The family had booked a weeks holiday at Barton Hall which was situated on the outskirts of Torquay. By co-incidence, this building had been where the Singer sewing machine company had been situated and Brenda's father had worked there for a short while. The hall was now a holiday camp which Brenda and Malcolm might be fun for their children. This was correct as there was a swimming pool, miniature golf and a dry ski slope. However, it did prove to be rather noisy at night. However, all meals were provided.

The boys made good use of the facilities but the family also went out on trips around the local area. They went to the beaches at Torquay and Dawlish. At Dawlish, William bought himself a watch for about £3. It was advertised as waterproof in a depth of 50 feet of water so he wore it in the bath that night and was most upset when he found that it leaked. The children watched the trains that ran along the shoreline at Dawlish and also went to Paignton to ride on the stream railway to Dartmouth.

Another day, they went onto Dartmoor to look at the stone tramway at Haytor.