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Babbacombe Model Village currently recommend that people book an arrival slot in advance, you will…
With the personality and values of a traditional English inn and the luxurious style and facilities…
We’ve long known that Torquay is a fantastic choice for a UK staycation. Basking on the world-famous English Riviera, with Paignton and Brixham alongside, it offers fantastic all year round holidays for everyone, is surrounded by beautiful beaches and stunning countryside, and is within a UNESCO-recognised Global Geopark.
Its attractions have been officially recognised by TripAdvisor, which named Torquay as the UK’s top seaside resort – an award that’s very much worth having: “These awards are based on millions of reviews and ratings by those that really matter – travellers themselves,” said TripAdvisor spokesperson James Kay. “Torquay’s strong showing, the highest of any town in the UK, is testament to the unquestionable appeal of this seaside destination.”
With events and festivals going on all year round, attractions galore, bundles of beauty spots, oodles of outdoor activities, and the wonderful sea to harvest for excellent food, plus a huge range of accommodation, it’s no surprise that it’s seen as the heart of the British seaside holiday.
Torquay Harbour by Nicolau Pestana
Torquay’s hugely popular with families and anyone looking for a fun-filled time and beautiful beaches. Animal-lovers will enjoy Paignton Zoo – home to some of the planet’s rarest and most amazing creatures, including gorillas, giraffes, lions, tigers and rhinos. Or try Living Coasts, an award-winning coastal zoo which is home to a magnificent array of marine life from around the world – as well as Devonian seals and otters. Scary-yet-exciting is Kents Cavern, a labyrinth of stone age caves which offers tours and hands-on activities, making it great for both kids and adults. Fans of (fun!) history will also enjoy the Victorian journey at Bygones, whilst Babbacombe Model Village has to be experienced for the detail and thought that’s gone into it – and because even the smallest child gets to feel like a giant there!
And if you’re looking for a fun way to appreciate the whole of Torquay, hop onto the English Riviera Wheel, which will show you spectacular scenes from a great height – or take a boat trip around the bay.
Having the famous harbour and fish market of Brixham nearby means that Torquay has lots of amazing food on offer. There are few things as nice as watching the boats with a fresh South Devon crab (one of the local specialties) sandwich in hand – except perhaps a big local fish and chips with a pint of beer in a cosy pub.
Foodie visitors can take a tour of Brixham Fish Market or visit Occombe Farm, a working organic show farm with exhibits and activities, before visiting a local restaurant to taste what they’ve seen. Great places to try local seafood include The Cary Arms, Hanbury’s (award-winning fish and chips), No 7 Fish Bistro, and The Harbour Light Restaurant – but there are many more to choose from.
Of course, high on the must-visit list for foodies in Torquay is Simon Hustone’s Michelin-starred The Elephant. And do catch TorqEat in May, if you’re a fan of excellent food festivals in beautiful locations – and who isn’t?
Think of the Devon coast and of course you think of watersports – and there are plenty of watersports companies around Torquay who are only too happy to help you get out in the ocean, whether that’s by offering advice, lessons or equipment hire, and whether you want to go surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, coasteering, or take part in (almost) 101 other watersports.
But of course, you don’t have to get wet to enjoy the coast around Torquay. The area is a UNESCO-recognised Global Geopark, and there are beautiful walks to take within it, whether that’s along the South West Coast Path, in Berry Head National Nature Reserve, along one of the beautiful nearby beaches or wherever your feet might take you.
Torquay is the birthplace of crime writer Agatha Christie, and the whole resort is mecca for fans of her work. Christie buffs can visit her holiday home, the beautifully restored mansion house Greenway, walk the Agatha Christie Mile, and follow the Agatha Christie Literary Trail. There’s even an Agatha Christie experience via steam train or vintage bus to Greenway.
While you’re out and about do pop over to nearby Cockington Village – nothing to do with Agatha Christie but it’s one of the prettiest chocolate-box village you’ll ever have seen.
Going to a show is a popular way to pass a Torquay evening – and there are a few to choose from: take a look at the programmes of the Princess Theatre, The Little Theatre, the Palace Theatre in Paignton and Babbacombe Theatre.
Number of results: 26
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Torquay
The glass faceted sea-facing spa includes a waterfall hydrotherapy pool, relaxation area, steam room, sauna, exotic experience shower, gym, three treatment rooms - one being…
Torquay
Perfectly situated in the heart of Torquay, TLH Leisure Resort has everything you could want from a UK break or holiday. Choose from 4 quality, 3 star hotels and self…
Babbacombe, Torquay
***Please keep an eye on our website for re-opening dates in 2021***
Babbacombe Cliff Railway is, as the name suggests, in Babbacombe, on the outskirts of Torquay in…
Torquay
With the personality and values of a traditional English inn and the luxurious style and facilities of a boutique hotel, the Cary Arms & Spa offers you a relaxed and modern…
Torquay
Perfect for luxury breaks on the Torbay coast
For the ultimate luxury seaside break in Devon, why not rent one of our four newly restored cottages? Choose from a three…
Torquay
The Best of Devon Restaurants
With the freshest of seasonal produce from the south Devon Coast
At Cary Arms & Spa, we serve gastro food cooked simply. The…
Torquay
Babbacombe Model Village currently recommend that people book an arrival slot in advance, you will then pay at the gate by card. Find more information: https://model-village…
Torquay
Grosvenor House is a charming husband and wife run licensed guest house, situated in a quiet but central Torquay location, just behind the newly restored Torre Abbey, in the…
Meadfoot, Torquay
Right in the heart of the English Riviera, this sought-after family-friendly destination offers beautifully appointed apartments in a range of sizes suitable for singles,…
Torquay
The Barramore offers stylish self catering holiday apartments open all year, in own grounds with pretty garden and heated swimming pool (pool open 20th May - end September)…
Torquay
This elegant Torquay hotel is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Torquay on the English Riviera, sitting majestically on the headland looking out to sea. It is…
Torquay
Looking for somewhere amazing to stay?
Located in Torquay at the Heart of the English Riviera, Heathcliff House is a four star, multi Award Winning bed and breakfast…
Torquay
Fleet Walk is located in the in the heart of Torquay Town Centre, with the iconic harbourside as its backdrop. Fleet Walk is home to over 50 of the best high street names…
Torquay
The Haytor Hotel Torquay is a beautiful Victorian Villa built in the 1835 offering quality luxury Bed & Breakfast.
We have beautiful gardens and are just a few minutes…
Torquay
The Haytor Hotel Torquay is an elegant detached Victorian Villa built in the 1830's and set in three quarters of an acre with stunning gardens and sun terrace.
The…
Torquay
We are currently closed due to the lockdown and will reopen as soon as possible however this Mother's Day why not collect?
“Say thank you to your Mum this Mother’s Day…
Torquay
This magnificent 19th century Victorian four-star hotel commands a cliff top position, overlooking Torbay and the beautiful Devon coast. A historic property, built in the…
Newton Abbot
Bulleigh Barton Manor is an AA Five Star rated B&B, nestling in a valley between Ipplepen and Compton with far reaching views across the surrounding countryside. It…
Torquay
Established in 1196, Torre Abbey is a museum of history and art housed in an Ancient Monument, with beautiful and award winning gardens. Plus "kids" (Under 19) enter for free…
Torquay
Join the Tribe!
An English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site.
Kents Cavern is one of Europe’s top and most exciting Stone Age caves, with an extensive…
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