Editing Torquay

{{Short description|Town in Devon, England}}
{{About|the English town}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Infobox UK place
| country = England
| official_name = Torquay
| population = 65,245
| population_ref = (2011)<ref name=CTP>{{cite web |date=3 July 2013 |title=Census 2011 - Torbay Profile |publisher=Torbay Council |page=4 |url=http://www.torbay.gov.uk/index/yourcouncil/factsfigures/censusprofile.doc |access-date=13 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222175922/http://www.torbay.gov.uk/index/yourcouncil/factsfigures/censusprofile.doc |archive-date=22 February 2014}} (Word document)</ref>
| coordinates = {{coord|50.47|-3.53|display=inline,title}}
| unitary_england = [[Torbay]]
| lieutenancy_england = [[Devon]]
| region = South West England
| constituency_westminster = [[Torbay (UK Parliament constituency)|Torbay]]
| post_town = TORQUAY
| postcode_district = TQ1, TQ2
| postcode_area = TQ
| dial_code = 01803
| os_grid_reference = SX915655
| static_image_name = Torquay harbour october 2012.jpg
| static_image_caption = View across Torquay Harbour
| type = Town
}}

'''Torquay''' ({{IPAc-en|t|ɔr|ˈ|k|iː}} {{respell|tor|KEE}}) is a seaside town in [[Devon]], England, part of the [[unitary authority|unitary authority area]] of [[Torbay]]. It lies {{convert|18|mi|km|0}} south of the county town of [[Exeter]] and {{convert|28|mi|km|0}} east-north-east of [[Plymouth]], on the north of [[Tor Bay]], adjoining the neighbouring town of [[Paignton]] on the west of the bay and across from the fishing port of [[Brixham]].  In 2011 the built-up area of Torquay had a population of 65,245.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Torquay (Torbay, South West England, United Kingdom) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map, Location, Weather and Web Information |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/uk/southwestengland/torbay/E63006890__torquay/ |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=www.citypopulation.de}}</ref>

The town's economy, like Brixham's, was initially based upon fishing and agriculture; however, in the early 19th century, it began to develop into a fashionable [[seaside resort]]. Later, as the town's fame spread, it was popular with [[Victorian era|Victorian]] society. Renowned for its mild climate (at least for England), the town earned the nickname the [[English Riviera]].

The writer [[Agatha Christie]] was born in the town and lived at [[Ashfield, Torquay|Ashfield]] in Torquay during her early years. There is an "Agatha Christie Mile", a tour with plaques dedicated to her life and work.<ref>{{cite web |title=Go on a mystery walk in beautiful Torquay |publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/outdoors/walks/agatha_walk.shtml |access-date=18 February 2010 |archive-date=2 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302075230/http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/outdoors/walks/agatha_walk.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

The poet [[Elizabeth Barrett Browning]] lived in the town from 1837 to 1841. This was on the recommendation of her doctor in an attempt to cure her of a disease; the disease is thought likely to have been tuberculosis. Her former home now forms part of the Regina Hotel in Vaughan Parade.

==Name==
Torquay's name originates in its being the [[quay]] of the ancient village of Torre. In turn, Torre takes its name from the [[tor (rock formation)|tor]], the extensively quarried remains of which can be seen by the town's Lymington Road. The original name was thus Torrequay, then Torkay, Torkey and Tor Quay, before the words were joined in Torquay.<ref>Russell, 7–8</ref>

==History==
{{main|History of Torquay}}
The area comprising modern Torquay has been inhabited since [[Paleolithic]] times. [[Hand axe]]s found in [[Kents Cavern]] have been dated as 40,000 years old,<ref>{{cite web |title=Early explorers – History & Archaeology |publisher=Kents Cavern |url=http://www.kents-cavern.co.uk/sub.cfm?main=250&sub=261 |access-date=16 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100904021303/http://www.kents-cavern.co.uk/sub.cfm?main=250&sub=261 |archive-date=4 September 2010}}</ref> and a [[maxilla]] fragment, known as [[Kents Cavern 4]], may be the oldest example of a [[modern human]] in Europe, dating back to 37,000–40,000 years ago.<ref name="pike">John R. Pike, ''Torquay'' (Torquay: Torbay Borough Council Printing Services, 1994), 5–6</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rincon |first=Paul |date=27 April 2005 |title=Jawbone hints at earliest Britons |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4482679.stm |access-date=7 November 2006 |archive-date=13 December 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061213224301/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4482679.stm |url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Torquay, 1811.jpg|left|thumb|Torquay, 1811]]
[[Ancient Rome|Roman]] soldiers are known to have visited Torquay during the period when Britain was a part of the [[Roman Empire]], leaving offerings at a curious rock formation in [[Kents Cavern]], known as "The Face".<ref>[[Suetonius]], [[De Vita Caesarum]] (The Lives of the Twelve Caesars)</ref>

The first major building in Torquay was [[Torre Abbey]], a [[Premonstratensian]] [[monastery]] founded in 1196.<ref>Russell, p. 19</ref><ref name="pike" /> Torquay remained a minor settlement until the [[Napoleonic wars]], when Torbay was used as a sheltered anchorage by the [[Channel Fleet]], and relatives of officers often visited Torquay. The mild climate (for the UK) attracted many visitors who considered the town a convalescence retreat where they could recover from illness away from the cold and cloudy winters of more northerly or easterly locations. The population of Torquay grew rapidly from 838 in 1801, to 24,767 in 1887.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/place/187|publisher=Vision of Britain|title=Torquay|access-date=15 April 2021|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415111825/https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/place/187|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Torquay19c.jpg|left|thumb|Torquay, 1842]]
The second phase in the expansion of Torquay began when [[Torre railway station]] was opened on 18 December 1848. The improved transport connections resulted in rapid growth at the expense of nearby towns not on [[Isambard Kingdom Brunel]]'s railways. The more central [[Torquay railway station]] was opened on 2 August 1859 with views of the sea from the platforms. After the growth of the preceding decades, Torquay was granted [[municipal borough|borough]] status in 1892.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10026271|publisher=Vision of Britain|title=Torquay MB|access-date=15 April 2021|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415111953/https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10026271|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Torquay Tramways]] operated electric street trams from 1907. They were initially powered by the unusual [[Dolter system|Dolter stud-contact electrification]] so as not to disfigure the town with overhead wires, but in 1911, was converted to more conventional overhead-line supply. The line was extended into Paignton in 1911 but the network was closed in 1934.<ref>{{cite book |last=Crawley |first=Robert |year=2007 |title=Torquay Trams |publisher=West Country Historic Omnibus and Transport Trust |location=Colaton Raleigh |pages=1–3}}</ref>

The [[Royal National Lifeboat Institution]]'s [[Torquay Lifeboat Station]] was at the Ladies Bathing Cove from 1876 until 1923. A second lifeboat was kept at the harbour from 1917 until 1928.<ref>{{cite book |last=Denton |first=Tony |year=2009 |title=Handbook 2009 |publisher=Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society |location=Shrewsbury |page=59}}</ref> Torquay was regarded as a "Spa Town" after the Marine Spa was built on Beacon Hill near the harbour. Originally called the "Bath Saloons complex", it had an open air tide-filled swimming bath. The complex was opened in 1853 after Beacon Hill headland was dynamited to make space for it. [[Charles Dickens]] was said to have made readings there.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/living-coasts-victorian-spa-wildlife-4227629|title=Living Coasts: From Victorian spa to 'Wildlife Wonderland' in Torquay|publisher=Devon Live|date=15 June 2020|access-date=15 April 2021|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415113011/https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/living-coasts-victorian-spa-wildlife-4227629|url-status=live}}</ref>

