Torbay Destination Guide

Torbay

Published: Friday, 1 February 2008, 10:49AM

Mark Durden-Smith is on a mission to see if the region dubbed the English Riviera has changed since Judith Chalmers first arrived in Torbay in 1978. He discovers what one of the UK's most popular seaside resorts offers the new bucket and spade brigade and gets tourists' verdicts on the place today.

We hear the story behind the inspiration for Torquay's notorious fictional hotelier, Basil Fawlty. Mark pays a visit to the hotel whose previous owner had unusual ways of making his guests feel welcome.

He meets Agatha Christie expert Joan Knott to find out more about the author, who spent much of her life in the area.  Joan tells of Christie's life, how she was inspired by Torquay and came to know so much about murder.

Back in 1978 donkey derbies, Babbacombe Model Village, an aircraft museum and the Coral Island leisure complex were among the main attractions for visitors to the region. 

Today, the model village still pulls in the tourists, but the aircraft museum is long gone. Coral Island has been replaced by a conservation zoo featuring coastal and marine life.  Mark gets acquainted with its puffins, penguins, cormorants and seals.

Ex-army man Ron Goodwin travelled the world during his career.  He explains why he settled for good in Torbay, the place of his childhood holidays, and takes us on a tour of his favourite retreats – his shed and regimentally-themed beach hut.

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  Delicious dishes

  This Morning's Pudding Club has a whole range of tasty deserts for you to try out

Top three highlights

• Become a keeper for a day at Living Coasts
  
• Experience the world in miniature at Babbacombe Model Village
  
• Explore the picturesque village of Cockington