Pictures of Torquay

in the county of Devon

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About Torquay

The cafe culture of Torquay rivals that of the French Riviera. Torquay, on the English Riviera has been a long standing holiday destination for decades, it was once the haunt of the rich and famous and was hailed by Alfred, Lord Tennyson as 'the loveliest sea village in England', although no longer a village, Torquay remains one of England's finest coastal resorts with an enchantment all of its own.

Favoured by a mild climate, Torquay has an abundance of Palm trees, tropical plants and colourful flowers in bloom at every season of the year. Flower filled sweeping promenades and gardens enhance the almost Mediterranean feel of the seafront and harbour where hundreds of tall mast yachts, cabin cruisers and fishing boats are moored. There is a continuous 'buzz' about this lively place, once thought of only as a town for the retired. These days, Torquay appeals to all the family for there is truly something here for everyone.

Interestingly, on an historic note, beautiful Torre Abbey was founded here in the 12th-century, in 1588 the abbey's tithe barn was a prison for sailors captured from the Spanish Armada and 'Queen of Crime' Agatha Christie was born here in 1890. The place has no shortage of history nor, colourful characters.

Many grand buildings from the Georgian and Victorian era's dominate the town, whilst a short distance inland the village of Cockington shows a wealth of thatched cottages, an Elizabethan Manor House and a 14th-century forge. Within easy driving distance to the west of Torquay lies Compton Castle, a fortified manor house built early in the 14th-century and once home to Sir Humphrey Gilbert, step-brother to Sir Walter Raleigh. The fabulous Imperial Hotel was built in 1866, it has a stunning interior with many original features and its notable guest list included the Queen of Holland and other crowned heads from Europe and England.

It is though the sea that continues to be the main attraction. Swimming, sun bathing, sub-aqua diving, water-skiing, sea and river trips, sea fishing and with day trips as far afield as the Channel islands, the range of traditional sea-side activities is endless. Nightlife is well catered for with a wide choice of theatre's, restaurants and ballrooms. For little children there is the fun of building castles in the sand, play parks, gardens and playgrounds. There is a wide range of exciting shops and boutiques, excellent hotels, inns and good pubs.

Attractions include: Babbacombe Model Village, Royal Terrace Gardens, Kent's Cavern, Torquay Museum, Living Coast Experience, Abbey Park, Princess Gardens, Cockington Court and Babbacombe Cliff Railway.

Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.

Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Torquay

Cockington Forge	(1.6 miles, 2.6 km, direction W)	Pictures
Cockington Court & Country Park	(1.9 miles, 3.1 km, direction W)	Pictures
Babbacombe Model Village	(1.9 miles, 3.1 km, direction N)	Pictures
Compton Castle	(3.4 miles, 5.4 km, direction W)	Pictures
Paignton Zoo	(3.7 miles, 5.9 km, direction SW)	Pictures
The Golden Hind	(4.5 miles, 7.3 km, direction S)	Pictures
Berry Head Lighthouse	(4.5 miles, 7.3 km, direction S)	Pictures
Berry Head Country Park	(4.7 miles, 7.5 km, direction S)	Pictures
Berry Pomeroy Castle	(5.0 miles, 8.1 km, direction W)	Pictures
Decoy Country Park	(5.4 miles, 8.7 km, direction NW)	Pictures
Greenway	(6.2 miles, 10.0 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Man Sands	(6.3 miles, 10.2 km, direction S)	Pictures
Dartington Hall	(7.4 miles, 11.9 km, direction W)	Pictures
Totnes Castle	(7.6 miles, 12.2 km, direction W)	Pictures
Coleton Fishacre Garden	(8.0 miles, 12.9 km, direction S)	Pictures

All attractions in Torquay
All attractions in Devon
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Torquay

