Torquay
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Description
Known as the English Riviera, fun seaside town
Known as the English Riviera, fun seaside town
Region
South West England
South West England
Pronounced
tor-key
tor-key
Torquay
Torquay, often referred to as ‘The English Riviera’ and certainly has a continental feel about it, with a lively harbour, palm tree lined promenades, gardens and Italianate villas. It’s also renowned for a great nightlife, offering many fine restaurants with great views out to sea, before you head to a theatre or club.
Paignton down the coast from Torquay offers long sandy beaches and is little more family friendly than Torquay. Splashdown - a waterpark is great for families and includes 8 exciting waterflumes,Activities
The famous crime writer Agatha Christie was born in Torquay in 1890 and the Agatha Christie Mile takes in 10 landmarks associated with her, while being also giving you some excellent views as you walk. Along the way you can stop off at the Torquay museum which includes a permanent exhibition on the author as well as a floor devoted to explorers, plus some excellent temporary displays. Babbacombe offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of Torquay harbour, with an ‘olde worlde’ charm. You’ll also find the Babbacome Historic Cliff Railway, which transports you up and down the 240ft cliff face. A short walk from Babbacombe will take you to the Victorian-style predestrianised precinct of St Marychurch.
Babacombe Model Village is famous for its miniature landscaped gardens, and has become one of Europe’s Premier Model Villages, with thousands of miniature buildings, plus railways, vehicles and even a hydroelectric dam. Cockington Court is a 17th century manor house which houses craft studios where you can watch artists at work, before enjoying a delicious cream tea looking out on beautiful grounds.
What's nearby?
Exeter was the Roman headquarters for the South-west, with an attractive quayside dating back as far. The Quayside reminds you of a maritime past, while playing host to a range of summer events including the annual Dragon boat race. St Peter’s Cathedral built in 1133 is a beautiful medieval cathedral with fine examples of decorated Gothic architecture.
Dartmoor National Park offers you purple, heather clad moorland, wide open landscapes, rushing rivers and obscure stone tors, as well as picture postcard villages with narrow rambling lanes lined with thatched cottages and historic market towns. The South Devon Steam Railway passes through some of Devon's most beautiful countryside Down the line you'll discover sleepy Staverton, where time really has stood still, and on to historic Totnes.
Brixham is a busy fishing port and pretty harbour, where you can find stalls selling fresh seafood such as whelks, mussels, cockles, prawns and crabs. You can also take fishing or angling trips from here. Dawlish is a fascinating resort town nestled between the steep surrounding hills. There are several popular beaches here including Dawlish Warren - a wildlife haven with its own visitor centre.
Did you know...
Torquay was the inspiration and setting for John Cleese's 'Fawlty Towers' sitcom
Torquay was the inspiration and setting for John Cleese's 'Fawlty Towers' sitcom
From the region:
Agatha Christie (writer)
Sir Richard Burton (19th century explorer)
Agatha Christie (writer)
Sir Richard Burton (19th century explorer)
More info: www.englishriviera.co.uk
