tourist information centre torquay

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Based on the English Riviera , Torquay is a traditional, yet thriving seaside town that was named the trending UK holiday destination in 2021. The town is most famous for  its beaches , which provide some of the best sea swimming, paddling and kayaking in England. The horseshoe-shaped Bay is perfect for watersports – from global sailing competitions to splashing about in the sea, and you will find the water warm, safe and shallow.

But that’s not all Torquay has to offer! You can also expect iconic palm trees, a busy harbour, an international marina, sandy beaches and a wonderful array of continental-style  cafes, restaurants and cocktail bars : so the scene is set for the perfect Devon seaside holiday!

Family friendly holiday destination

Families can enjoy a wide range of  unique attractions  including one of Europe’s most important caves, an 800-year-old Abbey, a historic manor house and craft studios and for the more adventurous: plenty of walking tours! With its stunning natural beauty, it’s not hard to see why Torquay is part of the UNESCO-accredited Global Geopark – meaning that The English Riviera provides unique cultural, geological and historical importance to the world.

In fact, the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie was born in Torquay and spent much of her life there, even buying her holiday home, Greenway later in life. In September each year, Torquay comes alive with super-sleuths for the famous International Agatha Christie Festival. Plus there are plenty of connections to the Queen of Crime around Torquay. After a busy day exploring Torquay, why not head to the theatres for evening  entertainment?

Food and drink in Torquay

A real foodie town, there are many  restaurants and bars  around town serving food from all over the world, but if you want to stay local there are some great eateries where you can enjoy some of the freshest seafood straight from England’s Seafood Coast! 

There are over  500 accommodation providers , so whether you’re looking for a warm welcome at a B&B, your own space and stunning views with self-catering cottages, family-friendly holiday parks or all the facilities of a large hotel, you’re sure to find it here on South Devon’s beautiful bay!

So, what are you waiting for? Order your free  Accommodation Directory  and begin booking your holiday to Torquay today!

Explore Torquay

Places to stay in torquay, things to do in torquay, food and drink in torquay, what's on in torquay, our highlights, babbacombe model village.

Step into a world of miniature marvels! Bring back those magical childhood memories as you explore a…

Cary Arms & Spa

With the personality and values of a traditional English inn and the luxurious style and facilities…

Osborne Apartments Torquay

Right in the heart of the English Riviera, this sought-after family-friendly destination offers…

TLH Leisure Resort

Perfectly situated in the heart of Torquay, TLH Leisure Resort has everything you could want from a…

See more from Torquay

Finalists announced for south west tourism excellence awards.

• 2 minute read

Tourism businesses from across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall have been named as Finalists in this year’s South West Tourism Excellence Awards. The news follows an awards process which started in April 2023, with nearly 500 entries submitted, a…

Enjoy the great outdoors and local history – all in one place!

• 3 minute read

The Osborne Apartments is the resort for all seasons – located within a grand crescent that has been standing since the 1840s, a stone’s throw from one of the most popular beaches for water sports and set within one of the English Riviera’s most vibrant towns, The Osborne Apartments has everything…

Torquay named one of the UK’s sunniest destinations

• 1 minute read

New research from Comparethemarket has revealed the UK’s sunniest destinations based on metrics including the average daily summer sunshine hours and average temperature. Torquay in South Devon came number 3 in the list – one of only two destinations in the South West. According to the research…

Looking for things to do this half term? TLH give their suggestions

TLH Leisure in Torquay have compiled a list of amazing things to do during your half term stay in the English Riviera. TLH Leisure is a great accommodation option for families looking for affordable, comfortable places to stay. The resort in the heart of Torquay features several hotels, all with…

Torquay’s Queen of Crime: Agatha Christie

• 6 minute read

Everywhere you look in Torquay, you can find evidence of one of its most famous residents: Agatha Christie, otherwise known as the Queen of Crime. The author was born in Torquay, helped with the war effort here and would later own a holiday home nearby. Her association with Torquay isn’t just…

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Which beaches in Torquay can I take my dog? 

There are a number of dog friendly beaches in Torquay. Dogs are permitted year round on the following beaches: Anstey’s Cove, Torquay, Babbacombe Beach, Torquay, Beacon Cove, Torquay, Livermead Sands, Torquay, Maidencombe Beach, Torquay, Meadfoot Beach, Torquay (North eastern part) Peaked Tor Cove, Torquay. Find out more about Devon's dog friendly beaches and more here. 