During [[World War I]], military hospitals were sited in Torquay – many survivors from the [[Battle of Gallipoli]] recuperated in the town – and it was used as a troop staging area. In September 1915, [[George V of the United Kingdom|King George V]] and [[Mary of Teck|Queen Mary]] visited.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw232248/King-George-V-and-Queen-Mary-visiting-the-Red-Cross-War-Hospital-Torquay|title=King George V and Queen Mary visiting the Red Cross War Hospital, Torquay|publisher=National Portrait Gallery|access-date=15 April 2021|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415113318/https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw232248/King-George-V-and-Queen-Mary-visiting-the-Red-Cross-War-Hospital-Torquay|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Torquay in 1900.gif|left|thumb|The Strand, 1900]]

During [[World War II]] Torquay was regarded as safer than the towns of [[South East England]], and played host to [[Evacuations of civilians in Britain during World War II|evacuees]] from the London area. The town did, however, suffer minor bomb damage during the war, mainly from planes dumping excess loads after participating in the [[Plymouth Blitz]]. The last air raid on Torquay took place on 29 May 1944, shortly before the [[D-Day]] landings in June and, in the months leading up to D-Day, thousands of [[US Army]] personnel arrived with the 3204th Quartermaster Service Company [[billet]]ed in [[Chelston, Torquay|Chelston]] and [[Cockington]]. During [[Operation Overlord]] more than 23,000 men of the American 4th Infantry Division departed Torquay for [[Utah Beach]]. The loading ramps used by the American army are still visible in front of the Regina Hotel on Vaughan Parade.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.torbay.gov.uk/leisure-sports-and-community/armed-forces/ww2-slipways/|title=World War II slipways|publisher=Torbay Council|access-date=15 April 2021|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415113838/https://www.torbay.gov.uk/leisure-sports-and-community/armed-forces/ww2-slipways/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Water sport (recreation)|water sport]] events of the [[1948 Summer Olympic Games]] were held in Torquay, and the [[Olympic flame]] brought from London to Torre Abbey Gardens.<ref name="Russell, 199">Russell, p. 199</ref> Although it did not host any Olympic events for the [[2012 Summer Olympics]], with the sailing taking place in [[Weymouth, Dorset|Weymouth]], Torbay looked to host teams as a preparation camp and the flame passed through once more on its route around the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-17386673|title=London 2012: Olympic torch relay route through Devon revealed|date=19 March 2012|publisher=BBC|access-date=15 April 2021|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415114057/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-17386673|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Torquay Cliffs.jpg|thumb|right|Cliffs in Torquay]]
After World War II several private high-rise blocks of flats were constructed above the Rock Walk cliffs and harbour, giving the area a [[Monte Carlo]] feel.
In 1971, after a tragedy, the Marine Spa was demolished to make way for the ill-fated Coral Island leisure complex. This was characterised by its concrete arches on its uppermost floor and sunbathing decks like those of a cruise liner. The site featured a hexagonal outdoor plunge pool surrounded by sunbathing terraces leading down to Beacon Cove beach. Inside the building were several lounges, a restaurant and a nightclub within the arches of the ancient swimming bath. All levels were served by a hydraulic passenger lift. Coral Island opened in 1977, and closed in 1988. The complex was demolished in 1997, 20 years after its construction. The site remained derelict until 2002 when the Living Coasts coastal zoo was built there.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/future-living-coasts-site-torquay-4285338|title=The future of the Living Coasts site in Torquay outlined|date=4 July 2020|newspaper=Devon Live|access-date=15 April 2021|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415114310/https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/future-living-coasts-site-torquay-4285338|url-status=live}}</ref>

Torquay also boasted rehabilitation facilities for the [[Visual impairment|blind]] at America Lodge, which was owned by the [[Royal National Institute of Blind People|RNIB]] for a number of decades.  Like many RNIB properties,  this was sold off in the 1990s and the building was subdivided into private apartments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.torbay.gov.uk/newpublicaccess/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=contacts&keyVal=0101335PA|title=Planning application: Alterations And Change Of Use From Blind Institute To Single Residential House|publisher=Torbay Council|access-date=15 April 2021|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415114500/https://www.torbay.gov.uk/newpublicaccess/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=contacts&keyVal=0101335PA|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the late 1980s, Fleet Street was rebuilt as the Fleet Walk shopping centre which has street-level shops and an upper-level shopping deck. The long, curved building which follows the street is magnolia-coloured and in mock Victorian style. In the late 1990s and early 2000s new pubs and night clubs opened around the harbour, leading to an increase in binge drinking;<ref>{{cite news |date=2 August 2004 |title=Blackpool and Torquay hit by alcohol-fuelled violence |work=The Independent |location=London |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/blackpool-and-torquay-hit-by-alcoholfuelled-violence-551137.html |access-date=25 May 2010 |archive-date=22 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122055105/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/blackpool-and-torquay-hit-by-alcoholfuelled-violence-551137.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> however, in recent years a better police presence and responsible drinks promotions have improved the situation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.torbay.gov.uk/sa_thaap.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201172059/http://www.torbay.gov.uk/sa_thaap.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-12-01|title=Torbay Council|date=1 December 2008}}</ref>

Areas around Torquay have also been affected by either refurbishments or closure. For instance, the Rock Walk located on the town's seafront was refurbished through a £3 million funding project,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/devon/hi/people_and_places/newsid_9044000/9044474.stm|title=Choir to rock Rock Walk opening|date=2010-09-29|access-date=2019-12-05|archive-date=5 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205155339/http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/devon/hi/people_and_places/newsid_9044000/9044474.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> resulting in its reopening on 3 October 2010, as part of the Royal Terrace Gardens festival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.enjoytorbay.co.uk/parks/royal-terrace-gardens/|title=Royal Terrace Gardens |website=Enjoy Torbay|access-date=2019-12-05|archive-date=5 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205155255/https://www.enjoytorbay.co.uk/parks/royal-terrace-gardens/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2013, the Torquay Pavilion was closed after a loss in funding and attempts to reopen it under new funding are ongoing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.devonlive.com/whats-next-torquays-crumbling-pavilion-2644381|title=What's next for Torquay's crumbling Pavilion|last=Finch|first=Hannah|date=2019-03-17|website=Devon Live|access-date=2019-12-05|archive-date=5 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205154353/https://www.devonlive.com/whats-next-torquays-crumbling-pavilion-2644381|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Governance==
[[File:Torquay.townhall.arp.750pix.jpg|thumb|left|[[Torquay Town Hall]], Castle Circus, built 1911]]

There is only one tier of local government covering Torquay, being the [[Unitary authorities in England|unitary authority]] of [[Torbay]], which covers a larger area than just Torquay, also including [[Paignton]] and [[Brixham]]. [[Torbay Council]] is based in Torquay, having its headquarters at [[Torquay Town Hall]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Contact us |url=https://www.torbay.gov.uk/council/get-in-touch/contact/ |publisher=Torbay Council |access-date=3 August 2023}}</ref>

