" "The English Riviera" in South Devon comprises the harbour towns of Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham. These three towns together encircle *Tor Bay*, a Celtic name meaning 'hill bay', or a bay surrounded by steep hills. The rising hills form a suntrap around Tor Bay, creating a warm micro-climate that is the warmest in England. Thus, "The English Riviera" or "Torbay" is famous for its three towns of: (1) *Torquay* with its special continental flair, Riviera cafe culture, glitzy marina, all-year illuminations, fashionable shops, and lively nightlife; (2) *Paignton* with its red sandstone, miles of sandy beaches and coastline, colourful beach huts, and family-orientated resort pleasures; (3) *Brixham* with its busy fishing port, maritime character, buzzing quayside shops and cafes, and the rugged beauty of the Berry Head clifftops.
St. Michael's is conveniently located within a 5-minute walk to Torqay town centre and 10 minutes walk to the Torquay seaside with its many restaurants, pubs and clubs, as well as the Riviera Centre and Princess Threatre. There is an excellent bus service in Torquay town centre serving all of Torbay, with frequent shuttle services.
We are also a short distance from all local Torbay attractions such as Devon’s best beaches (Abbey Sands, Meadfoot, Oddicombe, Maidencombe, Meadfoot, Watcombe; Paignton Sands, Goodrington, Broadsands; Fischcombe, Shoalstone, St. Mary's Bay), the Living Coasts Marine Zoo (Torquay), Paignton Zoo, Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway , the Cliff Railway, Babbacombe Downs, Babbacombe Model Village, Bygones Victorian Museum, Quaywest Waterpark, Kent Cavern prehistoric cave, Brixham, Dartmoor, and Dartmoor National Park. Finally, there is the stupendous coastal cliff path running for miles alongside the English Channel. Walkers or cyclists can begin along this path in Torquay. "
