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History and Heritage

The beautiful English Riviera has a fascinating history and is a very exciting location for the heritage enthusiast.

Torre Abbey and the Spanish Barn

Wonderful Torre Abbey on Torquay’s seafront is over 800 years old; you can visit its fine gatehouse, abbot’s tower and undercrofts as well as its beautiful works of art. The Abbey’s adjacent Spanish Barn was famously used to house prisoners captured from the Spanish Armada.

Torquay, Paignton & Brixham in the Napoleonic Wars

During the Napoleonic Wars the rich elite could no longer visit continental Europe and turned their attention to the warm, sheltered waters of the English Riviera. Brixham’s Berry Head National Nature Reserve still has well preserved Napoleonic forts from this period when it stood as an impressive guardian at the southern entrance to the Bay. The views here are quite spectacular with the sea on three sides.

Torquay - An Elegant Winter Resort

Torquay developed as an all year round holiday and health resort in the 19^th century due to its mild winter climate and clean sea air. In 1833 Princess Victoria visited Torquay for the first time and Victoria Parade was named in honour of the place where she first stepped ashore. In the early 20^th century Torquay changed from being simply a winter resort and became a popular summer destination attracting people from far and wide.

Torquay and Brixham in WWII

Early in 1944, the first of thousands of US Army personnel arrived in Torquay preparing for the buildup of forces in Southern England that would ultimately result in the launch of Operation Overlord, the springboard for the Allied invasion of German-occupied Western Europe. The two concrete slipways at Beacon Quay in Torquay Harbour were constructed for the embarkation of American troops. The outer harbour slipway at Brixham was also used for this purpose. The US Coastguard requisitioned Agatha Christie’s legendary holiday home Greenway (now National Trust) near Brixham leaving a now-famous mural behind as evidence of their visit.

Torquay and Brixham – Historic Sailing

Sailing and yachting have a long and illustrious history here on Devon’s glorious English Riviera with big international racing events and a host of championships talking place every year. Torbay Royal Regatta was the very first yachting regatta in the country to gain royal patronage. It celebrated its 200^th Anniversary in 2013 and is still hugely popular every August. In 1948 Olympic sailing events took place in Tor Bay.

Famous People Who Stayed

You can find over 50 blue plaques highlighting some of the Bay’s most well known former residents and visitors. Famous authors include Flora Thompson, author of the Lark Rise to Candleford trilogy, Charles Kingsley, who penned the Water Babies plus Rudyard Kipling and poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning who came for the resort’s famous sea air. One of the country’s best loved and most popular hymns Abide With Me was written at the Berry Head Hotel in Brixham by the Reverend Henry Lyte and Charles Darwin stayed in Torquay. Engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel has a long association with the area with four blue plaques celebrating his life and local links. Scientist Oliver Heaviside, renowned in the field of electromagnetic theory, is recognised in Paignton. Paignton was also the home of sewing machine magnate Isaac Singer, at Oldway Mansion. There’s a plaque to Oscar Wilde at Babbacombe Cliff where he stayed whilst writing some of his famous works. Renowned architect Edwin Lutyens designed the Drum Inn at Cockington and there is a plaque on the door in his memory.

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Brixham Battery Heritage Group

Brixham

The Brixham Battery Heritage Group was founded in 1999 by the late Ron Coleman, we are a group of volunteers helping to restore the Brixham coastal defence battery built in 1940 and provide on-site information to the general public
Potent Plants Garden - Torre Abbey

Torquay

Do not touch! is the warning for all visitors to the Potent Plants Garden at Torre Abbey. Discover a world of poisons, antidotes and remedies in the serene setting of the Abbey grounds.
Bygones Torquay

Torquay

Wander back in time, starting towards the end of Queen Victoria’s reign. Visit our authentic life-size Victorian Street, see the Blacksmith hard at work, smell the treats of the Sweetshop, listen to the hustle and bustle of Victorian life. Imagine…

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1765 reviews
Berry Head Nature Reserve

Brixham

Berry Head National Nature Reserve guards the southern half of Tor Bay. One of the main gateways to the English Riviera Global Geopark, it is an internationally-acclaimed heritage site, home to a fascinating variety of wildlife and history, with…
Cockington Court Craft Centre

