About Torquay

With no fewer than nine sandy beaches, a famously mild climate, and views over the English Channel, Torquay has been a rather fashionable spot on the English Riviera since the 19th century, when more people started taking family seaside holidays. It still has plenty of Victorian-era spa-town charm and seaside appeal. Before the grand Victorian hotels, with their white facades sprang up, the seafront was awash with guesthouses and B&Bs, and there are still some excellent options if you prefer a more personal style of accommodation. Today there are contemporary hotels too, and some very good pubs-with-rooms, and converted inns on our list of the best places to stay in Torquay.

Before the bucket-and-spade brigade started arriving, Torquay was known for its fishing catch, and it is still a fantastic place for seafood, not to mention the annual Seafood Feast Festival held in September. Its famously mild microclimate with long summer days and mild, wet winters, make this a popular spot for sailors too. But families still flock here — Torquay is a great spot for kids. The numerous beaches include two with European Blue Flag status: Oddicombe Beach and Meadfoot Beach, and the many cabbage palms, bay bushes and pines give the landscape a Mediterranean feel that adds to the holiday atmosphere. Other attractions include Kents Cave, a very significant Stone Age site; an Agatha Christie walk (she was born here); the Torquay Museum, known for its fossils; and the Babbacombe Model Village. Just don't forget to book early if you're planning a summer break. The best places to stay in Torquay fill up fast!

The Best Places to Stay in Torquay

For families

  • The Cary Arms is a gorgeous old, white and blue seafront pub with a collection of 21 boutique-style rooms, suites and huts, in an incredible position on the side of a cliff overlooking Babbacombe Bay. The ten rooms and suites in the main building are simple but chic, then there are eight fun beach huts and beach suites right on the beach (these are fantastic for families — stay here and you can open your door directly onto the sundeck and then the beach), and all with a fresh, New England sort of feel. The gastro-pub style food is fantastic too, and there’s a spa.

Best b&bs

  • Tynedale B&B is a colourful home turned B&B in a convenient spot on the road overlooking Torquay Beach. It has four bedrooms, all individually decorated with contemporary flair and a hint of opulence — think velvet headboards and satin throws. Breakfast is an indulgent affair too.

Prefer a private apartment or cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel information

  • From London, you can take the train from Paddington to Newton Abbot, and then a bus from there to Torquay — on a good day you could do it in just over three hours. The closest airport is Exeter Airport, which is half an hour away by car or taxi, or an hour and a half by public transport.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • Torquay is a centre of activity on the Devon coast, and hosts all sorts of annual events when visitors can expect the town to be at its busiest. There’s an Agatha Christie Festival in September, as well as a Seafood Feast Festival; around Christmas there’s a Bay of Lights festival; in summer there’s the Electric Bay Music Festival; summer also usually sees an Airshow, and several regattas. If you’re just here for the seaside, the best time to visit will be late spring, summer, and early autumn, which is also when it’s busiest for families, and other lovers of the English Riviera.

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The best hotels in Torquay

Tynedale B&B

Torquay (Devon)

A charming B&B in one of Britain's best holiday destinations. Four chic rooms are individually styled with bold colours, plush velvet head boards, contemporary bathrooms and crisp white linen. Indulgent breakfasts and a warm welcome make this the perfect spot for a relaxing escape.

  • Local exploring - Coined as the English Riviera there is a beautiful coastline to be enjoy as well as having easy access to Torquay's attractions.
  • Great walks - Discover the beautiful and dramatic coastline on long walks.
  • Restrictions on children - Children over 15 are welcome
  • Boutique
from €139 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Cary Arms

Torquay

A boutique hotel with the charm of a British pub. The cliff top position makes for stunning views. Chic white washed rooms mix traditional features with modern simplicity. Hearty gastro-pub styled food is served at the restaurant. A glorious spa. An excellent choice for a family holiday.

  • Total relaxation - Lazy days eating seafood on the terrace, followed by customised holistic treatments in the spa using Yon-Ka products.
  • Families - Three cottages with three, four or five rooms are ideal for families.
  • Great walks - Jump onto the South West Coast Path National Trail spanning for 630 miles through stunning landscapes.
  • Fishing - The Inn provides rods for the pier and nets for fishing in rock pools.
from €197 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees