About Torbay

Things to Do

Brixham is at the southern end of Torbay and along with Paignton & Torquay forms the three towns of the English Riviera. This area has has been one of the UK’s top holiday destinations for seaside holidays since Victorian Times. Here’s a quick guide to the three towns...

Torquay

Torquay has been one of the UK 's top destinations for coastal holidays since Victorian Times. The town nestles among seven green hills, from where grand Victorian villas and terraces look out over Torbay.

This Devon town was the birthplace and home of internationally- renowned crime writer Agatha Christie, and is steeped in history, from the historic caves of Kents Cavern, to the World War II slipways at Beacon Quay.

Torquay's waterfront is the natural focus for the town. The seafront gardens, palm-lined promenade and harbour with its marina conjure up images of the South of France.

There are plenty of pavement cafes, pubs, restaurants and nightlife in the town with good quality shops and a host of attractions to suit every interest.

Further afield there are 22 miles of coastline, cliffs, coves and beaches and some of the best walks in the South West of England. Opportunities abound for all manner of watersports -surfing, swimming, diving, sailing, angling and more.

The natural crescent shape of the bay ensure stunning views can be seen over the English Channel, along the 40 miles of Lyme Bay to Portland Bill or inland towards the Tors of Dartmoor.

Torquay is also an ideal base from which to visit Dartmouth, Totnes, Exeter and Plymouth.

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Brixham

Brixham is a charming historic town on the South Devon Coast. Along with Torquay and Paignton it is one of the three towns that make up the resort of Torbay on the English Riviera. Out of these three Brixham probably has the strongest identity with its rich maritime history and a thriving fishing fleet.

Brixham is located in the lee of the imposing Berry Head, famous for its Napoleonic connections. In character the town is more reminiscent of nearby harbours such as Dartmouth or Salcombe than it's near neighbours Paignton & Torquay.

Brixham is famous as a fishing port and this trade continues to flourish with catches being landed daily. In the 1800's as many as 250 vessels fished out of Brixham, from large trawlers to inshore boats, employing over 1,500 people.

Within the town there are plenty of cafes and quirky shops to be discovered. You'll also find plenty of traditional pubs where you can sample some local ales and locally produced wine.

One of the best ways to experience Brixham is to take one of the many boat trips across the bay or around to Dartmouth. You'll learn plenty about the rich heritage and history of the area.

Brixham is also blessed with some amazing coastal scenery. Why not enjoy a coastal walk and venture inland through the lush Devon countryside. No visit would be complete without a climb to the cliff-top nature reserve of Berry Head, past Breakwater Beach and Shoalstone seawater pool.

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Paignton

A small fishing village until the early 19th Century, Paignton started to become known as a seaside resort after the arrival of Brunel's railway in the late 1800s.

Neatly situated between its neighbours, Torquay and Brixham, Paignton is one of the three towns of Torbay that make up the English Riviera. Famous for its long, sandy award-winning beaches, colorful beach huts and a lively, bustling pier, Paignton is a classic family-friendly seaside resort.

If you're looking for attractions to entertain the kids then Paignton is ideal. There's award-winning Paignton Zoo on your doorstep plus the amazing Quay West Water park. You can visit the model village in Babbacombe and historic Kents Cavern. If you fancy stepping back in time why not take the steam railway to beautiful Kingswear & Dartmouth just round the coast.

There are also plenty of opportunities to while away a few hours over a long lunch at one of the many pubs and restaurants enjoying the amazing views on out to sea.

And if you're feeling a bit more energetic look out for the old harbour where you can arrange water sports including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, waterskiing, jet-skiing, kite-surfing, sea-fishing and more.

Paignton is also the ideal base for visiting local towns like Dartmouth, Totnes & Torquay or even visiting the beautiful wilderness of Dartmoor.

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