Torbay, England

Torbay is an east-facing bay, at the western most end of Lyme Bay in the south-west of England, situated roughly midway between the cities of Exeter and Plymouth There are three main towns around the bay: Torquay in the north, Paignton in the centre, and Brixham in the south. It is commonly referred to as the English Riviera due to its mild climate.

Torquay is famous for being the birth place of Agatha Christie, while Paignton is well known for it pubs and clubs, its water sports and the Paignton zoo. Brixham is an attractive town with an interesting history that can be discovered at its museum.

Things to see and do

* Parks & Gardens
* Art Galleries & Museums
* Babbacombe Model Village - Torquay
* Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
* Royal Terrace Gardens Rock Walk - Torquay

General information

Cruise Season – March to Nov
Currency – Pound Sterling (GDP)
Language – English
Land Area – 62.88 sq km
Population – 133,000
Electricity – British-style plug with two flat blades and one flat grounding blade
Time – GMT plus zero hours
International Country Telephone Code – +44

Port Location – The closest major port to the English Riviera is Plymouth, located approximately one hour to the west by road.

Transport Links - Express bus services provide fast links between Exeter, Torquay and Plymouth. Regular train services from Paignton, Torquay and Newton Abbot. A regular ferry service runs from Torquay to Brixham and back, taking approximately 30 minutes. Riverlink run local ferry trips on the River Dart as well as a tour to Greenway Gardens, the home of the late Agatha Christie, now open as a National Trust Garden. A brightly coloured road train runs a circular route along Torquay seafront and back down through the town centre.