We love creativity and are proud to say that the English Riviera has inspired many creative people. From authors, to screenwriters, to songwriters, Devon’s Beautiful Bay has been the starting point for plenty of stories.
Inspired by the English Riviera
Although never filmed on the English Riviera, Torquay provided the inspiration behind the classic British sitcom Fawlty Towers. In May 1970, the Monty Python team visited Torquay to film sketches for Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Whilst staying at the Gleneagles Hotel in Torquay (sadly now demolished), the team encountered hotel proprietor Donald Sinclair and his wife, Beatrice. Mr Sinclair was full of eccentricities, berating many of the Monty Python team to the extent that they left the hotel for the duration of their Torquay stay. John Cleese, however, decided to stay and invited his then wife, and future co-writer of Fawlty Towers, Connie Booth to join him.
Monty Python’s Flying Circus (1970)
In Series two of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Paignton Pier, Paignton Sands, Goodrington Beach and Oldway Mansion all appear.
Churchill: The Hollywood Years (2004)
This satirical film focuses on how Hollywood has ‘written out’ Britain’s contribution to World War Two. The movie’s opening shot features Brixham Harbour as Plymouth Docks, Oldway Mansion as Buckingham Palace and later, Cockington as Frothington-on-the-Waddle.
Metronomy are a world-renowned band made famous for their 2011 album named “The English Riviera”. The lead singer and songwriter, Joseph Mount grew up in the nearby town of Totnes, and the album features sounds of the South Devon coastline. One of these songs on the album is named “The Bay” and the official music video features the band in various locations around the English Riviera.
Featuring the English Riviera
Renowned for our iconic palm trees, Mediterranean micro-climate and continental-style waterfront promenades with restaurants and cafes providing stunning alfresco dining experiences, the mix of elegant Victorian architecture, quaint fisherman’s cottages and contemporary buildings create a colourful and relaxing atmosphere. It comes as no surprise then that TV and film companies frequently feature elements of the English Riviera as the central focus of their productions or as the backdrop to their creations including the inspiring natural environment, lifestyles and local characters and the incomparable quality of the seafood. Here are some of the English Riviera’s starring roles and cameo parts.
Susan visited the English Riviera in her motor caravan as part of her Grand days Out series. She said “This is just stunning. And it certainly seems to have more than a touch of Monte Carlo about it… It feels like I’m abroad. It’s just wonderful! I’m starting to understand why it’s called the Riviera”
Susan visited Oddicombe Beach via Babbacombe Cliff Railway, then walked the harbourside and promenade in Torquay before hand diving for scallops in “beautiful” Brixham and experiencing the delight of sighting dolphins in Brixham Harbour on her return. Finally, she combined “two of her greatest loves, Agatha Christie and steams trains” courtesy of the Dartmouth Steam Railway.
In her 3-part BBC series, writer and historian Lucy Worsley explored the life of the Torquay-born Queen of Crime, visiting locations including Torre Abbey and Greenway.
For Channel 4, Alan's literary journey took him to locations and attractions around the English Riviera including the Grand Hotel, Cockington Court and village, Dartmouth Steam Railway and Torre Abbey's Potent Plants Garden. At Elberry Cove he tried wild swimming with local historian Matt Newbury.
In October 2020, Joanna Lumley stayed at The 25 Boutique B&B in Torquay whilst filming her latest travel documentary, Home Sweet Home. The episode focused on the fascinating history and customs that can be found on Dartmoor and the surrounding area, as well as the sunny, friendly atmosphere of the English Riviera, one of Devon's most popular tourist destinations.
Filmed in various locations throughout South Devon, The Coroner ran for two seasons in 2015 and 2016. Starring Claire Goose and Matt Bardock, the daytime drama is about a coroner and Detective Sergeant investigating unexplained deaths. Many prominent South Devon towns and landmarks were used in the filming including; Brixham, Torquay, Broadsands Beach in Paignton, Oldway Mansion in Paignton, Dartmouth, Totnes, Dartington, and Hope Cove.
Fish Town (2010)
Documentary series offering a behind-the-scenes insight into the working lives of the residents of Brixham, one of UK's oldest and busiest fishing ports. Filmed in 2010, it is still repeated regularly on Sky Atlantic.
Comedian Rhod Gilbert takes on one of Britain's most dangerous jobs when he becomes a deep sea fisherman in Brixham, taking on sea sickness and fish that must be disembowelled, sea sickness, a very irritated skipper, and he has to get up early. In the battle of the seas - flatfish versus stand-up - there can be only one winner.
BBC put a magical twist on life at Paignton Zoo in The Zoo, a children’s comedy series starring the vocal talents of actor and comedian Hugh Dennis and a team of comedy voice artists.
Three amateur designers have the task of transforming a bedroom each for three sisters who live in a row of terraced fishermen's cottages in Brixham. With only three days, £1,000 and the help of a builder, they must deliver rooms befitting the picturesque setting.
Alex Polizzi follows first-time hoteliers Keith and Zoe as they go about setting up their first business: Driftwood, a luxury B&B in Brixham.
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Since the 1970’s Torquay has been fondly associated with the classic British sitcom, Fawlty Towers and the farcical antics of the hotel owner, Basil…
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