Slideshow from Bairdstravels family holiday in Torquay .
Torquay 1989
Explore the palm trees and other exotic tropical plants and flowers, the busy harbour and the rolling green countryside give Torquay a special atmosphere. There are plenty of Torquay Hotels and a wide choice of accommodation to suit everbody - from Torquay's popularity has never waned, and new developments mean that Torquay is still the Queen of British resorts.By day, its beaches and activities are unrivalled and at night it glitters with fun and vibrancy.
From a background of pirates, smugglers and honest fishermen, the town developed into a fashionable haven for visitors in the 19th century. Torquay established an outstanding reputation and it soon expanded to take in nearby parishes such as Babbacombe and Cockington.
Paignton
Long sandy beaches, first class attractions and a vibrant atmosphere are the essential ingredients for a perfect family holiday - and Paignton has them all. There is a plethora of accommodation in Paignton. Situated around the harbour, seafront and town centre, Paignton hotels and guest houses are in the ideal position.
Life revolves around the seafront, which resonates with the sounds of laughter and fun, but there are other sides to this distinctive seaside resort. Discover the elegance of Oldway Mansion, the green coastline around Elberry Cove, and many other aspects of this famous town.
Most of the town is level with the seafront and its sandy beaches, pier, harbour and theatres, all within easy reach. Paignton Green is the home of many events, festivals and exhibitions throughout the year, providing a scenic focal point for the resort. In the high season, carnivals, regattas and festivals follow each other without pause, and every August the Green holds a Children's Week - seven days in Paignton devoted to giving children the best time of their lives.
Brixham
Radiating a warmth of its own, Brixham nestles in the rugged cliffs at the southern end of the English Riviera. Brixham accommodation is ideally positioned around the heart of the town.
Life in Brixham centres around its pretty harbour, where you will absorb the many flavours of the town, and in the bustle of one of Britain's busiest fishing ports.
Wander around the many independent shops on the harbourside and in the town centre, watch the fishermen unloading their daily catch, or sample the freshly caught seafood from one of the local restaurants and cafes.
Right on the harbour are a number of stalls selling fresh seafood such as whelks, mussels, cockles, prawns and crabs. Alongside these are numerous kiosks where you can book fishing and angling trips or reserve seats for boat rides around the calm waters of the bay or up the River Dart to Greenway. There are countless angling trips and for the keen angler specialist wreck and shark fishing is available.
Brixham Battery Gardens are only a few minutes stroll along the coast from the harbour and provide not only stunning views across the bay, but stand as a further testament to Brixham's proud heritage and its role in the defence of the bay over the centuries.
Berry Head Country Park, accessible by car or on foot from the town, boasts spectacular coastal scenery. Perched high on the cliff top, this National Nature Reserve offers spectacular views of the Riviera coast and well beyond. It is also the site of an imposing Napoleonic fort.
COCKINGTON
Only a mile from Torquay seafront, the Domesday book village of Cockington has hardly changed through the centuries.
Come and explore this special village, its historic manor house and the 460 acres of beautiful parkland, woodland and farmland around. It is completely free to enter and you can lose yourself here for a whole day!
The landscape of Cockington has been shaped by its inhabitants for the last thousand years and there are miles of walks to explore