United Kingdom, Torquay

Torquay is a safe, friendly seaside resort in the south-west of England. Torquay is Victoria’s surfing capital and a major holiday resort town, where the beach-based culture is at its strongest. It is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty known as the English Riviera.

The English Riviera is a resort in the truest sense of the word, attracting visitors of all ages and interests throughout the year.

Torquay has been one of the UK’s top holiday destinations since Victorian Times when the gentry promenaded, bathing huts were wheeled down to the beaches and anyone who was anyone had an attractive villa overlooking the sea.

It was the Victorians who first used the Riviera name to describe their favourite resort and their legacy remains to this day with sparkling white villas perched on the verdant hilltops, beautiful gardens around the seafront and elegant Victorian facades along the main streets.

The Torquay area is famous for its surf beaches with Jan Juc and the world famous Bells Beach located on the town's southern outskirts.

Torquay has the both protected family beaches, and the action of the surging surfs. Nearby Jan Juc is a little wilder. Bells Beach is next stop on the coast where the big swells are definitely for experienced surfers.

Many of the world's most famous surf companies have their home in Torquay, including Rip Curl Piping Hot and Quicksilver, which make up part of the giant Surfworld Plaza development. Which includes shopping, eating and the fantastic Surf Museum.

There is an abundance of pavement cafes, pubs, restaurants and nightlife, good quality shops and a host of attractions to suit every interest.

The English Riviera, Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, offers an abundance of sport & leisure opportunities.

Torquay has an excellent Squash following, centred on Torquay Squash Club.

Most of the Torquay visitors are still from the British Isles and arrive through a combination of road, rail, sea and air.

Torquay is served by a main railway line, the M5 motorway to Exeter, airports in both Exeter and Plymouth, a main sea port in Plymouth together with an international marina in Torquay and three harbours at Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.