Torbay (Torquay, Paignton & Brixham)

Contents
1. Introduction 2. Interesting Facts 3. History 4. Main Sights 5. Top Museums 6. Local Cuisine 7. Getting There

Introduction

The three towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham on the South coast of Devon facing Tor Bay are often referred to as the "English Riviera", although geared more toward the low-budget holidaymakers nowadays. This 25-mile stretch of coastline benefits from a particularly mild microclimate due to its sheltered position and southerly aspect, making it one of England's warmest seaside destinations. The three towns have converged into each other and now form the unitary authority of Torbay (pop. 140,000).

Torquay serves as the largest town and administrative centre, renowned for its Victorian terraces, marina, and connection to crime writer Agatha Christie, whilst Paignton offers traditional seaside attractions including a pier, sandy beaches, and the Paignton Zoo, and Brixham remains an active fishing port with a historic harbour and replica of the Golden Hind.

Interesting Facts about Torquay, Paignton & Brixham

Torquay

• Kents Cavern in Torquay contains a maxilla fragment that may be the oldest example of a modern human in Europe, dating back 37,000-40,000 years ago.
• Cave bear skulls from the Ice Age are still embedded in the walls of Kents Cavern, where these ancient creatures once roamed.
• Roman soldiers visited Torquay during the Claudian invasion and left offerings at a curious rock formation in Kents Cavern known as "The Face".
• Torre Abbey, founded in 1196, became the richest Premonstratensian Monastery in England by the time of its dissolution in 1539.
• Torquay's population exploded from just 838 residents in 1801 to 24,767 by 1887 as it developed into a fashionable Victorian resort.
• The town's railway station, opened in 1859, was built with platforms offering spectacular sea views.
• Torbay hosted the watersports events of the 1948 Summer Olympic Games.

Paignton

• The legendary Paignton Pudding tradition dates back to the 1200s, with a giant pudding baked in 1859 to celebrate the railway's arrival causing such chaos that thousands of people swarmed to get a piece.
• King Edward I granted Paignton permission to hold a weekly market and yearly fair in 1294, making it an official market town.
• Oldway Mansion was built in the 1870s for Isaac Merritt Singer, the American industrialist who made his fortune improving the sewing machine.
• Paignton was historically known for producing grapes, cabbages, and cider before becoming a seaside resort.
• Paignton Zoo, which opened in 1923, is home to over 2,000 animals representing nearly 300 species.

Brixham

• On 5 November 1688, William of Orange landed in Brixham with 40,000 soldiers, sailors, and volunteers during the Glorious Revolution before marching on London to become King William III.
• Brixham was historically two separate communities connected by a marshy lane: "Fishtown" near the harbour and "Cowtown" inland where farmers lived.
• The town developed revolutionary large sailing trawlers in the early 19th century, whose design was copied by boat builders across Britain and helped establish fishing fleets in Hull, Grimsby, and Lowestoft.
• Brixham invented the world's first paint that would stop cast iron from rusting, created around 1845.
• The distinctive red sails of Brixham's fishing boats got their colour from local ochre, which was boiled with tar, tallow, and oak bark to protect the canvas from seawater.
• Berry Head limestone was quarried from the mid-18th century until the 1960s, with so much stone removed that a substantial portion of Berry Head North Fort disappeared.

Torbay Overall

• Torbay is known as the "English Riviera" after Victorian visitors compared its warm climate to the French Riviera.
• The area is one of only eight UNESCO Global Geoparks in the UK, recognised for its unique geological significance.
• Human activity in the Torbay area dates back to Paleolithic times, approximately 450,000 years ago, with hand axes found in Kents Cavern.

History

The history of Torbay stretches back an extraordinary 450,000 years, with Palaeolithic hand axes discovered in Kents Cavern providing evidence of some of the earliest human habitation in Europe. A maxilla fragment known as Kents Cavern 4 may represent the oldest example of a modern human in Europe, dating back 37,000-40,000 years ago. Roman soldiers visited the area during their occupation of Britain, leaving offerings at a rock formation called "The Face" in Kents Cavern. The three towns that comprise modern Torbay each have distinct medieval origins: Torquay began as the Saxon hamlet of Torre, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Brixham was documented as "Briseham" in the Domesday Book with just 39 residents, whilst Paignton appeared as "Peintone," derived from the Anglo-Saxon meaning "Pæga's people's settlement". Torre Abbey, founded in 1196, became the richest Premonstratensian monastery in England by the time of its dissolution in 1539. Paignton received its market town charter from Edward I in 1294, allowing weekly markets and yearly fairs.

