Torquay tourist information
Torquay has been one of the UK’s top holiday destinations since Victorian Times when the gentry promenaded, bathing huts were wheeled down 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. Torquay’s famous seven hills provide the backdrop to a waterfront scene that matches anything you’ll find on the French Riviera.
Torquay's waterfront is the focus of life in the town. Here you'll find the palm-lined promenade, seafront gardens, a lively harbour and an international marina. Yet within minutes of the town centre there are beautiful beaches easily accessible by foot, road or water. There is an abundance of pavement cafes, pubs, restaurants and nightlife, good quality shops and a host of attractions to suit every interest.
Life in Torquay revolves around the bustling waterfront At the south eastern end of the harbour is a brand new attraction “Living Coasts” - a celebration of the wildlife that inhabits the coastal regions of the world (open July 2003). A new footbridge links across the inner harbour taking you into the café quarter with shops and cafes galore. Stroll around Torquay stylish marina with its glamorous “gin palaces” and sporty yachts. The Pavilion Shopping Centre started life as a theatre in Edwardian time but now houses a lovely enclave of specialist shops and a restaurant above with terraces overlooking the harbour. The Princess Theatre has a programme packed with top West End shows and touring performances. Stroll along Princess Pier, a beautiful preserved promenade which was said to be where the young Agatha Christie enjoyed her roller-skating. The Waterfront then sweeps around towards Agatha honeymoon hotel the stunning Grand Hotel.
Along the 22 miles of the English Riviera coastline there are 20 beaches from wide sandy stretches to hidden rocky coves. So whether you’re after a place to lay out your towel, build sandcastles, have a gentle paddle, ramble through a rockpool or just a quiet place to sit and watch the surf, you’re sure to find a beach to suit. Although our beaches are regarded as safe, care should always be taken when swimming. Warning flags are sometimes in operation.
Torquay aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Torquay aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Torquay.
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