the Basque word 'giri', which means 'blond' or 'fair-skinned'. Lee explains: "Spanish locals now use 'guiri' to refer to all types of foreign tourists, especially those from English-speaking countries. "While it can be used to refer to any foreigner, it's most commonly used to refer to British visitors specifically. Advertisement Read more on Spain "This is especially the case for the stereotypical 'Brit abroad' - a term for an embarrassing tourist who Even though the nickname has negative connotations, the term is also often used by locals playfully to poke at tourists. Lee added: "If you get called a guiri, don't fret, it's playful - I often refer to myself as a guiri when I visit Lee also explained that the term is not usually meant in a derogatory way. Advertisement Most read in News Travel But if you do want to avoid being called a guiri, the best thing to do is avoid any of the embarrassing behaviour that can see Brits hit the headlines. Showing lots of skin even though you're not on the beach or excessively drinking will both earn you the nickname guiri from disappointed locals. The Spanish region undiscovered by Brits despite seaside views and ancient Roman cities According to Lee, shouting in English rather than speaking Spanish can be another clear sign of being a 'guiri', as well as not wearing sunscreen. The Brit added: "[Guiris will] also order cliche Spanish menu items like Sangria and paella in very touristy restaurants , or worse still, insist on ordering typical British food items, or looking for a kebab shop after a night out. Advertisement "The Spanish don't really drink Sangria, it's seen more of a tourist thing as locals opt for 'tinto de verano' (meaning summer red wine) with gaseosa (a sweet soda water) in the warmer months." Another Brit, who lives in Spain, shared three common mistakes Brits make when visiting the country. Megan Owens told the Sun Online Travel: "If the menu is written in several languages, or has pictures of the food, then it's most likely a tourist trap. 3 The term often refers to the typical behaviour traits of Brits in Spain Credit: Lee Bell - Supplied Advertisement "These menus are often laminated or covered in plastic film - Brits should stay away from them." She added that holidaymakers should also use the public transport available more than taxis, as it is cheap and reliable. The English teaching assistant continued that there are a lot of locals selling things on the streets. She said: "Sometimes you just have to firmly say no." Advertisement From sea pools to hidden caves, Plus, the 3 Brits can be named a 'guiri' for things including drinking Sangria or not wearing enough sunscreen Credit: Lee Bell - Supplied
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Alton Towers launches new ‘Disney style' dining plans in UK first with themed meals and snacks
ALTON Towers has launched new dining plan packages for visitors - the first of its kind in the UK. The theme park in Advertisement 7 Alton Towers has launched four new dining packages 7 You can choose from standard, deluxe, kids and ultimate plans Credit: Alamy This is something that has been done before by Disney, but not UK-based theme parks. The very first It costs £50pp and is described as providing all the 'daily dining essentials'. Advertisement With this package, you get a regular lunch and soft drink from either the Burger Kitchen or Just Chicken outlet in the park. And it also includes five mini doughnuts and a drink while you're enjoying the park delights as well as a two-course evening meal at one of the hotels' themed restaurants. Flambo's Jambo in the Splash Landings Hotel has views over the indoor waterpark. Or you could dine at the Secret Garden Restaurant in the Alton Towers Hotel, which looks like an English garden. Plus there's the colourful, child-friendly Windmill Restaurant in the Cbeebies Land Hotel. Advertisement Most read in Family Or families can choose to dine at the quirky Crooked Spoon restaurant by the Woodland Lodges and Treehouses. I was the first to ride Alton Towers' newest ride Toxicator - it was a topsy-turvy spinning explosion 7 You'll find The Windmill Restaurant in CBeebies Land 7 It's recommended to book an evening meal with whichever package you choose Children get a unique package called 'The Kids Dining Plan'. This is for children between three and 12, and costs £20pp. Advertisement This This includes lunch and a two- or three-course evening meal, which will match the location of the accompanying adult's dining location. Sweet treats and drinks are also included in this plan. For anyone wanting a little more, you can pick 'The Deluxe Dining Plan' for £70pp. Advertisement This plan includes lunch at either the Burger Kitchen, Just Chicken, Explorer's Pizza Pasta, Generator Refuelling Company and Cbeebies Lunchbox. You can grab a sweet treat from selected snack outlets, and have an evening meal at one of the four accommodation The most indulgent plan is called 'The Ultimate Resort Experience' and is priced at £90pp. With this, you can get lunch at any of the theme park restaurants and enjoy snacks like bubble Advertisement You can get an evening meal at any of the resort restaurants, plus extra drink vouchers and a Costa Coffee. For an extra special touch, you'll also find a bottle of fizz in your For anyone on the Ultimate Resort Experience package who is still hungry can get an extra 20 per cent off any other food and drink across the park. 7 You can have lunch at one of the outlets around the park Advertisement Anyone booking a short break with On arrival at the restaurant or outlet at Alton Towers, visitors need to let the staff know they're on a dining plan and show their barcode at the point of payment. It's recommended to book an evening meal beforehand to avoid long wait times. Anyone with 'The Ultimate Dining Plan' will be guaranteed a dining time slot. Advertisement You can buy a dining package when booking a short break online - just add it to your basket. These plans are very similar to those that Disney Dining Plans are a pre-paid option for guests to enjoy meals and snacks at Walt Disney World. These are only available to guests staying at a Disney Resort Hotels as part of a package. Advertisement Of course, Alton Towers is not all about the food, but rather the rides. 7 One writer tried out the Toxicator ride when it first opened in March Credit: Vaz Sayed One writer was the first to try out the It's the tallest Top Spin ride of its kind and tips those on it upside down. Advertisement He described it as being 'stomach-fluttering' and 'dizzying' as it whisks you 80 feet into the air. The ride is in the theme park's Forbidden Valley and is flanked by Nemesis Reborn, which was revamped last year. Dramatic green-lit water fountains on both sides of the ride shoot up around the attraction to represent toxic terror. Read more on the Irish Sun This new UK Advertisement In June, 7 Alton Towers has launched dining packages Credit: Alamy
