Welcome to The English Riviera, where a warm welcome awaits! With iconic palm trees, a busy harbour, an international marina, award-winning sandy beaches and a wonderful array of continental-style cafés, restaurants and cocktail bars, the scene is set for the perfect Devon seaside holiday.
Its fabulous location puts you close to the fishing port of Brixham, the market town of Totnes, the coastal villages of the South Hams, the wild beauty of Dartmoor, and the historic cities of Exeter and Plymouth.
Nature lovers will love Torquay’s UNESCO Global Geopark status, and history buffs can explore the town’s links to its most famous resident, Agatha Christie. There’s so much to discover, why not come and see for yourself! Check out the latest What’s On.
Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway runs from Paignton to Dartmouth, running over seven miles it is a beautiful ride along the coast. The scenery in superb which climaxes in the most breath-taking views of Dartmouth and it’s famous Britannia Royal Naval College, where the Queens first met Prince Phillip, is a wonderful spectacle.
Greenway House is an estate on the River Dart, near Galmpton. It is famous for being the home of the crime author Agatha Christie, she once called Greenway ‘the loveliest place in the world’. Explore the house, gardens and woodland.
Wander back in time starting Queens Victoria’s reign, with a life size Victorian street with over 20 life size Victorian shops! Then continue your travels onto the World Wars including a World War I trench, before finishing off your tour in the swinging 1950’s & 1960’s!
Paignton Zoo is the third largest zoo in the country. Home to thousands of amazing animals and plants including lions, tigers, giraffes, gorillas and much much more. You can visit the desert, cross the savannah, explore the forest and trek through the tropics. A must if visiting with children.
Kent’s Cavern is one of the most important Palaeolithic caves in Northern Europe and the oldest recognisable human dwelling in Britain. It holds beautiful and spectacular geological formations and significant prehistoric finds, some over 700,000 years old.
Only a mile from Torquay seafront, the Domesday Book village of Cockington has hardly changed through the centuries. Come and explore this special village, its historic manor house and the 460 acres of parkland, woodland and farmland around. It is completely free to enter and you can lose yourself here for a whole day!
Torquay’s premier indoor leisure centre. The waves leisure pool features a giant flume and a wave machine to add an extra splash of fun! There is also the Lifestyle fitness suite and the Aqua Lounge with a soft play area and restaurant.
Woodlands is the largest theme park in Devon and a fun filled family day out for everyone. With one of the largest and best indoor play areas in the South West, amazing water rides, a zoo farm and much more, there’s fun to be had rain or shine.
Get Wet and Go Wild at Splashdown water park! With twisting tyre rides and slippery waterslides, do you dare to go down the Devil’s Drop! It is the place to visit on a hot day!
Oldway Mansion is a well known local landmark. A beautiful building with lovely grounds, it is well worth a visit. There are 60 free car parking spaces and 2 Coach parking spaces.
Torre AbbeyHistory comes alive at Torbay’s most historic building. Built in 1196 you can trace the 800 years of development from monastery, imposing home of wealthy families, to Mayor’s official residence of modern day.
Goodrington Park is a natural habitat for swans, geese and wild birds. This is ideal picnic area and safe for families. Young’s Park, Goodrington Beach and Splashdown offers family fun with bumper boats, swan pedalo’s, crazy golf, quad bikes, lovely cafes/pub and beautiful walks, not to mention the long sandy beach.
Feel like a giant as you step through the small entrance and let the vast miniature world open up before you. Explore four acres of award winning gardens showcasing hundreds of model scenes, vehicles & people.
A Multiplex cinema complex showing all the new releases located on Paignton beach front!
Located on the promenade is Torquay’s main theatre, the Princess Theatre. It runs a full and varied programme of theatrical shows and musical numbers as well as the yearly pantomime – oh no it doesn’t, oh yes it does!
Boat Trips
There is a wide variety of boat trips around the Bay, which are bookable from various firms by the harbourside and piers. Most beaches also hire small boats and pedaloes.
Sailing and Yachting
These are unequalled in Torbay, and the regattas in August are a superb spectacle. The Royal Torbay Yacht Club is at Beacon Terrace, where you can learn to sail.
Fishing
Sea Fishing is permitted from Haldon Pier, Princess Pier or the many rocks that surround the bay. Fishing trips are readily available from one of the many vendors on the Pier’s. Mackerel, bass, pollack, bream, conger and whiting are all caught in the bay.
Golf
There are two crazy golf courses in the Bay, Pirate Golf in Paignton and Jungle Golf in Torquay.
There is also two beautifully situated 18 hole course’s. Torquay Golf Club https://www.torquaygolfclub.co.uk/ and Churston Golf Club https://www.churstongolf.com/. Visitors requiring temporary membership should apply to the Secretary.
Swimming & Beaches
Along the 22 miles of the English Riviera coastline there are 20 beaches from wide sandy stretches to hidden rocky coves.
