Torquay is often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Riviera’, and it is here the Riviera ideal really comes to life.
For centuries a popular destination for coastal holidays, Torquay was the birthplace and home of internationally- renowned crime writer Agatha Christie, and is steeped in history, from the awe-inspiring caves of Kents Cavern, to the World War II slipways at Beacon Quay. With so much culture, history, and an amazing nine beaches to choose from, Devon’s Torquay really is the perfect place to relax on holiday. With over 500 Hotels in Torquay, many of which have a spectacular sea view, there is no shortage ofaccommodation options.
The town is famed for its situation among seven green hills, from where grand Victorian villas and terraces gaze out to sea. Palm-lined promenades lead to the lively harbourside and marina, where pavement cafes and boutique shops abound, in addition to a range of top class restaurants.
As the jewel in the crown of the English Riviera, Torquay has a real cosmopolitan vibe and sipping a cool drink on a long, hot summer’s day, it’s possible to imagine yourself a thousand miles away.
Today Torquay has shrugged off the traditional seaside town image, to reinvent itself as a cosmopolitan playground popular with tourists the world-over. With great road, train and air links, the town is an escapist paradise, accessible to all. Why go abroad when the English Riviera is on your doorstep? And by visiting us, you won’t be leaving huge carbon imprints, just footprints in the sand…
| Name | Address | Sunday Service | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barton Baptist | Happaway Road. TQ2 8EU. |
10.30am & 6.30pm | Rev. Lovell. 01803 311628 |
| Hele Baptist | Hele Road. TQ1 3HP |
10.30am & 6.30pm | Rev. Clay 01803 311726 |
| Upton Vale Baptist |
St Marychurch Road. TQ1 3HY |
10.30am & 6.30pm | Rev. Green 01803 400403 |
| Name | Address | Sunday Service | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Saints | Bampfylde Road. TQ2 5AY |
8.00am, 10.00am (6.00pm on first Sunday of month). |
01803 328865 |
| All Saints | Cary Avenue, Babbacombe. TQ1 3QT |
8.00am & 10.00am, 9.30am Weekdays |
01803 323002 |
| Christ Church | Ellacombe Church Road. TQ1 1TG |
10.00am (Evensong 6.00pm 3nd Sunday of month) |
01803 293926 |
| St.Johns | Montpellier Road TQ1 1BJ |
11.00am, 10.30am Fridays, 7.00pm Mondays (Evensong 6.00pm on 1st Sunday of month) |
01803 293926 |
| St.George & St.Mary |
Cockington Village. TQ2 6QW |
11.00am | 01803 607957 |
| St.John the Baptist | Cadewell Lane, Shiphay TQ2 7HP | 8.00am/10.00am, 1st & 2nd Sunday of month. 10.00am & 11.00am |
01803 401316 |
| St.Martins | Barton Hill Road TQ2 8JA | 8.00am; 10.15am & 4.00pm | 01803 327223 |
| St.Matthews | St.Matthews Road, Chelston |
8.00am & 9.30am | 01803 607957 |
| St.Matthias | Babbacombe Road,Wellswood TQ1 1HW | 8.00am,10.30am & 6.30pm. 8pm 2nd Sunday of each month for a young peoples service | 01803 214175 |
| The Church of St. Mary the Virgin | Fore Street, St Marychurch | 8.00am; 10.00am & 6.30pm | 01803 327661 |
| St.Mary Magdalene | Union Street TQ1 4BX | 10.30am & 6.30pm (9.15am on 1st, 3rd, 4th Sunday) | 01803 211572 |
| St.Lukes | St.Lukes Road | 8.00am; 10.30am & 6.30pm, 8.00pm July – Sept Thur: Communion 10.30am & Children’s Service 9.30am 1st Sun |
01803 690539 |
| St Peters | Queensway, Chelston | Tuesday Service: 9.45am | 01803 607957 |
| Name | Address | Sunday Service | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChelstonMethodist | Old Mill Road TQ2 6AU |
10.30am | 01803 613591 |
| St.Andrews Methodist |
