Torbay

PaigntonHarbour at Paignton, Torbay, Devon, Eng.

Torbay, unitary authority, geographic and historic county of Devon, southwestern England, on the English Channel coast. It comprises three old towns—Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham—grouped around Tor Bay.

A village existed at Torre before the foundation of a Premonstratensian abbey in 1196. Cockington Court (Elizabethan and later) and its estate are part of the municipal park system. Torbay’s attractive setting and equable climate have made it a year-round resort and conference centre. Area 24 square miles (63 square km). Pop. (2001) 129,706; (2011) 130,959.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.