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Torquay

Torquay has been one of the top holiday destinations in England since Victorian Times when the gentry promenaded, bathing huts were wheeled down to the beaches and anyone who was anyone had an attractive villa overlooking the sea.

It was the Victorians who first used the Riviera name to describe their favourite resort and their legacy remains to this day with sparkling white villas perched on the verdant hilltops, beautiful gardens around the seafront and elegant Victorian facades along the main streets. Don't be fooled by the Victorian ancestry however, Torquay is also a vibrant and forward thinking resort attracting visitors of all interests, from Art and Culture afficionados to marine enthusiasts.

Torquay's famous seven hills provide the backdrop to a waterfront scene that matches 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.

The English Riviera is a resort in the truest sense of the word, attracting visitors of all ages and interests throughout the year. It's associations with Agatha Christie provide added mystery to this attractive seaside town.