Exe Hill, Shiphay TQ2 7NF | 10.30am | 01803 613591 |
| Victoria Park Methodist | St.Marychurch Road. TQ1 3HL | 10.30am | 01803 613591 |
| Name | Address | Sunday Service | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Church of the Assumption of Our Lady |
Abbey Road. TQ2 5NJ |
9.00am & 10.30am | 01803 294142 |
| Church of the Holy Angels | Queensway Presbytery. TQ2 6BP |
9.30am & 5.00pm | 01803 607116 |
| Church of Our Lady Help of Christians | Priory Road TQ1 4NY | 10.00am (Saturday 6.00pm) |
01803 327612 |
| Name | Address | Sunday Service | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Church Methodist & United Reformed | Tor Hill Road. TQ2 5RS | 10.30am & 6.30pm. | 01803 211602 |
| Furrough Cross United Reformed | Babbacombe Road. TQ1 3SE |
10.30am (Communion 1st Sunday of the month) |
01803 328715 |
| Name | Address | Sunday Service | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aetherius Society (Cosmic Teachings) |
Barton Road, TQ1 4DT |
11.00am. Monday: 8.00pm |
01803 329948 |
| Christadelphian Hall | Sherwell Lane, Chelston TQ2 6BH |
6.00pm | 01803 607646 |
| First Church of Christ Scientist Torbay |
228 Higher Union Street TQ2 5QS |
11.00am. Wednesday-7.30pm |
01803 214640 |
| Greek Orthodox | St Efrides Road | 1st Sunday of month. 9.30am |
01752 215503 |
| Jehovahs Witness | Kingdom Hall, St.James Place Babbacombe |
Tues 7.15pm, Thurs 7.15pm, Sun 10.00am & 1.30pm |
01803 327094 |
| Living Waters Pentecostal Church | 527 Babbacombe Road TQ3 2DQ |
10.30am & 6.00pm | 01803 552538 |
| Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) | 48 Tor Hill Road |
10.30am Sunday | 01803 297184 |
| Salvation Army | Citadel 29 Market Street | 10.30am & 6.00pm |
01803 294197 |
| Seventh Day Adventist Church | 4 Warren Road TQ2 5TE | Saturday Service: 10.00am & 11.15am |
The Riviera ideal that has been enjoyed for centuries remains very much alive today. Life inTorquay revolves around its waterfront, home of an international marina and busy harbour, where numerous events take place throughout the year including yacht races and the highly charged powerboat championships.
In the summer months the harbour resounds with music during the Riviera Live! season as street musicians entertain crowds with everything from opera to jazz.
Within walking distance of the harbourside you will find a myriad of continental cafes, lively bars, and fantastic restaurants offering international cuisine as well as show-casing the best of British food. Torquay is taking the gastronomic world by storm with many awards, including a Michelin-starred restaurant and another that boasts three AA Rosettes.
Shopping in Torquay has never been better. As well as nationally recognised outlets, the Fleet Walk area hosts some exclusive boutiques. On occasions a continental market can be found along the promenade, where you can find all sorts of tasty titbits to whet your appetite and intricate crafts.
Beautiful gardens stretch along the seafront near to the ornate Pavilion, a reminder of Edwardian grandeur that started off life as a theatre, and now houses a number of specialist shops.
A short walk takes you to the Princess Theatre, which offers a jam-packed programme ofentertainment across the season including many top West End shows.
From here you can take a stroll along the Princess Pier, where Agatha Christie is said to have enjoyed roller-skating in her youth! In fact, across the town you will find many sites with special significance to the author, and an exhibition dedicated to her life and times can be seen at the delightful Torquay Museum, amongst other fascinating displays.
