Torquay

Torquay is the bay’s biggest town and its longest-established. A planned 19th-century resort built on the slopes of Lincombe Hill, with palm trees and Victorian crescents giving rise to the “English Riviera” nickname coined in the 1830s.

Neighbourhoods

Babbacombe, Barton, Chelston, Cockington, Combe Pafford, Ellacombe, Hele, Livermead, Maidencombe, Meadfoot, Plainmoor, Preston (Torquay), Shiphay, St Marychurch, The Warberries, Torre, Upton, Watcombe, Wellswood.

Don’t miss

• Babbacombe Cliff Railway – the Victorian funicular still running down to the beach
• Kents Cavern – prehistoric caves with guided tours
• Torquay Museum – including the Agatha Christie collection
• Cockington Court – thatched village, gardens, craft makers
• Princess Theatre – the bay’s main touring venue
• Living Coasts (now Living Worlds) – the harbour-side attraction