The name Torquay originates from the ancient village of Torre it’s history goes back thousands of years in fact hand axes that were found in Kents Cavern were 450,000yrs old. It is also known that Torquay’s first building was Tor Abbey and this was erected in 1196.
Torquay has a mild climate and the Victorians found it the perfect place to recuperate after illnesses especially for those coming from the much colder north of the country.
The population of Torquay in 1801 was 838 during the next fifty years it became a very popular place to live and the numbers rose to 11,474. The population rose again when the railways opened in the mid 19th century.
Tourism in the town goes back to Victorian times and in 1902 it was first advertised as a holiday resort. Nowadays over one million people visit Torquay per year.
Torquay has nine beaches many of which have awards including three European Blue Flag awards, the most in the UK. The Esplanade is known for its cabbage trees (known as Torbay Palms) they were brought into the country from New Zealand in 1820.
There are plenty of water sports to be tried and enjoyed including swimming, diving, sailing and surfing.
Torbay, which includes the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham is known as The English Riviera.
Torquay’s harbour is on the North Shore of Torbay it’s sheltered by two piers and is a busy port and vibrant with life from the leisure craft population. The marina has 440 berths and is next to a restored Edwardian building that is now the Pavilion Shopping Centre. Some of the shops to be found in Torquay are Honey, MK1, bonmarche, Maggie Shay, JD Sports, Reds Streetwear and the Officers Club.
The town has a good nightlife with plenty of continental type cafes and restaurants serving a variety of food.
There are a number of attractions in and around Torquay. Kents Cavern is very interesting and has some of the first signs of ancient man and animals.
Babbacome Model Village is a lovely place to enjoy, needing two or three hours to look round and is popular with both children and adults. It has beautifully laid out gardens with buildings and models totalling four hundred including a house on fire, a model railway and a streaker on the football pitch.
Cockington Village is another place not to be missed. It is a lovely village with thatch roofed cottages and pretty gardens. In the centre of the village is a forge and although no longer a working forge it is one of the most photographed buildings in the UK and dates back to the 14th century. It was also the picture on one of the first postcards issued in 1890. The Public house built in 1936 has a safe garden and serves fabulous food. The Manor House is Cockington Court and is a 17th century building.
Torquay is also close to Dartmoor, Exeter and Plymouth all worth a visit during a holiday.
Property to let is available with prices for a 2 bed flat from £575pcm and a 3 bed house from £650pcm.
Torquay is easily accessible with two railway stations serving the town and is on the A380 which joins the A3338 and then connects to the M5 motorway at Exeter.
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