South Devon online guide featuring activities, travel, eating, shopping, hotels, self catering and bed & breakfasts on the popular English Riviera coastline. In 1983 the resorts of Brixham, Torquay and Paignton were relaunched as the English Riviera, and exotic, yet still very English alternative to going abroad. Torquay comes closest to achieving the sophisticated image; Paignton is more kiss-me-quick than 'je ne sais quoi', while Brixham remains an unspoilt fishing port. Torquay is the South Devon at its most continental - a balmy climate, palm trees sparkling with coloured lights and millionaires' yachts basking in the marina. The English Riviera stretches for 22 miles along the South Devon coastline. The area boasts 20 different beaches.