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Torbay English Riviera Devon |
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Torbay is an east-facing bay and natural harbour, at the western most end of Lyme Bay in the south-west of England, situated roughly midway between the cities of Exeter and Plymouth historically part of the county of Torbay was made a unitary authority on April 1, 1998. Tourist authorities call it the English Riviera on account of its beaches and unusually mild climate. There are three main towns around the bay: Torquay in the north, Paignton in the centre, and Brixham in the south, which have become connected over the years, swallowing up villages and towns such as St Marychurch, Cockington, Marldon, Churston Ferrers and Galmpton. Torbay, as an administrative area, was created in 1968 as a County Borough, from the amalgamation of the Boroughs of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. In October Torbay became the first area of the South West to have an elected Mayor with Nick Bye being the successful candidate. The southern limit of Torbay is Berry Head and the northern limit is Hopes Nope although Torquay itself stretches further north into Babbacombe Bay where the beaches at Oddicombe and Babbacombe can be found; these are noted for their Breccia interesting cliffs. Torbay is bordered by the South Hams to the south and west, and by Teignbridge to the north. Nearby towns include Totnes and Dartmouth in the South Hams Newton Abbot and Teignmout in Teignbridge. Because of the mild climate, Torbay Palm trees are a common sight along the coast. However, this 'palm' is in fact a Cabbage Tree (Cordyline Australis),originating from New Zealand. These trees flourish elsewhere in the UK, at least as far north as Pickering in North Yorkshire. It is suggested that the popularity of Cabbage Trees in Torbay is attributable to their first being introduced to the UK in that region; a street in the old part of Dartmouth named Anzac St suggests an early 20th century initiative to associate the town with New Zealand and Australia. The fishing port of Brixham is home to one of England and Wales most successful fishing fleets and regularly lands more value than any UK port outside of Scotland
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 16 December 2007 )
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