Latest news with #Torquay
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Travel + Leisure
15 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Trending Beach Town Is a More Affordable Alternative to the French Riviera—and It May Be Europe's Best-kept Secret
When people think of 'Europe' and 'Riviera,' that idyllic stretch of sand in France is usually what comes to mind. But there's actually an English Riviera, and one of its under-sung gems is the small beach town of Torquay, England, home to international ports, sandy beaches, peaceful coves, and even a water park. According to recent data, the English resort getaway is trending this summer—between 2024 and 2025, searches for Torquay increased by 150 percent. Even with an uptick of interest, this traditional beach town is more affordable and less crowded than the beaches on the bustling Spanish Coast and the beloved French Riviera. For those of you still thinking, 'no one goes to England for its beaches,' that may be a fair assumption. But Torquay bucks against most travelers' preconception of England in all of the important ways. Its southern geographic position gives it a unique microclimate, making it warmer than the rest of the country. The water is also fairly shallow, making it safe for beginner swimmers. Rest assured that you won't run into the same overtourism problems as other European beaches, and you won't likely hear that many American accents. Right now, the town is primarily popular among English tourists looking for a domestic beach holiday. In addition to classics like paddle boarding, sailing, and kayaking, Torquay also has some more intense activities for the adventurers. Think things like "coasteering," the act of climbing cliff faces as you explore deep sea caves and free swim in the waters of the English Channel. There are plenty of things to do out of the water, too. You can head to family-run Occombe Farm, and pet cute animals; attend plays, concerts, or theater performances; or take heritage tours of the region's long history with a company such as English Riviera Walking Tour. The Torre Abbey, for example, is over 800 years old and has sea views, pairing up history and unmissable scenic vistas. While Torquay might not have the culinary reputation of Barcelona or Cannes, France, there's a burgeoning restaurant scene and an abundance of classic English staples like pubs, beer gardens, tea rooms, and farmers' markets. For mystery lovers, you can't miss the Agatha Christie Mile. The famous writer was born in Torquay and lived in the seaside town until she was 17 years old. The trail has numerous milestones marking places where important events in her life occurred. Her daughter, Rosalind Hicks, helped plan the trail, which covers 15 special spots relevant to Christie's life. The biggest bonus? The tour is free and starts at the English Riviera Visitor Information Centre. In addition to the tour, there's an annual International Agatha Christie Festival in September, which has tons of literary-inspired programming. If mysteries aren't your thing, you can try for The Brixham Pirate Festival, held in the nearby town of Brixham, England. You'll find true-to-history backdrops for some of history's most famous pirates, as well as an abundance of regular people dressed up as their swashbuckling alters. Just make sure to pack your captain's hat.
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Fire crews tackle gorse blaze in Torquay
Fire crews have tackled a gorse blaze in Torquay, from the town and Paignton responded after they received multiple calls about the fire on Rock End Avenue, in the Wellswood 20 sq m of gorse on the cliff was damaged by the blaze, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service used one jet and portable lighting to tackle the blaze.
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
I visited the seaside town with the UK's best fish and chips – they're worth the price and it was like being in the Med
WITH the sun beating down, there is often nothing better than a leisurely beach stroll with a good portion of fish and chips after. And this weekend, I did just that - but in the seaside town with the best fish and chips in the country. 6 6 6 Pier Point in Torquay, Devon was recently named as the UK's best fish and chip shop by the F ishermen's Mission Awards. The Fishermen's Mission charity fights poverty in UK fishing communities by providing support to fishermen and their families. And all of the fish sold at Pier Point Chippy, including cod, haddock and plaice, is MSC certified - which means it comes from well-managed, sustainable fisheries. The fish and chip shop was even named the best in the UK in The Times' 25 of the UK's best spots for seaside fish and chips. Describing the inside, The Times stated: "At sunset on a good day, streaks of orange fill the floor-to-ceiling windows that surround Pier Point, and you might as well be in California. "The restaurant is adjacent to the marina, with spectacular bay views, and it oozes atmosphere — you're in for a good time whether you settle on a wave-shaped red banquette indoors, at an outdoor table, or opt for takeaway with your bag of goodies on the beach." With my childhood home being close to the spot, I decided to see whether it lived up to the awards. The venue itself is split into two sections: a sit-down restaurant and a takeaway fish and chippy. And both sit right next to Torquay's sparkling water, a sprawling beach and a fascinating harbour – a setting so idyllic it feels like stepping onto a Mediterranean promenade. So instead of sitting at a table, I