STEVE NELSON takes a British seaside holiday with a difference, and Basil Fawlty is nowhere in sight.

WALKING through the myriad corridors that connect the Torquay Leisure Hotels resort's four hotels, I suddenly didn't know where I was.

I had just enjoyed an excellent dinner at the Victoria and fancied a quiet drink on the terrace in the late evening sunshine that was bathing Torquay. Was I now in the Derwent? Should I head down that corridor for the Toorak. Where was the Carlton?

Any newcomer to this extraordinary resort needs a day to navigate the eclectic mix of rooms and entertainment on offer.

I passed a group of pensioners playing cards, moved out of the way of a group of children dashing to a swimming pool and finally nestled into a comfortable chair in a near-deserted cocktail bar. Steps led to the terrace, where couples and families chatted.

The resort offers, among other attractions, two indoor and two outdoor pools, a ballroom, a magnificent indoor bowling arena, children's zone and tennis courts. These are complemented by a mix of bars and lounges where entertainment comes on a big scale or in intimate surroundings.

Yet this mighty leisure machine ticks with barely a hiccup.

There are programmes to cater for all sorts, from linedancers, to bowlers, to ballroom dancers, and yet most people go there just to relax in pleasant surroundings and enjoy the simple pleasures of the pools, bars and entertainment areas.

But a holiday at TLH can be a very busy affair.

After a waist-busting breakfast, we headed for the main outdoor pool, where more than enough sunloungers were provided for guests.

"It's just like being abroad, isn't it?" a neighbouring holidaymaker suggested.

Yes, it was. In the hot summer sunshine on the so-called English Riviera, this certainly looked like a scene from a Mediterranean resort. Palm trees stood to attention alongside the pool, and sun protection was being applied wherever one looked. Yet we felt relaxed about letting the children wander out of view.

The two indoor pools were a bonus when the sun wasn't shining or when we just wanted a change of scenery. One, the Aztec Falls, was very impressive. It is amazing how a little thought about the decor and lighting can transform a 25-metre pool into an exotic, almost palatial, swimming experience. A Jacuzzi, sauna and secondary fun pool added to the enjoyment.

The four hotels vary in ambience. Three of the four have a two-star rating, while the Toorak has an extra star. In addition, there is a selection of apartments.

My family - partner Ingrid and children Lucy and Jack - stayed in the Victoria, a grand old dame with an elegant period dining room. The meals were invariably excellent, and matched by the quality of service.

The comfortable bedroom had a sea view, and we were occasionally awoken by the squawking of seagulls from the seafront some 400 yards away.

There was barely a room to be had when we stayed in peak summer, but we always felt there was space for more guests when we took advantage of the entertainment programme.

After breakfast the children headed for their supervised club, which operated each morning offering a programme of crafts and games. A separate club catered for teenagers

During the high season, there is a nightly choice of about half a dozen venues for entertainment. The main events take place in the cabaret lounge, where we enjoyed a procession of quality acts during our week-long stay, the ballrooms and the smaller side rooms. Out of season, the rooms fill with guests taking special interest breaks.

The resort sees itself in competition with foreign holidays rather than local hotels. It is one of that growing band of holiday destinations in the UK providing something a little different to tempt people to stay within these shores.

You might like to consider it as an alternative to the Costas and Canaries.

Factfile

Location: TLH Leisure Resort,

Belgrave Road,

Torquay

TQ2 5HL

Cost: Price per person per night for the Victoria ranges from £37 to £57 for dinner, room and breakfast. Children either stay at a reduced rate or go free.

Contact: Holiday helpline 01803 400200

Website: www.tlh.co.uk

Updated: 10:21 Saturday, January 11, 2003