This source shows that many people turned out to see the first train arrive at Torquay. Notice that not everything went smoothly however! Can you see any evidence that the line had been opened in a rush?

The coming of the railway to Torquay on 18th December 1848 was an important event in the development of the town. Roads at that time were poor and a journey from London by stagecoach took about 17 hours. It was also very expensive. A rail journey from London to Exeter took about four and a half hours. So a new line to Torquay meant visits by the wealthy became much easier.