Discovering Devon's English Riviera: Your Guide to Torbay

The area of Torbay, sometimes called England's Riviera, includes the seaside towns of Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham. The Torbay coastline of Devon has a few notable sites.

Torquay

Torquay is perhaps the most prominent town in Torbay. Located in the north of Torbay, it has a number of gardens, beaches, and other sites of interest.

Some of Torquay's most notable sites include Torre Abbey, which has recently been renovated and opened. This old building is of archaeological interest, and also includes notable gardens which have a large greenhouse and cactus plants.

Much of Torquay's heritage is covered at Torquay Museum. Here, the works of Agatha Christie are documented along with other parts of Torquay's heritage.

The Babbacombe Model Village is on the outskirts of Torquay, within easy distance. The Model Village includes detailed village models, set in the landscaped gardens. In addition, new 3D effects and evening illuminations are included along with a cafe and a gift shop.

The beaches of Torquay include Abbey Sands, which stretches alongside Torquay's gardens. In addition to this, Meadfoot beach can also be found further east of Living Coasts, via the coastal footpath. On the outskirts of Torquay, Babbacombe also has some good beaches which are worth noting.

Aside from the beaches of Torquay, it also has some good gardens. Most notably, the gardens surrounding Torre Abbey, and alongside Abbey Sands, also include mini golf, pitch and putt, and tennis. However, beyond these, the gardens outside the Pavilion shopping center should also be noted.

Paignton

The seaside resort of Paignton is on the west side of Torbay, south of Torquay. This town is quite close to Torquay, possibly within an estimated five miles, making it closely connected. Paignton has more beaches and some good sites too.

Perhaps the most notable sites of Paignton include its steam railway. This is a useful link to Kingswear, which, of course, has the more old-fashioned steam trains. From Kingswear, Dartmouth can also be reached across the River Dart via a short boat crossing.

In addition, Paignton Zoo is another of Paignton's best attractions. The zoo also includes a botanical garden in addition to the bears, crocodiles, etc.

Quaywest water park can also be found adjacent to Goodrington Park. Here, there are outdoor water chutes and a surf lagoon, with beach shops and a restaurant also available.

Paignton has the most beaches of the Torbay region. Its beaches include Preston Sands, which is more northerly. From here, the surrounding beach of Paignton pier includes arcades, bingo, go-karts, and other fairground rides. Further south of Paignton Marina, Goodrington Sands is alongside Goodrington Park and also includes arcades and beachside cafes in addition to the park's swan lake.

Some of the best gardens of Paignton can be found at Oldway House. This stately building has free admission, surrounding gardens, and available tennis courts. Along with this, a small museum is included alongside its marble hall, as well as a cafe.

Brixham

On the south side of Torbay is the smaller town of Brixham. With a fishing industry, the town has a larger marina and harbor with a number of sea vessels and trawlers, in addition to other, less industrial boats.

It has somewhat fewer sites than Torquay, but amongst its most notable is the coastal park of Berry Head. East of the marina, Berryhead includes an old coastal fortification which is open to visitors, and with some new developments intended. In addition, a visitor center and picnic area accompany the coastal paths and park area.

The Brixham Heritage Museum also covers parts of the town's heritage. It includes a number of smaller replica model ships, and also has a steam line model.

Although lacking in sandy beaches, Brixham has an outdoor seawater swimming pool. This is adjacent to a smaller pebble beach, which is near the marina and alongside the coastal path.

Those are the three main towns of Torbay. All are easily reachable, and include boat trips to the other Torbay towns, as well as slightly further out. Overall, Torbay is one of the best places to visit in Devon.