THE ENGLISH RIVIERA
With so many exciting and interesting experiences to enjoy on the English Riviera, you will certainly be spoilt for choice. Once you've discovered just how much there is to see, do and enjoy we're sure you'll want to come back to the English Riviera time after time. We wish you a most enjoyable visit.
Torbay, is a large, semi-circular bay on the south coast, famous for its long sandy beaches, picturesque views, red sandstone cliffs and clear waters. To the west, Torbay is edged by steep hills creating a suntrap with a local micro-climate that is warmer than the rest of the country. The bay features three distinctly different 19th century holiday resort towns of Paignton, Torquay and Brixham.
Paignton,is a lively
family friendly resort midway between Torquay and Brixham. Paignton
is famous for its long sandy beaches that are safe for bathing and ideal
for paddling, making Paignton and the neighbouring Goodrington Sands,
perfect holiday destinations for those traveling with young children.
The busy seafront of Paignton features the eye-catching pier, opened
in 1878, with many attractions on both its open deck and inside, plus
magnificent views of Torbay. Paignton also has an 18th century harbour,
that dries at low tide. The harbour is a hive of activity, especially
during the summer months. Nearby Goodrington, offers a host of family
attractions from the waterslides of Quaywest, traditional boating lake
and beautiful beaches.
Torquay with its nine sandy beaches, seven
green hills, palm lined promenade and grand Victorian Terraces and villas,
is the most northerly and largest of the towns of Torbay and the English
Riviera. Torquay has grown from the 19th century Health Spa into a cosmopolitan
town with many contemporary attractions. Torquay has a lively harbourside
and marina, where you can relax in the many pavement cafes or explore
the stylish boutique shops in the towns shopping.
Brixham , located at the Southern end of the
bay is Britain's busiest fishing port. It features a central harbour
surrounded by narrow streets that rise up into the surrounding hills.
Busy trawler fleet, share the harbour with a replica of Sir Francis
Drake's ship, the Golden Hind, and many pleasure boats that sail between
Brixham and Torquay on the opposite side of the Bay. Brixham has a busy
500 berth yacht marina. The Marina is sheltered from the south-westerly
winds by the cliffs of Berry Head, a coastal headland at the southern
end of Torbay. Berry Head is a National Nature Reserve with one of the
largest guillemot colonies on England's south coast.
Torquay
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Torquay Marina Sheltering in the north east corner of Torbay, Torquay Marina gives onto some of the UK's best sailing waters. One of the finest marinas on the south coast, it combines modern facilities and first class service with a friendly and professional welcome - which is why it is now established as a favourite centre for yachtsmen from home and abroad. Facing east and sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly winds. Torquay Marina is
a haven for yachtsmen, with safe access in all weather conditions and at all states
of the tide. Close to all of Torquay's amenities (including the magnificently
restored Edwardian Pavilion, its own speciality shopping mall next to the site),
the Marina is also conveniently situated for exploring the beautiful South Devon
countryside |
Torquay
TIC. Vaughan Parade Torquay TQ2 5JG 01803 297428 |
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Torre AbbeyTorre Abbey is Torquay's
oldest building. In a beautiful setting, facing out to sea, it houses a superb
collection of paintings and antiques and boasts the Agatha Christie Memorial Room.
The nearby Spanish Barn was used to hold 300 Spanish prisoners after the failed
Armada in 1588. |
 Beach Guide Along the 22 miles of the English Riviera coastline there are 20 beaches from wide sandy stretches to hidden rocky coves. Beach life in Torquay is always close at hand. A string of nine beautiful beaches and coves stretch out along the palm lined coast, only minutes from the resort centre. So whether you’re after a place to lay out your towel, build sandcastles, have a gentle paddle, ramble through a rockpool or just a quiet place to sit and watch the surf, you’re sure to find a beach to suit. Although our beaches are regarded as safe, care should always be taken when swimming. Warning flags are sometimes in operation. Torquay's Beaches from North to South Watcombe Beach (Torquay) A sandy beach with limited parking, dogs allowed, swimming safe with care, toilets, cafe, beach shop and deckchair/sunbed hire Oddicombe Beach (Torquay) Sand and shingle beach just below the north end of Babbacombe Downs. Parking is half a mile from the beach. Steep access but try the cliff railway (great fun). No dogs, swimming safe with care, toilets, café, beach shop, deckchair/sunbed hire. Redgate Beach (Torquay) is currently closed due to unstable cliffs above. Anstey’s Cove (Torquay) Shingle and rocky beach with parking quarter of a mile from the beach. Dogs allowed, café, beach shop, deckchair/sunbed hire and chalet hire. Meadfoot Beach (Torquay) A long pebble and sand beach with ample parking. Dogs allowed only at the Kilmorie end, swimming safe with care, toilets, café, deckchair/sunbed hire and chalet hire.  Torre Abbey Sands / Corbyn Sands (Torquay) A sandy beach right in the heart of Torquay’s so lots of parking nearby. Very high tides will cover the sand. Dogs banned, swimming safe with care, toilets, café, beach shop, deckchair/sunbed hire and chalet hire. Just across the road from Torre Abbey Meadows parkland. Corbyn Sands (Torquay) Just south of Torre Abbey sands, this sand and shingle beach has all the same facilities. Hollicombe Beach (Torquay) A quiet sandy beach with parking 1 mile from the beach. Dogs banned, swimming safe with care and toilets. |
Maidencombe
Beach 
Babbacombe
BeachTORQUAY
Torquay's sophisticated style stems from its origins as a fashionable haven for visitors in the last century. For well over a hundred years, the fashionable town of Torquay has attracted the rich and famous.