Is there a map or guide of Torquay I can buy? 

The English Riviera Centre in Torquay will have maps and guides available, alternatively, there are maps and guides available to view online via our maps and guides page. 

Are there boats running today?

There are boats running at various times a day from Torquay harbour. Full details are available here. 

What are the opening hours for the Tourist Information Centre? 

The Tourist Information Centre in Torquay is open Monday - Sunday and Bank Holidays. It is the English Riviera Visitor Centre and so will be able to help you with trips across the region.  At the time of publishing, the opening hours were 9.30am - 5pm Monday to Saturday, 10am - 2pm on a Sunday and 11am - 2pm on a Bank Holiday. 

For the most up to date information, call them on 01803 211211. 

Can I use my bus pass while travelling around Torquay? 

Yes, any concession passes displaying the 'English Rose' logo can be used after 9.30 am and before 11 pm Monday to Friday and anytime at weekends on buses across Torquay. Plan bus routes and find out more about travelling via bus here. 

Is Torquay beach good for swimming? 

Yes, the majority of beaches in Torquay are good for swimming, Torre Abbey Sands and Cosy Corner are both very popular because the water is generally calm. 

Can I fly to Torquay? 

Torquay's nearest airport is Exeter International Airport, which is around 40 minutes away from Torquay. There are several connections available including buses, taxis and trains. 

Can I travel to Torquay by train? 

Yes, Torquay's train station is on the main UK train network and can also connect you to other towns and villages across Devon. 

Is the beach at Torquay sandy?

Yes, Torquay has several beaches, including sandy and shingle beaches. One of the most popular beaches is Torre Abbey Sands, which has sand and is conveniently located. 

Is there plenty of car parking in Torquay? 

Yes, there are several car parks in Torquay, including long and short stay options, Blue Badge parking and electric vehicle parking and charging. 

The following car parks can be found in Torquay: 

Beacon Quay Car Park Union Square Car Park Harbour Car Park, Montpellier Rd Sheddon Hill Car Park Melville Street Car Park Brunswick Square Car Park Town Hall Car Park, Lymington Road Shopper's Car Park, Lower Union lane Meaadfort Road Car Park Fleet Walk Car Park Torre Valley Car Park, Walnut Road Lower Union Lane Car Park Abbey Car Park, Belgrave Road Walls Hill Car Park Torquay Station Car Park, Rathmore Road Lymington Road Car Park Meadfort Beach Car Park, Daddyhole Road Hampton Avenue Car Park Anstey's Cove Car Park Princes Street Car Park Watcobe Beach Road Car Park St Marychurch Car Park, Babbadcombe Road Chilcote Close Car Park Kilmorie Car Park, Ilsham Road Daddyhole Plain Car Park, Daddyhole Road  

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Torquay Visitor Information Centre

Open 9:00am until 5:00pm, 7 days a week (except Christmas Day)

Surf City Plaza, 77 Beach Road, Torquay, Victoria 3228 Phone: +61 3 5261 4219 Email: [email protected]

Torquay Township Map

Find the best picnic grounds, BBQ’s, swimming beaches and local facilities by downloading your digital Lorne township map. Don’t forget to stop by the Lorne Visitor Information Centre for your free copy.

Download here

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I am Torquay

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© 2024 Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism

Corporate site | contact us | disclaimer.

Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.

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Torquay – attached to the Australian National Surfing Museum Surf City Plaza Beach Road (off Surfcoast Highway) Torquay Ph: 1300 614 219 Email: [email protected]

Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm everyday (Except Christmas Day)

Lorne Visitor Centre & Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre 15 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne Ph: 1300 891 152 Email: [email protected] Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm everyday (Except Christmas Day and days declared Extreme or Catastrophic Fire Danger)

More information on Council services on Catastrophic or Extreme Fire Danger Rated days

Anglesea Anglesea River Bank Great Ocean Road, Anglesea Ph: 1300 614 219 Email: [email protected]

Winchelsea Ph: 1300 891 152 Email: [email protected]

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Torquay Visitor Information Centre

Tourist information & services torquay , surf coast , victoria.

Home to world famous Bells Beach and the birth place of iconic surf brands, Torquay is the surfing capital of Australia. Located 95 kilometres South West of Melbourne, it is the official start of the Great Ocean Road.