A trip to Torquay would not be complete without visiting at least one of the nine beaches on offer here. From the sandy beach at Torre Abbey (which recently received the accolade of best sand to make sandcastles!) to the sheltered coves of Meadfoot and the rock pools at Corbyn Head, there is variety enough to suit every type of sun worshipper.
Believe it or not, Torquay was actually populated during prehistoric times. In the caves of Kents Cavern hand axes dating back almost 500,000 years have been found, as well as an upper jaw bone believed to be the oldest human remain in Europe!
Fast forward hundreds of thousands of years, and the Roman population that lived here laid offerings to their Gods in the caves.
The Domesday Book records the picture-postcard village ofCockington Country Park, a traditional country estate with thatched cottages and landscaped gardens still retaining much of its old world charm.
The manor was given to the ‘de Cockington’ family after the Norman Conquest, who lived there for 281 years; it was then owned by the Cary family until 1654, when the Mallocks took over the estate for a period of 279 years.
Cockington Manor and its outhouses are now the venue for a thriving tea room and Craft Centre, and the grounds are a delight to explore.
Torquay and its surroundings were for the most part still shrouded in deep countryside in the 12th Century. The historic Torre Abbey, an icon of Torquay’s seafront, was originally constructed as a monastery in 1196, and was at one time the richest in England. Following the dissolution of the monasteries, it became a private residence and had a number of different owners, before remaining in the Cary family for almost 300 years. It was then donated to the local council.
The town was recognised as a desirable situation to rest and improve one’s health in the late 18th Century, when it became popular with naval families during the Napoleonic Wars. An early visitor in 1794 is recorded as saying: “Instead of the poor uncomfortable village we had expected, how great it was our surprise at seeing a pretty range of neat new buildings, fitted up for summer visitors, who may certainly here enjoy carriage rides, bathing, retirement and a most romantic situation.”
However, the principal shaping of Torquay into the tourist destination as we now know it came about during Victorian times. The town had already developed a reputation as a place to convalesce, but in the mid-1800s the arrival of the Great Western Railway, pioneered by engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, opened up the Bay to the wider holidaying public. Torquay soon became a favourite location of those unable to make the journey to the South of France.
Grand villas and terraces were built on Torquay’s hills, bathing huts were wheeled down the beaches, and the inhabitants of the town were said to have the “highest class” of living.
Many of the fine Victorian buildings are now quality hotels, from the Bishop’s Court which is Grade II listed, to the Osborne Hotel, part of an impressive terrace overlooking the sea, and the Livermead House Hotel, one of the first seafront buildings and frequented by Charles Kingsley, author of the Water Babies. Amongst the many hotels is of course the boutique Gleneagles Hotel, completely transformed since its name was rendered infamous by John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers!
The maritime history of Torquay includes such highlights as the regattas of 1893 and 1894, when the Prince of Wales won the main events with his J Class yacht, and the formidable sight of 113 war ships that were anchored in the bay in 1905. Whilst not as commercial as nearby Brixham, the harbour at Torquay was heavily involved in importing coal and wool from Australia, which was then sent to the mills in the North of England. Torquay quickly became famed for its watersports, and had the honour of hosting those events for the 1948 Olympic Games, when the Olympic flame was burned in Torre Abbey Gardens. In the Bay today you will see a remnant of the past as three ex-Royal Navy motor launches, converted after the war, now run the Torquay to Brixham ferry route.
During the two World Wars, Torquay was an important base for both British and foreign soldiers. Hospitals were set up to aid casualties from France, Flanders and Gallipoli. Beacon Quay, now the location of the Living Coasts aquatic zoo, initially sheltered naval seaplanes, and in the Second World War was the site of the embarkations of many soldiers, including thousands of US Army personnel in 1944. Today a monument dedicated to the officers that served in World War II takes pride of place near the Harbour Master’s Office.
When the all clear was given for holidaymakers to return to coastal resorts in 1944, Torquay received a flood of visitors!Nowadays the town continues to offer tourists a fantastic trip.
