| Known
as the Queen of the English Riviera, Torquay became popular as a holiday
retreat for the Victorians who came for the mild climate. Much of the style
and elegance of those days is retained though the town is now a fashionable
modern resort with a continental atmosphere and an internationally renowned
Marina. |
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Many famous names
have been connected with Torquay. Agatha Christie was born here in 1890
and spent much of her life here. You can walk the 'Agatha Christie' mile
and visit some of the places that inspired her writings. Horatio Nelson
stayed at Torre Abbey in 1801 and Isambard Kingdom Brunel fell in love
with the area and commissioned a house he was to retire to in the Watcombe
area of the town. As well as its nine beautiful beaches and coves, Torquay
has much to offer whether you are seeking an active holiday or a relaxing
break or perhaps a combination of the two. The nationally renowned Model
Village at Babbacombe makes a fascinating visit for all the family and
the 'picture postcard' thatched village of Cockington is a 'must see'.
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There
are many things to do 'indoors' too. The English Riviera Centre has a fun
pool with flume and wave machine as well as racquet sports and a fully equipped
gym. The Bowling Centre offers 22 lanes of Ten Pin Bowling as well as Quasar,
Video Games and Amusements. You can 'experience the Stone Age' at Kents
Cavern, visit Torre Abbey for its collection of paintings and antiques and
its Agatha Christie Memorial Room and the Spanish Barn where 300 Spanish
prisoners were held after the failed Armada in 1588. |
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Sports facilities are plentiful, from the water sports you would expect to find, to Bowling (ten pin and the more genteel variety). Tennis, Golf, Squash, Badminton, Riding and much more. For the slightly less energetic the signposted coastal walks will offer an opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery. If you would prefer to simply sit and admire the view, there are many ideal vantage points. The Theatres, Nightclubs and Discos provide evening entertainment and there is dining to suit all from award winning fish and chips to fine French cuisine. Agatha Christie's Riviera Agatha Christie, internationally renowned as the most prolific mystery writer, was born in Torquay in 1890 and spent much of her life in the area. There are many local spots which inspired her and you can follow the Agatha Christie Mile from the Tourist Information Centre to take in some of them. The Imperial Hotel was used as a setting in both 'Peril at End House' and 'Sleeping Murder', and Princess Gardens features in the ABC Murders. Cockington Court was the home of the Mallocks, friends of Agatha's family and she was encouraged to take part in the amateur dramatics on the front lawn. Meadfoot Beach and Beacon Cove were popular bathing spots for Agatha and of course it was ladies only in those days! |
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