Palm trees, harbours, red cliffs and a sweeping bay: there's a reason Torbay is called the English Riviera. Torquay and Paignton sit side by side around the bay, each with its own character, and together they make up one of the most loved stretches of the Devon coast.
The Torquay & Paignton colouring book from Britain in Lines brings both towns together in one calm, colourful collection.
About Torquay and Paignton
Torquay grew from a small fishing village into an elegant Victorian resort, with grand villas climbing the hillsides above the harbour. Its mild climate and sheltered bay drew holidaymakers from across the country. It's also the birthplace of Agatha Christie, whose connections to the town can still be traced today.
Paignton, just along the bay, has a more relaxed, traditional seaside feel, with its sandy beaches, pier and busy little harbour. Between the two, Torbay offers everything from historic houses to classic bucket-and-spade days.
English Riviera landmarks to colour
Paignton Harbour
Small, busy and full of character, Paignton Harbour is lined with fishing boats and pleasure craft. It's a cheerful, colourful scene.
Torre Abbey
Founded in 1196, Torre Abbey is the oldest building in Torquay. Today it's a museum and gallery with beautiful gardens, mixing medieval ruins with a later historic house.
Cockington Court
Set in parkland near the famous thatched cottages of Cockington village, Cockington Court is a historic manor house and now a hub for local crafts. It's a picture-perfect slice of rural Devon right on Torquay's doorstep.
The Grand Hotel
Overlooking the seafront, the Grand Hotel is a classic of seaside architecture, and is said to be where Agatha Christie spent her honeymoon.
Torquay Town Hall
An impressive Edwardian civic building with a tall clock tower, reflecting Torquay's growth and confidence in the early 20th century.
Why the English Riviera is perfect for colouring
Torbay is full of contrasts: medieval stonework, Victorian villas, thatched roofs, palm trees and harbours. That variety means every page feels different, and there's plenty of scope for bright seaside colour.
Inside the Torquay & Paignton colouring book
Inside you'll find 20 hand-drawn illustrations of harbours, historic buildings and coastal landmarks across both towns. The line work is open and structured, never cluttered, so every page is relaxing to fill. It's printed in the UK on thick 160gsm paper, wire-bound to lie flat, with a soft-touch cover, for £16.99.
It's also part of the Devon Coastal Collection with our Exmouth colouring book, for £24.99.
A thoughtful English Riviera gift
For anyone who grew up in Torbay, returns every summer, or simply loves the Devon coast, this book is a lovely reminder of sunny days by the bay. 10% of every sale goes to Martin House Children's Hospice.
