Torquay

Based on the English Riviera, Torquay is a traditional, yet thriving seaside town that was named the trending UK holiday destination in 2021. The town is most famous for its beaches, which provide some of the best sea swimming, paddling and kayaking in England. The horseshoe-shaped Bay is perfect for watersports – from global sailing competitions to splashing about in the sea, and you will find the water warm, safe and shallow.

But that’s not all Torquay has to offer! You can also expect iconic palm trees, a busy harbour, an international marina, sandy beaches and a wonderful array of continental-style cafes, restaurants and cocktail bars: so the scene is set for the perfect Devon seaside holiday!

Family friendly holiday destination

Families can enjoy a wide range of unique attractions including one of Europe’s most important caves, an 800-year-old Abbey, a historic manor house and craft studios and for the more adventurous: plenty of walking tours! With its stunning natural beauty, it’s not hard to see why Torquay is part of the UNESCO-accredited Global Geopark – meaning that The English Riviera provides unique cultural, geological and historical importance to the world.

In fact, the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie was born in Torquay and spent much of her life there, 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. Plus there are plenty of connections to the Queen of Crime around Torquay. After a busy day exploring Torquay, why not head to the theatres for evening entertainment?

Food and drink in Torquay

A real foodie town, there are many restaurants and bars around town serving food from all over the world, but if you want to stay local there are some great eateries where you can enjoy some of the freshest seafood straight from England’s Seafood Coast! 

There are over 500 accommodation providers, so whether you’re looking for a warm welcome at a B&B, your own space and stunning views with self-catering cottages, family-friendly holiday parks or all the facilities of a large hotel, you’re sure to find it here on South Devon’s beautiful bay!

So, what are you waiting for? Order your free Accommodation Directory and begin booking your holiday to Torquay today!

Explore Torquay

Our Highlights

See more from Torquay

Finalists announced for South West Tourism Excellence Awards

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Tourism businesses from across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall have been named as Finalists in this year’s South West Tourism Excellence Awards. The news follows an awards process which started in April 2023, with nearly 500 entries submitted, a…

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Torquay named one of the UK’s sunniest destinations

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New research from Comparethemarket has revealed the UK’s sunniest destinations based on metrics including the average daily summer sunshine hours and average temperature. Torquay in South Devon came number 3 in the list – one of only two destinations in the South West. According to the research…

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Torquay’s Queen of Crime: Agatha Christie

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Everywhere you look in Torquay, you can find evidence of one of its most famous residents: Agatha Christie, otherwise known as the Queen of Crime. The author was born in Torquay, helped with the war effort here and would later own a holiday home nearby. Her association with Torquay isn’t just…

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