If Paignton is the relaxed family heart of Torbay, then Torquay is its glamorous capital — the town that gave the English Riviera its name. With its palm-fringed harbour, elegant Victorian villas climbing the hillsides, a marina full of gleaming yachts and a string of pretty coves, Torquay has a touch of Mediterranean style that sets it apart. Just a couple of miles around the bay from Paignton, it makes an easy and rewarding day out. Here is your guide to exploring the heart of the English Riviera.
The harbour and the marina
The natural focal point of Torquay is its harbour, a lively, attractive expanse of water lined with restaurants, bars and cafes, and backed by the buzz of the marina. By day it is a pleasant place to stroll, watch the boats and enjoy a waterside lunch; by evening it comes alive as the heart of Torquay’s social scene. The palm trees along the front, the white buildings and the blue water really do lend the place a continental air, especially when the sun is shining — which, thanks to Torbay’s mild climate, is more often than you might expect.
An Agatha Christie pilgrimage
Torquay is the birthplace of Agatha Christie, the best-selling novelist of all time, and the town celebrates its most famous daughter with pride. You can follow the Agatha Christie Mile, a self-guided walk linking places associated with her life, see memorabilia and exhibits at Torquay Museum, and admire the bust of the author on the seafront. Fans can extend the theme with a visit to Greenway, her holiday home on the River Dart, just along the coast. For lovers of crime fiction, Torquay is something of a place of pilgrimage.
Torre Abbey and its gardens
Torre Abbey is one of Torquay’s cultural gems: a historic house and former monastery, founded over 800 years ago, set in beautiful gardens just back from the seafront. Today it houses an art collection and tells the story of the site through the centuries, while the gardens — including a walled garden and an Agatha Christie-themed “potent plants” garden of poisonous species — are a delight to wander. It is a peaceful, cultured contrast to the bustle of the harbour.
Coves and beaches
Torquay has some of the prettiest beaches in the bay. Central Torre Abbey Sands sits right by the harbour and town, while a little further round the coast the coves of Meadfoot and Anstey’s Cove are quieter and more dramatic, set beneath wooded cliffs. To the north, Babbacombe and Oddicombe nestle beneath spectacular red cliffs and are reached by the historic cliff railway. Each has its own character, from easy central sands to secluded swimming spots.
Kents Cavern: a journey into prehistory
One of Torquay’s most fascinating attractions is Kents Cavern, a vast and ancient cave system that is among the most important prehistoric sites in Britain. Guided tours lead you through spectacular underground chambers, past stalactites and stalagmites, while telling the story of the early humans and Ice Age animals whose remains have been found here. It is atmospheric, educational and entirely weatherproof — a great option whatever the forecast, and a particular hit with children.
Babbacombe and the Model Village
At the northern edge of Torquay, the Babbacombe area is well worth exploring. The Babbacombe Model Village is a beautifully detailed miniature world set in award-winning gardens, with thousands of tiny figures, working models and an after-dark light show in season. Nearby, the Babbacombe Cliff Railway carries passengers down the cliff to Oddicombe Beach, with stunning views along the way. It is a charming corner of the bay that delights all ages.
Gardens, walks and views
Torquay is a green and hilly town, and its gardens and viewpoints are part of its appeal. The seafront gardens, the abbey grounds and the network of paths up the hillsides all reward exploration, and from the higher points the views across the whole of Torbay are magnificent. The South West Coast Path threads through the town, linking the harbour, the coves and the cliffs, so walkers can string the highlights together on foot.
Eating, shopping and evenings out
Torquay is the liveliest of the three Torbay towns when it comes to eating out and evening entertainment. The harbour and marina are lined with restaurants and bars of every kind, from relaxed bistros to waterfront dining, and the town has a good range of shops. It is the natural choice for a special meal out or a livelier evening during your holiday, just a short drive, bus ride or summer ferry trip from Paignton.
Living Coasts and the changing harbour
Visitors who knew Torquay of old may remember Living Coasts, the coastal zoo on the harbour, which has now closed; the site forms part of the ongoing evolution of Torquay’s harbourside. It is always worth checking what is currently open when you plan your visit, as the town continually refreshes its attractions and events. What remains constant is the appeal of the harbour itself — the boats, the waterfront restaurants and the buzz of the marina — which is reason enough to spend time here, whatever the latest line-up of attractions.
Evenings and nightlife in Torquay
Of the three Torbay towns, Torquay has the liveliest evenings. The harbour and marina come alive after dark, with a good choice of restaurants, bars and pubs, and there is often live music and entertainment in season. Whether you want a relaxed waterside dinner, a family meal out, or somewhere for a drink with a view of the lit-up harbour, Torquay is the natural choice for an evening out during your holiday. It is just a short drive, bus ride or summer ferry trip back to Paignton afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Torquay from Paignton? Only about two miles around the bay — a short drive, a regular bus, or a scenic summer ferry trip.
What is Torquay known for? Its harbour and marina, its mild “Riviera” climate, its links to Agatha Christie, and attractions like Kents Cavern and Babbacombe.
What is the best indoor attraction in Torquay? Kents Cavern, a spectacular prehistoric cave system, is fascinating and completely weatherproof.
Is Torquay good for an evening out? Yes — the harbour and marina offer the bay’s best choice of restaurants, bars and nightlife.
An easy trip from your base
Torquay is only about two miles from Paignton, so it is wonderfully easy to dip into whenever you fancy — a morning at Kents Cavern, an afternoon on the harbour, or an evening meal out. You can drive, hop on the regular bus along the seafront, or take the passenger ferry across the bay in summer for the most scenic approach. From Cranmore Lodge, with its free off-road parking, the whole of Torbay is within easy reach. See our area guide for more ideas.
Stay at Cranmore Lodge, Paignton
Base yourself centrally in Torbay and Torquay, Paignton and Brixham are all within easy reach. View our apartments or check availability and book online.
To enquire, call +44 (0)1803 556278 or email enquiries@cranmorelodge.co.uk. Cranmore Lodge Holiday Apartments, 45 Marine Drive, Paignton TQ3 2NS.