In the late 17th century, the only safe anchorage, capable of sheltering the the entire British Fleet was Tor Bay. Consequently the fleet spent many prolonged stays in the Bay. During these stays, the wives of the officers came to visit, and required accommodation. This was the start of the Bay's holiday industry. There can be few resorts, anywhere in the world, able to claim such a long history of meeting the nation's holiday requirements.

The three towns, Paignton, Torquay and Brixham along the shores of Tor Bay are now collectively known both as Torbay and The English Riviera.

Paignton lies in the centre of the Tor Bay coastline, with Torquay to the north and Brixham to the south. The 'Bay' covers 22 miles of varied coastline, ranging from the rugged cliffs to sandy BEACHES.


Paignton, which lies in a relatively flat coastal plain, surrounded by low cliffs, was first settled in the 7th century by a Saxon named Paega. The area chosen was centred on the 'Well' near the Parish Church. The land between this settlement and the present beach-line was marshland, that was reclaimed as the town developed.
The small fishing harbour, built in 1838 is now mainly used by pleasure and sailing boats.
It was not until the coming of the railway in 1859, that Paignton began to develop into a large fashionable resort.


Oldway Mansion was built in 1873 by the American millionaire Isaac Singer (founder of the Singer Sewing Machine Co.), but materially altered in the early 1900s by Paris Singer in the style of the Palace of Versailles. It was used as the American Women's War Hospital at the outbreak of WWI. The Mansion and the gardens are open to the public, and the grand marble staircase and the gallery must be viewed.

To-day, Paignton has all the resources readily available for a memorable family holiday:
There are five excellent beaches plus many small coves, all safe for the youngsters;
Attractions that appeal to both children and adults - Britain's largest water-park or attractive pubs, bistros and restaurants; Activities that appeal to both the sedatory or hyper-active - sunbathing or exploring rock pools, to go-karting / quad-biking or paragliding.



Torquays oldest building is Torre Abbey which was founded in 1196 by the Premonstratensian monks. A small quay was later built and a tiny fishing hamlet established. There was little further development until the early 18th century with the arrival of the British Fleet. The number of visitors grew when the French ports were blockaded during the Napoleonic wars. Those who were used to travelling abroad discovered instead the delights of Torbay, and this was when the area became known as The English Riviera.



Torquay now has the reputation as being a a sophisicated modern resort whilst retaining the charm and elegance of yesteryear.
AGATHA CHRISTIE earnt the reputation of being the world's greatest mystery writer by using this elegance as the background for many of her novels. Guides are available to lead you round the areas associated with the authoress.





The main BEACHES in Torquay are Torre Sands and Babbacombe. There are also several smaller beaches and coves.

Brixham seamen were net fishing as early as the 12th century. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Brixham fishermen settled in places such as Hull and Grimsby, and therefore the area can rightly lay claim to being the mother of trawling.
A growing fleet of HISTORIC VESSELS operate out of Brixham and some offer the opportunity to join the crew on a sail around Tor Bay.
Life in Brixham continues to revolve around the busy harbour. You can wander around the many harbourside shops; watch the fishermen mending their nets or unloading the day's catch; sample the freshly caught seaford; or relax in a pub or restaurant.


In 1688, Prince William of Orange landed here, on his way to claim the throne as King William III.

Above Brixham stands Berry Head, a National Nature Reserve, which has been the site of fortifications since the Iron Age. The present ruins show the layout of the Napoleonic Fort, which was built in 1793-1805.


Brixham offers the visitor all types of sea-fishing, from mackrel to shark.


The area has several BEACHES and many coves, and there is also the Riviera's only open-air sea-water swimming pool.