Discover Torquay - The English Riviera’s sunny seaside escape
Hotels in Torquay offer Riviera glamour and seaside nostalgia, from grand Victorian clifftop hotels overlooking Tor Bay to family-run guesthouses near the harbour and contemporary spa retreats with palm-fringed gardens. You’ll find everything from Fawlty Towers filming location stays to boutique properties with sea views, all with access to red sandstone beaches, Agatha Christie heritage, and the warmest waters in England. Whether you’re here for bucket-and-spade holidays, coastal path walking, or simply enjoying Devon’s sunniest resort, there’s a stay to match your visit.
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Looking down onto tranquil waters at Torquay Marina
Where to Stay in Torquay
Torquay spreads along Tor Bay’s coastline from harbour to clifftops, with distinct areas offering different access to beaches, gardens, and Victorian promenades. Your choice shapes whether you wake to harbour bustle or palm tree views.
Harbourside and Town Centre – The bustling heart with shops, restaurants, harbour promenade, and Living Coasts aquarium. Perfect for first-timers wanting central location and immediate access to attractions and waterfront dining.
Seafront and Belgrave Road – A Victorian promenade lined with grand hotels, gardens, beach access, and clifftop walks. Ideal for couples and families wanting classic Riviera elegance and sea views.
Babbacombe and St Marychurch – A quieter clifftop village north of Torquay with beach, model village, cliff railway, and residential charm. Appeals to families and those seeking calmer seaside atmosphere away from town bustle.
Wellswood and Meadfoot – Residential areas with local shops, Meadfoot Beach, and leafy streets between town and Babbacombe. Suits travellers wanting neighbourhood character and peaceful coastal walks.
Cockington Village – A thatched-roof country village on Torquay’s edge with historic manor, craft studios, and rural Devon atmosphere. Great for those wanting countryside charm with seaside proximity.
Babbacombe, near Torquay
Best Hotels in Torquay
Torquay’s hotel scene celebrates Victorian Riviera heritage with grand seafront palaces, family-run guesthouses, and clifftop retreats. Whether you’re after palm-fringed terraces, Fawlty Towers connections, or simply a characterful seaside base, there’s a stay to suit every traveller and budget.
Best Luxury Hotels in Torquay
The Grand Hotel (4-star) – A Victorian clifftop palace with spa, multiple pools, sea-view dining, and sweeping bay panoramas. Perfect for special occasions and luxury travellers wanting Torquay’s most prestigious address.
TLH Derwent Hotel (4-star) – A clifftop property with indoor and outdoor pools, leisure facilities, and extensive grounds overlooking the bay. Ideal for families and spa lovers seeking traditional elegance.
Osborne Hotel (4-star) – A seafront boutique with contemporary interiors, fine dining, and Meadfoot Beach proximity. Suits couples and foodies wanting stylish sophistication with coastal views.
Best Seafront Hotels in Torquay
Imperial Hotel Torquay (4-star) – An iconic cliff-edge hotel with championship golf, spa, and stunning bay views that inspired Fawlty Towers creator John Cleese. Appeals to golfers and comedy fans wanting legendary Torquay history.
The Palace Hotel Torquay (4-star) – A grand seafront property with indoor pool, sun terraces, and traditional comfort overlooking Tor Bay. Great for families and traditional seaside holiday lovers.
Livermead Cliff Hotel (4-star) – A clifftop hotel south of town with direct beach access, sea-view restaurant, and peaceful location. Perfect for beach lovers and walkers seeking quieter surroundings.
Best Babbacombe Hotels in Torquay
The Cary Arms & Spa (4-star) – A boutique beach inn in Babbacombe with sea-view rooms, waterside dining, and coastal path access. Ideal for romantic getaways and foodies wanting intimate seaside luxury.
Babbacombe Bay Hotel (3-star) – A family-run hotel overlooking Babbacombe Bay with traditional hospitality, sea views, and cliff railway proximity. Suits families and couples seeking village atmosphere.
Best Family Hotels in Torquay
TLH Victoria Hotel (4-star) – A family-friendly hotel with kids’ club, entertainment, pools, and central location near harbour. Perfect for families wanting all-inclusive style breaks with activities.
Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa (3-star) – A seafront hotel with family rooms, indoor pool, spa, and beach access. Great for families wanting traditional seaside comfort.
The Downs Babbacombe (3-star) – A clifftop hotel with family suites, entertainment, and Babbacombe Downs location. Ideal for families seeking entertainment and sea views.
