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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.
Latest News in Torquay
1 recent updates in Torquay, spanning Family & Attractions, For Kids and Food & Drink, updated live by local businesses.
Family & Attractions For Kids Food & Drink Entertainment Activities Educational
Torquay United Stadium
Torquay United Stadium is a Food & Drink.
Places to visit in Torquay
19 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 For Kids try Point Field Smallholding C.I.C and Torquay United Stadium. Live Music Entertainment try Torquay United Stadium. Ferry Travel try Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company - Torquay. Sports Entertainment try Torquay United Stadium. Wellness try Point Field Smallholding C.I.C.
Travel Wellness Family & Attractions For Kids Food & Drink Entertainment Activities Nature Educational
Three Degrees West
Oddicombe Beach, Cliffside Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 3LB
A beachside cafe and bar perched above Oddicombe Beach, best reached via the famous cliff railway.
The Elephant Restaurant
3-4 Beacon Terrace, Torquay, Devon TQ1 2BH
Torquay's Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the harbour, celebrating the finest Devon produce with inventive modern cooking.
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.
Below Decks
4 Beacon Quay, Torquay, Devon TQ1 2BG
A lively family-run harbourside restaurant and café bar celebrating over a decade of great food and live entertainment on Torquay's waterfront.
No. 7 Fish Bistro
7 Beacon Terrace, Torquay, Devon TQ1 2BH
Torquay's premier fish restaurant at Beacon Terrace, beloved for its outstanding locally sourced seafood and multiple AA Rosette awards.
What's On in Torquay
316 events to attend in Torquay, spanning Food & Drink, Entertainment and Educational, updated live by local businesses.
Some suggestions for What's On in Torquay: For Food & Drink try Afternoon Tea overlooking Lyme Bay (Halekulani Devon Homestay). Live Music Entertainment try Mermaid LIVE MUSIC - SUNDAY (The Mermaid).
For Kids Food & Drink Entertainment Educational Arts and Culture
Mermaid LIVE DJ - FRIDAY
Hosted by The Mermaid
The Mermaid, 2 King Street Brixham TQ5 9TF
16 October 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
16 October 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
17 October 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
17 October 2026
Mermaid LIVE DJ - SATURDAY is a Nightclub in Brixham.
Afternoon Tea overlooking Lyme Bay
Hosted by Halekulani Devon Homestay
18 October 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
18 October 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 Bed & Breakfast Accommodation try The Cimon, Halekulani Devon Homestay and The 25 Boutique B&B. Restaurant Food & Drink try Halekulani Devon Homestay. Travel try Halekulani Devon Homestay. Spa Wellness try Cary Arms & Spa. Hotel Accommodation try Haytor Hotel, The Grand Hotel Torquay and Cary Arms & Spa.
Travel Wellness Food & Drink Accommodation
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
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