Torquay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Torquay which includes night scenes, a marina and a coastal town
Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens which includes a garden and flowers
Torquay showing rocky coastline, a beach and general coastal views
Torquay which includes a bay or harbour, general coastal views and a coastal town
Torquay

This popular resort area is the heart of Devon’s English Riviera, known for its palm trees, limestone cliffs and clear blue waters. 

Torquay is comprised of rocky coastline dotted with beaches bordered by red cliffs. The town has a mild microclimate, with semitropical plants throughout its parks and gardens. Relax on sandy beaches, learn about the town’s interesting literary connections and enjoy lively concerts and evening theatrical productions.

Visit one of the town’s most famous attractions, 12th-century Torre AbbeyOpens in a new window. The abbey was transformed into a country home by the wealthy Cary family and now houses a museum and art gallery. Check out the impressive drawings by William Blake. Wander around the surrounding gardens, which include a special Potent Plant plot of species used to make poisons featured in author Agatha Christie’s crime novels.

The town’s quite popular main beach, TorreAbbey SandsOpens in a new window, takes its name fromthe nearby abbey. Explore some of the 20 other beaches along the town’s 22 miles (35 kilometres) of coastline. Don’t miss tranquil Beacon Cove, said to be Agatha Christie’s favourite bathing spot.

Visit the mysterious Kents Cavern, a subterranean network of caves. Touted as the oldest recognizable human dwelling in Britain, the underground maze of rock galleries and chambers can be explored on a guided tour. Look for the bear-like skull of ursus deningeri embedded in the rock of the cave’s Water Gallery.

Be sure to visit Cockington, a charming village of thatched cottages just outside Torquay. Check out the village’s picturesque church as well as its archetypal English pub designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. On the outskirts of town is Cockington Court Craft Centre, a 17th-century manor where you can watch craftspeople at work. The manor is surrounded by a beautiful 460-acre (186-hectare) country park, where walking trails meander through lush fields and woods.

To reach Torquay, drive about 20 minutes from Newton Abbot. The town is well connected to cities throughout the U.K. by National Express coach. Alternatively, take the train with direct service from Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol or London.

Where to stay in Torquay

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Torquay City Centre

4.5/5(384 area reviews)

Torquay City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for its great bars, beautiful seaside views and captivating waterfront views. You might also want to check out attractions like Princess Theatre or Torquay Marina while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Torquay City Centre
Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens featuring a park

Babbacombe

4.5/5(47 area reviews)

Unique features of Babbacombe include the seaside views and restaurants. Make a stop by Torquay United FC or Babbacombe Cliff Railway while you're exploring the area.

Babbacombe
The Imperial Torquay
The Imperial Torquay
4 out of 5
Park Hill Road, Torquay, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £76 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£76
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Torquay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Excellent hotel shame outdoor pool area closed for maintenance work steep climb from harbour area very tiring."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

The Imperial Torquay
The Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel
4 out of 5
Seafront, Torquay, England
The price is £104 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£104
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Torquay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Nice grand hotel. Well maintained. Room does not have air conditioning, even though there was an air-conditioning panel which did not work. It was a hot British summer. The front desk staff was pretty curt about it. However, Rob, the night manager managed to sort out the issue somewhat by providing ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

The Grand Hotel
Hampton by Hilton Torquay
Hampton by Hilton Torquay
3.5 out of 5
The Terrace Torquay Devon, Torquay, England
The price is £84 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£84
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Torquay. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (735 reviews)
"Staff welcoming, friendly, and extremely helpful, rooms very clean and tidy, Stayed in Bar area/Restaurant most nights as food and service excellent and very reasonable. Breakfasts beyond compare, overall great, many thanks to all staff."

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

Hampton by Hilton Torquay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Osborne Apartments
The Osborne Apartments
3.5 out of 5
5 Hesketh Crescent, Torquay, England
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Torquay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Meadfoot Beach and Little Theatre ...
"Very clean and well maintained property. Friendly staff and great communication."

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2025

The Osborne Apartments
Astor House
Astor House
4 out of 5
Warren Road, Torquay, England
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Torquay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Princess Theatre and Inner Harbour ...
9/10 Wonderful! (73 reviews)
"I liked the roominess of this property. The view to the ocean was also lovely, but it comes with 170 steps to get down to the waterfront! I did not like having to fight for a car park on the street (as there is none included with the apartment), but after 3 weeks of driving around the UK, I now understand ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2025

Astor House
Cosy Thatched Coastal Retreat, close to Maidencombe beach & beautiful pubs.
Cosy Thatched Coastal Retreat, close to Maidencombe beach & beautiful pubs.
Stokeinteignhead Torquay, England
Stay at this cottage in Torquay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions S W Coast Path and Maidencombe Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (126 reviews)
Good times
"Amazing position, so peaceful but brilliantly located to lots of wonderful places to visit. Maiden Combe beach is a joy and a lovely walk. Excellent for those who, like me, want to swim. Parking space an absolute bonus"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Cosy Thatched Coastal Retreat, close to Maidencombe beach & beautiful pubs.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Torquay

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
154
5 - Excellent 41%
4 - Good
180
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
41
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Jac

Really enjoyed the area, particularly the coast path.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Despite not venturing too far away, we had a relaxing weekend without any worries. We visited Teignmouth and also Dartmouth over the weekend. Being out of season there were not many of the touristy shops open.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Out of season but does look a little tired now. There are lots to do & very pretty in the summer as the coast is beautiful.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Would highly recommend Abbey Sands Hotel, couldn't fault anything

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful place and location

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The town was a good little town and had lots of different shops!

Cities near Torquay