Best Budget Hotels in Torquay
Premier Inn Torquay (3-star) – Multiple locations including harbourside with family rooms, reliable quality, and central convenience. Great for families and budget travellers wanting predictable comfort.
The Trecarn Hotel (2-star) – A friendly seafront guesthouse with traditional rooms, full English breakfast, and sea views. Perfect for couples and budget travellers seeking good value.
Travelodge Torquay (2-star) – No-frills accommodation near the seafront with compact rooms and affordable rates. Ideal for overnight stays and travellers prioritising price.
Torquay Backpackers (hostel) – A friendly hostel in a Victorian building with dorms, shared facilities, and town centre location. Suits backpackers and solo travellers exploring Devon.
Top Things to Do in Torquay
- Babbacombe Model Village – An award-winning miniature world with thousands of tiny buildings, gardens, and illuminations after dark. A must for families and anyone wanting quintessentially British charm.
- Kents Cavern – Ancient prehistoric caves with guided tours revealing 400,000 years of human history and stunning limestone formations. Perfect for families and history enthusiasts.
- Cockington Country Park – A thatched village with manor house, craft studios, lakes, and woodland walks offering rural Devon escape. Ideal for countryside lovers and peaceful afternoon wandering.
- Agatha Christie Mile – A coastal walk celebrating Torquay’s most famous resident with heritage plaques, statue, and connections to her novels. Appeals to literary fans and detective fiction lovers.
- Living Coasts – A coastal zoo with penguins, seals, and marine life in natural habitats on the harbourside. Great for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Torquay Harbour and Marina – A bustling waterfront with boat trips, seafood restaurants, ferry services to Brixham, and promenade walks. Perfect for people-watching and maritime atmosphere.
Torquay Marina on a summer’s evening
Getting to and Around Torquay
By Train: Torquay Station connects to Exeter in 30 minutes, Plymouth in 45 minutes, and onward to London Paddington in 3 hours via Exeter with coastal views.
By Bus: Stagecoach operates extensive services around Torbay including Paignton and Brixham, while National Express coaches serve London, Birmingham, and other UK cities.
By Ferry: Seasonal ferries cross Tor Bay between Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham offering scenic harbour-hopping throughout summer months.
By Car: Torquay sits on the A380 from Exeter with parking around the town, though harbourside and seafront areas can be congested during peak season.
When to Visit Torquay
Spring (April to May) – Warming weather, blooming gardens, and quieter beaches make this ideal for exploring before summer crowds. Hotel prices are moderate with comfortable conditions for coastal walks and attractions.
Summer (June to August) – Peak season with warmest weather, busiest beaches, full entertainment programmes, and traditional British seaside atmosphere. Expect highest hotel rates with advance booking essential for school holidays.
Autumn (September to October) – Comfortable temperatures, golden light, thinning crowds, and still-swimmable seas create lovely conditions. Mid-range hotel prices with peaceful beaches and excellent walking weather.
Winter (November to March) – Mild Devon winters with storm-watching, lowest hotel rates, and many attractions closed or reduced hours. Perfect for budget travellers and those embracing quiet coastal atmosphere with fewer facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Torquay hotels within walking distance of beaches?
Most seafront and harbourside hotels are 5-10 minutes’ walk from beaches, with many clifftop properties offering direct beach access via steps or paths.
Can I visit the real Fawlty Towers hotel in Torquay?
The Gleneagles Hotel that inspired John Cleese closed years ago, though the Imperial Hotel where Cleese stayed overlooks the bay and embraces the Fawlty Towers connection.
Do Torquay hotels include parking?
Many seafront and clifftop hotels include free parking, though harbourside properties may charge or recommend nearby car parks. Always check before booking if driving.
Are Torquay hotels open year-round?
Larger hotels and chains stay open year-round, though some smaller guesthouses and seasonal properties close November to March. Check opening times for winter visits.
Can Torquay hotels arrange Agatha Christie tours?
Many hotels recommend the Agatha Christie Mile walk, guided tours, and visits to Greenway House (her holiday home) with bus and boat connections from Torquay.
Can I book Torquay hotels through easyStay with free cancellation?
Yes, most easyStay listings include flexible cancellation. Look for “Free Cancellation” before confirming your stay.
Book Your Stay in Torquay Today
From grand Riviera palaces to clifftop hideaways, hotels in Torquay put you at the heart of Devon’s sunniest resort. Whether you’re chasing Victorian elegance, family beach fun, or simply enjoying English Riviera warmth, there’s a perfect seaside base waiting.
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