Accommodation in Torquay

Self-catering Holiday Cottages

Bed and Breakfast Accommodation

Hotel Accommodation

Camping and Caravanning

Torre Abbey

Torre Abbey was founded in 1196. Monks to Spanish Armada sailors had lived here. It is now used as an art gallery, showing oil and watercolour paintings. Torre Abbey now is the official residence of the Mayor of Torbay. The most notable residents were the Cary family who lived there for 268 years , from 1662 up until 1930. The Carys, helped to develop modern Torquay. They built a secret chapel under the roof of the west wing. In 1779 they converted the former Abbots Hall into a chapel and this then served as the parish church for local Catholics until 1856. The early monastic 'Tithe Barn' is one of Britain's most complete early medieval barns. In 1588 the barn was used to house 400 Spanish prisoners from the Spanish Armada and so it is now aptly named 'The Spanish Barn'.

Spanish Barn

Pavillions

Day trips around the bay and to Dartmouth

Living Coasts

Torquay
Cockington, Babbacombe and Maidencombe
Blue Flag Beaches
map ref SX 900650

Palm tree lined seafront, Italian style white villas perched high on the surrounding hillsides and fabulous yachts moored in the modem marina help to create a truly relaxing, continental and stylish atmosphere that our visitors just love to soak up. For well over a hundred years, the fashionable town of Torquay has attracted the rich and famous.

Today, thousands of visitors still enjoy Torquay's sophisticated charm, which combined with modem attractions, and amenities have produced a truly first class resort. There is an abundance of pavement cafes, pubs, restaurants and nightlife, good quality shops and a host of family attractions.

Enjoy-the superb beaches and spectacular views from cliff top coastal paths or simply stroll along the elegant seafront promenades.

Torquay also boasts a number of heritage sites including Torre Abbey and Kents Cavern while literary associations include the world's greatest mystery writer, Dame Agatha Christie. Torre Abbey was reopened on July 5th having received a heritage lottery grant for refurbishment.

Follow the Agatha Christie Trail and discover the Torquay that inspired her ever-popular detective stories.

Today, Torquay is one of the most stylish resorts in Britain. Its elegant Victorian terraces, white villas and famous seven hills provide the backdrop to popular, modern facilities such as the Riviera Centre and a busy shopping centre.

The Riviera Centre & Torre Abbey Meadows

The Riviera Centre is situated within Torre Abbey Meadows. It is a sports orientated property homing

• Waves Leisure Pool - AKA The indoor beach
  
• The Bay Brasserie - Food all day every day
  
• Neptune’s Galley Café-Diner
  
• Lifestyle Health & Fitness Suite
  
• Conferences & Events - Open for holding events

Bowling Greens T

This is the best way to see the fabulous Torbay coast and surrounding Devon Countryside, from a 360 degrees bird's-eye view. The balloon slowly rises to 400 feet, offering fantastic photo opportunities. The gentle ride takes 15 minutes.

Pavillions

The Pavilion offers independently-owned shops ranging from arts and crafts to giftware and unusual souvenirs. It is the ideal place to meet up with friends in elegant surroundings. Open all year, 7 days a week until 5.30pm and until 9.30pm during the summer.

• Terrace Restaurant & Bar - Offering drinks and live music
  
• Le Petit Gourmet - Light bites and quick refreshments
  
• Magnetic Care - Therapeutic Jewellery
  
• Blush - For finding those holiday gifts
  
• Torquay Chandlers - For those who enjoy outdoor activities and boating
  
• Smarteeezzz Sweets - Pic ’n mix to clotted cream fudge

...and these are just a handful of the shops you can find in Torquay Pavillion.

Torquay's Waterfront

Torquay's waterfront is the focus of life in the Town. Here you'll find the palm lined promenade, a lively harbour and an international marina. Yet within minutes of the town centre there are beautiful beaches easily accessible on foot, by car or by bus.

Torquay has all the facilities of a modern resort with the style and elegance of a time gone by. No wonder its popularity has never waned.

For visiting Yachtsmen there is a choice of two marinas. The main MDL marina offers over 400 pontoon berths, complete with shoe support, toilets and showers, as well as secure car parking. The new Torquay Town pontoons, provide safe pontoon berths within the harbour.

Living Coasts

Living Coasts is one of south Devon's most popular family attractions. Situated on the coast line with fabulous views of Tor Bay this unique coastal zoo gives a fascinating insight into marine life.

Developed by Paignton Zoo; Living Coasts is home to a wide array of marine wildlife from puffins to penguins, fur seals to ducks.

It is a thoroughly entertaining and educational day out especially for youngsters. With much to do from feeding times to watching the animals swimming underwater through the special glass windows, Living Coasts is a wonderful family day out.

Babbacombe

Perched high on the cliffs, Babbacombe and St. Marychurch offer their own unique attraction. Life in St. Marychurch revolves around Fore Street with its charming collection of select shops.

In Babbacombe, the views from the Downs are spectacular and the gardens are ideal for a morning or evening stroll, along the clifftops. Babbacombe is also the home of the Model Village, three superb fish and chip shops and the Babbacombe Theatre which runs a summer show each year.

Maidencombe

An unspoilt coastal hamlet boasting a sheltered beach and magnificent coastal walks with panoramic views. The manor of "Medencumbe" is mentioned in the Doomsday Book and one of the oldest buildings is the "Courthouse", parts of which date back to the 14th Century. The coastal farm and woodlands are managed under the "Countryside Stewardship Scheme" to protect wildlife, encourage traditional farming and allow public access and enjoyment of the area. Maidencombe is a delight to stay in and an ideal base from which to explore south Devon.

Cockington

Only a mile from Torquay seafront, Cockington is a journey into a bygone age. In an idyllic village setting you can wander around thatched cottages, watch the blacksmith at work in the forge, enjoy a cream tea and stroll through acres of gardens and woodland. In the heart of the estate stands Cockington Castle, a 17th Century Manor house. At the Court you'll find craft demonstrations, a Norman church and an organic garden.