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Why is it called the English Riviera?

Author

Emily Cortez

Published Mar 20, 2026

Why is it called the English Riviera?

The “English Riviera” was named so because it was seen as the English version of the famous French Riviera, due to its comparative popularity as a holiday resort, but is actually a group of towns and villages known collectively as Torbay.

Thereof, what is known as the English Riviera?

Torbay was first referred to as the 'English Riviera' in Victorian times, thanks to visitors comparing it favourably to the French Riviera, although the entire area was already popular for its great views and warm climate.

Furthermore, what is Torquay known for? Set at the very heart of the English Riviera on the South Devon Coast, Torquay is famous for its sandy beaches, family attractions and genteel Victorian appearance.

Similarly one may ask, why is Torquay The English Riviera?

Later, as the town's fame spread, it was popular with Victorian society. Renowned for its mild climate, the town earned the nickname the English Riviera. The writer Agatha Christie was born in the town and lived at Ashfield in Torquay during her early years.

Which is nicer Torquay or Paignton?

Torquay itself is nicer, more shops etc, Paignton has a better beach, both are equal for tourist attractions. Painton has nicer beaches, less busy feel. Torquay has nicer shops.

Is Torquay and Torbay the same place?

Torbay (Torquay, Paignton and Brixham) The Torbay region of South Devon, commonly referred to as 'The English Riviera', contains the delightful towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham; the setting for many of Agatha Christie's books.

How far is Torbay from Paignton?

2 miles

Is Exeter North or South Devon?

It is part of South West England, bounded by Cornwall to the west, Somerset to the north east, and Dorset to the east. The city of Exeter is the county town. The county includes the districts of East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torridge, and West Devon.

Is Torbay a county?

Torbay, unitary authority, geographic and historic county of Devon, southwestern England, on the English Channel coast. It comprises three old towns—Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham—grouped around Tor Bay.

What is someone from Torquay called?

*Editor's note: People from Torquay are not called Torquians.

Is Torquay worth visiting?

Its attractions have been officially recognised by TripAdvisor, which named Torquay as the UK's top seaside resort – an award that's very much worth having: “These awards are based on millions of reviews and ratings by those that really matter – travellers themselves,” said TripAdvisor spokesperson James Kay.

How do you pronounce Torquay UK?

Record yourself saying 'Torquay' in full sentences, then watch yourself and listen.

Below is the UK transcription for 'Torquay':

  1. Modern IPA: tóːk?´j.
  2. Traditional IPA: ˌt?ːˈkiː
  3. 2 syllables: "TAW" + "KEE"

Is Torquay a good place to live?

Torbay has a few positives like relatively good employment, but due to things like its poor incomes and high cost of living it still finds itself in the bottom 20 of the table of Uswitch's best places to live in the UK for 2015.

What sea is off Torquay?

It consists of 62.87 square kilometres (24.27 sq mi) of land, spanning the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, located around an east-facing natural harbour (Tor Bay) on the English Channel.

What sea is in Torquay?

Set at the very heart of the English Riviera on the South Devon Coast, Torquay is famous for its sandy beaches, family attractions and genteel Victorian appearance. Torbay is distinctly Mediterranean and is a family favourite with plenty of attractions and things to do.

How far is Cornwall from Torquay?

The distance between Torquay and Cornwall is 54 miles. The road distance is 67 miles.

What does Torbay mean?

Torbay in British English
(ˌt?ːˈbe? ) 1. a unitary authority in SW England, in Devon, consisting of Torquay and two neighbouring coastal resorts.

Where in England is Cornwall?

Cornwall (/ˈk?ːrnw?ːl, -w?l/; Cornish: Kernow [ˈk?rn??]) is a ceremonial county in South West England, bordered to the north and west by the Celtic Sea, to the south by the English Channel, and to the east by Devon, the River Tamar forming the border between them.

What is there to do in Torquay for free?

Here is my list of 10 free things to do in Torbay with children.
  • Visit the picturesque village of Cockington.
  • See the home of Isaac Singer.
  • Ride a tractor at Occombe Farm.
  • Watch the fishermen return with their catch at Paignton Harbour.
  • Have a sand castle building competition at the best sandcastle building beach in England.

What is there to do in Torquay at night?

Evening Attractions
  • Royal Terrace Gardens - Torquay.
  • Evening Boat Cruises.
  • Gentings Casino, Torquay.
  • Kents Cavern, Torquay.
  • Babbacombe Model Village - Illuminations.
  • Ten Pin Bowling.
  • Paignton Pier Amusements.
  • Five Theatres!

What is there to do in Torquay today?

Let's explore the best things to do in Torquay:
  • Kents Cavern. Source: shutterstock.
  • Babbacombe Model Village. Source: Chris Jenner / Shutterstock.com.
  • Torre Abbey. Source: shutterstock.
  • Cockington Country Park. Source: shutterstock.
  • Bygones. Source: facebook.
  • Living Coasts.
  • Oddicombe Beach.
  • Babbacombe Cliff Railway.

What ocean is Torquay?

Torquay is a seaside resort in Victoria, Australia, which faces Bass Strait, 21 km south of Geelong and is the gateway to the Great Ocean Road.

How far is Ilfracombe from Torquay?

The distance between Torquay and Ilfracombe is 58 miles. The road distance is 85.5 miles.

How far is Torbay from Torquay?

Distance between Torbay and Torquay. Distance between Torbay and Torquay is 2.57 km. This distance is equal to 1.6 miles, and 1.39 nautical miles.

Does Torquay have a train station?

Torquay railway station is on the Riviera Line and serves the seaside resort of Torquay, Devon, England. It is 219 miles 79 chains (354.04 km) measured from London Paddington. The station is operated by Great Western Railway. It is just a few yards from the sea at Torre Abbey Sands.

Can you fly to Torquay?

Torquay doesn't have an airport of its own. There are three airports within 100 miles of Torquay that you can fly to, however. The nearest is Exeter Airport, which is 26 miles (40 minutes' drive) from Torquay town centre. Read on for more information, or click here to book flights to Exeter.

How do you get from London to Torquay?

The average journey time between London and Torquay is 3 hours 24 minutes . On an average weekday, there are 10 trains travelling from London to Torquay. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays.

What is it like to live in Paignton?

Paignton is a picturesque seaside resort that is known for its mild climate and a lively seafront. The genteel buildings, bustling pier, sense of class, and lively streets make this small town a favourite place for anyone thinking of moving to the UK.

Is babbacombe a nice place to live?

Babbacombe is one of the nicest areas, you have the Downs, where you can stroll along, lots of seat all the way along to the Theatre, there is a nice green where the children can play, or a dog if you have one, as you admire the view, then facing the downs you have several hotels, pubs, tea shops, which again enjoy the

Whats it like to live in Brixham?

Well-sheltered, with a splendid outlook over Torbay, Brixham is friendly with a strong community spirit altogether a great place to live. The beaches at Shoalstone and the Breakwater, plus the coves at Fishcombe Churston and Elberry, are all part of the town, as are the villages of Churston and Galmpton.

How far is Paignton from Brixham?

4 miles

How do I get from Paignton to Brixham?

There are 3 ways to get from Brixham to Paignton by bus, taxi or foot. We recommend taking the bus from Brixham, Town Square to Paignton, Dartmouth Road, which is the cheapest option and takes around 18 min. Alternatively, taking the taxi from Brixham to Paignton is the fastest option and takes around 10 min.

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