Torquay

If you’re looking for the great British seaside holiday with a modern twist, Torquay has it all: great beaches, exciting attractions, an excellent nightlife and those iconic palm trees that line the promenade.

Torquay - a jewel by the sea

But Torquay is about much more than just sun, sea and sand. The town falls within the UNESCO-supported English Riviera Global Geopark, a unique area where cavemen and prehistoric beasts once roamed. You can experience it close up at  Kents Cavern, home to the oldest fragment of the modern human species ever found in Europe.

If you’re looking for some more modern history, take a walk down the Agatha Christie Mile and trace the famous author’s footsteps through her hometown of Torquay.

For an unforgettable visit for the entire family, check out Torquay’s Living Coasts coastal zoo, which features exciting indoor and outdoor exhibits including Penguin Beach, Fur Seal Cove and Octopus Odyssey. You can even get combined Living Coasts and Paignton Zoo tickets.

There’s a year-round calendar of events in Torquay, including the popular Torbay Royal Regatta with displays from the Red Arrows, and you can often catch top West End shows at the Princess Theatre. For fabulous views, ascend the illuminated staircase at Royal Terrace Gardens, or take a trip on the unique HiFlyer Balloon for a real bird’s eye view.

Did we mention the beaches?

It’s impossible to talk about Torquay without mentioning the award-winning beaches and watersports such as scuba diving and waterskiing. There’s also the Waves Leisure Pool, offering all-weather watery fun for the whole family.