The transformation of Torbay from modest fishing villages into fashionable seaside resorts began during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815), when continental travel became impossible and the Royal Navy used Torbay as a sheltered anchorage. Naval officers and their families began visiting the area, attracted by its mild climate and fresh air, which made it particularly popular as a winter retreat for those in poor health. Sir Lawrence Palk, 2nd Baronet, initiated Torquay's development by commissioning John Rennie to design a new harbour, completed in 1807 at a cost of £27,000. His solicitor William Kitson, known as "the Maker of Torquay," oversaw much of the town's elegant Regency development from 1833, creating exclusive residential areas like the Warberries and Lincombes, including the magnificent Hesketh Crescent completed in 1848. Brixham flourished as a fishing port during this period, becoming the largest fishery in England by 1850 with 270 vessels employing 1,600 seamen, earning the town recognition as "The Mother of Trawling" for perfecting deep-sea fishing techniques. Meanwhile, Paignton remained largely agricultural until the 1830s, famous for growing cabbages and earning its inhabitants the nickname "Flat-polls".

The arrival of the railway revolutionised Torbay's accessibility and popularity as a resort destination. Torre railway station opened on 18 December 1848, followed by the more central Torquay station on 2 August 1859, whilst Paignton was connected to the rail network in 1859 and Brixham in 1868. These transport links transformed the area into one of Victorian Britain's premier holiday destinations, earning the collective nickname "The English Riviera" due to comparisons with the French Riviera's warm climate. Torquay's population exploded from just 838 in 1801 to 24,767 by 1887, and the town was granted borough status in 1892. Paignton's development accelerated with the construction of its pier in 1879, designed by George Soudon Bridgman who became known as "The Father of Paignton" for his architectural contributions including Oldway Mansion. The area's geological significance was recognised in modern times with UNESCO Global Geopark status, making it one of only seven such sites in the UK, acknowledging both its ancient human heritage and unique limestone landscape formed millions of years ago on a tropical seabed.

Main Attractions

Torquay

Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves

This extensive limestone cave system is one of Britain's most important prehistoric sites, with evidence of human occupation dating back over 40,000 years. Guided tours take visitors through illuminated chambers and tunnels, explaining the geological formation and archaeological discoveries. The caves maintain a constant temperature of 14°C throughout the year, making them suitable for visits in any weather.

Babbacombe Model Village

Spanning four acres, this detailed miniature world features thousands of model buildings, landscapes, and animated scenes depicting British life. The attraction includes scaled-down versions of famous landmarks, working railways, and seasonal displays. Evening illuminations operate during certain periods, transforming the village with thousands of lights.

Torquay Seafront and Marina

The palm-lined promenade stretches along Tor Bay, featuring a working marina that accommodates pleasure craft and offers boat trips. The seafront includes pavilions, cafés, and access to several beaches. The harbour area serves as a departure point for coastal cruises and ferry services to other parts of the English Riviera.

Babbacombe Downs and Cliff Railway

These elevated gardens and open spaces provide panoramic views across Lyme Bay and the Devon coast. The cliff railway, operating since 1926, transports visitors down the steep cliff face to Oddicombe Beach below. The Downs feature formal gardens, walking paths, and a theatre offering seasonal entertainment.

Cockington Country Park and Village

This 460-acre country park surrounds a picturesque thatched village that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The park includes woodland walks, ornamental lakes, and formal gardens, whilst the village houses craft studios, galleries, and traditional tea rooms. Horse-drawn carriage rides operate from the village to various points within the park.

Princess Theatre

South Devon's largest theatre presents a year-round programme of touring West End productions, musicals, comedy shows, and pantomimes. The venue, which opened in 1961, seats over 1,500 people and regularly hosts nationally recognised performers and productions.

Torquay Beaches

Torre Abbey Sands offers a sandy beach directly opposite the town centre, with calm waters suitable for swimming and family activities. Meadfoot Beach provides a more secluded setting with pebbles and rock pools, popular with local residents. These beaches feature basic facilities and are accessible via the seafront promenade.

Paignton

Paignton has a popular sea-front filled with bars and clubs. Paignton beach and the nearby Preston Sands are the best places in Torbay to practice water sports such as windsurfing and dinghy sailing.