grabbed my portions and headed for the nearby pier to soak up the sun while enjoying my food. I visited the English Riviera and found delicious seafood festivals and hidden beaches Admittedly, Pier Point is on the pricier side. For three servings - a regular portion of haddock and chips, a regular portion of light cod and chips, and a regular portion of salt and pepper squid and chips plus a pot of curry sauce - it came to £38. After paying and walking to the pier, my expectations were already high. Despite the slightly steeper price, the portions were decent and we hadn't waited longer than five minutes for it all to be cooked up. Opening up the boxes, the aroma of hot, vinegary chips and crisp batter filled the air. The haddock itself was large and the batter was crisp and buttery. The cod similarly was a good size and cooked perfectly. The squid - which comes with a sauce of your choosing - was cooked just right, making it not too chewy. And if my dog could talk, I think he would agree the chips were super tasty - not too greasy and never feeling like 'just potato'. 6 The fish also came with a slice of lemon each - a nice touch to add if you want it. So, was it worthy of the award? I'd say so. And the area surrounding the chippy makes it even better. If you choose to grab a portion from Pier Point, head onto the pier for a walk after to see beautiful views across the bay. Or head to the harbour to see some of the most glamourous boats and yachts around. Alternatively, if you head in the other direction, there is Abbey Sands - a large expansive beach with shallow waters and popular with families. 6 Torquay is dubbed the 'English Riviera' for a reason and as you wander around you will see many towering palm trees and vibrant flowers. During the summer months, there is also a giant Ferris wheel which boasts panoramic views of the coastline. Agatha Christie is also famous to Torquay as she spent much of her life there. Many of her novels are either set in or inspired by the seaside town and visitors can explore the Agatha Christie Mile - a walking trail featuring places Agatha visited and featured in her work. The Sun's head of travel Lisa Minot visited the English Riviera THE Sun's head of travel Lisa Minot visited the English Riviera and found delicious seafood festivals and hidden beaches - here's what she thought. We found ourselves on the seafront having built up quite the appetite. At the Offshore Bar & Restaurant on the harbourside we wolf down a seafood platter. Plump prawns and steaming mussels are accompanied by fresh crab, hot smoked salmon and a delicate pan-fried sea bass. The platter was created as part of the annual England's Seafood Feast — held this year from September 26 to October 12. The event celebrates the best of the English Riviera's fish and seafood, with everything from tours of Brixham Fish Market to barbecues and kayak cookouts. There are special offers at more than 30 restaurants across Brixham, Paignton, Torquay and the surrounding countryside. At night, we take the fishy feast up another level with a £55 five-course tasting menu featuring bass, brill and more at Circa, the intimate restaurant at the Sandridge Barton vineyard in the Dart Valley. A chance to explore the coastline on a thrilling, high-speed RIB (rigid inflatable boat) brought a completely different perspective of the sea. The best B&B in England can also be found in Torquay. Plus, the UK seaside town with the best B&B in the world. 6
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Virgin Media O2 to resume switch off next month leaving these phones with no internet
Virgin Media O2 is set to continue its 3G switch off in August, which could leave some customers unable to use mobile data. The UK's major mobile providers, including EE, Vodafone and Three, have gradually been shutting off all 3G services over the past few years following an agreement with the Government back in 2021. Virgin Media O2 is the latest provider to switch off its 3G network so it can focus on "faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient" 4G and 5G networks. It's 3G network switch off began on April 2, with the city of Durham the first area affected. It continued earlier this month, with Virgin Media O2 switching off 3G services in: Norwich Telford Guildford Next area impacted by Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off Torquay will be the next area affected by Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off, with the service set to be shut off on August 4. The rest of the UK is set to follow by the end of the year, Virgin Media O2's Chief Technology Officer, Jeanie York, said. She added: 'We're switching off our 3G network to focus our attention and investment on upgrading faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks that will give our customers a better overall experience. 'Following the successful pilot in Durham earlier this year, we will be switching off 3G in Norwich, Telford and Guildford in July, and Torquay in early August, with the rest of the UK to follow by the end of the year." The switch-off is also set to impact other mobile providers which use Virgin Media O2's network, including: Giffgaff Sky Mobile Tesco Mobile Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off is set to continue in August. (Image: Shutterstock/Virgin Media O2) "You'll struggle to do even the basics" - Virgin Media O2 customers with 3G devices issued upgrade warning Virgin Media O2 customers still using 3G devices or sims, have been warned to upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before the switch off takes place in their area. Any customers who don't upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before 3G is switched off in their area will still be able to make voice calls and send text messages, but will be unable to use mobile data. Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert (MSE) explained: "If you have a phone or Sim that only supports 3G, you'll effectively no longer be able to use the internet once it's fully switched off by your provider. "You'll still technically be able to connect to the internet, but you'll struggle to do even basic tasks. "You'll still be able to make calls and send text messages over 2G, though the quality of the call will likely be a lot worse than it was on the 3G network." Who is Martin Lewis? Virgin Media O2 said the "vast majority" of its customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take action as a result of the switch-off. Known vulnerable customers still using 3G devices have already been offered a 4G-ready device free of charge. While all other customers who don't currently have a 4G handset or SIM will be offered a new device at a reduced price. Customers with unwanted handsets are urged to recycle their devices through O2 Recycle, which could see them receive cash for their unwanted phone. Devices affected by Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off If you are unsure whether or not your device will lose mobile data access when Virgin Media O2's 3G network is switched off, don't worry, there is a way to check. Visit the Virgin Media O2 website and look at its list of devices that are not compatible with 4G and WiFi Calling. If your phone/sim is on that list, you will be impacted by the switch-off and will need to change devices before it happens. Devices on the list include: Apple iPhone iPhone 1 Generation iPhone 3G iPhone 3GS iPhone 4 iPhone 5S Samsung Samsung ZV60 Samsung Binou Samsung GT-C3592 Samsung BEAT S Samsung Galaxy Fame Samsung SLIDER Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 Sony Sony Ericsson WT13I Sony Ericsson W705 Sony Xperia Z2 Sony Xperia E LG LG Calisto LG Pop LG Prada LG New Chocolate LG G1600 Google Google Galaxy Nexus Google Nexus ONE Motorola Motorola MOTO E Motorola EM30 Motorola Motokey Social Motorola C118V RECOMMENDED READING: What happens when 3G is switched off? The devices affected and how to upgrade O2 offering more than £1000 for old mobiles and other devices - how to claim BBC iPlayer to stop working on these TV boxes in the coming days - is yours one? WhatsApp users warned they could be banned from the app for doing this one thing Nokia Nokia 220 Nokia 106.1 Nokia Lumia 925 Nokia 2330 Classic For the full list of devices affected or further information about Virgin Media O2's 3G network switch off, visit its website (a link to which can be found above).
BBC News
7 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Argyle have 'clicked' after big win
Plymouth Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley feels his side have "clicked" after their 6-0 pre-season win over Torquay Amaechi's goal gave the Pilgrims a 1-0 lead at half-time before the new signing added an excellent second after the break.A Bim Pepple effort plus two goals from Joe Edwards and one from Bali Mumba completed the victory at Argyle's National League South neighbours."There were four or five really important players missing this evening, but it just shows you we've got some good depth," said Cleverley, who was without the likes of Caleb Watts, Conor Hazard and Julio Pleguezuelo. "We're still working hard to maybe bring a couple more in, but I think tonight was the evening where it clicked."We should take confidence, but not be complacent. I don't expect 6-0 every game, but it felt a bit more like a normal game for me as a coach and easy to plan for." Amaechi impresses after summer move Amaechi's two goals at Torquay came as many Argyle fans got their first chance to see the winger who moved from German side FC Magdeburg on a three-year deal earlier this former England youth international has impressed in his short time in pre-season at Home Park as the Pilgrims aim for an immediate return to the Championship after relegation to League One."I'll always be the type to keep a lid on that, but he's a very intelligent player, athletic but quick," Cleverley told BBC Radio Devon."The best thing for me as the coach is if you want to double up on the inside on Xavier he can go down the outside as well - he's an incredibly talented footballer."You saw that with his goals tonight - including the in-house game we had at the weekend that's five goals in pre-season now, including the one behind closed doors."He's got some good numbers behind him in pre-season and the rest of the lads know it wasn't just about his performance tonight, but it was certainly exciting."Cleverley is still hopeful he can sign another new striker before the start of the season, although it is unlikely any arrival will be available in time for his side's final pre-season game with Bristol City on Saturday."The club are working really hard to identify, and then to get that move over the line, and of course you need the other club to tango as well," he said."While I've got my eye on the team and the tactics, part of my role is to help with the recruitment side of it now and it's a position I think Owen (Oseni) and Bim (Pepple) have come in and done excellent in pre-season, but we need one more."It's a significant deal that we're trying to do. I always say when pen goes to paper these things are done and we are working hard to get them."