[[File:Old Town Hall, Torquay - geograph.org.uk - 1298667.jpg|thumb|[[Old Town Hall, Torquay|Old Town Hall]], Union Street, built 1852]]

Historically, Torquay was in the [[ancient parish]] of Tormoham.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tormoham Ancient Parish / Civil Parish |url=https://visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10078477 |website=A Vision of Britain through Time |publisher=GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth |access-date=3 August 2023}}</ref> Until 1835 the parish was controlled by the landowners and the [[vestry]], in the same way as most rural areas. More urban forms of local government began in 1835 when [[improvement commissioners]] were appointed for the parish.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tormoham (Devon) Improvement (No. 2) Act 1835 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/Will4/5-6/108/contents/enacted |website=legislation.gov.uk |publisher=The National Archives |access-date=3 August 2023}}</ref> The unelected commissioners were replaced in 1850 with an elected [[Local board of health|local board]].<ref name=Kelly>{{cite book |title=Kelly's Directory of Devon and Cornwall |date=1914 |location=London |page=766 |url=https://specialcollections.le.ac.uk/digital/collection/p16445coll4/id/303558 |access-date=3 August 2023}}</ref> One of the local board's first projects was to build a [[Old Town Hall, Torquay|town hall on Union Street]], which was completed in 1852.<ref>{{NHLE|desc= Old Town Hall, Union Street |num= 1291593 |access-date=4 January 2022}}</ref>

In May 1876 the Tormoham Local Board voted to change its name to the Torquay Local Board, acknowledging that Torquay was by then the more commonly-used name for the town; it was said that having a different official name had been causing confusion.<ref>{{cite news |title=Torquay v. Tormoham |url=https://www.findmypast.co.uk/search-newspapers |access-date=3 August 2023 |work=Torquay Times and South Devon Advertiser |date=6 May 1876 |page=5}}<br>- {{cite book |title=Annual Report of the Local Government Board |date=1877 |location=London |page=li |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GxowAQAAMAAJ |access-date=3 August 2023 |via=Google Books}}</ref> In 1892, Torquay was made a [[municipal borough]], governed by a corporate body officially called the "mayor, aldermen and burgesses of the borough of Torquay", but generally known as the corporation or the town council.<ref name=Kelly/>

The borough was enlarged in 1900 to take in the neighbouring parish of [[St Marychurch]] and the [[Chelston, Torquay|Chelston]] area from the neighbouring parish of [[Cockington]]. The rest of Cockington was absorbed into the borough in 1928.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cockington Ancient Parish / Civil Parish |url=https://visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10094987 |website=A Vision of Britain through Time |publisher=GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth |access-date=3 August 2023}}</ref> In 1911 a [[Torquay Town Hall|new town hall]] was built at Castle Circus.<ref>{{NHLE|desc= The Town Hall |num=1208247| access-date=11 December 2020}}</ref>

In 1968 the borough of Torquay, the [[Urban district (England and Wales)|urban district]]s of Paignton and Brixham, and the parish of [[Churston Ferrers]] were all abolished. A [[county borough]] called Torbay was created to cover the whole area (with some adjustments of the boundaries to neighbouring parishes at the same time). As a county borough, Torbay was administratively independent from [[Devon County Council]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=R. J. D. |title=Torbay Borough starts with a history: Story of the foundation of the new borough |url=https://www.findmypast.co.uk/search-newspapers |access-date=3 August 2023 |work=Herald Express |date=1 April 1968 |location=Torquay |page=1968}}</ref> Six years later, in 1974, local government was reformed again, with Torbay becoming a [[non-metropolitan district]] and Devon County Council providing county-level services to the area again.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The English Non-metropolitan Districts (Definition) Order 1972|year=1972|number=2039|access-date=30 July 2023}}</ref> Torbay regained its independence from the county council in 1998 when it was made a unitary authority.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The Devon (City of Plymouth and Borough of Torbay) Structural Change) Order 1996|year=1996|number=1865|access-date=3 August 2023}}</ref> Torbay remains part of the [[ceremonial county]] of Devon for the purposes of [[Lieutenancy area|lieutenancy]].<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=act|act=Lieutenancies Act 1997|year=1997|chapter=23|access-date=3 August 2023}}</ref>

[[File:TorbayConstituency.svg|right|thumb|Torbay Constituency]]
Torquay (along with part of Paignton) is in the [[Torbay (UK Parliament constituency)|Torbay parliamentary constituency]], created in 1974; previous to that, it was in [[Torquay (UK Parliament constituency)|its own eponymous constituency]]. The constituency elects one Member of Parliament, since 2024 [[Steve Darling]] of the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]].

==Geography==
[[File:Regions Of Torquay.jpg|thumb|right|Some areas in Torquay<ref>Map of Torquay by Torbay Council 2013</ref>]]
[[File:Torquay Harbour.jpg|thumb|left|Aerial view of Torquay Harbour]]

Torquay is situated on the southwestern coast of England, forming one-third of Torbay, on the western side of the bay. It has a mild [[microclimate]], with winters that tend to be mild and wet. A record high temperature of 31.5C was recorded on 14 July 2013, at 5:30&nbsp;p.m.<ref>{{cite news |date=25 July 2013 |title=Torbay's July heatwave is a record-breaker |newspaper=Torquay Herald Express |url=http://www.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk/torbay-s-july-heatwave-record-breaker/story-19567466-detail/story.html |access-date=16 December 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728045457/http://www.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk/Torbay-s-July-heatwave-record-breaker/story-19567466-detail/story.html |archive-date=28 July 2013}}</ref>

The town is made up of a number of small settlements that amalgamated into the town of Torquay. The town's historic core consists of [[Tormohun]] (also historically known as Tormoham),<ref>[http://genuki.cs.ncl.ac.uk/DEV/Tormoham/Gaz1868.html The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868), reprinted at ''Genuki''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304201913/http://genuki.cs.ncl.ac.uk/DEV/Tormoham/Gaz1868.html |date=4 March 2016 }}. Retrieved 6 January 2016</ref> Wellswood, The Warberries, Upton and [[Ellacombe, Devon|Ellacombe]] and is based upon what was once the holdings of the Palk family. In 1900, [[Chelston, Torquay|Chelston]] and Livermead, part of the [[Cockington]] estate owned by the Mallocks, were annexed by the town and this was followed by the absorption of the former borough of [[St Marychurch]]. In this period St Marychurch covered Plainmoor, Watcombe, [[Babbacombe]] and [[Kingskerswell]].<ref>The book of Kingskerswell by Carsewella Local History Group, 2001, inside front cover {{ISBN|1-84114-236-0}}</ref>

Wellswood and the Lincombes were built up by wealthy Victorians who, influenced by their travels around the [[Mediterranean]], built large villas with Italianate features and towers. There are many pine trees, Bay bushes and trees (''[[Laurus nobilis]]''), various palm tree species and ''[[Phormium]]s''. [[Cabbage tree (Cordyline australis)|Cabbage trees]] or "Torbay Palms" are a notable feature of the area; the trees were introduced into the area from New Zealand in 1820, and since then have flourished.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk/news/palms-to-be-replaced-by-more-sustainable-trees-7308068|title=Palms to be replaced by 'more sustainable' trees|date=16 February 2021|publisher=Torbay Weekly|access-date=15 April 2021|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415110425/https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk/news/palms-to-be-replaced-by-more-sustainable-trees-7308068|url-status=live}}</ref>

