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, 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 - designated UNESCO Global Geopark

Torquay is part of the English Riviera's designated UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) 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. 

England’s Seafood Coast

A real Devon foodie town, Torquay is part of England’s Seafood Coast with a delicious selection of the freshest fish and seafood on offer from the nearby fish market. The family run No.7 Fish Bistro on Torquay Harbour offers homely, authentic seafood from local boats. Savour the fresh catch of the day whilst overlooking stunning sea views and enjoying a leisurely glass of wine. A must visit for seafood lovers.

Why not plan a breathtaking walk along England’s Seafood Coast? Click here for some information and inspiration.

Sailing and Boat Trips in Torquay

This harbourside Devon town is 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. Why not get on the water with Stand Up Paddleboarding? Head to WeSup on Torquay harbour to hire a board or join one of the sessions.

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.

Agatha Christie's Torquay 

Agatha Christie was born in Torquay and spent much of her life here, even buying her holiday home, Greenway later in life. In September each year, Torquay comes alive with super-sleuths for the famous International Agatha Christie Festival. There are plenty of connections to the Queen of Crime around Torquay. Discover some of our Agatha Christie Things To Do, including enjoying a guided walking tour of Torquay and the places that Agatha enjoyed with the English Riviera Walking Tours on their ‘Gentle Introduction to Agatha Christie’. For a really special visit, why not stay in an Agatha Christie Accommodation including The Grand Hotel where Agatha stayed for her honeymoon night.

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.

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.

Things To Do in Torquay

Torquay has some of Devon’s best attractions including 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.  

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.

Where To Eat in Torquay

There is something to please even the pickiest of eaters in Torquay, from cheery fish and chips, to fine dining establishments, and even a top Michelin star restaurant, The Elephant. The Old Vienna and Orange Tree restaurants are award-winning restaurants. Discover more of our Fine Dining Restaurants.

Live music brings the delightful Torquay 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. On Torquay seafront, you'll find the upmarket Abbey Sands, featuring a variety of restaurants including Pierre Bistrot, Visto Lounge and . With spectacular views across the Bay, it is a great place to relax and enjoy the English Riviera sunshine. Find more Places To Eat in Torquay.

Where To Stay in Torquay

Torquay has a series of elegant and stylish hotels, including the appropriately named Grand Hotel and the award-winning boutique hotel Cary Arms, and not-forgetting the World's Number 1 B&B, The 25 Boutique B&B. With its warm microclimate and spectacular scenery, Torquay is the perfect place to unwind and recuperate. Why not check out our Spa Breaks and Days for a much needed relaxing break?

If there’s one thing Devon is renowned for, it’s as the perfect destination for a family holiday. We’ve been welcoming families to our beautiful part of the world for well over a century, so we’re pretty sure we’ve got the family-friendly holiday formula perfect! With a choice of family-friendly hotels, bed and breakfast accommodation, top quality camping, caravan sites, and some of the best self-catering in the country including award-winning holiday parks, you and your family can have the holiday of a lifetime on the English Riviera.

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?