When I say this is a little pocket of exclusivity, I’m not joking. Having passed the Redcliffe Hotel many times whilst running past, I’ve always been aware of the Redcliffe Hotel. It wasn’t until my first visit however, when I was driving up the hotel drive, shaded by a canopy of trees, it felt like I was entering a hidden sanctuary within my home town of Paignton.
A huge part of Paignton’s history is entwined in this hotel and its well preserved nature and character is what makes it stand out. Its unique exterior for a start is enough to remember it forever, built by British Army Colonel Robert Smith in 1865, who drew inspiration from the buildings he saw whilst in India. Step inside the curved entrance hall which has quite an art deco feel and I couldn’t help but take it all in and admire all the details. With decades of change going on in and around the hotel, it makes for quite the fascinating time capsule over its 160 year history.
I was met by Jackie, sales manager for the hotel and her experience of hospitality is very impressive and it shows with her passion and knowledge of not only the Redcliffe Hotel, but the surrounding area.
Jackie showed me all the areas that weddings take place within the hotel and I was delighted by what I saw. The views, the big open spaces and the huge glass doors that open onto their own private patio overlooking the Bay is really unique. I don’t actually think any other hotels within the Bay have that level of beach exclusivity.
So let’s talk weddings. Redcliffe Hotel is currently at the beginning of a huge refurbishment. Some of the hotel rooms have already undergone some transformations which I was lucky enough to be shown and they are amazing. They have a boutique feel with sea views. I’m already dreaming of drinking a morning coffee with THOSE views. Imagine waking up the day after your wedding to the views of the sea!
Redcliffe Hotel is part of the Tudor Hotel Collection who also own Bodmin Jail Hotel which if you haven’t seen already is an incredible boutique hotel and Grade II listed building with a really interesting and impressive back story.
So with that in mind, it’s quite obvious how the Redcliffe Hotel will look after it’s transformation. This really will be a wedding venue within Torbay to look out for as it ticks SO many boxes that other local venues can’t. It also has a spa on site too!
As a wedding photographer, I am really excited about what Redcliffe Hotel has to offer and I can’t wait to take you along for the ride too! You can get in touch with the Redcliffe team here – and get in touch with me here!
Lucinda P Photography 