Torquay has been a favourite with the British holidaymaker from the Victorian Times. Torquay is famous for its vibrant waterfront - the focus of life in the town. Seven hills provide a magnificent backdrop matching anything you’ll find on the French Riviera.
Torquay's waterfront is the focus of life in the town. Here you'll find the palm-lined promenade, seafront gardens, a lively harbour and an international marina. Yet within minutes of the town centre there are beautiful beaches easily accessible by foot, road or water. There is an abundance of pavement cafes, pubs, restaurants and nightlife, good quality shops and a host of attractions to suit every interest.
Palm tree lined seafront, Italian style white villas perched high on the surrounding hillsides and fabulous yachts moored in the modem marina help to create a truly relaxing, continental and stylish atmosphere that our visitors just love to soak up.
Today, thousands of visitors still enjoy its sophisticated charm, which combined with modem attractions, and amenities have produced a truly first class resort. There is an abundance of pavement cafes, pubs, restaurants and nightlife, good quality shops and a host of family attractions. Enjoy-the superb beaches and spectacular views from cliff top coastal paths or simply stroll along the elegant seafront promenades. Torquay also boasts a number of heritage sites including Torre Abbey and Kents Cavern while literary associations include the world's greatest mystery writer, Dame Agatha Christie.
Follow the Agatha Christie Trail and discover the Torquay that inspired her ever-popular detective stories. Torquay is one of the most stylish resorts in Britain. Its elegant Victorian terraces, white villas and famous seven hills provide the backdrop to popular, modern facilities such as the Riviera Centre and a busy shopping centre.
For shopping with a difference, the Pavilion is well worth a visit. What was once an Edwardian Theatre is now a premier shopping centre with specialist boutiques and shops. A café and restaurant in beautiful terrace setting also adorns the building. Nearby you'll find Fleet Walk, a state of the art undercover shopping area. Specialist shops, gifts, boutiques and cafes can be found on two levels, with stylish open terraces leading to the Winter Gardens. Also don't miss shopping on the harbourside and Union Street with its colourful mix of high street stores.
Living Coasts is one of south Devon's most popular family attractions. Situated on the coast line with fabulous views of Tor Bay this unique coastal zoo gives a fascinating insight into marine life. Developed by Paignton Zoo; Living Coasts is home to a wide array of marine wildlife from puffins to penguins, fur seals to ducks.
It
is a thoroughly entertaining and educational day out especially for youngsters.
With much to do from feeding times to watching
the animals swimming underwater through the special glass windows, Living Coasts
is a wonderful family day out.
Babbacombe
Model Village
& St Marychurch
Perched
high on the cliffs, Babbacombe and St Marychurch offer their own unique
attraction. Life in St Marychurch revolves around Fore Street with its charming
collection of select shops.In Babbacombe, the views from the Downs are spectacular
and the gardens are ideal for a morning or evening stroll, along the clifftops.
Babbacombe is also the home of the Model Village, three superb fish and chip shops and the Babbacombe Theatre which runs a summer show each year.
One
of Babbacombe's premier attractions is its four acres of award winning miniature
landscaped gardens!! With hundreds of varieties of plants the gardens will
impress even the most enthusiastic of gardeners. Also popular is the model city.
This large model includes famous retail outlets and everything else you would
expect to see in a city. But best off all from Easter to September at dusk you
can experience the "minilluminations", when the model city is illuminated by thousands
of tiny lights, which create a breath-taking atmosphere.
Cockington
Only a mile from Torquay seafront, Cockington is a journey into a bygone age. In an idyllic village setting you can wander around thatched cottages, watch the blacksmith at work in the forge, enjoy a cream tea and stroll through acres of gardens and woodland.
In the heart of the estate stands Cockington Castle, a 17th Century Manor house. At the Court you'll find craft demonstrations, a Norman church and an organic garden.
Maidencombe
An unspoilt coastal hamlet boasting a sheltered beach and magnificent coastal walks with panoramic views.
The manor of "Medencumbe" is mentioned in the Doomsday Book and one of the oldest buildings is the "Courthouse", parts of which date back to the 14th Century.
The coastal farm and woodlands are managed under the "Countryside Stewardship Scheme" to protect wildlife, encourage traditional farming and allow public access and enjoyment of the area. Maidencombe is a delight to stay in and an ideal base from which to explore south Devon.
Kents Caverns
Kents
Cavern is located just a mile away from the bustling harbour town of Torquay and
is a thoroughly fascinating and educational day out for all the family.
Take a guided tour around Britain's most important Stone Age Heritage site. These prehistoric caves, at over 500,000 years old are the oldest recognisable examples of human dwelling in the UK.
See spectacular rock formations and wonderful prehistoric finds which give a fascinating insight into human habitation some 500,000 years ago.
Bygones Victorian Museum
A fascinating
insight into Victorian life. Wander along the life size Victorian street with
over 20 shops and period rooms set out with sounds and smells from a bygone age.
It's like walking back in time. See the sweet shop and the grocers, the pawnbrokers
and the pub, all exactly how they would have been in Victorian times.
Holiday accommodation - Where to Stay Torquay - English Riviera
Hotels in Torquay, self-catering Torquay, Bed and Breakfast in Torquay
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Quality in Tourism / Visit Britain
3 Star Tel: 01803 295 109