Sports Galore
There’s racing, riding, pitch and putt, bowling, squash, tennis, paragliding, water-skiing, windsurfing and more all available to experience and enjoy, right on your doorstep.
Walking
With over 22 miles of walks along the South West Coastal Path. Dartmoor is also close by.
Torquay’s excellent location is unrivalled. Wander around the harbours of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. You could even catch the ferry over from Torquay to Brixham.
Dartmoor
Escape to Dartmoor for dramatic landscapes, scenic walking trails, rugged tors and characterful villages.
The South Hams
Explore sandy beaches, hidden coves and pretty coastal towns, including Dartmouth, Salcombe and Kingsbridge.
Exeter
Spend a day exploring Exeter’s historic streets, independent shops, impressive cathedral and lively quayside.
There are many culinary delights to be found in Torquay. The world-renowned fishing port of Brixham is close by, so locally fresh-caught seafood is a speciality at most restaurants.
Below is just a handful of amazing restaurants that we personally enjoy; we do recommend that you
pre-book your favourite restaurant to avoid disappointment.
Torquay first Michelin star restaurant for over 15 years! This seaside eatery uses locally sourced produce.
Tel: 01803 200044
Featured in Michelin and Good food guides. Great treat for a special meal out.
Tel: 01803 213936
Great family run Italian with a wide variety of dishes from pasta to pizza to salads.
Tel: 01803 201770
A classic setting offering the highest quality cuisine. Check out steak night or the Sunday Roast.
Tel: 01803 297177
Great fish and chips at Mitch Tonks café overlooking the harbour. Also a takeaway.
Tel: 01803 212175
Next to the Princess Theatre overlooking sea; indoor and outdoor seating; fabulous views and good food.
A changing seasonal menu including, tapas, taco’s, pizza and desserts all ideal for sharing.
Tel: 01803 293332
French cuisine with a balcony and fabulous views of the Bay.
Tel: 01803 221213
Visto LoungeModern yet relaxing eatery, great views of the Bay with a fabulous Tapa’s and Breakfast menu.
Tel: 01803 211009
The best tea room is Devon! This is a must you won’t be disappointed! Outside terrace with sea views.
Tel: 01803 324477
Buckfastleigh (30 minute drive away). An organic dining experience. Need to book in advance. There’s also a farm tour great for kids with tractor rides and pick your own fruit and veg.
Tel 01803 227391
Coppa DollaBroadhempston (30 minute drive away). Home of the 2 in 1 pie! A family run business with 30 year old family recipes, in a traditional country setting this is the perfect place.
Tel: 01803 812455
Ullacombe FarmA lovely café with an onsite farm shop and butchery located in Bovey Tracey. There is an outside play area and it is always decorated during the main holiday. More than that the food is outstanding we recommend trying the wide variety of brownies!
Tel: 01364 661341
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Staying in tonight? Torquay has plenty of great takeaway options, from classic fish and chips to Thai, Indian, Chinese and more.
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Yum SingChinese
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Tang TangChinese
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Gurkha’s DinerIndian
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East in WestIndian
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Pappa’sPizza and Grill
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I Am ThaiThai
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Meat 59Burgers
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Hanbury’sFish & Chips
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SaltwaterFish & Chips
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Yes, Torquay is the heart of the English Riviera, with a palm-lined harbour, sandy beaches, and a mild climate that feels almost Mediterranean. It’s a great base for exploring both the town and the wider Torbay coastline.
Torquay is known as the “Queen of the English Riviera” for its beaches and seafront promenade, and as the birthplace of Agatha Christie. It’s also famous for its harbour, marina, and nearby Kents Cavern caves.
The harbourside and marina area have the best choice of seafood restaurants and waterfront dining. Union Street and the town centre also offer plenty of cafés, pubs, and casual options.
Yes, several beaches allow dogs year-round or outside summer restrictions, and many seafront cafés and pubs are dog-friendly. It’s worth checking individual beach rules, as some (like Torre Abbey Sands) have seasonal dog bans in peak summer.
Torquay is very family-friendly, with sandy beaches, Living Coasts-style attractions, and Kents Cavern all popular with kids. The seafront and harbour are easy to explore together on foot.
A day covers the harbour, seafront, and beaches, but two to three days lets you also fit in Kents Cavern, boat trips, and nearby villages like Cockington. It also makes a good base for day trips around Torbay.
Kents Cavern, Torquay Museum, and the Living Coasts attraction all offer good indoor options. The town also has plenty of cafés, pubs, and shops for sheltering between activities.
Yes! The harbour, seafront, and town centre are all within easy walking distance of each other. A car or bus is more useful for reaching outlying areas like Cockington village or further beaches.
Late spring through early autumn (May–September) brings the best weather for beaches and the seafront. Visiting in shoulder months like May or September means fewer crowds while still enjoying good weather.
Walking the harbour and seafront promenade, relaxing on the beaches, and exploring Cockington village cost nothing. Torquay Museum also has periods of free or low-cost entry for some exhibits.
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