Whether you need a relaxing escape by the ocean or adrenaline pumping adventure is your thing, you can do it in Torquay. Board shorts aren’t just the dress code in Torquay, they were invented here.

The Torquay Visitor Information Centre has a fantastic range of fact sheets, maps and brochures available to help you experience the town, the Great Ocean Road and the rest of the Surf Coast. Drop in or call for more information on the region and help with planning your holiday. There is also a gift shop featuring a wide range of souvenirs and surf memorabilia.

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Nearby Accommodation

Wyndham Resort Torquay

Torquay, Surf Coast

RACV Torquay Resort

Beach Cottages Torquay

Summer House Retreats

Jan Juc, Surf Coast

Freshwater Creek Cottages

Freshwater Creek, Surf Coast

Bells Estate Great Ocean Road Cottages

Bellbrae, Surf Coast

Also In This Location

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Torquay Visitor Information Centre

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Torquay Visitor Information Centre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• (0.25 km) Ingenia Holidays Torquay
• (0.38 km) Bells Beach Backpackers
• (0.30 km) Ananda By the Sea - Central Torquay
• (0.38 km) Everlasting Holiday 11
• (0.49 km) Torquay Tropicana Motel
• (0.04 km) Seaweed Sushi
• (0.04 km) Perla Tacos
• (0.05 km) Sticks and Stones
• (0.07 km) Quiksilver Bar 61
• (0.13 km) Little Things Big Things Cafe

Torquay Visitor Information Centre

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Torquay Visitor Information Centre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• (0.25 km) Ingenia Holidays Torquay
• (0.38 km) Bells Beach Backpackers
• (0.30 km) Ananda By the Sea - Central Torquay
• (0.38 km) Everlasting Holiday 11
• (0.49 km) Torquay Tropicana Motel
• (0.04 km) Seaweed Sushi
• (0.04 km) Perla Tacos
• (0.05 km) Sticks and Stones
• (0.07 km) Quiksilver Bar 61
• (0.13 km) Little Things Big Things Cafe

English Riviera Visitor Information Centre

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

ENGLISH RIVIERA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Sun - Sun 10:00 - 14:00
• Mon - Sat 09:30 - 17:00
• (0.03 mi) Bed on a Boat Holiday in the heart of Torquay
• (0.12 mi) Hampton by Hilton Torquay
• (0.10 mi) Torbay Hotel
• (0.08 mi) Premier Inn Torquay Harbour Hotel
• (0.00 mi) Vaughans Cafe Bar
• (0.01 mi) The Offshore Bar and Restaurant
• (0.01 mi) Rolys Fudge
• (0.01 mi) Vaughans Bar
• (0.02 mi) The Dressed Crab

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Talk to a local expert

Nothing beats talking to an experienced local to ensure you make the most of your journey. Get in touch with an Accredited Visitor Information Centre throughout the region to get expert help and detailed information to make your visit a great one.

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

Great ocean road - apollo bay.

100 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria 3233

Phone: +61 3 5237 6529 or 1300 689 297

Email: [email protected]

Find out more

139 Henty St, Casterton VIC 3311

Phone: 03 5554 2440

Email: [email protected]

Cnr Queen & Murray Sts, Colac, Victoria 3250

Phone: 1300 689 297

Email: [email protected]

15 Mountjoy Pde, Lorne, Victoria 3232

Phone: +61 3 5289 1152

Email: [email protected]

100 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay

Email:  [email protected]

Web:  www.visitapollobay.com  |  www.visitotways.com

Open daily from 9am — 5pm Closed Christmas Day

Port Campbell - 12 Apostles

26 Morris Street, Port Campbell, Victoria

Phone: 1300 137 255

Email: [email protected]

Railway Place, Bank Street, Port Fairy, Victoria

Phone: 1300 656 564

Email: [email protected]

Lee Breakwater Road, Portland, Victoria

Phone: 1800 035 567

Email: [email protected]

Surf City Plaza, 77 Beach Road, Torquay, Victoria 3228

Phone: +61 3 5261 4219

Email: [email protected]

89 Merri Street, Warrnambool, Victoria

Phone: 1800 637 725

Email: [email protected]

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© 2024 Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism

Corporate site | contact us | disclaimer.

Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.