Full En-Suite: Beautifully decorated with en-suite shower room.
All Prices include: 3 Nights £250.00
Bed & Breakfast, 4 Nights £314.00
Evening meal 5 Nights £388.00
6 Nights £450.00
For 2 people sharing. 7 Nights £498.00
Luxury Rooms: Large, Well presented with lounging area and en-suite shower room (one being family room).
All Prices include: 3 Nights £258.00
Bed & Breakfast, 4 Nights £322.00
Evening meal 5 Nights £398.00
6 Nights £466.00
For 2 people sharing. 7 Nights £530.00
4 Poster Room: Large, elegantly designed room with 4 poster bed, lounging area and en-suite shower room.
All Prices include: 3 Nights £270.00
Bed & Breakfast, 4 Nights £338.00
Evening meal 5 Nights £418.00
6 Nights £490.00
For 2 people sharing. 7 Nights £572.00
Full En-Suite: Beautifully decorated with en-suite shower room.
All Prices include: 3 Nights £238.00
Bed & Breakfast, 4 Nights £298.00
Evening meal 5 Nights £368.00
6 Nights £426.00
For 2 people sharing. 7 Nights £478.00
Luxury Rooms: Large, Well presented with lounging area and en-suite shower room (one being family room).
All Prices include: 3 Nights £250.00
Bed & Breakfast, 4 Nights £314.00
Evening meal 5 Nights £388.00
6 Nights £450.00
For 2 people sharing. 7 Nights £498.00
4 Poster Room: Large, elegantly designed room with 4 poster bed, lounging area and en-suite shower room.
All Prices include: 3 Nights £258.00
Bed & Breakfast, 4 Nights £322.00
Evening meal 5 Nights £398.00
6 Nights £466.00
For 2 people sharing. 7 Nights £530.00
Prices include Bed, Breakfast and Evening Meal for 2 people.
To obtain special offer rates please call 01803 295271 or click here to email
The Westbank B&B Guest House Accomodation is ideally situated in the heart of torquay close to all of Torquay attractions. A pleasant stroll through Torre Abbey Gardens brings you to the famous beaches. The shopping area is located off the seafront so everything you need is on our doorstep. A warm welcome awaits you at The Westbank, Torquay! 16 Photos With three thousand animals, five different habitats and acres of activities you’re in for a great day out at Paignton Zoo in Devon, but what will you tackle first? Do you cross hair-raising Crocodile Swamp, home to the world’s largest croc species? Get close to our closest cousins at Monkey Heights or mix with the kangaroos hopping around the hills? 10 Photos Born in Torquay in 1890, she spent much of her life in the area. She played here as a child, worked and socialised here as a young lady and gathered ideas that were to come to life in her best selling books with immortal characters such as Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. Today Agatha Christie is internationally famous as the most prolific mystery writer of all time with 79 crime novels and many plays to her name. 6 Photos Formed in 2004 Alpha Divers continues to deliver the PADI system of qualification.
Alpha Divers offer a range of PADI Scuba Diving courses and work to the highest standard following PADI criteria.
We have several divemaster assistants both male and female, asstisting on each course.
Becoming part of the diving world can fulfil your desire to explore below the waves, and may also lead on to the social side. 4 Photos Visit this famous Torquay attraction to take time out from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and feel on top of the world as you see it recreated in miniature. Thousands of miniature buildings, people and vehicles, along with animated scenes and touches of English humour, capture the essence of England's past, present and future 13 Photos Situated on the English Riviera's beautiful Babbacombe Downs in Torquay, South Devon. Arguably Babbacombe Theatre is one of the most popular Theatres in the South West.
