Torquay

Torquay is the largest and most cosmopolitan of the three towns that comprise the area known as The English Riviera and was in fact sometimes known in times gone by as the Queen of the Riviera.

Torquay is not only blessed with a mild climate and beautiful natural suroundings but the Victorians bequethed the town an amazingly rich gift of architectural gems some of which can be truly described as masterpieces.

Modern Torquay has successfully adapted to the role of short break destination and has something to offer visitors at all times of year with an abundance of places to eat and drink, a huge variety of thigs to do plus a great choice of visitor accommodation such as The Muntham Apartments and Town House.

Torre Abbey Gardens

Torquay Harbour And Seafront

Torquay harbour is definitely the heart of the town and it is just a short distance from the Muntham Apartments and Town House from which it can be reached in five minutes by car or in fifteen minutes on foot.

Gathered around the harbour are a superb array of bars, cafes and restaurants each of which are ideal locations from which to people watch and while away an hour or two in the sun. Guests at the Muntham Apartments and Town House are supplied with a comprehensive list of recommended venues for both daytime and nightime dining and drinking.

From the harbourside the promenade runs off towards the Princess Theatre and then beyond to Torre Abbey Gardens and the superb Abbey itself with its magnificent walled garden set among the ruins of the original abbey.

Torquay's main beach, Torre Abbey Sands, is nearby. At low tide a vast expanse of sand is exposed and the beach is ideal for families as there is only a very gradual slope out to sea and water is very shallow.

Waves Leisure Pool in Torquay

Things To Do In Torquay

Visitors to Torquay will never be short of things to do whatever the season and whatever the weather. Aside from the beaches, the outdoor attractions include Babbacombe Model Village, Torquay Golf course (which is happy to accept visitors), pitch and put courses and of course Torquay United Football Club.

And when it is necessary to head indoors the choice on offer is equally wide., Torquay has its Museum plus Torre Abbey. There are also attractions such as Kent's Cavern and Bygones. The Hollywood Bowl centre is just by Torquay Harbour. Recently added to this list of attractions is the new multi cinema complex right in the middle of town. The New Central Cinema. And right on Torquay seafront is The Princess Theatre.

And if the youngsters need to let off a little steam then there is the Waves Leisure Pool located at the Riviera Centre Complex close to Torquay seafront.

Kayaking near Ansty's Cove

Water Based Activities In Torquay

Torquay sits on the magnificent sheltered Tor Bay. As a result, it offers visitors an amazing opportunity to experience activities on the water. This could be as simple as taking one of the regular ferry boat services from Torquay to Brixham. These normally operate from March through to the end of October weather permitting and are an excellent way of getting to know the area without having to worry about parking.

For visitors in search of a little more adventure there are adrenaline fuelled activities such as coasteering, paddle boarding, kayaking or even water skiing and jet ski ing.

It is also possible to organise private boat charters for the pleasure of exploring Tor Bay or to indulge passions such as sea angling.

Gara Rocks - near salcombe in the South Hams

Torquay - A Great Base From Which To Explore Other Parts Of Devon

As a resort Torquay has an enormous amount to offer visitors but it is also perfectly placed to act as a base from which to explore all that the area has to offer.

The regional cities of Plymouth and Exeter are easily within reach and make great destinations for a day out. Both have rich histories and great visitor attractions and each have vibrant cafe and restaurant cultures plus opportunities for shopping.

Lying to the west of Torquay is the area collectively know as The South Hams. This boasts heartstoppingly beautiful coastlines and wonderfully individual towns such as Salcombe, Dartmouth and Totnes.

To the north of Torquay is the sprawling wilderness of Dartmoor. This offers an amazing variety of landscapes with superb opportunities to get out and walk in the crystal clear air. Dartmoor also has quaint villages and towns such as Tavistock in the very west, Ashburton in the very south and Widdecombe in the centre.