Blue Plaque Heritage Trail

The 45 blue plaques across the English Riviera are a great way to discover its heritage, and you can pick up a map of locations from the Visitor Information Centres.
Famous authors include Flora Thompson, author of the Lark Rise books, and Charles Kingsley, who penned the Water Babies. Rudyard Kipling spent two years at Rock House in Torquay, and poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning spent time at the now Hotel Regina on Torquay harbourside.
One of the country’s best loved and most popular hymns Abide With Me was written at the Berry Head Hotel in Brixham by the Rev Henry Lyte, and Hesketh Crescent in Torquay was once leased to Charles Darwin.
Engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel has a long association with the area and scientist Oliver Heaviside, renowned for his work in the field of electromagnetic theory, is recognised in Paignton. Paignton was also the home of sewing machine magnate Isaac Singer, at Oldway Mansion.
Wherever you go on the English Riviera, you’ll find plaques that recognise some of the greatest figures in British history.