Explore Torquay

Welcome to Torquay, a traditional yet thriving seaside town set on Devon's English Riviera coast.  If you haven't visited for a while, then banish those thoughts of a resort that has seen its hey day.... the best is yet to come. With its iconic palm trees, busy harbour, international marina, sandy beach and wonderful array of continental style cafes, restaurants and cocktail bars, the scene is set for the perfect Devon seaside holiday or short break.

This quintessential bucket and spade resort appeared in The Guardian in late 2016, being described as one of "Britain's most booming seaside towns, undergoing a style revival with Michelin starred restaurants and swanky yachts"!  You only have to drive along the seafront or take a stroll along the promenade to know that this is true.

Torquay - Global Geopark and England’s Seafood Coast

Torquay is part of the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) accredited English Riviera Global Geopark, meaning it marks single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.  With its spectacular coastline and outstanding natural beauty, you can see why it received such accreditation.  Torquay is also a real Devon foodie town, part of England’s Seafood Coast with a delicious selection of the freshest fish and seafood on offer from the nearby fish market. As such, work is now underway to stage the English Riviera’s first major Seafood FEAST (Festival) in Autumn 2018. There are eateries galore and even a top Michelin star restaurant, The Elephant. Live music brings the delightful harbourside to life on warm summer evenings where there are many places to eat and drink al fresco, but many a cosy pub and eatery to enjoy in the cooler months too.  Why not plan a breathtaking walk along England’s Seafood Coast? Click here for some information and inspiration.

Stylish New Hotels, Restaurants and Bars in Torquay

Torquay’s increasing popularity has seen a series of elegant and stylish new hotels, restaurants and bars being developed like the iconic Abbey Sands complex overlooking the town’s long sandy beach.  Futher substantial investment continues in the resorts top hotels, including the Imperial Hotel, Palace Hotel and not forgetting Hotel Gleneagles.  The aforementioned The Elephant made The Telegraph's Top restaurants in Devon, a well earned accolade and adding to the growing quality of the resort. Torquay is also a great place for all the family, with a good selection of places to eat and drink if you have younger family members.  To help you plan your visit to Torquay, look at our guide to accommodation and food and drink.  Torquay is also on the map in 2018 as one of just 19 locations across the UK to hold an official Gin Festival. 

Group Holidays in Torquay

Due to it's easy to reach location, proximity to many great days out, and wide variety of attractions and entertainment, Torquay is a popular location for group holidays and has for many years seen generations of families, groups of friends and coach tours and holidays flock to the resort.  With everything from family holiday parks to hotels offering dinner, bed, breakfast, leisure facilities and entertainment as park of a package, its popularity for group holidays continues to grow, with an increasing international market.

Sailing and Boat Trips in Torquay

This harbourside Devon town is also famous for its world-class sailing with national and international races regularly competing in the stunning horseshoe shaped bay.  Yachts and super yachts nod gently on the marina and you can stroll across Torquay Harbour Bridge that spans the inner harbour, to admire the view and the boats.  You can get afloat yourself with regular passenger ferries to Paignton, Brixham and Dartmouth, plus fishing and wildlife safari boat trips. Take a look here for more detailed information on boat trips, ferries and river cruises.

Strolling & Walking in Torquay

Enjoy long leisurely strolls along the historic pier and promenade and take in the relaxed atmosphere. Walkers will love Devon’s stunning South West Coast path with its jaw dropping views.  You can take the beautiful coastal footpath right around the bay to Paignton and Brixham; this is renowned as one of Devon’s very finest waterside walks.  The whole area is wonderfully dog friendly and your best friend will love it.

Enchanted Evenings in Torquay

Make time to walk up the steps of Royal Terrace Gardens and take in the amazing sea views across the bay, which are magnificent especially at night, with the lights reflecting onto the sea.  And, on a warm summer's evening, why not enjoy a romantic paddle along the shoreline?  Enjoy Torquay’s vibrant nightlife, which includes a variety of pubs, bars, cocktail venues and clubs.  There’s also a choice of theatres in Devon’s Torquay with a huge variety of top shows, offering a great variety of early and late evening entertainment, whatever you enjoy.

Shopping in Torquay

There are some excellent shops and art galleries around the harbour area, from gift shops to well known branded stores and indoor shopping centres, all within close proximity of the seafront and marina.  Or, why not take a short bus ride to the quintessentially Devon village of Cockington? It’s hidden away in a secret valley not far from Torquay seafront.  Here you’ll find a vibrant, working craft centre set within the 18th century manor house of Cockington Court. You can browse, buy and meet the makers with lots of art, glassblowing, a blacksmith, a chocolate maker and much more.  There is also a beautiful country park to explore and lots of quaint and charming tearooms where you can enjoy a legendary Devon cream tea.

Some of Devon’s Best Attractions

Torquay has some of Devon’s best attractions including Living Coasts Marine Zoo & Aquarium, the spectacular underground caves at Kents Cavern, 800 year old Torre Abbey with its Agatha Christie-inspired Potent Plants Garden, Babbacombe Model Village, Bygones plus Open Top Sightseeing Buses, boat trips and much more.  

Agatha Christie's Torquay 

Agatha Christie was born in Torquay and there’s a famous International Agatha Christie Festival every year.  You can also walk the Agatha Christie mile and discover some of the murder scenes described in her novels.  You can also take the picturesque steam train to Kingswear and jump aboard a riverboat up the Dart to visit her magnificent riverside residence at Greenway (now National Trust).

Devon’s Torquay is a very popular place to stay with choice of hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts and self-catering apartments and Devon cottages.  Why not book your stay now?