• 1.1 Visitor information
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By road
• 2.3 By train
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 Museums
• 5.1 Theatres
• 5.2 Beaches
• 7.2 Mid-range
• 7.3 Splurge

Torquay (pronounced "Tor-kee") is a town on the coast of the English Riviera and South Devon region of Devon . Since the 19th century, it has been a fashionable seaside resort in the English Riviera. The town sits on the shore of the English Channel, on the southern edge of Torbay , an east facing bay that is part of the larger Lyme Bay.

Understand [ edit ]

Torquay's advantages as a seaside resort and destination are obvious, with 9 sandy beaches and extremely high standards of water quality (holder of 3 European Blue Flags, more than any other English resort). Torbay enjoys a warm micro-climate that allows palm-like trees to grow readily, though these are not true palms but rather Cordyline australis - Cabbage Tree.

Torquay is infamous as the setting of Fawlty Towers , the hotel owned by Basil and Sybil Fawlty in the classic 1970s British television comedy. The TV show was inspired by the now closed Gleneagles Hotel which the cast stayed at while filming Monty Python's Flying Circus .

The coastal area of Torbay which includes Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, was given the nickname 'English Riviera' because of the large amount of sandy beaches and the relatively warm climate compared to the rest of the country. Officially known as Torbay, it is almost completely made up of tourist resorts and small fishing communities. It is in a natural east-facing harbour.

In 2011, it was home to 65,000 people.

Torquay is also known for being the place where explorer Percy Fawcett was born.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• English Riviera visitor information

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Exeter ( EXT  IATA ) is the closest airport, but seldom the most convenient as it's lost its flights to London.

By road [ edit ]

Torquay is connected to the UK motorway network by the A380, which traces the outskirts of the town as Hellevoetsluis Way and Hamelin Way, leading to the A38 and then on to the M5 at Exeter. The A3022 branches from the A380, leading into Torquay as Riviera Way, to the seafront as Newton Road and then Avenue Road, and then on to Paignton as Torbay Road. The A379 runs past the harbour to the Babbacombe and St Marychurch areas of Torquay, and then north along the coast to Teignmouth.

By train [ edit ]

Torquay is on the scenic Riviera Line . Trains run every 30 min from Exmouth, looping round the estuary and taking 55 min from Exeter (3 stations) via Starcross, Dawlish, Teignmouth , Newton Abbot and Torre, and continuing from Torquay to Paignton . There's occasionally a through-service but usually you change at Exeter for Bristol , West Midlands , Manchester Piccadilly and London Paddington .

50.4613 -3.5431 1 Torquay railway station is on the coast near Torre Abbey. There's a staffed ticket office, machines and a coffee shop. Plusbus tickets are available.

50.4729 -3.5463 2 Torre railway station is one mile north along the road to Newton Abbot. The frequent Exmouth-Exeter-Paignton trains stop here but not the long-distance services.

By bus [ edit ]

Torquay is the terminus of the Gold service which runs from Plymouth , Totnes , and Paignton, and terminates at the harbour. This can be a useful way to reach Torquay from the west since it means you do not need to change trains at Newton Abbot.

Get around [ edit ]

Two bus routes operated by Stagecoach Devon pass through Torquay — the 'Bayline' number 12 service between Newton Abbot and Brixham, and the X46 service between Exeter and Paignton — while other routes operate within the town.

See [ edit ]

• 50.463921 -3.564543 5 Cockington Court and Country Park , Cockington Ln, TQ2 6XA , ☏ +44 1803 607230 . Oct-Mar: 10AM-4PM; Apr-Sep: 10AM-5PM; . Set in a country park a mile away from the seafront, Cockington Court is an historic manor house with over 20 craft studios, tea rooms, walled art garden, tudor rose garden, contemporary art gallery and a children’s play area. Free .  

Museums [ edit ]

• 50.462889 -3.517851 6 Torquay Museum , 529 Babbacombe Rd, TQ1 1HG , ☏ +44 1803 293975 . Daily 10AM-4PM . The oldest museum in Devon. A Victorian museum centred around Agatha Christie though with many other exhibits throughout the ages. ( updated Jan 2018 )
• 50.481562 -3.521676 7 Bygones Victorian Museum , Fore St, TQ1 4PR , ☏ +44 1803 326108 . 10AM-4PM . ( updated Jan 2018 )

Do [ edit ]

