Torquay's Torre Abbey Sands

Beach holiday at Torquay's Torre Abbey Sands

This footage shows Torquay at its best, Torre Abbey beach is the main beach of Torquay, part of the English Riviera located between Torquay and Paignton. It is as much a focal point as the Princess Pier, Princess Gardens, Abbey Park and Meadows and Rock Walk. The beach itself has a designated windsurfing and skiing area which is a huge draw for holidaymakers as they enjoy the warm summer weather.

The Victorians named Torquay ‘Queen of the Riviera’, in the 1840s bathing became popular and men and women bathed on separate beaches. Mixed bathing was permitted in 1899. 1975 saw the first broadcast of Fawlty Towers a comedy written by and starring John Cleese. The inspiration behind Basil Fawlty was the owner of the Torquay Hotel Gleneagles, Donald Sinclair. Famous crime writer Agatha Christie is synonymous with Torquay, born there, many of her books are based in or around the area. She wrote many stories, plays and novels, her two main characters being Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.