The English Riviera

This is the three resorts of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, which surround a sheltered bay on the south coast of Devon. They were popular tourist resorts in the 19thC but are, like a lot of places, less popular now. The ‘English Riviera’ tag was an early marketing gimmick, comparing it to the French one.

We drive to Paignton and then walked round the bay to Torquay. This was over the headland so energetic enough to make up for the ice cream!

View of Torquay from the cliff in Paignton

The Pavilion in Torquay. This is an important Edwardian building which has been used for various things since it stopped being a theatre but without success.

Edwardian fountain on the gardens on the front. Recently restored to its original colour.

Yin and yang symbol being drawn on the beach by an artist, using just a rake.

After we had walked back to the car, we went to Cockington. This is just inland from Torquay and is a tourist magnet. Luckily, it was not a weekend and there are no tourist coaches. (An unexpected advantage of the virus.)

This is an unexpectedly beautiful traditional village, big house and surrounding land, just behind Torquay. Apparently it was sold by the family who owned it to Torquay Corporation in 1932. Agatha Christie dedicated one of her books to a member of the landowning family. The estate is now a Country Park and they have their own Registry Office for weddings.