THE ENGLISH RIVIERA

The English Riviera is a term commonly used to refer to Torbay in the south-west of England. The Victorians were the first to use the Riviera name to describe one of their favourite 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 that that experienced by most of the UK. 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 tourism, and is often used in conjunction with the 'Torbay Palm', originating from New Zealand, which has been adopted as the symbol of Torbay in almost all official promotional material.

Torbay consists of three main towns which are all 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 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. One of the main attractions of the town is the excellent beaches; the three best known being, Torre Abbey Sands, located in front of the town and Babbacombe and Oddicombe Beaches located to the rear of the town. Paignton is situated in the middle of the bay's crescent and is a pleasant family orientated 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 the bay 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 clifftop area which offers spectacular views over the whole bay.

BABBACOMBE FESTIVAL

17^th - 28^th June

12 days of seaside summer fun.

REGATTAS

PAIGNTON REGATTA

8^th - 16^th August

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BRIXHAM REGATTA

T.B.A.

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TORBAY ROYAL REGATTA

22^nd - 26^th August

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DARTMOUTH REGATTA

27th August - 29th Augustr

Classic Car Show

Paignton sea front

27^th of July

Beer Festival

Occombe Farm

13^th - 14^th of June

Torbay Carnival Week

27^th of July - 3^rd of August

Torbay Half Marathon

22^nd of June

Torbay Steam Fair 2009

31^st of July - 2^nd of August

Simply Ballroom

Princess Theatre

29^th of June

Torbay Week

22^nd - 27^th of August

Honda Power Boats

23^rd - 26^th May

Torquay Harbour

Torquay International Power Boat Race

24^th of August

Holiday Chalets for sale

At Norton Park, Dartmouth

Detached 2 bed in good condition

£30,950

For more information go to the Park-Holidays web site

Entertainers

Click here to see entertainers around the English Riviera

PLACES TO STAY