Teignmouth's origins trace back to before the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was recorded as "Teignemue," signifying its location at the mouth of the River Teign.

Geographically, Teignmouth sits on the north bank of the Teign estuary, directly opposite the smaller town of Shaldon, enjoying a sheltered coastal position within South Devon.

The town's maritime history is deeply rooted in fishing, shipbuilding, and as a port for trade, particularly the cod trade with Newfoundland, which significantly shaped its early economy.

During the 17th century, Teignmouth suffered a notable historical event when it was briefly raided and burned by French pirates in 1690, marking the last mainland English town to be invaded by a foreign power.

Teignmouth has a long-standing reputation as a popular seaside resort, with its Victorian pier, sandy beaches, and scenic coastline attracting tourists since the 19th century.

Demographically, Teignmouth has experienced steady population growth over the past century, with a significant proportion of its residents now retired, contributing to its demographic profile.

The local economy relies heavily on tourism, with numerous hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and shops catering to visitors throughout the year.

Beyond tourism, Teignmouth retains a smaller but still active fishing fleet, and there's some light industry and commercial activity in and around the town.

Cultural life in Teignmouth is vibrant, supported by the Teignmouth Players amateur dramatic society, the Teignmouth Film Society, and various musical events throughout the year.

The Teignmouth and Shaldon Museum houses a collection of local history artefacts, maritime memorabilia, and displays on the town's cultural heritage.

The Grade II listed Teignmouth Pier, originally built in 1865, remains a prominent landmark and recreational attraction, offering amusement arcades, rides, and traditional seaside entertainment.

The Den, a large open green space along the seafront, hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, contributing to the town's communal life.

Teignmouth played a role in the development of transatlantic telegraph cables, as the eastern terminus of the first successful cable laid in 1866 was located nearby in Heart's Content, Newfoundland, with connections running through Teignmouth.

While not a UNESCO World Heritage Site itself, Teignmouth is located within reasonable proximity to the Jurassic Coast, a designated UNESCO site stretching along the Devon and Dorset coastline.

The annual Teignmouth Regatta, a week-long celebration of sailing and water sports held in late summer, is a major event that showcases the town's maritime heritage and community spirit.