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Contact Details

holiday@torbay.gov.uk
Tel: 01803 211 211

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TV and Films

Being the home of Agatha Christie and Fawlty Towers are only two reasons why we are a famous filming destination! The English Riviera has been a target for many a director over recent years, a popular tv and film location with fantastic scenery and a diverse range of landscapes.

Currently, filming is taking place throughout the English Riviera for a series of Rosamunde Pilcher films, giving credence to the claim that we are an international destination for studios looking for that stunning and natural location.

San Antonio (2004)

(Starring Gerard Depardieu.)
Based on a novel about the detective San Antonio, this French film was never released in the U.K. Torquay features in some of the films locations, including Torquay Harbour and Meadfoot Beach.

Churchill: The Hollywood Years (2004)

(Starring Christian Slater, Neve Campbell, Bob Mortimer, Vic Reeves, Rik Mayall, Harry Enfield, Leslie Phillips.)
The film's opening shot features Brixham Harbour and not "Plymouth Docks" as features in the film's caption. Other highlights include Paignton's Oldway Mansion doubling as Buckingham Palace, and Cockington as Frothington-on-the-Waddle.

Blackball (2003)

(Starring Paul Kaye, Vince Vaughn, James Cromwell, Bernard Cribbins and Johnny Vegas.)
The film features locations around Torquay, including the opening aerial shot and most significantly Kings Bowling Club which was renamed "Royal Torquay Bowling Club" for the occasion.

Sense and Sensibility (1995)

(Starring Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, James Fleet. Director Ang Lee.)
Berry Pomeroy Church and Compton Castle.

That Summer (1979)

Starring Ray Winstone.
This BAFTA nominated film was seen as the unofficial sequel to Scum. The plot centres around Winstone on holiday in Torquay and entering a swimming competition. It features many locations in and around Torquay.

Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975)

(Starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam.)
Paignton's Occombe Woods was used in one of the film's key scenes.

Filming On The English Riviera

Torbay Council is a film friendly authority and works closely with regional screen agency South West Screen. Should you wish to use Torquay, Paignton or Brixham as a tv & film location, please contact either George Brewer or Katherine Brown at the English Riviera Tourist Board on +44 (0)1803 296296 or email filmdesk@torbay.gov.uk