- According to Hotels.com’s data, Torquay – a beach city on England’s “English Riviera” – is trending, with a rise of 150 percent in searches.
- It is known as a beach resort with a variety of activities, thanks to the town’s warm microclimate and calm waters.
When people think about “Europe” and the “Riviera,” they are thinking of two different things. idyllic stretch of sand in France is usually what comes to mind. Torquay in England is one of the hidden gems of this English Riviera. It has international ports. sandy beachesThe area is home to peaceful coves as well as a waterpark.
Recent studies have shown that Hotels.com‘s data, the English resort getaway is trending this summer—between 2024 and 2025, searches for Torquay increased by 150 percent. Even with the increase in interest, the traditional beach town of Torquay is still more affordable and less crowded compared to the beaches along the popular French Riviera and the busy Spanish Coast.
If you are still of the opinion that “nobody goes to England because of its beaches,” then this may be an accurate assumption. Torquay defies all the preconceptions that most people have about England. Its southern location is its most distinctive feature. geographic position The microclimate of this area makes it much warmer than the rest. It is safe for beginners to swim in the water because it’s shallow.
You won’t encounter the same problem twice overtourism There are not as many American accents and there are fewer problems than other European beaches. The town is currently a popular destination for English tourists seeking a getaway. domestic beach holiday.
Classics such as paddle boardingTorquay offers more than just sailing and kayaking. more intense activities for the adventurers. Imagine things like “coasteering,” where you climb cliffs to explore deep sea caverns, and swim freely in the English Channel.
There are many things to do outside of the water. You can go to the family-run Occombe Farm where you can pet cute animals. Or, you could attend plays, concerts, theater performances, or heritage tours. English Riviera Walking Tour. The Torre AbbeyFor example, combines both history and breathtaking scenery with a building that is more than 800 years old.
Torquay may not have the same culinary reputation as Barcelona or Cannes in France, but there is a growing restaurant scene, along with a variety of English classics such as pubs, tea rooms, beer gardens and farmers’ market.
You can’t ignore the mystery lover in you Agatha Christie Mile. The famous author was born in Torquay, and lived there until she was 17. There are numerous landmarks that mark the places where significant events occurred in her life. Rosalind, Christie’s daughter, worked with Rosalind to plan this trail that covers 15 important spots in Christie’s life. The best part? The tour is completely free and begins at the English Riviera Visitor Information Centre.
There’s also an annual International Agatha Christie Festival In September, there are tons of literary-inspired programs. If you’re not into mysteries, try out for The Brixham Pirate FestivalIn the nearby town Brixham in England, there is a pirate festival. The backdrops are authentic to history and you’ll see a lot of people dressed in pirate costumes. Be sure to bring your captain’s helmet.