The main beaches of Torquay are [[Oddicombe Beach]], [[Meadfoot|Meadfoot Beach]], Maidencombe, Watcombe, [[Babbacombe]] Beach, Anstey's Cove, Redgate, Torre Abbey Sands, Corbyn Sands and Institute Beach and Hollacombe Beach.<ref>History of Torbay by Frank Pearce</ref> The first two of these held [[Blue Flag beach|European Blue Flag]] status in 2012.<ref>{{cite web
 |title      = SouthWest
 |publisher  = Blue Flag
 |url        = http://www.blueflag.org/Menu/Awarded+sites/2012/Northern+Hemisphere/England/SouthWest
 |access-date = 16 March 2013
 |url-status   = dead
 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120607023548/http://www.blueflag.org/Menu/Awarded+sites/2012/Northern+Hemisphere/England/SouthWest
 |archive-date = 7 June 2012
}}</ref>

The [[Sticklepath Fault|Sticklepath fault]] line, which runs across Devon from [[Bideford Bay]] to Torquay,<ref>{{cite web
 |title        = The Geology of Devon
 |publisher    = North Devon AONB Unit
 |url          = http://explorethecoast.org/pageresources/The%20Geology%20of%20Devon.pdf
 |url-status     = dead
 |access-date   = 16 March 2013
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20121223000745/http://explorethecoast.org/pageresources/The%20Geology%20of%20Devon.pdf
 |archive-date = 23 December 2012
 |df           = dmy-all
}}</ref> is one of many [[Fault (geology)|geological faults]] criss-crossing Torbay; the [[Babbacombe Cliff Railway]] takes advantage of one of these fault lines.<ref>{{cite web
|title=Cenozoic
|publisher=English Riviera Global Geopark
|url=http://www.englishrivierageopark.org.uk/section_sub.cfm?section=16&sub=45
|access-date=16 March 2013
|archive-date=9 September 2015
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909101351/http://www.englishrivierageopark.org.uk/section_sub.cfm?section=16&sub=45
|url-status=live
}}</ref>

On the coast of Wellswood is [[London Bridge (natural arch)|London Bridge]], a [[limestone]] [[Natural arch|arch]] which can be seen from a viewpoint on the [[South West Coast Path]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Walk - Meadfoot & London Bridge |url=https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/121/ |access-date=13 August 2023 |website=South West Coast Path}}</ref>

{{Weather box
|collapsed= y
|location = Torquay
|metric first = Y
|single line = Y
|Jan high C = 9.3
|Feb high C = 9.1
|Mar high C = 10.9
|Apr high C = 13.0
|May high C = 15.9
|Jun high C = 19.1
|Jul high C = 21.1
|Aug high C = 20.7
|Sep high C = 18.7
|Oct high C = 15.8
|Nov high C = 12.1
|Dec high C = 10.3
|year high C = 
|Jan low C = 4.1
|Feb low C = 4.0
|Mar low C = 4.8
|Apr low C = 6.2
|May low C = 8.9
|Jun low C = 11.7
|Jul low C = 13.6
|Aug low C = 13.5
|Sep low C = 11.9
|Oct low C = 9.9
|Nov low C = 6.5
|Dec low C = 5.1
|year low C = 
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 134
|Feb precipitation mm = 105
|Mar precipitation mm = 95
|Apr precipitation mm = 64
|May precipitation mm = 67
|Jun precipitation mm = 61
|Jul precipitation mm = 56
|Aug precipitation mm = 75
|Sep precipitation mm = 81
|Oct precipitation mm = 101
|Nov precipitation mm = 109
|Dec precipitation mm = 131
|year precipitation mm = 1125.6
|Jan sun = 64.6
|Feb sun = 80.3
|Mar sun = 129.1
|Apr sun = 181.8
|May sun = 223.0
|Jun sun = 227.2
|Jul sun = 234.8
|Aug sun = 211.3
|Sep sun = 161.9
|Oct sun = 111.5
|Nov sun = 85.2
|Dec sun = 64.6
|year sun = 1775.2
|date=April 2025}}

==Transport==
[[File:50004 Torquay.jpg|thumb|left|Torquay Railway Station in 1988]]
[[File:Map-of-torquay.png|thumb|Transport in Torquay – the railway (black, with Torre and Torquay stations marked), A380 (green), A3022 and A379 (red), and B3199 (yellow)]]

===Rail===
Torquay has two railway stations. [[Torquay railway station]] is situated near the sea, close to Torre Abbey Sands. [[Torre railway station]] is situated a little inland adjacent to the road leading to [[Newton Abbot]]. Not all trains stop at Torre. As of 2013, there were plans for station improvements at Torquay and Torre (and at Paignton) and to build a new station at Edginswell.<ref>{{cite news
 |last         = Crowson
 |first        = Tina
 |date         = 22 May 2013
 |title        = Torbay train improvements unveiled
 |work         = [[Torquay Herald Express|Herald Express]]
 |url          = http://www.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk/Torbay-train-improvements-unveiled/story-19056513-detail/story.html
 |access-date   = 13 February 2014
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140222133926/http://www.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk/Torbay-train-improvements-unveiled/story-19056513-detail/story.html
 |archive-date = 22 February 2014
 |df           = dmy-all
}}</ref>

===Road===
Torquay is connected to the UK motorway network by the A380, which traces the outskirts of the town as [[Hellevoetsluis]] Way and [[Hamelin]] Way, leading to the [[A38 road|A38]] and the [[M5 motorway|M5]] at [[Exeter]]. The A3022 branches from the A380, leading into Torquay as [[English Riviera|Riviera]] Way, to the seafront as [[Newton Abbot|Newton]] Road and then Avenue Road, and then on to Paignton as Torbay Road. The A379 runs past the harbour to Babbacombe and St Marychurch, and then north along the coast to [[Teignmouth]]. Work on constructing a new dual carriageway on the outskirts of Torquay near the Kingskerswell end was completed in 2015 with a new junction between the A380 South Devon Highway and Torbay Ring Road.

===Bus===
The main bus operator in Torquay is [[Stagecoach South West]]. Its service 12 passes through Torquay –  between Newton Abbot and Brixham,<ref>{{cite web |title= Devon – Timetables |publisher=Stagecoach Group |url=https://www.stagecoachbus.com/ |access-date=1 November 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091002094320/https://www.stagecoachbus.com/ |archive-date=2 October 2009}}</ref> – while many other routes operate within the town.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Torquay – bustimes.org|url=https://bustimes.org/localities/torquay|access-date=2021-03-10|website=bustimes.org|archive-date=28 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210528160731/https://bustimes.org/localities/torquay|url-status=live}}</ref> From 1919<ref>{{cite book |last=Morris |first=Colin |title=Glory Days: Devon General |publisher=Ian Allan Publishing |year=2006 |isbn=0-7110-3128-2 |location=Hersham |pages=23–25}}</ref> to 1996 [[Devon General]] ran buses in Torquay.<ref>{{cite journal|date=March 1996|title=Devon companies sold by Transit Holdings|journal=Buses|publisher=Ian Allan|volume=48|issue=492|page=7|issn=0007-6392}}</ref> From 23 May 1965, introduction of the [[one-way traffic]] scheme required buses from Paignton to divert via Abbey Road.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=G. J. ROBBINS|date=December 1972|title=THE CHELSTON BUS A group of Torquay routes|journal=Buses|pages=456–462}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