2011 is the 25th year that Colin Matthews has produced the highly acclaimed variety shows, whilst often showcasing the very best of rising new talent, his highly acclaimed shows are renowned throughout the industry and across the country. 3 Photos Kents Cavern is a cave system in Torquay, Devon, England. It is notable for its archaeological and geological features. The caves are a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (since 1952) and a Scheduled Ancient Monument (since 1957), and are open to the public. The caverns and passages at the site were created around 2 million years ago by water action, and have been occupied by one of at least eight separate, discontinuous native populations to have inhabited the British Isles. 8 Photos The scenery is breathtaking, along the spectacular English Riviera Geopark coast line, to the picturesque station at Churston, then on through the wooded slopes of Long Wood bordering the Dart Estuary to Kingswear. This is one of the finest heritage steam railway journeys anywhere in Europe. A short foot passenger ferry, takes you across the River Dart to the historic town of Dartmouth.
10 Photos
UK Airport Directory
We have put together a brief profile of each of the main airports in the UK. Simply click on the relevant airport names to read more.
London Airports
London City Airport - Gatwick Airport - London Heathrow International Airport - London Luton Airport - Stansted Airport
Other English Airports
Birmingham International Airport – Bournemouth Airport – Bristol Airport – Doncaster Robin Hood Airport – Durham Tees – Valley Airport – East Midlands Airport – Exeter International Airport – Humberside Airport – Leeds-Bradford International Airport – Liverpool John Lennon Airport – Manchester Airport – Newcastle Airport – Southampton Airport
Scottish Airports
Aberdeen Airport – Edinburgh Airport – Glasgow Airport – Glasgow Prestwick Airport – Inverness Airport
Welsh Airports
Northern Irish Airports
Car Hire
Europcar – Budget – SixT – Enterprise – Thrifty – Hertz – Avis – Holiday Autos – Car Hire 3000 – Alamo
Hospitals
Torbay Hospital – Brixham Hospital – Mount Stuart Hospital – Paignton Hospital – Cypress Hospital
Babbacombe Theatre
Website: www.babbacombe-theatre.com
The Princess Theatre
Website: www.princesstheatre.org.uk
The Funeral Consultant
Website: www.funeralconsultant.co.uk
Rawlinsons & Kims Flowers
Website: www.rawlinsonsflorist.co.uk
The English Riviera
Located a short walk from Torquay’s attractive harbourside, marina, town centre and local amenities, The Westbank is the ideal base from which to enjoy your Holiday or Short Break in Torquay.
Part of “The English Riviera” and based on the stunning South Devon coastline, Torquay is one of the UK’s leading holiday destinations and it’s easy to see why! It’s the place to relax, soak up the atmosphere, take in the scenery and experience a holiday in a classic English seaside resort.
Along the waterfront you’ll find the palm-lined promenade, seafront gardens, a lively harbour and an International marina. The yacht masts and luxury sports boats lying in the marina framed in front of an illuminated bridge and the coastal footpath make for a great backdrop to enjoy an evening drink after visiting Torquay’s coastal zoo or enjoying a show at the Princess Theatre.
Spread along the 22 miles of English Riviera coastline are 19 beaches and coves, incorporating long, open stretches of sand with plenty of facilities, through to much more secluded and private coves. Many beaches in Torquay hold coveted blue flag awards for their cleanliness.
Are you an Agatha Christie fan?
Then Torquay is the place for you! It is her hometown and there is an excellent exhibition in the local museum. She was baptized and worshipped at All Saints Church, Torre. Many visitors make an appointment to see the Church where you can hear anecdotes and details of her early life. You can also visit her house near Kingswear or view her estate from the River Dart, a very pleasant outing.
Other attractions include the Pre-historic Kents Caverns , Babbacombe’s model village, the ancient village of Cockington, River Trips, Fishing Villages and well known Theme Parks all a short drive or bus journey away, each with interests for all ages groups.
The Westbank is ideally situated for eating out and exploring the beauty of Torbay, with over 22 miles of unspoilt coastline, 18 beaches, secluded coves, and the spectacular, rugged Dartmoor National Park.
