Welcome to Torquay
the English Riviera
Torquay offers a warm welcome, with simple and scenic stays for suitable for families, couples and friends alike. Be it the sandy shores or wild moors, Devon and the English Riviera caters for sun-worshippers and hikers alike.
The seaside town of Torquay itself offers a rich diversity of places to eat out, theme bars and nightclubs to suit all tastes.
It’s also an excellent base location to explore further afield; why not pop down the coast to Brixham, Paignton or Totnes which all offer a variety of activities and have their own town culture. Perfect to immerse yourself in for a day! Packed with history of Agatha Christie, award winning beaches, boat trips and year-round events, it is evident why Devon is one of the most popular holiday spots in the country.
Torquay Attractions
We highly recommend the following things to do and places to eat in Torquay:
Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway
NB Britains favourite attraction!
Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway from Paignton is the holiday line with steam trains running for seven miles in Great Western tradition along the spectacular Torbay coast to Churston and through the wooded slopes bordering the Dart estuary to Kingswear.
The scenery is superb, with seascapes right across Lyme Bay to Portland Bill on clear days. Approaching Kingswear is the beautiful River Dart, with its fascinating craft, and on the far side, the olde worlde town of Dartmouth and the famous Britannia Royal Naval College, Butterwalk, Bayard’s Cove and Dartmouth Castle.
Living Coasts
Take a fantastic journey around the coastlines of the world without leaving Torquay!
Living Coasts, Paignton Zoo’s new visitor attraction in Torquay. Living Coasts features a range of fascinating coastal creatures from loud and loveable penguins to playful fur seals, colourful puffins to sea ducks – they’re all at home in this amazing new environment.
There are reconstructed beaches, cliff-faces and an estuary. A huge meshed aviary allows the birds to fly free over your head, while special acrylic tunnels give stunning crystal clear views of the birds and seals underwater. Then relax in the water-side café with its stunning views across Torbay, where you can enjoy morning coffee, lunch or a real Devon cream tea – all with the best view in South Devon.
Plymouth National Marine Aquarium
The aquarium experience comprises of a total of 50 live exhibits including 3 massive tanks. Over 4000 animals from 400 species are displayed in realistic habitats from local shorelines to coral reefs. In addition, the technological zone. Explore ocean focuses on ocean exploration and sustainability through innovative, interactive exhibits.
The aquarium looks to protect natural marine environments, they hope to educate their visitors on looking after the oceans of the world and why it is so important to us all.
Paignton Zoo
Paignton Zoo is home to thousands of amazing animals and plants. Visit the desert, cross the savannah, explore the forest and trek through the tropics. Voted the Best Visitor Attraction in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards.
Kents Cavern
Kents Cavern is one of the most important Paleolithic 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.
Cockington
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!
Riviera Centre
Open daily all year round. Torquay’s indoor beach – safe, clean, comfortable and fun. The popular leisure pool features a giant flume and a wave machine to add an extra splash of fun!
Woodlands Leisure Park
Its all here at Woodlands! Your favourite family Park with acres of indoor and outdoor fun. This is the unique Park set in fantastic countryside that’s packed with action.
Quaywest
Get Wet, go Wild at Quay West water park! Adults and Children’s Water Fun at Goodrington, Paignton.
Oldway Mansion
Oldway Mansion is a well known local landmark, used by the local council and is registered for marriage ceremonies. A beautiful building with lovely grounds, it is well worth a visit. Oldway Mansion can be found on the Torquay (A3022) to Paignton road, about 1/2 mile from Paignton town centre and just past Manor Road going toward Paignton. There are 60 free car parking spaces and 2 Coach parking spaces.
Torre Abbey
History 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. The Torre Abbey chapel may be hired for private services, such as christenings, funerals, renewal of marriage vows and blessings following civil weddings. Under present legislation it may not be used for weddings.
Goodrington Park
Goodrington Park is a natural habitat for swans, geese and wild birds.This is ideal picnic area and safe for all the families with children. Being part of the famous Youngs Park and literally a stone’s throw from Goodrington Beach and Quay West, Goodrington Park offers truly all family fun with Bumper Boats, Swan Pedalos, Spanish Cafe, Ice Cream, Drop Slides, Crazy Golf, Junior Quads, Large Boating Lake and beautiful walks.
Babbacombe Model Village
A complete village and famous places – all in miniature!
Princess Theatre Torquay
Summer shows, concerts, plays and more
BYGONES
Wander back in time and relive the nostalgia of over 20 life-size Victorian shops and shop windows filled with thousands of original items from candles to porcelain, dolls, dolls houses and Victorian dresses. Visit the Ironmongers, the Grocers, smell the Sweet Shop, the Apothecary and the Forge.
Hanburys fish and chips
Princes Street, Babbacombe, Torquay.
Award winning fish and chip restaurant and take-away above Babbacombe beach on Downs.
Tel 01803 314616
Riverford Field Kitchen
Buckfastleigh. Nationally renowned!
Need to book in advance; (30 min drive away) lunch/or dinner on organic farm; also get a farm tour as well as being fed. Great with kids very informal and fun; tractor rides/picking fruit and veg.
Tel 01803 762074
On the Rocks
Locally sourced food (steak/mussels etc). 1 Abbey Rd, Torquay TQ2 5HB. 01803 203666
Angels
49 Babbacombe Downs. Great for scones and English high tea; also for light lunches sitting inside and outside terrace with views of sea.
Tel 01803 324477
Pier Point
Next to the Princess Theatre overlooking sea; indoor and outdoor seating; fabulous views and good food.
The Orange Tree
14-16 Parkhill Road, Torquay TQ1 2AL. 01803 213936 Featured in Michelin and Good food guides; Great for a special meal out.
The Shack
Highly rated home made burger restaurant/Sunday carvery 43 Torwood Street, Torquay TQ1 1DY.
Tel 01803 294400