==Religion==
[[File:Central Church, Torquay - geograph.org.uk - 213978.jpg|thumb|Central Church, Torquay]]
''For a summary of the 2001 census results on religion'', see below, Demographics

Torquay has about 60 churches<ref>{{cite web |title=Index to Torquay Churches |website=Terry Leaman |url=http://www.terry-leaman.co.uk/Tiscali/churches%202/Church%20index.htm |access-date = 29 June 2019}}</ref> from a wide variety of Christian denominations. Central Church ([[Methodist]] and [[United Reformed Church]]) has a notable pierced screen wall facade. St Matthias's Church, Wellswood, was built as a chapel-of-ease to St Mark's, Torwood, in the 1850s and became a parish church in 1880. In the 1970s, the churches of St Mark and Holy Trinity were closed and in 1979, the vicar of St Matthias's became rector of the parish of St Matthias, St Mark and Holy Trinity.<ref>{{cite web |title=St Matthias Church - church history |website=St Matthias Church |url=http://www.st-matthias-church.org/general-information/ |access-date=7 July 2019 |archive-date=23 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123121345/https://www.st-matthias-church.org/general-information/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

St Saviour's Church and [[St Michael's Chapel, Torquay|St Michael's Chapel]] are medieval church buildings, now Anglican. St Saviour's originally had no aisles but a north aisle was added in the 14th century. The tower is at the west end and early medieval in date. Over restoration was carried out both on the exterior and interior in 1849. The monuments include one in early Tudor style to Thomas Cary (d. 1567) and another to Thomas Ridgeway (d. 1604) which includes an alabaster effigy. The Chapel of St Michael is only 36 by 15&nbsp;ft and its floor is the uneven surface of the rock on which it stands. The roof has a barrel vault and the windows are small. The 19th-century Anglican churches of Torquay include All Saints, Bamfylde Road (1884–90, architect [[John Loughborough Pearson]]), [[St John's Church, Torquay|St John's, Montpelier Terrace]] (1861–71, architect [[George Edmund Street]]), St Luke's (1863, architect Sir [[Arthur Blomfield]]), St Mark's, St Mark's Road (1856–57, architect [[Anthony Salvin]]), St Mary Magdalene, Union Street (1846, architect Anthony Salvin), and St Michael, Pimlico (1877, architect Pritchard).<ref>Pevsner, N. (1952) ''South Devon''. Harmondsworth: Penguin; pp. 291–94</ref> Two [[Roman Catholic]] churches, both built in the 19th century and are listed buildings, in Torquay are the [[Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, Torquay|Church of the Assumption of Our Lady]] and [[Our Lady Help of Christians and St Denis Church, Torquay|Our Lady Help of Christians and St Denis Church]].

The former St Andrew's Presbyterian church (built in 1862) on Torwood Gardens Road closed in 1951, and after a time as a nightclub, was converted to private residences.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dixon |first=Kevin |date=21 March 2018 |title=The church that rocked |website=We Are South Devon |url=http://wearesouthdevon.com/monastery-alfred-church-rocked/ |access-date=7 July 2019 |archive-date=13 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413111126/http://wearesouthdevon.com/monastery-alfred-church-rocked/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

There is also a [[Christadelphian]] meeting hall in the town.<ref>{{cite web |title=Torquay Christadelphians |url=https://christadelphianstorquay.wordpress.com/ |access-date=7 July 2019 |archive-date=13 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413122558/https://christadelphianstorquay.wordpress.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

There is also an Islamic centre and mosque.<ref>{{cite web |title= Welcome to Torbay Islamic Centre |website=Torbayislamiccentre.com |url=http://www.torbayislamiccentre.com/site/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508211700/http://www.torbayislamiccentre.com/site// |archive-date=8 May 2012}}</ref> A United Hebrew Congregation synagogue was closed in 2000, and the congregation dissolved.<ref>{{cite web |title=JCR-UK: Torquay United Hebrew Congregation (Synagogue closed), Torbay, Devon |website=Jewish Communities and Records - United Kingdom |url=http://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/community/torq/index.htm |access-date=7 July 2019 |archive-date=12 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312072123/http://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/community/torq/index.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Economy==
===Tourism===
[[File:torquaypavilion.jpg|thumb|Torquay Pavilion, with St John's Church in the background and a cabbage tree in the foreground]]
[[File:TorquayEvening09.jpg|thumb|left|Torquay from Torre Abbey Sands]]
[[File:Torquay Harbour.JPG|thumb|Torquay Harbour]]

Torquay has numerous tourist attractions, including Kents Cavern, Britain's most important [[Stone Age]] site, which was home to early humans for some 40,000 years. The floor is composed of several strata, with remains indicating the prehistoric coexistence there of humans and extinct animals. [[John MacEnery|The Rev. J. McEnery]] explored the cave between 1825 and 1829, and put forth the coexistence theory. The cave was extensively explored from 1865 to 1880 by [[William Pengelly]], who found evidence to support McEnery's hypothesis. The caves have attracted many famous people, among them [[Agatha Christie]],<ref name="agatha-christie-autobiography">{{cite book |last=Christie |first=Agatha |year=1977 |title=An Autobiography |publisher=Collins |isbn=0-00-216012-9}}</ref> [[Beatrix Potter]], [[George V of the United Kingdom|King George V]] and [[Haile Selassie]] who was so impressed with his visit that he gave his guide, Leslie Powe a gold sovereign.

