Torquay
Torquay is a seaside resort town on the English Channel in Devon, south west England.It was established as a popular spa destination by the Victorians during the 19th century, largely due to its temperate, mild climate. Torquay has a micro climate that generally means warmer, longer summers than other parts of the UK. Known for beaches such as Torre Abbey Sands, Blackpool Sands, Babbacombe and cliffside Oddicombe, its coastline is nicknamed the English Riviera.
In the early 19th century Torquay started to attract visitors in ill health as a winter resort, due to its fresh air and mild climate. Later in the century, Torquay became a favoured resort for the upper classes. In 1870, Lawrence Palk, built a new harbour for the town which made it popular with yachts and other boats.
Between the wars, an advertising campaign by the Great Western Railway ensured that Torquay became a major holiday resort. In 1948 Torquay hosted the watersports events of the Olympic Games. In 1950 the European Broadcasting Union was formed here.
Torquay, and the surrounding area, is a major tourist destination in the UK, offering fabulous places to visit and plenty to do. The Torcroft is an excellent base for visitors, who will find plenty to do locally, and is a short distance for day trips. Torquay offers first class restaurants and bars, stunning beaches, the Jurassic Coast, the Princess Theatre and the Riveria Centre.
A short drive, bus journey or ferry from Torquay, South Devon offers plenty of places of interest and of outstanding beauty, including Cockington, Tor Abbey, Paignton, Brixham, Dartmouth, Greenways, Colton Fishacre and Dartmoor National Park, to name a few. From Torquay it is a short drive to Totnes, Exeter and Plymouth.