Torquay is the small town located in Torbay Bay, County of Devon, so why visit it? Because the city is that of the famous Aghata Christie, because this area is called the English Riviera and for the beauty of its landscapes.
Have you ever heard of Torquay? Do you know the area of Torbay? No? Do not worry, even before I happened I had the slightest idea of their existence. Happen, yes, you read that right, because it was fate, in the form of a study trip, that brought me there, and I must say it was a pleasant surprise.
We are in the UK, to be precise on the south-west coast of England, in Devon county and in the only English seaside resort area. Yes, even in England you can go to the sea and enjoy a beautiful mild and sunny climate in what has been renamed as English Riviera.
The bay of Torbay, a set of picturesque and colorful villages led by the town of Torquay, originally fishing villages, it is actually much more than a mere place of sea, sun and relaxation, in fact there are many activities and particular places that distinguish the area.
As a first aspect, I can't forget to highlight the fact that Torquay was the birthplace of the English mystery master Agatha Christie. In the city it is in fact possible to visit the Agatha Christie Alley, an area inside the Torquay Museum, dedicated exclusively to the life and works of the writer.
THEAgatha Christie Mile (the Agatha Christie mile) is a set of interesting places linked to the figure of the lady of the yellow, it is in fact a path that touches various sites dear to her such as the hotel where she spent her wedding night, the place where her husband she asked in bride, the garden inspired by the poisonous plants contained in her books, until she reached hers Greenway vacation rental.
The town of Torquay and its surroundings offer much more to visitors. Very interesting, in addition to the splendid promenade that recalls times gone by for its style and architecture of the buildings, is Torre Abbey Historic House & Garden, a historic building dating from 1196 which holds the title of the best preserved medieval monastery in Devon and Cornwall. Don't miss its beautiful garden, as well as its stunning medieval and Georgian interiors.
I advise you, despite having heard of its closure, to take a look from the outside too Pavillion Theater, a splendid historical building born as a theater and then transformed to accommodate small characteristic shops.
The surroundings of Torquay include some very interesting places, such as the neighboring village of Paignton, a town also overlooking the coast, characterized by a delightful promenade framed by pastel colored buildings.
I also highly recommend a day trip to Cockinton Court Country Park. The park is very large and includes various places. The gardens are large and beautiful, here it is very easy to meet families with children playing in the lawns, horse-drawn carriages, gentlemen walking and playing cricket in what was once a deer park. However, the village is the focal point of the whole park. It is a group of ancient buildings, some dating back to the Middle Ages.
The village is thought to have been founded during the Stone Age, although the first important findings can be traced back to a Saxon-era village. Inside the park is also located Cockinton Court, the mansion that belonged to the Mallock family currently houses a small museum that tells the story of the place and temporary art exhibitions as well as being an evocative location for weddings.
Le prehistoric caves of Kent they are another interesting place in the Torbay area that I highly recommend seeing. Visible only through guided tours due to their delicate nature, they are a Protected National Monument and are part of the UNESCO site of English Riviera Global Geopark.
I strongly suggest you purchase the English Riviera Heritage pass for entrances to Torre Abbey, Torquay Museum and Kents Caverns. Valid for one year, it allows you to save on single tickets for a total cost of 19,75 pounds per adult 12,75 for children (about 26 and 16 euros).