On the seafront between the Rock Walk and the Marina is the Victorian Pavilion (pictured). The adjacent "Friends Fountain" complements the Victorian architecture. Just to the side of the fountain in Princess Gardens, directly next to Princess Theatre,  is the English Riviera Wheel; a 100 foot high wheel that offers a unique birds eye view of the English Riviera, overlooking Torquay Harbour from a rare perspective.<ref>{{cite web |title=English Riviera Wheel |url=https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/things-to-do/english-riviera-wheel-p1421913 |website=English Riviera: The Official Tourism Website |publisher=English Riviera BID Company |access-date=5 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190550/https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/things-to-do/english-riviera-wheel-p1421913 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Torquay Museum]], the oldest in Devon, was founded in 1844, by The Torquay Natural History Society.<ref>{{cite web|title=About Us |publisher=Torquay Museum |url=http://www.torquaymuseum.org/default.asp?categoryID=2 |access-date=3 April 2008|archive-date=31 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131115329/http://www.torquaymuseum.org/default.asp?CategoryID=2 |url-status=live}}</ref> The museum contains extensive geology, natural science, archaeology and ethnography collections of international importance, including the oldest fossil evidence of modern man in north-west Europe. The story of the English Riviera Geopark is told through exhibitions about geology, fossils and archaeology including artefacts from Kents Cavern and other local archaeology. The museum has galleries dedicated to diverse topics such as the life of Agatha Christie, [[ancient Egypt]], explorers and ecology. Another gallery displays replica historic farmhouse interiors.<ref>{{cite web |title=See the Museum |publisher=Torquay Museum |url=http://www.torquaymuseum.org/default.asp?categoryID=1 |access-date=3 April 2008 |archive-date=31 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131115344/http://torquaymuseum.org/default.asp?categoryID=1 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1857, the [[Torquay Marine Spa|Bath's Saloons complex]] was built on the promontory overlooking Beacon Cove. This included a ballroom, concert hall and sunlit conservatory and private bathing facilities with, underneath, a large public swimming bath open to the sea. [[Living Coasts]], a coastal zoo owned by [[Paignton Zoo]], was later built on the site of the complex. The stone arches of the public bath were incorporated into the shop at Living Coasts. Development of the site as a marine animal exhibit was first proposed in early 1999 in response to a call from Torbay Council for submissions from interested parties. The project, developed by Kay Elliott architects, included an exhibit to house marine birds, rather than fish, due to the need to avoid duplicating the exhibits at the [[National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth|National Marine Aquarium]] in [[Plymouth]]. The project was subsequently taken on by Paignton Zoo Environmental Park and named Living Coasts. It was announced in June 2020 that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was to close permanently.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 June 2020 |title=Zoo to close due to lockdown impact |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-devon-53052526|access-date=28 June 2020 |archive-date=22 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622121301/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-devon-53052526 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Other attractions are the [[Babbacombe Model Village]], which opened in 1963, the [[Babbacombe Theatre]] which opened in 1939 and the [[Princess Theatre, Torquay|Princess Theatre]]. A large tethered balloon offering aerial views of the town operated for several years until it was destroyed by strong winds in January 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/things-to-do |title=Things to Do in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham |publisher=Visit English Riviera |access-date=15 April 2021 |archive-date=15 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415120738/https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/things-to-do |url-status=live}}<br>- {{cite web |date=11 July 2013 |title=Legal fight begins over £50,000 Torquay balloon cash |work=Torquay Herald Express |url=http://www.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk/Legal-fight-begins-pound-50-000-Torquay-balloon/story-19501412-detail/story.html |access-date=29 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231003437/http://www.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk/Legal-fight-begins-pound-50-000-Torquay-balloon/story-19501412-detail/story.html |archive-date=31 December 2013}}</ref>

From 1875, a number of potteries operated in Torquay, making [[Torquay pottery]] for both the tourist trade and the high-end retail market.

===Other===
Torquay was the home of [[Suttons Seeds]] until it relocated to the neighbouring town of Paignton in 1998, and [[Beverage Brands]], the owners of the popular and controversial alcoholic brand [[WKD Original Vodka|WKD]], was based in the town until 2011.<ref>{{cite news |date=11 May 2011 |title=Staff at Beverage Brands in Torquay face losing jobs |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-13363067 |access-date=13 February 2014 |archive-date=25 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925230352/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-13363067 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Culture==

===Arts===
[[File:Banksy Torquay robot crop.jpg|right|thumb|Painting on the wall of the Grosvenor Hotel, said to be the work of [[Banksy]].]]
In the early years of British cinema, Torquay was home to two production companies, Cairns Torquay Films<ref>{{cite web |title=Cairns Torquay Films |website=[[IMDb]] |url=https://www.imdb.com/company/co0014269/ |access-date=7 July 2019 |archive-date=6 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306132256/http://www.imdb.com/company/co0014269/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and Torquay And Paignton Photoplay Productions,<ref>{{cite web |title=Torquay & Paignton Photoplay Productions |website=[[IMDb]] |url=https://www.imdb.com/company/co0035914/ |access-date=7 July 2019 |archive-date=7 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307100943/http://www.imdb.com/company/co0035914/ |url-status=live }}</ref> who in 1920, produced a total of three films between them. 

Recently,{{when|date=December 2024}} Devon Films, based in Torquay, has established itself as the Bay's latest film production company.<ref>{{cite web
 |title        = TV Star Lined up for Bay Comedy
 |publisher    = thisissouthdevon.co.uk
 |url          = http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=135239&command=displayContent&sourceNode=135077&contentPK=20194657&folderPk=79060&pNodeId=134831
 |access-date   = 3 April 2008
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20040829232444/http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=135239
 |archive-date = 29 August 2004
 |df           = dmy-all
}}</ref>

The [[Princess Theatre (Torquay)|Princess Theatre]], which is by the side of the harbour, is owned by Torbay Council and operated by ATG (Ambassador Theatre Group). With about 1,500 seats, it is Torquay's largest theatre and plays host to touring independent production companies. The Princess Theatre also holds weddings and other functions such as parties and large seminars.<ref>{{cite web |title=Princess Theatre : Official Website |publisher=livenationtheatres.co.uk |url=http://www.princesstheatre.org.uk/content_venue.asp?CategoryID=8756&VenueID=107 |access-date=3 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801172211/http://www.princesstheatre.org.uk/content_venue.asp?CategoryID=8756 |archive-date=1 August 2009}}</ref> TOADS Theatre Company operates the Little Theatre in [[Meadfoot]] in the converted St Mark's Church, hosting both the company's own productions and those of visiting societies.<ref>{{cite web
|title=Little Theatre in Torquay, Devon
|publisher=toadstheatre.co.uk
|url=http://www.toadstheatre.co.uk/
|access-date=3 April 2008
|archive-date=6 May 2008
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506191905/http://www.toadstheatre.co.uk/
|url-status=live
}}</ref> [[Babbacombe Theatre]] is located on Babbacombe Downs and describes itself as having the longest-running summer season in the country, which lasts nine months.<ref>{{cite web
 |title       = Babbacombe Theatre – Let us entertain you ....
 |publisher   = babbacombe-theatre.com
 |url         = http://www.babbacombe-theatre.com/theatre/
 |access-date  = 3 April 2008
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070804231500/http://www.babbacombe-theatre.com/theatre/
 |archive-date = 4 August 2007
 |df          = dmy-all
}}</ref>

Torbay Council, along with other local bodies, administers Creative Torbay, a website for local cultural organizations, creatives and artists to promote their work.<ref>[http://creativetorbay.com/ Creative Torbay ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120121335/http://www.creativetorbay.com/ |date=20 November 2008 }} Retrieved 30 October 2013.</ref>

===Media===
Torquay' local radio stations are [[BBC Radio Devon]], [[Heart West]], and [[Greatest Hits Radio South West]] (formerly known as Palm 105.5 and The Breeze), which has its studios in Lymington Road in Torquay.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2015/09/palm-105-5-torbay-to-rebrand-as-the-breeze/|title=Palm 105.5 Torbay to rebrand as The Breeze|publisher=Radio Today|date=1 September 2015|access-date=15 April 2021|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415115332/https://radiotoday.co.uk/2015/09/palm-105-5-torbay-to-rebrand-as-the-breeze/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Local TV coverage is provided by [[BBC South West]] and [[ITV West Country]]. Television signals are received from the [[Beacon Hill transmitting station|Beacon Hill]] and the local relay TV transmitters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Beacon_Hill|title=Full Freeview on the Beacon Hill (Torbay, England) transmitter|date=1 May 2004|website=UK Free TV|accessdate=29 October 2023}}<br>- {{cite web|url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Torquay_Town|title=Freeview Light on the Torquay Town (Torbay, England) transmitter|date=1 May 2004|website=UK Free TV|accessdate=29 October 2023}}</ref>

