The Devon holiday resort of Torquay is situated within Torbay, an area in the South West of England that includes two additional towns, Paignton and Brixham.

When originally established Torquay was little more than a fishing port alongside near neighbor Brixham. In the 19th century however it quickly became known as a fashionable seaside location within its own micro climate, earning itself the nickname the "English Riviera".

There are numerous places of interest at hand to visit in Torquay and include Kents Cavern, Babbacombe Model Village, Bygones Museum and Cockington Country Park. Recommended beaches include Babbacombe, Oddicombe, Meadfoot and Torre Abbey Sands, where it is claimed to be the best place to build a sandcastle in the country!

Famous people who are from or lived in Torquay include the author Agatha Christie, the comic and satirist Peter Cook, model Lily Cole and comedian Miranda Hart. It is also a well known fact that John Cleese found inspiration for the sitcom Fawlty Towers after spending time staying at the Gleneagles Hotel, set in the Wellswood area of the town.

Within recent years there has been much discussion of regeneration within the area as the stagnant tourism industry fails in bringing in much needed revenue to the area. A bypass intending to shorten the journey by car from Newton Abbot has been proposed and planning applications are currently being pushed through government.

As an inhabitant of Torquay for over 25 years I am biased when I say that Torquay is one of the nicest places to live in the country. With beautiful beaches and friendly locals I would not choose anywhere else to be during the summer months!