Let’s Visit Torquay (The English Riviera in Devon)
Torquay is of course known as the English Riviera, due to its beautiful seaside and mild climate (although the council have since pulled up the palm trees, which was met with horror from local residents). It still remains however a popular holiday destination on Devon’s south coast.
Read our post on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
Although in modern times, the town has become famous for being the fictional setting of the TV comedy series Fawlty Towers, before that it had a deep history with writers.
Agatha Christie was born here, into a very wealthy family, and her nearby home is now a National Trust property. Many of her stories were set (and filmed) on nearby Burgh Island, where the hotel owners would let her write.
It’s believed that the nearby thatched village of Cockington may have been the inspiration for St Mary Mead, the fictional village where Miss Marple lived. Agatha frequently visited the village to see friends, and took part in outdoor theatre performances there.
Torquay is in an area known as Torbay, which houses two other towns. Brixton is a historic fishing port, and Paignton is more your ‘bucket-and-spade’ holiday destination, with beach huts and golden sandy beaches.
The Street Pastors of Torquay (flip-flops!)
A few years ago, Torquay was in the news for different reasons, when it was found that local street pastors (who do good work helping anyone on the streets who is feeling lost, hungry, homeless or depressed) were giving out free flip-flops to drunk young ladies, to stop them breaking their ankles, on their way home after a good night out!
In fact, the local pastors do far more than helping girls in high-heels. Working closely with the local NHS and police, these volunteers also provide first aid, water and phone-charging and even offer a defibrillator, in case anyone suffers a cardiac arrest.
Fawlty Towers (classic episode)
Guest: When I pay for a view, I expect something more interesting.
Basil: But that is Torquay, madam.
Guest: Well, it’s not good enough. I expect to be able to see the sea.
Basil: Well might I suggest you move to a hotel closer to the sea. Or preferably in it.