The town's local newspaper is the ''[[Torquay Herald Express|Herald Express]]'', which has been published since 1925, after a merger of two papers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/subject/torquay-herald-express/|title=Torquay Herald Express|publisher=Press Gazette|access-date=15 April 2021|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415115610/https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/subject/torquay-herald-express/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Past newspapers include the ''Torquay and Tor General Advertisor and Director'', founded in 1839, which in 1853 became ''The Torquay Directory and South Devon Journal'' until 1949, finally becoming ''The South Devon Journal'', which closed in 1973.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 May 2005 |title=Devon newspaper bibliography: Torquay |publisher=Devon Library and Information Services, Devon County council |url=http://www.devon.gov.uk/localstudies/110708/1.html |access-date=4 December 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204082527/http://www.devon.gov.uk/localstudies/110708/1.html |archive-date=4 December 2008}}</ref>

===Sport===
Torquay has a long history of holding sailing events and regattas due to the favourable easterly facing nature of the bay and its popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries. This tradition reached its height in 1948 when the [[Water sport (recreation)|water sport]] events of the [[1948 Summer Olympics]] were held in Torquay, with the [[Olympic flame]] being transferred from London to Torre Abbey Gardens to reside throughout the event.<ref name="Russell, 199"/>

Torquay is represented in [[association football]] in the National League South by [[Torquay United F.C.]] The team plays their home matches at [[Plainmoor]] and made it on occasion to the third tier of the English football leagues, now known as League One. Torquay United were promoted from the Conference Premier after winning the play-off final at [[Wembley Stadium|Wembley]] in June 2009. However, after a poor [[Football League Two]] campaign in the 13/14 season, Torquay United came last and were relegated back to the Conference Premier (now the National League). Torquay were relegated previously in 2007 from the [[Football League]] after 80 years of membership and spent two years playing in the Conference Premier; this downfall came just three years after promotion from the [[Football League Third Division|league's basement division]] and ultimately led to a change in ownership of the club to a consortium of local businessmen and fans.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27190925|title=Torquay United: Lottery winners to League Two relegation|website=BBC Sport|date=29 April 2014|access-date=15 April 2021|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415120144/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27190925|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Politics==
From 1974, when it was created, until 1997 [[Torbay (UK Parliament constituency)|Torbay constituency]] was a safe [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] seat, but [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrat]] [[Adrian Sanders]] overturned spy writer [[Rupert Allason]]'s majority by just 12 votes in 1997, widened to 6,708 in 2001.

During the [[2005 United Kingdom general election|2005 general election]], the Conservative leader, [[Michael Howard]], visited the town. However, Sanders retained the seat with 40.8% of the votes (19,317, down from 23,012 in 2001). A swing of 9.7% away from the Liberal Democrats was split between the Conservatives (with a 4.9% swing), Labour – who gained a substantial increase in their vote as support for Lib Dems in 1997 and 2001 moved back and the [[United Kingdom Independence Party]] (UKIP), whose candidate [[Graham Booth]] improved on his deposit-losing 2001 performance with a 4.7% increase in his vote.

In 2005, a [[referendum]] was held to appoint Torbay's first [[Elected mayors in the United Kingdom|elected mayor]]. In the ensuing election in October 2005, the winning candidate was a former Liberal parliamentary candidate, [[Nicholas Bye]], who won the election as a Conservative.

In 2011, Gordon Oliver was elected as Torbay's new mayor beating the existing mayor, Nicholas Bye. Oliver finished with 12,716 votes and Bye 9,631 after the two reached the second and final round of counting.{{cn|date=December 2024}}

==Education==
{{See also|List of schools in Torbay}}
Torquay has a number of primary schools, including St Margaret's Primary School in St Marychurch which has around 329 pupils and is situated on a large site of over {{convert|1,800|sqm}} which was formerly a farm.<ref>{{cite web |title=School Prospectus |publisher=St Margarets Primary School |pages=18 |url=http://www.stmargaretstorbay.co.uk/cms/news/downloaddoc.asp?DocRef=1&DocCount=357&MediaFolder=keyinfo&DocFile=prospectus.pdf }}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no}}</ref>

There are five main secondary schools in the town. [[Torquay Academy]], previously known as Torquay Community School and Audley Park, has had its troubles in the past but since 2001 has come out of [[Ofsted]] [[special measures]]. The school has had a £26million pound rebuild and, in December 2010 when reassessed by Ofsted, it was told that it had become "a good and improving school". It changed to academy status in September 2001, sponsored by Torquay Boys' Grammar School.

[[The Spires College]] (formerly Westlands School) is a combined secondary college and sixth form that takes students of all variations and in 2002 moved to a new building. [[St Cuthbert Mayne School]] is a joint [[Roman Catholic]] and [[Church of England]] secondary school and sixth form.

Torquay's other two state secondary schools are selective. They are [[Torquay Boys' Grammar School]] and [[Torquay Grammar School for Girls]] which are available only to those that pass the [[Eleven plus exam]] and the schools' own standardised test. There are also a number of private schools in the area including the Abbey School.

For further education, students can either go to one of the sixth forms at the previously mentioned Torquay Academy,The Spires, St Cuthbert's Mayne or Grammar schools, or they can go to [[South Devon College]] which is based in Long Road in Paignton on a new campus that fully opened in January 2006.

==Crime==
<!-- Why is this information here? What is notable about it? Is it different than other similar British communities? Has it gone dramatically up or down? It is not a common section in similar Wikipedia articles.-->
{| class="wikitable"
! heading | Offences
! heading | Total
|-
| Violence against the Person with injury
| 1,125
|-
| Violence against a Person without Injury
| 1,005
|-
| Sexual Offences
| 167
|-
| Robbery Offences
| 60
|-
| Burglary in a Dwelling
| 385
|-
| Burglary in a Building other than a Dwelling
| 496
|-
| Offences against a Vehicle
| 834
|-
| Drug Offences
| 638
|-
| Fraud and Forgery
| 234
|-
| Criminal Damage
| 2,090
|-
| Other Theft Offences
| 2,277
|-
| Other Offences
| 138
|-
|}

Information taken from 2010 crime figures in Torbay (up to and including 31 December 2010)<ref>{{cite web |title=Recorded crime datasets |website=Homeoffice.gov.uk |url=http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/research-statistics/crime/crime-statistics-internet/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117021238/http://homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/research-statistics/crime/crime-statistics-internet/ |archive-date=17 January 2013}}</ref>

==Healthcare==
Torquay has two hospitals, the [[National Health Service|NHS]]-run [[Torbay Hospital]] which is situated on Newton Road, Shiphay and the private, non-emergency Mount Stuart Hospital run by [[Ramsay Health Care UK]] on St Vincent's Road, Torre.

