[Disclosure: This Guest Post was brought to you with support from our partners.]
Fountain in Princess Gardens, Torquay.
Photo via Wikimedia, by David Hawgood
In South Devon in the South of England lies the typical English seaside towns of Torquay, Babbacombe, Paignton and Brixham, which make up the borough of Torbay, nicknamed the English Riviera. It is a popular spot for domestic and foreign tourists with possibly the nicest climate in the UK and plenty of things to see and do.
The Agatha Christie Mile
World famous crime-fiction writer Agatha Christie was born in Torquay and spent much of her life writing from her holiday home in the area. You can take the 1947 vintage bus called “the Barney” down the Agatha Christie mile to see some of the key places that inspired her works.
Learn English
Torbay has recently been attracting lots of language education tourism. Its attractive surroundings, pleasant climate and friendly atmosphere have made it a popular destination, for all ages, looking for a place to learn English in England.
The English Riviera Wheel
Direct from the London Olympic Village, the wheel stands at almost 60 metres in the Princess Gardens in Torquay. It enables visitors to experience 360 degree views of the bay. The 12 minute ride is complete with commentary of the bays history and its attractions.
Princess Gardens
According to Tulsa pest control services, by the Torquay waterside are the Princess Gardens, which is a beautifully kept promenade of palm trees and flower beds. It is the venue for many events throughout the year including the famous Agatha Christie Festival Fete.
Kents Cavern
The Kents cavern is one of Europe´s oldest prehistoric caves. It is open to the public allowing you to walk through the incredible naturally formed maze. One hour-long tours are lead, ending in the underground exhibition chamber. Underground theatre entertainment and summer evening ghost walks are featured.
Paignton Zoo
This is one of Britain’s best zoos with 80 acres of natural habitats including many rare and beautiful animals and unusual plant species. Visitors can watch the animals being fed and learn about them from scheduled zoo keeper talks.
Beach huts and cafe at Corbyn’s Beach. Photo via Wikimedia, by David Dixon
Go to the beach
Along the English Riviera, there are over 20 beaches to choose from. They are some of the cleanest in England and four have been awarded the blue flag award for management, water cleanliness and quality. If you are looking to sun bathe in peace, build sand castles, look for wildlife in the rock pools or paddle in the sea, there is a beach along the 22 mile stretch to suit.
Torquay Museum
The Torquay museum will take you back over 400 years detailing the history of the English Riviera. There are artefacts from the excavations of the Kents Cavern, which where priceless to the countries understanding of the origins of human life. It is also home to England’s only permanent Agatha Christie exhibition.
Torbay Royal Regatta Bi Centenary
The 200 year old traditional of the Torbay Royal Regatta will take place this year (2013) between Saturday 24th and Wednesday 28th August. The regatta was the first yachting race in the country to receive royal patronage and includes many different water races such as speed boats, rowing and swimming. There is a grand ball, a firework display and an aerobatic performance by the Red Arrows during the festivities.
Torquay’s Dinosaur World
Especially fun for children and informative for all ages, Dinosaur world is an indoor exhibition with scale dinosaur models in realistic settings. You can hunt for fossils in the excavation sites and take part in a fun family quiz.