Paignton Zoo

Paignton Zoo is one of the leading zoological gardens in the UK, covering 80 acres and home to over 2,000 animals representing around 250 species. The zoo features a variety of habitats, including Reptile Tropics, Crocodile Swamp, and Lemur Wood. Visitors can see gorillas, orangutans, giraffes, tigers, rhinos, and more. The zoo operates as both a visitor attraction and a conservation centre, offering educational exhibits and botanical gardens with thousands of plant species. It is open daily except Christmas Day and offers facilities such as play areas and dining options.

Paignton Pier

Built in 1879, this Victorian pier extends 780 feet into Torbay and houses traditional seaside amusements including arcade games, rides, and refreshment facilities. The pier offers unobstructed sea views and fishing opportunities from its end section. Various entertainment events and seasonal activities take place throughout the year.

Paignton and Goodrington Beaches

Paignton's main beach stretches for over a mile, featuring golden sand and a traditional promenade lined with colourful beach huts. Goodrington Sands, located to the south, offers a quieter alternative with shallow, safe waters particularly suitable for families with young children. Both beaches provide facilities including cafés, toilets, and seasonal lifeguard services.

Oldway Mansion

Oldway Mansion in Paignton is a Grade II* listed building set within 19.5 acres of landscaped gardens. Built in the late 19th century as the private residence of Isaac Singer, founder of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, its interiors were inspired by the Palace of Versailles. The mansion later served as council offices and was used for civil ceremonies. Although the building itself has been closed to the public since 2013 due to maintenance challenges, the extensive grounds, gardens, and bowling green remain accessible for public use.

Dartmouth Steam Railway

This heritage railway operates along seven miles of track, following the coast from Paignton through Goodrington and Churston to Kingswear. The journey offers views of Torbay and the South Devon countryside, with vintage steam locomotives providing the motive power. At Kingswear, passengers can connect to river boats for the journey up the River Dart to Dartmouth.

Paignton Green and Geopark

The large open space fronting Paignton seafront serves as a venue for events, festivals, and recreational activities throughout the year. The adjacent Geopark features an adventure playground with geological-themed play equipment, designed to reflect the area's designation as part of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark.

Splashdown Quaywest

This outdoor waterpark, situated on Goodrington Sands, operates seasonally from late spring to early autumn. Facilities include water slides, lazy rivers, and children's play areas. The attraction caters primarily to families and operates weather permitting, with reduced capacity during cooler periods.

Brixham

The attractive Brixham (pop. 16,000), built on hilly grounds, was the country's busiest fishing port in the 19th century. It is also the place where the fishing trawler was invented.

Brixham is best remembered in history as the port where William III of Orange and his Dutch army landed on 5 November 1688. during the Glorious Revolution, in which King James II was deposed without bloodshed in favour of his Protestant nephew and son-in-law.

Brixham Harbour

One of England's largest fishing ports, Brixham harbour combines working fishing vessels with pleasure craft in a picturesque setting. The harbour front features fish markets, seafood restaurants, and gift shops, whilst the inner harbour provides moorings for visiting yachts. Daily fish auctions take place in the early morning, and boat trips depart regularly for coastal excursions.

Golden Hind Replica

The replica of the Golden Hind in Brixham Harbour is a full-sized reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s famous 16th-century ship. It has been a harbour landmark and visitor attraction for over fifty years. Open to the public from spring through autumn, the ship offers on-board exhibitions and interactive displays detailing life at sea during the Elizabethan era, as well as Drake's circumnavigation of the globe. The current replica was completed in 1988 and is open for self-guided tours, contributing to both education and tourism in Brixham.

Berry Head National Nature Reserve

This limestone headland rises 200 feet above sea level and supports rare wildlife including seabirds, wildflowers, and butterflies. The site features remains of Napoleonic-era fortifications and a lighthouse, alongside well-maintained footpaths offering extensive views across Torbay and Lyme Bay. The reserve covers 110 acres and includes guided walk programmes during summer months.

Breakwater Beach and Breakwater Walk

The stone breakwater extends nearly 1,000 feet into the sea, providing shelter for the harbour and creating a popular walking route with sea views. The adjacent shingle beach offers swimming and sunbathing opportunities, with calmer waters protected by the breakwater structure. The area includes basic facilities and connects to the South West Coast Path.

Shoalstone Seawater Pool

This outdoor swimming pool, filled with filtered seawater, operates seasonally and provides a unique swimming experience beside the sea. Built in the 1930s, the pool measures 33 metres in length and includes changing facilities and a small café. The pool offers an alternative to sea swimming whilst maintaining the character of seawater.