==In English culture==
A number of sketches for the ''[[Monty Python's Flying Circus]]'' television show (1969–74) were filmed on location in and around both Torquay and neighbouring Paignton. It was while staying in Torquay at the [[Gleneagles Hotel, Torquay|Gleneagles Hotel]] with the Python team in 1971, that [[John Cleese]] found inspiration (and the setting, although not the actual film location) for the popular sitcom ''[[Fawlty Towers]]'' (1975, 1979).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/fawltytowers/index.shtml |title=BBC – Comedy – Fawlty Towers |publisher=bbc.co.uk |access-date=29 October 2006 |archive-date=9 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070909014032/http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/fawltytowers/index.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> Incidents during the Pythons' stay are said to include the owner, [[Donald Sinclair (hotel owner)|Donald Sinclair]], having thrown [[Eric Idle]]'s suitcase out of a window in case it contained a bomb.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sybil to return to Fawlty Towers|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/4776013.stm|work=BBC News|date=9 August 2006|access-date=3 October 2018|archive-date=25 August 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060825233653/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/4776013.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Cleese later described the eccentric owner as, "the most wonderfully rude man I have ever met", although Sinclair's widow has since said her husband was totally misrepresented in the comedy.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1393839/My-husband-was-not-like-Basil.html |title=My husband was not like Basil |first=Richard |last=Savill |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |access-date=21 January 2007 |location=London |date=11 May 2002 |archive-date=5 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005024236/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1393839/My-husband-was-not-like-Basil.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the 1970s, several episodes of the comedy series ''[[The Goodies (TV series)|The Goodies]]'' were filmed in and around Torquay. In 1979, the town was again the site of filming, when the [[Ray Winstone]], [[BAFTA]] nominated drama ''[[That Summer!]]'' was both set in and filmed around the town. In 2003, the movie ''[[Blackball (film)|Blackball]]'' starring [[Paul Kaye]] was set and partly shot there.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://imdb.com/title/tt0337879/ |title=Blackball (2003) |website=Internet Movie Database |access-date=21 January 2007 |archive-date=13 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070113214000/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337879/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In October 2010, it was reported that [[Bristol]]-based artist [[Banksy]] had painted a mural on the wall of the Grosvenor Hotel in Belgrave Road. The mural shows a child drawing a robot, and uses the vent of an [[Mechanical fan|extractor fan]] as the head of the robot.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/devon/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_9103000/9103060.stm|title=Has Banksy left his mark at a Torquay hotel?|date=20 October 2010|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=21 October 2010|last=Laing|first=Jemima|archive-date=21 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021022145/http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/devon/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_9103000/9103060.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> The painting was vandalised in May 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-13600013|title='Banksy' art at Grosvenor Hotel in Torquay vandalised|date=31 May 2011|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=19 October 2012|archive-date=1 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701014829/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-13600013|url-status=live}}</ref> This mural has now been painted over due to the Grosvenor Hotel being refurbished by the new owners (Richardsons) in 2014.

The Victorian mansion in Torquay where [[Agatha Christie]] was born and grew up, [[Ashfield, Torquay|Ashfield]] in Barton Road, was demolished in 1961, to build an estate and extension for [[South Devon College]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Local Studies Education Series - Agatha Christie |publisher=Torbay Council Library Services |url=http://www.torbay.gov.uk/index/yourservices/libraries/reference/achristie2c.pdf |access-date=22 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202232534/http://www.torbay.gov.uk/index/yourservices/libraries/reference/achristie2c.pdf |archive-date=2 December 2013}}</ref> A [[blue plaque]] was unveiled in 2007, marking the spot.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ashfield |website=The English Riviera |url=http://www.englishriviera.co.uk/agathachristie/things-to-do/ashfield-p1342823 |access-date=21 November 2013 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203021748/http://www.englishriviera.co.uk/agathachristie/things-to-do/ashfield-p1342823 |url-status=live }}<br>- {{cite web |title=Agatha Christie (née Miller) writer and playwright 1890-1976. Blue plaque |website=Open Plaques |url=http://openplaques.org/plaques/6634 |access-date=22 November 2013 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203005516/http://openplaques.org/plaques/6634 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Notable people ==
{{Main|Category:People from Torquay}}
<!-- Please keep this table in chronological order, and remember to cite sources. If someone isn't already mentioned in Wikipedia, then they probably aren't notable.-->
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right;margin:0 0 1em 1em;"
!colspan="2"|Notable people born in Torquay
|-
| 1821
| [[Richard Francis Burton|Richard Burton]], explorer and linguist<ref>{{cite web |title=BBC – Devon – Features – Explorer and word inventor |website=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/discovering/famous/sir_richard_burton.shtml |access-date=9 October 2006 |archive-date=31 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060831142536/http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/discovering/famous/sir_richard_burton.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 1867
| [[Percy Fawcett]], archaeologist and explorer<ref>{{cite web |title=Percy (Harrison) Fawcett Biography |publisher=The Biography Channel |url=http://www.biography.com/search/article.do?id=9292425|access-date=9 October 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070807234552/http://www.biography.com/search/article.do?id=9292425 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=7 August 2007}}</ref>
|-
| 1890
| [[Agatha Christie]], best-selling crime novelist<ref name="agatha-christie-autobiography"/>
|-
| 1937
| [[Peter Cook]], writer and comedian<ref>{{cite web |title=Peter Cook (I) |website=Internet Movie Database |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0177228/ |access-date=9 October 2006
|archive-date=5 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060805122200/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0177228/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 1947
| [[Martin Turner]], [[Wishbone Ash]] founder<ref>{{cite web |title=Wishbone Ash – The Band – Past Members |publisher=Wishbone Ash |url=http://www.wishboneash.com/band_pastmembers.asp |access-date=8 October 2006 |archive-date=19 November 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061119224807/http://wishboneash.com/band_pastmembers.asp |url-status=usurped}}</ref>
|-
| 1949
| [[Roger Deakins]], cinematographer<ref>{{cite web |title=Roger Deakins |website=Internet Movie Database |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005683/ |access-date=9 October 2006 |archive-date=25 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060825060156/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005683/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 1972
| [[Miranda Hart]], actress and comedian<ref>{{cite web |title=Miranda Hart |website=Internet Movie Database |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1635000/ |access-date=9 October 2006 
|archive-date=5 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070305191724/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1635000/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 1983
| [[Lauren Pope]], DJ, model and entrepreneur
|-
| 1987
| [[Lily Cole]], model and actress
|-
|1994
|[[Georgia Toffolo]], TV and media personality
|}
* [[Sir Richard Francis Burton]] - British explorer, writer, scholar and military officer.
* [[Blanche Pentecost Bagley]] – English-born American Unitarian minister
* [[Agatha Christie]] –  English mystery and detective writer
* [[Peter Cook]] – English comedian, actor, satirist, playwright and screenwriter
* [[Roger Deakins]] – English cinematographer
* [[Max Evans (rugby union)|Max Evans]] – Rugby player
* [[Percy Fawcett]] – English explorer
* [[Larry Grayson]] – English comedian and television presenter, who lived in Torquay in later life<ref name=coventrytelegraph>{{Cite web|url=http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/door-stays-open-larrys-legacy-8391367|title=The door stays open as Larry Grayson's legacy continues|first=Mike|last=Malyon|date=6 January 2015|website=[[Coventry Telegraph]]}}</ref>
* [[Penny Mordaunt]] – English politician
* [[Ollie Watkins]] – English footballer for [[Aston Villa F.C.]] and [[England national football team]]
* [[Mike Westmacott]] – Mountaineer and member of the successful [[1953 British Mount Everest Expedition]]

==See also==
* [[Babbacombe Cliff Railway]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== Sources ==
* {{cite book |last=Russell |first=Percy |year=1960 |title=A History of Torquay |publisher=Devonshire Press Limited |location=Torquay}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Torquay}}
{{Wikivoyage|Torquay}}

{{Devon}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Torquay| ]]
[[Category:Towns in Devon]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Devon]]
[[Category:Seaside resorts in England]]
[[Category:Unparished areas in Devon]]
[[Category:Former civil parishes in Devon]]
[[Category:Torbay]]