Babbacombe, in the county of Devon (1.0 miles, 1.7 km)
With its lovely Blue Flag beaches, pleasant gardens, pedrestrianised shopping areas, and friendly ambience, Babbacombe makes an enjoyable resort for a family holiday.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Cockington, a Picturesque Village in the county of Devon (1.5 miles, 2.3 km, direction W)
This idyllic thatched village perfectly reflects the harmony and glory of a by-gone age, for here you can walk in ancient...
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Paignton, in the county of Devon (2.5 miles, 4.0 km, direction SW)
This delightful seaside resort with its snug little harbour is a place where visitors can enjoy a holiday of endless hours of...
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Galmpton, in the county of Devon (4.9 miles, 7.8 km, direction SW)
Galmpton is a medium sized village located between Paignton and Brixham by the River Dart, close to Stoke Gabriel. Agatha...
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Dittisham, in the county of Devon (6.4 miles, 10.3 km, direction SW)
Attractive unspoilt village in a tranquil setting overlooking the widest part of the River Dart.
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Kingswear, in the county of Devon (8.1 miles, 13.0 km, direction S)
Picturesquely situated at the mouth of the River Dart, this popular resort has changed little with the passage of time.
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Dawlish, in the county of Devon (8.6 miles, 13.8 km, direction N)
Dawlish is an attractive holiday resort on the Devon coast, it lies between the picturesque estuaries of both the River Exe and the River Teign.
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Buckland in the Moor, in the county of Devon (13.8 miles, 22.1 km, direction NW)
This is one of Devon's "dream villages" with an attractive small church dating from the 13th century and a cluster of picturesque thickly thatched country cottages with the most "English" of country gardens.
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Torcross, in the county of Devon (14.7 miles, 23.7 km, direction SW)
In the summer months Torcross is a popular tourist destination. Part of the bank of shingle on which Torcross stands, takes in Slapton Ley, a 270 acre freshwater lake, an important winter habitat for wildfowl.
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Beesands, in the county of Devon (15.7 miles, 25.3 km, direction SW)
Here in Beesands narrow lanes rise swiftly up steep cliffs from a small beach-side fishing village showing a delightful mix match of old cottages fronted by a strip of softly shelving sand and shingle.
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Kingsbridge, in the county of Devon (16.6 miles, 26.7 km, direction SW)
Long ago, Kingsbridge was a thriving port, these days it is an interesting holiday destination providing year long excitement for boating enthusiasts and a wealth sandy beaches and lovely coves for those who simply wish to laze beside the sea.
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Dartmeet, a Picturesque Village in the county of Devon (16.6 miles, 26.8 km, direction W)
A popular tourist and beauty spot on Dartmoor. It is the meeting point of the two major tributaries of the River Dart: the East...
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Hallsands, in the county of Devon (16.9 miles, 27.2 km, direction SW)
Hallsands is a powerful reminder of the havoc and destruction caused by gale lashed, turbulent seas.
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Exeter, in the county of Devon (17.7 miles, 28.5 km, direction N)
Exeter is a bustling city in the heart of the county of Devon. It's mix of modern and functional with old and cultural makes for an interesting place to live, and to visit.
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Salcombe, in the county of Devon (19.0 miles, 30.5 km, direction SW)
Salcombe is a pleasant town with a happy atmosphere making it a joy to explore when you tire of lazing on one of the beautiful sandy beaches or need to relax after an energetic morning at sea.
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All towns in Devon
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Torquay Station	(0.9 miles, 1.5 km)
Torre Station	(1.2 miles, 2.0 km, direction NW)
M5 Junction 31	(15.0 miles, 24.1 km, direction N)
M5 Junction 30	(17.6 miles, 28.3 km, direction N)
Exeter Airport	(19.4 miles, 31.3 km, direction N)
Plymouth City Airport	(26.1 miles, 41.9 km, direction W)
Torquay to London	(164.9 miles, 265.3 km, direction NE)

Hotels & Accommodation in Torquay

Hotel Name	Approximate distance from Torquay center
Hotel Hudson	(0.0 miles, 0.0 km)
Yardley Manor	(0.1 miles, 0.2 km)
Palms Hotel	(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)
Kingsholm Hotel	(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)
The Ravenswood Hotel	(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)
Hotel Barton	(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)
Torwood Gardens Hotel	(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)
Haytor Hotel	(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)
Cary Court Hotel	(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)
Tusker Lodge Hotel	(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)
All hotels in Torquay