South West Coast Path (Brixham Section)

The national trail passes through all three towns, with the Brixham section offering particularly dramatic cliff-top walking. The path connects Berry Head to Paignton via Brixham town centre, providing access to secluded coves, coastal viewpoints, and wildlife watching opportunities. Well-maintained waymarking and interpretation boards guide walkers along the route.

Top Museums

Torquay

Torre Abbey Museum

Located within an ancient scheduled monument, Torre Abbey is not only a museum but a historical journey through over 800 years. The museum is renowned for its engaging exhibits, including interactive displays, talking statues, and evocative period rooms. Art lovers will enjoy the gallery spaces, showcasing diverse collections such as “The Call of the Sea,” the Dartmoor Gallery, and works by Burne-Jones. Visitors can also wander through the atmospheric abbey ruins, palm house, and the Agatha Christie Potent Plants Garden, tying together Torquay’s literary and horticultural heritage.

Torquay Museum

Regarded as one of South West England’s finest, Torquay Museum spans 400 million years of local history. The museum’s standout feature is the permanent Agatha Christie Gallery, with recreations of Poirot’s study and lounge, celebrating the Queen of Crime’s Torquay roots. Other highlights include the Explorers Gallery, an extensive Egyptology collection (featuring a 2,500-year-old mummified boy), and artefacts from prehistoric settlements. The museum also features interactive spaces suitable for families and children, making it an engaging stop for visitors of all ages.

Bygones

Bygones is a delightfully eccentric museum, ideal for those interested in nostalgia and British heritage. Step back in time through meticulously recreated Victorian street scenes, explore an immersive model railway, and marvel at curious memorabilia from the past century. Bygones offers a window into everyday life from times gone by, with quirky displays and hands-on fun for all the family.

The Real Crime Museum

Located on the harbour, this unique and atmospheric venue delves into the world of crime, forensics, policing, and the criminal underworld. The museum boasts exhibits on gangsters, policing memorabilia (including a real prison cell), and the largest collection of Charles Bronson artwork in the world. Set inside wartime bunkers, it provides an unusual, captivating experience for those fascinated by the darker side of history.

Brixham

Brixham Heritage Museum

Housed in a former police station, this charming museum traces Brixham’s past from prehistory through to its heyday as a major British fishing port. The exhibits include maritime artefacts, models of famous local trawlers, and archaeological finds from nearby caves. Social history is brought to life with recreations of Victorian rooms and displays about Brixham’s role in the Napoleonic Wars and the fishing industry. The museum’s collection of over 10,000 objects paints a vivid picture of life in this bustling port town.

Brixham Battery Heritage Group & Museum

Situated within the grounds of a World War Two coastal artillery battery, this military museum features a remarkable collection of wartime artefacts, including a genuine Anderson shelter, naval and anti-aircraft guns, uniforms, and memorabilia tied to Brixham’s defence history. Maintained by passionate volunteers, the museum provides historical insight into the region’s military significance and offers a unique, hands-on perspective for visitors interested in wartime history.

Local Cuisine

Known as England's Seafood Coast, Torbay boasts some of the finest fresh seafood in the country, with Brixham's bustling fish market handling over £40 million of fish annually and landing over 40 varieties including Brixham crab, lobster, lemon sole, and Elberry Cove mussels. The traditional Devon cream tea remains a quintessential local experience, served with clotted cream applied first followed by locally produced jam on freshly baked scones, accompanied by loose-leaf tea in fine bone china. Beyond seafood, the region's fertile red soil produces exceptional local ingredients that supply everything from Michelin-starred establishments like The Elephant to charming seaside chippies, whilst local breweries such as Bays Brewery craft award-winning ales with distinctly Devonshire names like Topsail and Devon Dumpling. Whether you're indulging in fish and chips by the harbour, savoring a traditional Sunday roast with locally sourced meats, or exploring the international cuisine scene, Torbay's culinary landscape perfectly balances time-honoured British traditions with contemporary gastronomy.

Getting There & Around

By train, the scenic Riviera Line provides regular services linking Torbay with Exeter via Newton Abbot, with stations at Torre, Torquay, and Paignton offering convenient access to the coast. Direct trains from London Paddington take approximately three hours, whilst services from Bristol reach Torquay in around two hours.

By coach, National Express operates regular services to Torbay from major cities across the UK, with coaches arriving at central locations within easy reach of the main attractions.

By car, visitors travelling from the north should take the M6 then M5 to Exeter, before joining the A38 which provides direct access to Torquay and connects the area to the UK motorway network. All three transport options offer straightforward routes to this picturesque corner of Devon's English Riviera, making it an accessible destination for holidaymakers from across Britain.