Torquay for the day

Torquay, South Devon

Torquay is full of surprises with its magnificent horseshoe-shaped bay, swaying palm trees, elegant Victorian villas, pretty marina, sweeping sandy beach and its fascinating Agatha Christie connections.

Over the years, a glittering array of creative and well-connected personages visited the resort and these have been immortalised by the popular Blue Plaque Heritage Trail around Torquay. Famous authors included Flora Thompson of Lark Rise novels and Charles Kingsley who penned the Water Babies.  Rudyard Kipling spent two years at Rock House in Torquay, and poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning spent time at the now Hotel Regina on Torquay harbourside. Hesketh Crescent in Torquay was once leased to Charles Darwin and Engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel also had a long association here.

Torquay has been one of the UK 's top holiday destinations since Victorian Times when the gentry promenaded, bathing huts were wheeled down to the beaches and anyone who was anyone had an attractive villa overlooking the sea. It was the Victorians who first used the Riviera name to describe their favourite resort and their legacy remains to this day with sparkling white villas perched on the verdant hilltops, beautiful gardens around the seafront and elegant Victorian facades along the main streets. There is an abundance of pavement cafes, pubs, restaurants and nightlife, good quality shops and a host of attractions to suit every interest.

Torquay is an absolute haven for foodies with a collection of seriously good eating experiences from celebrated restaurants to award-winning fish and chips. You’ll love the seafood restaurants with delicious fish sourced from nearby Brixham’s famous Fish Market. Families are well catered for with plenty of family friendly eateries just strolling distance from the bustling harbour.

Drop passengers at the Princes Theatre on Sea Front.