bookmark_borderTorquay

So on Friday we head for sunny Torquay, the place where the world’s most famous mystery writer, Agatha Christie, was born in 1890.

Torquay as we know it dates back to the end of the 18th Century, with the source of the name still offering some confusion. It’s either the “little harbour” (Torre Quay) or roughly signifies “Thor’s Harbor” (cognate to Tórshavn, Faroe Islands and þórshöfn, Iceland), but a more likely root is the Devonian word “Tor”, a hill or outcrop, especially common in placenames on nearby Dartmoor (thanks Wikipedia).

So what to do, what to do. There are a few well known tourist attractions which we’ll try and squeeze in alongside trips to the Quay West water park, the reading of books and the quaffing of wine – Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Cockington village, Torre Abbey, Babbacombe Model Village, and a wander round Torquay Harbour (you might even spot us on the webcam!) will all feature I’m sure.

Alas no Fawlty Towers as that wasn’t actually filmed in Torquay (bar one of the few outdoor shots of Basil outside a restaurant in Torquay), but what else is there to do? I warrant some wandering on beaches and along cliff top paths would be desired, but if anyone has been on holiday or lives in the area I’d appreciate some suggestions.