Contact Details

holiday@torbay.gov.uk
Tel: 01803 211 211

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The English Riviera on TV

'General Views' of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham appear frequently in television programmes; documentaries and reality TV shows in particular. Recent TV highlights include:

Casualty - aired on 6th January 2007, the episode where some of the paramedics learn to surf was filmed at Broadsands Beach, Elberry Cove and Brixham Harbour.

Demolition Dad (second series 2006 - 2007) - The Norman Wisdom inspired Channel 5 show starring Peter Duncan was filmed at many locations in and around the English Riviera. The bulk of the filming took place at Paignton's Beverley Park where the characters are based. Other locations used include: Paignton Zoo, Goodrington Beach, Babbacombe Model Village, Kents Cavern, Quaywest and Woodlands Leisure Park.

Fawlty Towers

The inspiration for the character Basil Fawlty came after John Cleese and the Monty Python team stayed at the Hotel Gleneagles in Torquay. The hotel's proprietor, David Sinclair, was involved in a number of incidents with the Monty Python cast which led to them deciding to relocate to the town's 5 star Imperial Hotel. John Cleese however decided to say on to take notes and the rest is history.

The building used for the exterior shots, on the grounds of the Wooburn Grange Country Club, Buckinghamshire, was severely damaged by a fire in March of 1991. The building was subsequently demolished and 8 homes were later built on the grounds.

TV & Film Connections

Roger Deakins, who was born in Torquay, is a respected Cinematographer to the extent that he has won a BAFTA and has been nominated for an Oscar five times. As Director of Photography he has worked on many famous films including The Shawshank Redemption, O Brother Where Art Thou, A Beautiful Mind and The Big Lebowski.

Peter Cook, born in Torquay November 17th, 1937, is perhaps best known as being one of the countries funniest comedians and also for being the founder and proprietor of British satirical magazine Private Eye. In addition to this he did appear in many TV and film productions.

Filming On The English Riviera

Torbay Council is a film friendly authority and works closely with regional screen agency South West Screen. Should you wish to film in Torquay, Paignton or Brixham please contact either George Brewer or Katherine Brown at the English Riviera Tourist Board on +44 (0)1803 296296 or email

Other TV Links to the English Riviera

"Q"
Scenes of Q, starring Spike Milligan were shot at the Osborne Hotel because of the outdoor pool and the wonderful backdrop of the crescent shaped building, which gave it its 'Mediterranean' feel!

Miss Marple
This film was shot all over South Devon and, somewhat appropriately, some of the scenes were shot as the Steam Railway passed Agatha Christie's former home at Greenway

Edward The Seventh
Oldway Mansion was used as the exterior of the Hotel de Paris in Biarritz in South West France. In this film starring Annette Crosby, Robert Hardy, John Gielgud and Timothy West

Lady Nancy Astor
Oldway Mansion was again used for filming - this time as Nancy Astor's honeymoon hotel in Georgia. 007's Pierce Brosnan was in a starring role.

The Zoo Keepers, BBC Series
Two series of ZooKeepers have proven to be very popular, with on going stories about the animals and keepers of Paignton Zoo.

Isadora
Oldway Mansion was used, yet again, this time for filming the life story of the glamorous dancer, Isadora Duncan, who actually lived at Oldway with her lover, Paris Singer. Vanessa Redgrave starred.

Blackball
This film follows the trials and tribulations of a young bowls player as he battles against the establishment of the game. With Mel Smith as Director we know we're in for an entertaining blast. Starring Paul Kaye (2000 Acres of Sky).