The English Riviera, Torbay, South Devon

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Welcome to the

English Riviera

Torquay, Paignton and Brixham holiday resorts in South Devon

THE ENGLISH RIVIERA

The English Riviera is a term commonly used to refer to Torbay ('The Bay' or 'Torbaydos') in Devon in the south-west of England. The Victorians were the first to use the Riviera name to describe one of their favourite seaside resorts, mainly due to Torbay's similarity with the French Riviera. This is mostly a result of Torbay's favourable coastal micro-climate.

As the bay is in the shape of a horseshoe facing southeast, it forms a perfect suntrap. The heights of Dartmoor, immediately to the north west, protect the resort from the prevailing winds, and the Gulf Stream brings into the bay warmer waters, the end result being a climate that is much milder than that experienced by most UK coastal resorts. Winters are mild and short, while spring and summer often extend far beyond the UK norm.

The nickname 'English Riviera' has therefore endured as a means of attracting holiday tourism, and is often used in conjunction with the 'Torbay Palm' (Cordyline Australis), originating from New Zealand, which has been adopted as the symbol of Torbay in almost all official promotional material.

The Bay consists of three main seaside towns which are all holiday resorts in their own right, these are Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham. Torquay is at the northern end of Torbay and is the largest of the seaside towns. The town is built on a number of inter-linked hills that give dramatic views over the bay. Torquay has a picturesque harbour and a sweeping promenade which is tucked under a steep hillside and is the location of the famous palm trees. It is this area which is reminiscent of the French Riviera. The main attractions of the town are the excellent beaches; the three best known being, Torre Abbey Sands, located in front of the town, Babbacombe beach and Oddicombe Beach located to the rear of the town. Paignton is situated in the middle of Torbay's crescent and is a pleasant family orientated coastal holiday resort. The town is a traditional seaside resort with plenty of attractions and there are several wide sandy beaches to choose from - Preston Sands, Paignton Beach and Goodrington Sands. Brixham is located at the southern end of Torbay and is a traditional fishing port that still has a large fleet of boats operating. The town is built on several hills that overlook the large harbour. There are no bathing beaches as such in the town but there are several beaches nearby. Also nearby is Berry Head Country Park, which is a headland that forms the southern most point of the bay. It is a cliff top area which offers spectacular views over the whole of Torbay.

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