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Things to Do in Torquay
Go to listing ↓Torquay is the largest town on the English Riviera, its palm-lined seafront and sheltered harbour giving it a distinctly Mediterranean feel against the backdrop of Torbay. It's the birthplace of Agatha Christie, and her influence still runs through the town's museums, trails and annual festival.
The town's marina and harbourside are the focal point for visitors, ringed by restaurants, bars and a busy nightlife scene, while Torquay's beaches and coastal walks — including the dramatic red cliffs further along the bay — offer a quieter side.
As Torbay's main town, Torquay also has the widest range of shops, entertainment and places to eat of any of the area's coastal towns, making it a natural base for exploring the wider English Riviera.
Torquay History
Torquay's transformation from fishing village to seaside resort began during the Napoleonic Wars, when the Royal Navy anchored its fleet in the sheltered waters of Torbay and the families of officers began to settle nearby. Its mild climate and sheltered position soon attracted wealthier visitors, and the town grew rapidly through the Georgian and Victorian eras — flourishing further once the railway reached Torquay in the 19th century and made the town easily accessible from the rest of the country.
That Victorian growth left much of the elegant seafront architecture still visible today, and helped establish Torquay as the largest and most developed of the English Riviera's resort towns. The area's history stretches back much further still: nearby Kents Cavern is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Britain, with evidence of human occupation tens of thousands of years old. Torquay is also the birthplace of Agatha Christie, whose life and work are still celebrated across the town today.
Places to visit in Torquay
18 places to visit in Torquay, spanning Food & Drink, Family & Attractions and Activities, updated live by local businesses.
Some suggestions for Places to visit in Torquay: For Adventure Family & Attractions try English Riviera Wheel. Beach Nature try Torre Abbey Sands. National Park Nature try Rock and Moor. Activities try Point Field Smallholding C.I.C and Rock and Moor. Hiking Activities try Rock and Moor.
Travel Wellness Family & Attractions For Kids Food & Drink Entertainment Activities Nature
English Riviera Wheel
Princess Gardens, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5EQ
Torquay's iconic 60-metre observation wheel offering breathtaking panoramic views across the English Riviera from Princess Gardens.
Torquay Watersports
MDL Marina, Vaughan Road, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5EQ
An RYA-accredited watersports centre at MDL Marina offering sailing, kayaking and powerboating.
Soho
1 Palk Street, Torquay, United Kingdom, TQ2 5EL
Soho Cocktail Bar & Secret Garden - Torbay's favourite night out! Book a Cocktail Class or a VIP Area!
Offshore Bar & Restaurant
13-14 Vaughan Parade, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5EG
A popular seafood bar and restaurant on Vaughan Parade, steps from Torquay's bustling harbour.
Twenty1 Lounge
21 Victoria Parade, Torquay, Devon TQ1 2BB
A stylish waterfront bar and lounge on Victoria Parade offering cocktails and light bites with harbour views.
Rockfish
20 Victoria Parade, Torquay, Devon TQ1 2BB
The south-west's beloved sustainable seafood restaurant serving exceptional fresh fish on Torquay's Victoria Parade.
What's On in Torquay
336 events to attend in Torquay, spanning Food & Drink, Entertainment and Activities, updated live by local businesses.
Some suggestions for What's On in Torquay: For Nightclub Entertainment try Mermaid LIVE DJ - FRIDAY (The Mermaid) and SOHO LIVE DJ - FRIDAY (Soho). Pub Food & Drink try Mermaid LIVE DJ - FRIDAY (The Mermaid) and SOHO LIVE DJ - SATURDAY (Soho).
Family & Attractions For Kids Food & Drink Entertainment Activities Educational Arts and Culture
Mermaid LIVE DJ - FRIDAY
Hosted by The Mermaid
The Mermaid, 2 King Street Brixham TQ5 9TF
18 September 2026
Mermaid LIVE DJ - FRIDAY is a Nightclub in Brixham.
SOHO LIVE DJ - FRIDAY
Hosted by Soho
1 Palk Street, Torquay, United Kingdom, TQ2 5EL
18 September 2026
SOHO LIVE DJ - FRIDAY is a Nightclub in Torquay.
SOHO LIVE DJ - SATURDAY
Hosted by Soho
1 Palk Street, Torquay, United Kingdom, TQ2 5EL
19 September 2026
SOHO LIVE DJ - SATURDAY is a Nightclub in Torquay.
Mermaid LIVE DJ - SATURDAY
Hosted by The Mermaid
The Mermaid, 2 King Street Brixham TQ5 9TF
19 September 2026
Mermaid LIVE DJ - SATURDAY is a Nightclub in Brixham.
Afternoon Tea overlooking Lyme Bay
Hosted by Halekulani Devon Homestay
20 September 2026
Enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea with scones, Pattisseries and sandwiches, fine teas and coffees or milkshakes £35pp. Strictly with 24 hours advance booking.
Mermaid LIVE MUSIC - SUNDAY
Hosted by The Mermaid
The Mermaid, 2 King Street Brixham TQ5 9TF
20 September 2026
Mermaid LIVE MUSIC - SUNDAY is a Live Music in Brixham.
Places to stay in Torquay
6 places to stay in Torquay, spanning Accommodation, Travel and Wellness, updated live by local businesses.
Some suggestions for Places to stay in Torquay: For Hotel Accommodation try Cary Arms & Spa, The Grand Hotel Torquay and Haytor Hotel. Guesthouse Accommodation try The Cimon and Halekulani Devon Homestay. Restaurant Food & Drink try Halekulani Devon Homestay. Spa Wellness try Cary Arms & Spa. Accommodation try Halekulani Devon Homestay and The Cimon.
Travel Wellness Food & Drink Accommodation
The 25 Boutique B&B
25 Avenue Road, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5LB
An award-winning boutique bed and breakfast offering individually designed rooms and exceptional breakfasts.
The Cimon
The Cimon, 82 Abbey Road, Torquay, TQ2 5NP
Welcome to our relaxed, family-friendly guesthouse just a few minutes walk from the beach. With 12 comfortable rooms, a heated pool perfect for all ages, and a laid-back bar to unwind in, it’s the ideal spot to switch off and enjoy some quality time. Expect a chilled atmosphere, warm hospitality, and attentive service that makes every stay feel easy and memorable.
Halekulani Devon Homestay
Just a few minutes from the SW Coastal Path and Maidencombe Beach our adults only boutique accommodation is highly rated on tripadvisor and google, offering a private oasis for guests with private use pool and peaceful ground’s overlooking Lyme Bay.
The Grand Hotel Torquay
Seafront, Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon TQ2 6NT
A landmark Victorian seafront hotel with spectacular bay views, fine dining and elegant leisure facilities.
Haytor Hotel
Meadfoot Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 2JP
A charming Victorian hotel set in the peaceful Meadfoot area, one of Torquay's most picturesque locations.
Cary Arms & Spa
Beach Road, Babbacombe, Torquay, Devon TQ1 3LX
A stunning boutique beach hotel and spa nestled at the water's edge at Babbacombe Beach.
Offers in Torquay
1 offers in Torquay, spanning Offers, updated live by local businesses.
Some suggestions for Offers in Torquay: For Offers try Get Your FREE Listing Today (Mapzest).
Get Your FREE Listing Today
Hosted by Mapzest
1 June 2026
Promote your business or attraction to tourists and residents with a free listing on Mapzest - the community powered tour guide
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