Torquay lies 16 miles south of Exeter on the South West coast.  In the 19th century it became a fashionable seaside resort. Renowned for its healthy climate, it earned the nickname of the English Riviera.

Torquay's name originates in it being the quay of the ancient village of Torre, which in turn takes its name from the tor, or rocky outcrop, whose extensively quarried remains can be seen by the town's Tor Hill Road.

It has a mild microclimate and Torbay Palms are a notable feature of the area.  They were introduced into the area in 1820 from New Zealand and have flourished since then.  There are currently thousands throughout the town.

Torquay is also set along a coastline renowned for its beaches, having no fewer than nine popular beaches.  The high standards of water quality and beach facilities mean that many carry coveted awards, including no fewer than three European Blue Flags - more than any other resort in the UK.  The nine main beaches of Torquay stretch out along the palm lined coast.  These beaches are Maidencombe Beach, Watcombe Beach, Oddicombe Beach, Babbacombe Beach, Anstey's Cove, Meadfoot Beach, Torre Abbey Sands and Corbyn Sands.

Torquay has two railway stations. Torquay railway station is situated near the sea, close to Torre Abbey Sands.  Torre railway station is situated a little inland adjacent to the road leading to Newton Abbot. Not all trains stop at Torre.

Numerous tourist attractions vie for a share of the resort's visitors including Britain's most important Stone Age site, Kents Cavern which was home to early man for some 700,000 years and where tourists can visit this subterranean wonderland.

Living Coasts, another popular Torquay attraction, is built on Beacon Quay.   Development of the site, as a marine animal exhibit was first proposed in the early part of 1999.  It was in response to a call from Torbay Borough Council for submissions from interested parties.  The project, developed by Kay Elliott architects, included an exhibit to house marine birds, rather than fish, due to the need to avoid duplicating the exhibits at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. The project was subsequently taken on by Paignton Zoo Environmental Park and named Living Coasts.

Another old favourite of tourists, is the Babbacombe Model Village. Opened in 1963 it has attracted children and adults of all ages for generations and is considered one of the best examples of a model village in England.

The Princess Theatre is a popular venue in the town.