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Town in Devon, England
Photo: Adrian Pingstone at en.wikipedia, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Torquay (pronounced "Tor-kee") is a town on the coast of the English Riviera and South Devon region of Devon. Since the 19th century, it has been a fashionable seaside resort in the English Riviera. The town sits on the shore of the English Channel, on the northern edge of Tor Bay, an east facing bay that is part of the larger Lyme Bay.
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Home to early man for some 700,000 years, tourists can visit this subterranean wonderland. The caves have attracted many famous people, among them Agatha Christie, Beatrix Potter, King George V of the United Kingdom and Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie who was so impressed with his visit that he gave his guide, Leslie Powe a gold sovereign. One-hour tour, minimum two people.
This is considered one of the best examples of a model village in England.
A Premonstratensian monastery founded in 1196.
Set in a country park a mile away from the seafront, Cockington Court is an historic manor house with over 20 craft studios, tea rooms, walled art garden, tudor rose garden, contemporary art gallery and a children’s play area.
The oldest museum in Devon. A Victorian museum centred around Agatha Christie though with many other exhibits throughout the ages.
A tall Ferris wheel, similar to the London Eye, offers souvenir photographs. Booking online saves 20% and private bookings are also available.
A small cafe, with a great sandwich selection.
Fish & chips shop and restaurant, winner of several awards including Best Fish & Chip Shop 2007.
The Elephant Restaurant
Torquay's first Michelin-star restaurant. Specialises in seafood.
Just across from the beach.
Dating back to 1936. A country pub surrounded by great countryside.
Wetherspoons pub. The unusual name dates back to 1846 and refers to green ginger wine sold at the time.
Apparently Torquay's oldest pub dating back to 1540.
Lebanese (halal), European and English cuisine in the Beirut - Bistro. The Richwood is a Victorian mansion, comfortably furnished, centrally heated throughout, with a cosy bar, heated swimming pool and sun terrace. All 13 bedrooms are en-suite, have TV with DVD players and tea and coffee making facilities. Evening meals are available (booking and orders in advance), with a choice of home-cooked international dishes. Free Wi-Fi. Free private parking, first come, first served; alternative free parking on the Newton Road. Pool table and games room. TV lounge with international satellite programs. 30ft x 15ft heated swimming pool (25°C) open from June to October. Sunbathing terraces, pool snack bar, hot spa, CCTV and security system.
The Meadfoot Bay is an award-winning family-run guest house situated in the area of Meadfoot, just a stroll from Meadfoot Beach and a short walk from Torquay harbour.
500 metres from the harbour, shops and beaches.
Torcroft Hotel is a stylish and friendly B&B. They have 11 rooms including 2 large balcony rooms, 2 deluxe double rooms, a family room and twins and doubles. All rooms are en-suite and have flat screen TVs. Free parking and Wi-Fi. Great breakfasts.
Upscale hotel and spa next to beach, real splendour, dog-friendly.
Excellent B&B with six rooms in an Edwardian house with quirky modern interiors. Open Feb-Nov, no children under 17 or dogs.
Hotel in Georgian manor with sub-tropical gardens, great dining. Part of OYO franchise, open Feb-Dec.
Charming peaceful campsite open April-Sept, only 8 pitches and 5 hook-ups.
Smart B&B near sea front. Open Mar-Nov, no children under 13.
A small shopping centre with a Gregg's, Shaul's Bakery, Saver's, Superdrug, Wilko, Iceland, GAME, O2, The Entertainer, That's Entertainment, Peacock's, F. Hind's, Specsaver's, Chiselcraft and Shaw's the Drapers.
By road
Torquay is connected to the UK motorway network by the A380, which traces the outskirts of the town as Hellevoetsluis Way and Hamelin Way, leading to the A38 and then on to the M5 at Exeter.
By train
Torquay is on the scenic Riviera Line.
By bus
Torquay is the terminus of the Gold service which runs from Plymouth, Totnes, and Paignton, and terminates at the harbour.
Two bus routes operated by Stagecoach Devon pass through Torquay — the 'Bayline' number 12 service between Newton Abbot and Brixham, and the X46 service between Exeter and Paignton — while other routes operate within…
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