• 50.460987 -3.52703 1 English Riviera Wheel , 10-12 Vaughan Rd, TQ2 5EQ , ☏ +44 115 967 9991 . Daily 10AM-8PM . A 60 m (200 ft) tall Ferris wheel, similar to the London Eye, offers souvenir photographs. Booking online saves 20% and private bookings are also available. Adult £6, student or senior citizen £5, child (under 1.4 m (4.6 ft)) £4, family (2 adults plus 2 children under 1.4 m (4.6 ft)) £18 . ( updated Jan 2018 )
• 50.459219 -3.524794 2 Harbour Amusements , Victoria Parade, TQ1 2BD , ☏ +44 1803 297990 . As with any seaside town, there is an amusement arcade which provides a great way to get rid of loose change. ( updated Jan 2018 )
• Football : Torquay United were relegated in 2023 and now play soccer in the National League South, the sixth tier. Their home ground is Plainmoor, capacity 6200 with half seated, a mile north of the seafront.

Theatres [ edit ]

• 50.457642 -3.515035 5 Little Theatre , St Mark's Rd, TQ1 2EL , ☏ +44 1803 299330 . ( updated Jan 2018 )

Beaches [ edit ]

Torquay is also set along a coastline renowned for its 9 main beaches . The high standards of water quality and beach facilities mean that many carry coveted awards. Torquay's beaches and coves are stretched out along the palm-lined coast:

• 50.506068 -3.513501 6 Maidencombe Beach . ( updated Mar 2017 )
• 50.495947 -3.515414 7 Watcombe Beach . ( updated Mar 2017 )
• 50.481738 -3.514775 8 Oddicombe Beach . ( updated Mar 2017 )
• 50.47914 -3.510055 9 Babbacombe Beach . ( updated Mar 2017 )
• 50.471116 -3.502875 10 Anstey's Cove . ( updated Mar 2017 )
• 50.457402 -3.508957 11 Meadfoot Beach . ( updated Mar 2017 )
• 50.462135 -3.537152 12 Torre Abbey Sands . ( updated Mar 2017 )
• 50.459499 -3.541169 13 Corbyn Sands . ( updated Mar 2017 )

Buy [ edit ]

Union Square and Fleet Walk shopping centres are near to the Harbour. They offer a wide range of high street shops, ranging from independent boutiques to large chain stores.

• 50.467168 -3.529256 1 Union Square Shopping Centre , Union St, TQ1 3UT , ☏ +44 1803 294892 . Daily 9:15AM-5:30PM . A small shopping centre with a Gregg's, Shaul's Bakery, Saver's, Superdrug, Wilko, Iceland, GAME, O 2 , The Entertainer, That's Entertainment, Peacock's, F. Hind's, Specsaver's, Chiselcraft and Shaw's the Drapers. ( updated Mar 2017 )
• 50.462579 -3.526622 2 Fleet Walk Shopping Centre , Fleet Walk, TQ2 5EA , ☏ +44 1803 200508 . ( updated Mar 2017 )

The Willows, a few miles from the centre, offers a retail park with a large Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury's, Next and electronics stores.

• 50.488272 -3.554603 3 The Willows , Nicholson Rd, TQ2 7XA . ( updated Mar 2017 )

Eat [ edit ]

Chefs in the area are spoilt for choice when it comes to locally sourced seafood and meat. The cuisine has a distinctive West Country flavour. Adventurous diners can take a culinary journey around the world, sampling everything from French, Italian and Spanish, to Indian, Thai, Moroccan, Mexican and Lebanese cuisine.

Accolades like AA Rosettes, Michelin Stars and Les Routiers can be found, while even several of the fish and chip shops are award-winning. From restaurants with stunning views across the emerald bay to country pubs offering hearty fare, Torquay has it covered.

Budget [ edit ]

• 50.481674 -3.5229 1 Bamboo Sandwich & Coffee Bar , St Marychurch Rd, TQ1 4TY , ☏ +44 1803 326015 . M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 10AM-3AM . A small cafe, with a great sandwich selection. ( updated Jan 2018 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 50.478535 -3.514448 2 Hanbury's Famous Fish and Chips , 24 Princes St, TQ1 3LW , ☏ +44 1803 329928 . M-Sa 11:45AM-1:45PM, 5-9PM; Su closed . Fish & chips shop and restaurant, winner of several awards including Best Fish & Chip Shop 2007. ( updated Jan 2018 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 50.460461 -3.522158 4 The Orange Tree , 14-16 Parkhill Rd, TQ1 2AL , ☏ +44 1803 213936 . Tu-Sa 7PM-9PM, Su M closed . ( updated Oct 2017 )

Drink [ edit ]

There are numerous pubs, clubs and bars close to the harbourside, ranging from traditional English pubs to classy wine bars.

