Major city · United Kingdom
Torquay
Give Torquay 2 nights as a base for the English Riviera: beaches and Kents Cavern on day one, Babbacombe and Cockington on day two.
Torquay is the main town of the English Riviera, a sheltered east-facing bay in south Devon with sandy beaches, a warm micro-climate and a Victorian resort core around the harbour. It works as a 2-night base for Torbay, with Paignton and Brixham a short bus or ferry ride away. Trains from Exeter take about 55 minutes on the Riviera Line.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Jul–Aug school holidays (crowded, peak prices)
- Airport
- Exeter (EXT)
- Nights
- 2
About Torquay
Torquay is a coastal town on the English Riviera in South Devon, sitting on the English Channel at the northern edge of Tor Bay, an east-facing bay within the larger Lyme Bay. It has been a seaside resort since the 19th century. The town is known for its nine sandy beaches and high water quality, holding three European Blue Flags, and for a warm micro-climate in which Cordyline australis, the cabbage tree, grows readily. Torbay, which also takes in Paignton and Brixham, gained the nickname 'English Riviera' from its beaches and mild weather. Torquay had 65,000 residents in 2011 and was the birthplace of the explorer Percy Fawcett. It is also known as the setting of the 1970s comedy Fawlty Towers, which was inspired by the now-closed Gleneagles Hotel.
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
See
What is worth your time in Torquay.
- Kents Cavern — A cave system described as home to early man for some 700,000 years, visited by figures including Agatha Christie and Haile Selassie.
- Babbacombe Model Village — Considered one of the best examples of a model village in England.
- Torre Abbey — A Premonstratensian monastery founded in 1196.
- Babbacombe Cliff Railway — A cliff railway on Babbacombe Downs Road.
- Cockington Court and Country Park — A historic manor house a mile from the seafront with over 20 craft studios, tea rooms, a walled art garden and a Tudor rose garden, free to enter.
Do
- Ride the English Riviera Wheel, a 60 m Ferris wheel on Vaughan Road.
Eat and drink
Specialities of this place.
- Hanbury's Famous Fish and Chips — A fish and chip shop and restaurant that won several awards, including Best Fish & Chip Shop 2007.
- The Room in the Elephant — Torquay's first Michelin-star restaurant, specialising in seafood.
- The Orange Tree — A restaurant on Parkhill Road open Tuesday to Saturday evenings.
- Bamboo Sandwich & Coffee Bar — A small cafe on St Marychurch Road with a wide sandwich selection.
Customs
- Torquay is the setting of Fawlty Towers, the 1970s comedy about Basil and Sybil Fawlty's hotel, inspired by the Gleneagles Hotel where the Monty Python cast stayed.
- The local cuisine has a distinctive West Country flavour, with locally sourced seafood and meat, alongside French, Italian, Spanish, Indian, Thai, Moroccan, Mexican and Lebanese options.
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Torquay111 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Torquay, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyTorquay is a safe seaside town; the real issues are steep hills, seasonal closures and busy summer parking.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers111 NHS non-urgent · 101 police non-urgent (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportEXT Exeter Airport (Closest airport, about 45 min by road; limited routes, so most travellers arrive via Bristol, London or by train.).
- Getting aroundThe centre, harbour and Torre Abbey are walkable, but Torquay's hills are steep: Babbacombe and Meadfoot are a bus or taxi ride.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£12–20 (≈ US$16–30)
- BeerPint of beer£4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, harbour to Babbacombe£8–12 (≈ US$11–16) (check)
- Metro or bus rideBus single fare in Torbay£2–3 (≈ US$3–4) (check)
- Museum or sight ticketAttraction entry (Kents Cavern, model village, Torre Abbey)£8–22 (≈ US$11–30)
- Budget bedHostel or guest-house bed, a night, per person£30 (≈ US$40)
- Mid-range bedB&B or hotel double room, a night, per room£120 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedB&B or hotel double room, a night, per room£220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £55 (≈ US$75) · Mid £100 (≈ US$140) · High £180 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- EXT Exeter Airport (Closest airport, about 45 min by road; limited routes, so most travellers arrive via Bristol, London or by train.)
