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 β including the dramatic red cliffs further along the bay β 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 β 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 Food & Drink and Entertainment, updated live by local businesses.
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Hosted by Soho
31 October 2026
ππ¨π¦πππ‘π’π§π ππ’ππ€ππ ππ‘π’π¬ πππ² ππ¨π¦ππ¬β¦ π§π»ββοΈ Prepare Yourself For Soho's Biggest Halloween Weekend ππππ π§πΉ This Halloween, Soho becomes the House of Horrors for one huge weekend of late-night Halloween madness ππ€‘ β Friday 30th & Saturday 31st OctoberπΊ β DJ Super Sarah from 9pm both nightsπ½ β Prizes for the best dressedπ§ββοΈ β Enter the Soho Graveyard π β Open 4pm-2:30am π» β Beat the queues, get here early and prepare for Sohoβs biggest weekend ever!π
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 Activities try Rock and Moor and Point Field Smallholding C.I.C. Sports Entertainment try Torquay United Stadium. Family & Attractions try Point Field Smallholding C.I.C, Torquay United Stadium and Rock and Moor. Classes Educational try Torquay United Stadium. Nature try Point Field Smallholding C.I.C.
Travel Wellness Family & Attractions For Kids Food & Drink Entertainment Activities Nature Educational
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.
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.
Below Decks
4 Beacon Quay, Torquay, Devon TQ1 2BG
A lively family-run harbourside restaurant and cafΓ© bar celebrating over a decade of great food and live entertainment on Torquay's waterfront.
The Orange Tree Restaurant
14-16 Parkhill Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 2AL
A long-established award-winning restaurant in a charming Torquay townhouse, celebrated for its creative modern British-European cuisine.
Rock and Moor
We specialise in outdoor adventures: expertly guided rock climbing, caving, hiking, scrambling and mountaineering, rock climbing skills coaching, hill and moorland navigation training and other outdoor skills development. Based in beautiful South Devon, we cover areas such as Dartmoor, Cornwall, Somerset, the Westcountry coast as well as mountainous areas in the UK. We provide personalised activities for individuals, couples, friends, small groups and families. Importantly, we keep our instructor to client ratio small, enabling you to have the most valuable, authentic and enjoyable adventure experience.
Point Field Smallholding C.I.C
Mill Lane Galmpton TQ5 0ER
Point field Smallholding C.I.C. is a community-focused smallholding offering hands-on animal experiences that promote wellbeing, learning, and connection with nature. Visitors can enjoy activities suc
What's On in Torquay
319 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 Nightclub Entertainment try Mermaid LIVE DJ - FRIDAY (The Mermaid) and Mermaid LIVE DJ - SATURDAY (The Mermaid). Pub Food & Drink try Mermaid LIVE DJ - SATURDAY (The Mermaid) and Mermaid LIVE MUSIC - SUNDAY (The Mermaid).
Family & Attractions For Kids Food & Drink Entertainment Seasonal Educational Arts and Culture
Mermaid LIVE DJ - FRIDAY
Hosted by The Mermaid
The Mermaid, 2 King Street Brixham TQ5 9TF
6 November 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
6 November 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
7 November 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
7 November 2026
Mermaid LIVE DJ - SATURDAY is a Nightclub in Brixham.
Afternoon Tea overlooking Lyme Bay
Hosted by Halekulani Devon Homestay
8 November 2026
Enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea with scones, Pattisseries and sandwiches, fine teas and coffees or milkshakes Β£35pp. Strictly with 24 hours advance booking.
Mermaid LIVE MUSIC - SUNDAY
Hosted by The Mermaid
The Mermaid, 2 King Street Brixham TQ5 9TF
8 November 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 Travel try Halekulani Devon Homestay. Spa Wellness try Cary Arms & Spa. Guesthouse Accommodation try Halekulani Devon Homestay and The Cimon. Accommodation try Halekulani Devon Homestay and The Cimon. Food & Drink try Halekulani Devon Homestay.
Travel Wellness Food & Drink Accommodation
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, itβs 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 groundβs overlooking Lyme Bay.
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.
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 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.
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