• 50.463384 -3.534112 1 Visto Lounge , Unit 3, Ground floor, Abbey Crescent, Torbay Rd, Torquay TQ2 5HD , ☏ +44 1803 211009 . Just across from the beach. ( updated Oct 2018 )
• 50.46399 -3.563294 2 The Drum Inn , Cockington Ln, Torquay TQ2 6XA , ☏ +44 1803 690264 . Dating back to 1936. A country pub surrounded by great countryside. ( updated Oct 2018 )
• 50.462197 -3.525608 3 The Green Ginger , Lower Ground Floor, Winter Garden, Fleet Walk, TQ2 5DZ , ☏ +44 1803 217960 . Wetherspoons pub. The unusual name dates back to 1846 and refers to green ginger wine sold at the time. ( updated Oct 2018 )
• 50.460691 -3.522882 4 The Hole in the Wall , 6 Park Ln, TQ1 2AU , ☏ +44 1803 200755 . 11:30AM-midnight . Apparently Torquay's oldest pub dating back to 1540. ( updated Oct 2017 )

Sleep [ edit ]

Torquay is well supplied with bed and breakfast (B&B) and self-catered accommodation. The Tourist Information Centre is a good source of quality information about accommodation and Torquay in general.

• 50.47209 -3.542623 1 The Richwood and Beirut Bistro , 20 Newton Road, TQ2 5BZ , ☏ +44 1803 293729 , fax : +44 1803 3226662 , [email protected] . Lebanese (halal), European and English cuisine in the Beirut - Bistro. The Richwood is a Victorian mansion, comfortably furnished, centrally heated throughout, with a cosy bar, heated swimming pool and sun terrace. All 13 bedrooms are en-suite, have TV with DVD players and tea and coffee making facilities. Evening meals are available (booking and orders in advance), with a choice of home-cooked international dishes. Free Wi-Fi. Free private parking, first come, first served; alternative free parking on the Newton Road. Pool table and games room. TV lounge with international satellite programs. 30ft x 15ft heated swimming pool (25°C) open from June to October. Sunbathing terraces, pool snack bar, hot spa, CCTV and security system. From £50 per night .  
• 50.458137 -3.512497 2 The Meadfoot Bay Hotel , Meadfoot Sea Rd, TQ1 2LQ , ☏ +44 1803 294722 , fax : +44 1803 214473 , [email protected] . The Meadfoot Bay is an award-winning family-run guest house situated in the area of Meadfoot, just a stroll from Meadfoot Beach and a short walk from Torquay harbour. From £36 per night .  
• 50.463384 -3.517974 3 Braddon Hall Hotel , 70 Braddons Hill Rd East, TQ1 1HF , ☏ +44 1803 293908 , fax : +44 1803 293908 , [email protected] . 500 metres from the harbour, shops and beaches. From £155 weekly .  
• 50.457836 -3.511863 4 The Hotel Balmoral , Meadfoot Sea Rd, TQ1 2LQ , ☏ +44 1803 293381 , [email protected] . 4 nights £119 special offer .  
• 50.4662 -3.5337 5 Torcroft Hotel , 28-30 Croft Road, Torquay, TQ2 5UE , ☏ +44 1803 298292 , [email protected] . Torcroft Hotel is a stylish and friendly B&B. They have 11 rooms including 2 large balcony rooms, 2 deluxe double rooms, a family room and twins and doubles. All rooms are en-suite and have flat screen TVs. Free parking and Wi-Fi. Great breakfasts. from £50 .  
• 50.479 -3.509 6 Cary Arms , Beach Road, Babbacombe TQ1 3LX , ☏ +44 1803 327110 . Upscale hotel and spa next to beach, real splendour, dog-friendly. B&B double £280 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 50.468 -3.544 7 The 25 , 25 Avenue Road TQ2 5LB , ☏ +44 1803 297517 . Excellent B&B with six rooms in an Edwardian house with quirky modern interiors. Open Feb-Nov, no children under 17 or dogs. B&B double £130 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 50.502 -3.521 8 Orestone Manor , Rockhouse Lane, Maidencombe TQ1 4SX ( off A379 ), ☏ +44 1803 897511 . Hotel in Georgian manor with sub-tropical gardens, great dining. Part of OYO franchise, open Feb-Dec. B&B double £110 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 50.896 -3.8735 9 Lakemoor Devon , Chawleigh EX18 7JY ( on A377 ), ☏ +44 1769 580667 . Charming peaceful campsite open April-Sept, only 8 pitches and 5 hook-ups. Two-person tent £15, hook-up £20 . ( updated May 2022 )
• 50.458 -3.513 10 The Meadfoot Bay , Meadfoot Sea Rd TQ1 2LQ , ☏ +44 1803 294722 . Smart B&B near sea front. Open Mar-Nov, no children under 13. B&B double £80 . ( updated Jul 2020 )

