Babbacombe is an area of Torquay which is a resort in itself. The clifftop promenade enjoys stunning views across Lyme Bay that, on a clear day, can stretch as far as Golden Cap in Dorset. To make the journey down to the beach at Oddicombe you have the gentle alternative by travelling 240 feet down on the cliff railway, which has been operating since 1926.   Only 20 at the time, John was sentenced to death but the trap on the gallows failed to open three times (despite testing with sacks and dummies). His sentence was commuted and he served 22 years and then lived to the age of 69. Two of the English Riviera's top attractions can be found in babbacombe: Bygones Victorian Street and Babbacombe Model Village, both within walking distance of the main shopping area and Babbacombe Downs.

Just a stone’s throw from Babbacombe is the pretty town centre of St Marychurch – a village within the town of Torquay, which appears in the Doomsday book. It’s pleasant pedestrianised precinct has a fine selection of shops and cafes. Babbacombe’s most infamous resident was John Lee, “The man they couldn’t hang”, who was convicted of the murder of his employer in 1884.