Torquay

At the heart of Cockington Village lies Cockington Court, a manor house with roots in medieval times, surrounded by acres of pretty country park. Today, the court is a hub for arts and crafts.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
830 reviews
Shoalstone Beach

Brixham

Along the coast from the busy fishing harbour of Brixham is Shoalstone Beach. This isn’t just a shingle beach, but has a sea water swimming pool too, so still plenty of activities to keep everyone happy.
Corbyn Sands/Corbyn Head

Torquay

Corbyn Sands is one of Torquay’s closest beaches, and lies just south of Torre Abbey Sands. It’s a sand and shingle beach with a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, but still with the convenience of being close to the busy town of Torquay.
Paignton Sands

Paignton

Paignton Beach offers the ultimate family day out at the seaside. With a sandy beach, safe swimming and a whole host of activities to enjoy, this promises to be a fun day out for all the family.
Oddicombe Beach Torquay

Torquay

This is a great beach for all ages! paddling for the young and a variety of watersports for the older and braver! Accessible via a steep road or you could take the amazing Babbabacombe Cliff Railway.
Ansteys Cove Torquay

Torquay

Between Torquay and Babbacombe sits Anstey’s Cove. Quiet, peaceful and incredibly beautiful, this small shingle beach is the place to come if you want to escape the crowds.
Maidencombe Beach

Torquay

If you’re looking for a quiet haven to spend the day, Maidencombe Beach is the perfect retreat. Far removed from amusement arcades and water parks, Maidencombe Beach is about one thing: relaxing.
Ashfield

Torquay

A Blue Plaque on Barton Road, Torquay, marks the spot of Ashfield, Agatha Christie's childhood home.
Global Geopark - Torquay

Torquay

In 2007 the English Riviera was designated a Global Geopark and is one of just 7 sites in the UK and Ireland to hold this special status.
Meadfoot Beach

Torquay

A mile from Torquay harbour and in a stunning location at the bottom of a row of imposing cliffs. Grab a deckchair and enjoy the sound of the sea lapping against the shore, or wander along the promenade lined with a colourful row of beach chalets.
Beacon Cove

Torquay

Beacon Cove is a perfect haven away from the main beach of Torquay, close to Torquay harbour.
There is a small promenade above a tiny shingle beach and its sheltered position makes it a warm sunny spot even
Torre Abbey

Torquay

An English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site.
Come and enjoy a visit exploring Torbay's most historic building, garden and impressive displays, world-class collections and exhibitions, complemented by modern amenities and special accessibility…

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
802 reviews
Torquay Museum

Torquay

Travel back through 400 million years of time at Torquay Museum – a hands-on family-friendly visitor attraction, with lots to see and do for children and adults alike. An English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
461 reviews
Prestige Tours - Vintage Cream Tea Experience

Newton Abbot

Vintage Tours around The English Riviera
Indulge yourself with a fabulous scenic tour round the English Riviera and have a Devon Cream Tea to soak up the spectacular scenery.
The English Riviera is a 22 mile stretch of outstanding South Devon…
Churston Cove

Brixham

Churston Cove is one of the many excellent beaches to be found on the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay. A secluded cove accessed via a long, steep path, this is a real sanctuary of peace and calm.
Battery Gardens Museum

Brixham

Not only does Battery Gardens boast one of the most panoramic views in the bay, it is also a Scheduled Monument and World War II Coastal Defence Battery.

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St Marychurch is a charming suburb close to the delights of #Babbacombe & #Torquay. You’ll find lots of independen… https://t.co/oAYUiAwAtR

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Company number 10237792.
Registered address 5 Vaughan Parade, Torquay, Devon, England, TQ2 5JG.
Telephone 01803 211211 enquiries@englishrivierabid.co.uk

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History and Heritage

Torre Abbey and the Spanish Barn

Torquay, Paignton & Brixham in the Napoleonic Wars

Torquay - An Elegant Winter Resort

Torquay and Brixham in WWII

Torquay and Brixham – Historic Sailing

Famous People Who Stayed

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