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Also referred to as the English Riviera, Torquay lies on the southern border of Devon, and the southwestern border of England. Archaeologists believe people inhabited the area since prehistoric times upon discovering ancient axes and human bones in Kents Cavern. These relics date back at least 37,000 years.
Though Romans travelled through the town, as evidenced by offerings left at a rock formation, also found in Kents Cavern, no major settlements have been found. The earliest architecture in the town is that of Torre Abbey, a Saxon monastery constructed in the late 12th century.
Permanent settlements did not develop in the area until Napoleon's invasion during the 16th century, when naval crews built homes over the region's seven hills. The economy of the town, for the longest time, depended on agriculture and fishing industries, until the introduction of the railroad in 1848. Victorian buildings began rising along the waterfront and the town soon became popular as a vacation resort.
Torquay is also the birthplace of famed author Agatha Christie, who spent her childhood and much of her adult life in the town. Many of her stories included the people and places, all too familiar to the author.
Activities and Attractions
Guests enjoy leisurely walks along the miles of shoreline containing a public walkway featuring gardens and various shops. As beautiful at night as during the day, at dusk the beachfront is illuminated by an array of colourful lights. Tethered balloon rides provide the opportunity for scenic views day or night. Torquay's nine separate beaches provide many opportunities for a myriad of water activities or the chance to just lie in the sun. Also along the beachfront lies the Living Coasts, a coastal zoo housing exhibits that encompass the area's many marine and land animals.
Medieval Torre Abbey not only contains the ruins of the original monastery, but also a Georgian home, Spanish barn and immense gardens. The home, now transformed into a museum, houses a collection of art from the 18th through the 20th centuries, a cafe and a gift shop. The art collection includes thousands of paintings depicting over two centuries of local history. Kents Cavern provides a number of tours exploring the geological aspects of the cave and the lineage of human existence. Torquay museum not only highlights many artefacts obtained from the cave, but also commemorates famous resident Agatha Christie.
Another favourite attraction is Bygones, a recreated Victorian street that features exhibits and interactive displays showcasing life during Victorian times.
Accommodations and Dining
Torquay features a wide variety of hotels, bed and breakfasts and self-catering cottages, along with hostels and camping facilities. Though many buildings have a traditional Victorian exterior, indoors guests find a selection of modern amenities from LCD TVs and wireless internet to spas and state of the art swimming pools. Stay in a luxurious setting along the waterfront or in a budget friendly accommodation located higher in the hills that provides dynamic panoramic views.
Whether guests have a taste for fish and chips or an elegant extended course meal, Torquay is rich in having a variety of restaurants, bistros and cafes, along with pubs and take aways. Local cuisine includes traditional English, Asian, Indian and Italian.
Accommodation in Torquay
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