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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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