Things to do in Torquay

Explore the English Riviera

Torquay

With its iconic palm trees, busy harbour, international marina, sandy beach and wonderful array of continental-style cafes, restaurants and cocktail bars, the scene is set for the perfect South Devon seaside holiday or short break.

Torquay’s waterfront is the focus of life in the resort. Here, you’ll find the palm-lined promenade, seafront gardens, a lively harbour, and an international marina. Yet within minutes of the town centre, there are beautiful beaches easily accessible on foot, road, or water. There is an abundance of pavement cafes, pubs, restaurants, nightlife, and attractions to suit every interest.

Paignton

Paignton is the Bay’s family resort and, as such, has a packed programme of fun events and festivities that take place around the town’s parks, beaches, and harbour. You’ll also love the gardens at nearby Roundham Head, with its jaw-dropping views and access to the spectacular Goodrington Sands beach.

In between Paignton and Brixham is the beautiful Broadsands Bay. With a long sandy beach the whole family can enjoy, you can make sandcastles for a couple of hours and then paddle in the calm sea. The coastline is simply idyllic to explore in a kayak or on a paddleboard, and coasteering and scuba diving are available, too.

Brixham

Life in the busy fishing town of Brixham has always centred around the harbour, where heritage trawlers jostle for space with dayboats heading out to sea for the day’s catch, bringing it home daily to Brixham’s famous Fish Market. Here, in the heart of England’s Seafood Coast, the freshest fish and most delicious seafood is on the menu everywhere.

England’s Seafood FEAST, from September 29 until October 15, celebrates some of the best seafood in the world. Brixham is home to several festivals including the Heritage Regatta, and Brixham Pirate Festival – which held the world record for a mile of pirates. Shoalstone Pool is a 53 metre sea water swimming pool situated in a stunning position on Brixham seafront – one of only a few left in the country.

Babbacombe & St Marychurch

The English Riviera is ripe for exploring, and it has an idyllic walk along Babbacombe Downs – the highest cliff-top promenade in England. Here, you can take in the spectacular coastline of South Devon, spotting seabirds, seals and even dolphins from above!

Enjoy a break at the Three Degrees West café, bar, and bistro on Oddicombe Beach for coffee, cakes, or a spot of tapas. And don’t miss the stunning Cary Arms & Spa on Babbacombe Bay. For adrenaline junkies, there is plenty to challenge you with coasteering, sailing, scuba diving and hiking.

Cockington

Many villages claim to be ‘picturesque,’ but the village of Cockington is the real deal. Everything about Cockington oozes history, with many of the cottages dating back to the 16th century and some, like the old forge, mentioned in the Doomsday Book.

There are numerous leisurely strolls around the village, taking in the shops selling gifts and mementoes of your visit. You can discover the old stocks, an abandoned water mill, the almshouses for the former estate, medieval carp lakes, water meadows and an ancient gamekeeper’s cottage nestling in the woods. Walk a little further, and you come across the manor house, Cockington Court, a hub for creative crafts and arts plus artisan studios, glass-blowing and a forge