Torquay also known as 'The English Riviera' got its name from the ancient Saxon hamlet of Torre and the Quay it sits on. Well known for its mild climate, there are many palm trees growing all around the area. Torquay was made popular in Victorian times, I'm sure many people reading this review will have visited Torquay on holiday as a child.

There are many beaches in Torquay, obviously some busier than others. While some are easy to get to, others are hidden away or quite steep to get to. 2 examples are;

Torre Abbey Sands- Is the main beach in Torquay, situated along the promenade and close to the main road getting in to Torquay. It is a sandy beach which is very popular with residents of the many surrounding hotels, as well as the locals. On the other side of the road is Torre Abbey Meadows, this is very popular for people wishing to enjoy the coast without getting sand in their picnic, there is also crazy golf, tennis, pitch and putt and a HiFlyer Balloon.

Coming off Torre Abbey Sands, to the left there is Torre Station, or continuing on is Paignton. Infront of you there is Torre Abbey Meadows, behind is Torre Abbey and the many hotels and B&B's Torquay has to offer. To the right is Torquay famous promenade, there is the Princess Gardens and the Princess Theatre. Continuing on is Torquays famous harbour, although there is quite a bit of regeneration work going on here right now. Carrying on there are arcades, victorian buildings and then the shops. Torquay has a large selection of shops, both big name stores such as Debenhams or River Island to little quaint shops. There are many gift shops and plenty of bars and restaurants.

-Torquay is built on 7 hills.
-A few Monty Ptython's Flying Circus sketches were filmed in Torquay, whilst filming and staying in a Torquay hotel, an eccentric hotel proprietor was the inspiration for John Cleese to create Basil Fawlty and Fawlty Towers.
-It was the setting for the 2003 film Blackball starring Vince Vaughan and Paul Kaye.
-Agatha Christie was born in Torquay.

Kents Cavern- Stone Age caves to explore, now with restaurant and gift shop.

Living Coasts- Black Rats, 5 Fur Seals, Penguins which visitors can walk amongst, Sea ducks, Gulls and Terns. There is underwater viewing points and a cafe.

Torre Abbey- Newly renovated, only re-opening in July. You can walk through the 1196 building, showcasing examples of Georgian life and now home to Torbays Art collection.
There are many other places in and around Torquay to visit, www.englishriviera.co.uk has a full list of attractions, plus accomodation.

I grew up in London, my parents decided to take a holiday together, like they did every year. They found themselves in Torquay this particular year, they loved it so much that later in the year we came down as a family. There were talks of moving but at 12 years old it doesn't sink in. We got home, my parents put the house on the market and we had moved to nearby Newton Abbot within 4 months. I have been a regular visitor to Torquay ever since, from visiting the sites as a teen, to enjoying the night life and spending lots of money there on my shopping trips. I even got married in a Torquay hotel.