Connect [ edit ]

As of Sep 2023, Torquay and its approach roads have 4G from EE and O2, and 5G from Three and Vodafone.

Go next [ edit ]

• Paignton – A coastal town which has lots of tourist attractions.
• Brixham – A small fishing town, reachable by ferry.
• Totnes – A small market town.

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Anglesea Visitor Information Centre

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Your smile is our business. Drop in, call or email.

This Centre is manned by committed volunteers. General information on the region including accommodation, activities and events. If unattended, please contact the Torquay Visitor Centre.

Address:Great Ocean Road, Anglesea VIC 3230 Phone: 1300 614 219 Email:  [email protected]

Torquay Visitor Information Centre

Open 9:00am until 5:00pm, 7 days a week (except Christmas Day) Surf City Plaza, 77 Beach Road, Torquay, Victoria 3228 Phone: +61 3 5261 4219 Email:  [email protected]

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Find the best picnic grounds, BBQ’s, swimming beaches and local facilities by downloading your digital Lorne township map. Don’t forget to stop by the Lorne Visitor Information Centre for your free copy.

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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.

Torquay.com

TORQUAY In the bay of dreams

Bringing you the places, events and things to do, that locals love.

WATER SPORTS ARE ALL THE RAGE

Check out where the locals go to paddleboard, kayak, sail and ski.

WHERE LOCALS GO TO ENJOY THEMSELVES

START PLANNING A TRIP TO  TORQUAY

Torquay's Heritage

Torquay has undergone significant transformations throughout its history, from a small fishing village to a thriving tourist destination with connections to significant historical events. It started some 450,000 years ago with early humans, of which artefacts were found in Kents Cavern. The eleventh-century records from the Domesday Book show no actual occupation, though it is known that Roman soldiers made visits, and there was a small Saxon settlement called 'Torre'.However, in 1196 Torre Abbey was founded here; the rest is history and much of it! 

A Few Facts

It's not uncommon for people to say, "I've been to Torquay, or Paignton or Brixham as a child, or to visit friends or pre-wedding. But there are so many facts most people don't know, such as: The oldest UK human remains found in Kent's Cavern. That Faulty Towers was based on the Gleneagles Hotel (RIP).  Agatha Christie was born here, and two billion book sales later, one of the most famous authors ever! The area is a geopark with an incredible geological history, as witnessed by its cliffs and contours. There are also two other Torquays, Australia & Canada!

Locals love Torquay & Torbay

Ask why the M5 gets jammed in the summer and on bank holidays, heading south. Yes, some head to Cornwall, which is another hour away and nowhere near as lovely as Devon (I'm biased here). We have it all because of the sea, and 80% of people want to live next to water. We have countryside with Dartmoor on our doorstep. We have plenty of bars, restaurants and things to do (it is a tourist destination). It's warmer in winter, and the calm and quiet time, which we all need occasionally, allows time to walk the beaches, breathe the fresh air and wait for next season.

Holiday Rentals

Cottages & Apts

If you are looking for a Torquay Airbnb, cheaper and direct from managers and other more focused websites then check out these links. The companies specialise in certain aspects of the business, and holiday rentals or holiday cottages are recommended by locals.

Dog Friendly Rentals

With so many great beaches and walks around Torbay, then dog-friendly rentals are the perfect answer. For families and couples who don't want to leave their best friends behind then stay in a holiday cottage. Let your dog loose on the beach and in the waves!

Luxury Rentals

Maybe you want to celebrate a birthday or a wedding anniversary, or perhaps you may just want to enjoy views or premium accommodation.

Luxury rentals are often larger, too, with bigger gardens or space. This lends itself to group celebrations, too.

Too much accommodation choice? Take our advice, we live here!

Hotel accommodation. Easy to book

  check out some of the local photos .