What to do when you visit Torbay

Torbay has been attracting visitors in search of rest and relaxation since Victorian times when the phrase The English Riviera was first coined. In those days people came for gentle promenades along the beaches and coastal paths, a dip in the sea and to enjoy the wonderful views across Tor Bay.
Although you can still indulge in those very traditional pursuits, the English Riviera has moved with the times and fully deserves its long-standing reputation as one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations. Nowadays the three Torbay towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham offer so much more for the year-round visitor, ranging from internationally acclaimed tourist attractions to its many areas of special scientific interest.
Whether you want a day out, an afternoon’s diversion, or just a great way to spend a couple of hours, Torbay has it all. Here is our guide to all the best bits, from those located within the resort towns themselves, to some a little further afield.
Over the next week or so I'll be taking a look at some of the attractions the Bay has to offer the family or couple who come to visit.

I'll start with the Hi-Flyer Balloon on the seafront at Torre Abbey Meadows.
Newly-installed, last summer, this spectacular attraction offers 360 degree views across the whole of Torbay from 400ft up. With up to four flights per hour when the wind is low, you should not miss this chance to see the bay as the seagulls do.