Portrait of The English Riviera

From its earliest days as a jewel in the crown of elegant English seaside resorts,Torbay has enjoyed its premier position as The English Riviera. While the promenade is no longer thronged by Victorian ladies and gentlemen taking the evening air, and the private villas are now largely hotels, the region retains much of the atmosphere springing from its exclusive past.

While fashions and architecture may change, the scenery of the bay remains much as it has for hundreds of years – breathtaking.

Even for those used to travelling to foreign destinations for their holidays, this spectacular stretch of coastline remains one of the best in Britain. Little wonder that the resorts around the bay continue to draw in summer visitors.

In this book acclaimed photographer Adrian Oakes has succeeded in creating a portrait of the area that captures the best of its many captivating features. Whether photographing the spectacular modern development around the harbour and the new Rock Walk in Torquay, Babbacombe’s discrete charms, the timeless beauty of historic Cockington, or the bustling seaside towns of Paignton and Brixham, Adrian has produced a superb selection of photographs of the highest quality that all those who know the area will enjoy. Also included are many of the tourist attractions that make Torbay so enticing for visitors, among them Kents Cavern, Torre Abbey and Berry Head.