Map of Torquay
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
- Torquay
- Basic guide
Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps
Guides nearby
- Paignton · 4.0 km straight line
- Brixham · 8.6 km straight line
- Teignmouth · 9.9 km straight line
- Newton Abbot · 10 km straight line
- Totnes · 12 km straight line
- Dartmouth · 13 km straight line
- Dawlish · 14 km straight line
- Ashburton · 17 km straight line
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Feb
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Care
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Care
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Dec
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep. Mixed: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Feb (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (15 rain days), driest Jun (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Torquay: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
15 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
10 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Nov
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
Dec
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
15 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre, harbour and Torre Abbey are walkable, but Torquay's hills are steep: Babbacombe and Meadfoot are a bus or taxi ride. Stagecoach Devon runs the Bayline 12 (Newton Abbot–Torquay–Paignton–Brixham) and the X46 (Exeter–Paignton) through town, with local routes filling the gaps. Trains on the Riviera Line link Torquay, Torre and Paignton; a ferry crosses to Brixham in season.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Paignton
goDoor to door: About 20–30 min
Bayline 12 bus or Riviera Line train from Torquay station
Pier, beach and Paignton Zoo; easy half day.
Brixham
goDoor to door: About 30–45 min
Ferry from Torquay harbour in season, or Bayline 12 bus
Fishing harbour and fish restaurants; ferry is the scenic option.
Totnes
goDoor to door: About 40–55 min
Train from Torquay via Newton Abbot, or the Gold bus
Market town with a castle and independent shops.
Dartmouth
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Train to Paignton then bus 120, or drive the A379
Harbour, castle and steam railway; a full day.
Dawlish
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Riviera Line train towards Exeter
The sea-wall railway ride is the point; stop for the town and beach.
Teignmouth
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Riviera Line train towards Exeter
Small seaside town with a long sandy beach and a back beach.
Kingsbridge
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive or bus via Totnes
Better as part of a South Hams trip than a return day out.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Harbour and town centre
Pubs, restaurants and the marina on foot; Torre Abbey Sands beach 5 min away. Best for a first visit without a car.
Babbacombe
Clifftop downs, model village and the cliff railway down to Oddicombe Beach; quieter, 10–15 min by bus or taxi from the harbour.
Meadfoot and Wellswood
Leafy streets above Meadfoot Beach, 15–20 min walk downhill to the harbour; guest houses and small hotels.
Torre and the station area
Around Torquay railway station and Torre Abbey; practical for train arrivals, less atmospheric at night.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–75 (≈ US$60–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- £75–130 (≈ US$100–180) excl. bed
- High
- £130 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B or hotel double room1 × 2 nights × £120 | £240 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × £100 | £400 |
| Riviera Line train Exeter–Torquay, one way2 × £12 · check | £24 |
| Bayline day ticket, one day2 × £6 · check | £12 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £8 | £16 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £69 |
| Trip total≈ £190 per person per day, bed included | £761≈ US$1,100 |
2026 estimate in pounds; travel to Torquay excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Fish and chips | £10–16 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Pub main course | £12–20 (≈ US$16–30) |
| Pint of beer | £4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Bus single fare in Torbay | £2–3 (≈ US$3–4) (check) |
| Taxi, harbour to Babbacombe | £8–12 (≈ US$11–16) (check) |
| Attraction entry (Kents Cavern, model village, Torre Abbey) | £8–22 (≈ US$11–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Steep hills and narrow pavements: plan bus or taxi for Babbacombe and Meadfoot rather than walking back uphill.
- Beach water quality is generally high, but check local signage after heavy rain.
- Summer parking near the harbour fills early; use the car parks and walk.
- Some seafront venues and attractions run seasonal hours outside Easter–October: check before travelling.
Emergency numbers
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
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TorquayTorquay
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No embassies in Torquay; the US Embassy is in London and most consulates-general are in London or Bristol. For urgent passport help, contact your embassy in London.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Exeter → Torquay, Riviera Line: about £12 (≈ US$16), about 55 min (check)
- Bayline 12 bus, Torquay → Brixham: about £2–3 (≈ US$3–4) single, about 30–45 min (check)
- Torquay → Brixham ferry (seasonal): about £5–8 (≈ US$7–11), about 30 min (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Please — Please
- Excuse me — Excuse me / Sorry
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
UK emergency numbers work from any phone, including mobiles without credit.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Torquay. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Jul–Aug school holidays (crowded, peak prices) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport and station transfers for EXT, Torquay and Torre: last train times, taxi fallback and bus fares field-checked.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: harbour and town, Torre Abbey and the station, Babbacombe and Oddicombe, Meadfoot and Wellswood.
- Place pages with verified opening hours and last entry (Kents Cavern, Torre Abbey, Torquay Museum, Babbacombe Model Village) and eat pages with last orders.
- Seasonal fixtures for the ferry, cliff railway and beach facilities so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialEnglish Riviera — official visitor information
- officialKents Cavern
- officialTorre Abbey
- officialBabbacombe Model Village
- officialBabbacombe Cliff Railway
- officialTorquay Museum
- officialCockington Court
- officialStagecoach Devon
- officialGreat Scenic Railways — Riviera Line
- secondaryWikivoyage: Torquay, revision 5254187 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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