Location and coordinates are for the approximate centre of Torquay within this administrative area. Geographic features and populated places may cross administrative borders.
Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew
Torquay, seaport town and watering-place, Devon, conterminous with Tormoham with Torquay par., on N. side of Tor Bay, 23 miles S. of Exeter and 220 from London by rail, 1465 ac., pop. 24,767; 4 Banks, 5 newspapers. Market-days, Tuesday and Friday. Torquay is entirely of modern growth. It takes rank among the first of English watering-places. It is beautifully situated on a series of heights and depressions on the margin of a small bay, an offset of Tor Bay, and as seen from the sea presents a singularly picturesque appearance. Its mild and equal climate, its excellent water supply and drainage system, and its bright and pleasant surroundings, make it a great resort of invalids and convalescents in winter and spring. It has a museum, public gardens, baths, and all the attractions of a great watering-place. The pier which shelters the inner basin of the harbour is a favourite promenade, especially when many yachts are in port. In the neighbourhood of Torquay are well-known marble works and terracotta works.