Quality of Life

Torbay offers an excellent quality of life in a unique geographical setting. The resort is the UK’s fourth most popular visitor destination and as such presents a wealth of outdoor, cultural and leisure opportunities available to residents as well as visitors. Its proximity to Dartmoor, Cornwall and other areas of outstanding natural beauty, and yet with easy access to other metropolitan areas places Torbay in a unique geographical setting.

Below is a brief snapshot of the leisure activities in and around Torbay, more detailed information can be found on the English Riviera  website.

The natural indented shape of the Bay provides an excellent, sheltered environment for a wide variety of water sports both above and below the waves. Popular activities in the area include kite surfing, waterskiing and jet skiing, sea kayaking, scuba diving, sailing and wind surfing.

Torbay has a growing reputation as a creative centre of excellence, hosting major cultural events across the spectrum of artistic genres. There is always something to offer on the cultural scene of Torbay and the surrounding areas of Dartmoor, Teignbridge and the South Hams. You can search the Creativetorbay directory for events taking place across the Bay by visiting the Torbay Council Events page.

As well as the usual high street names, Torbay's town centres: Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, have a wealth of specialist food stores, craft shops and boutiques.

The historic districts of Babbacombe and St Marychurch, with stunning coastal views across Lyme Bay, offer charming independent shops and galleries, whilst the nearby out of town shopping centre at the Willows attracts visitors from all over the county to its food, fashion, DIY and household goods superstores.

Torbay offers a unique waterfront shopping experience with a stunning coastal backdrop and excellent al fresco café and dining areas.  

For more information on Torbay's town centres, and to discuss opportunities for retail investment, contact Torbay Town Centres Company .

Torbay’s warm climate and grand architecture set against dramatic topography earned its reputation as The English Riviera.

Torbay’s coast path is amongst the most picturesque in Britain, and the area is internationally acclaimed as a UNESCO Geopark due to its dramatic geological features. Visit the English Riviera Geopark  website for more details.

With 22 miles of coastline, Torbay is one of the UK’s finest water-sport locations; popular with the yachting fraternity for superb sailing, well equiped marinas and Royal Yachting Association Regatta. It is within easy reach of Dartmoor and Cornwall as well as other cultural and retail centres of Exeter, Plymouth and Bristol.

People working in knowledge based companies love living here and end up spending long careers in the area.