A seaside resort town on the English Riviera, with Victorian-era architecture, sandy beaches, and palm trees. Birthplace of Agatha Christie and home to prehistoric Kent's Cavern.
Torquay, a seaside town in Devon, curves along Tor Bay with its palm trees and 1800s Victorian buildings. You can walk through limestone caves at Kents Cavern, visit the childhood home of Agatha Christie, or swim at one of nine beaches. The marina holds hundreds of sailing boats, while the white-pillared Victorian Pavilion and the flowerbeds of Princess Gardens line the waterfront.
Exploring Torquay's Beaches
Torre Abbey Sands extends along the center of town with calm waters and golden sand. Meadfoot Beach sits behind rocky cliffs, creating a quiet spot with clear swimming waters. You can reach Oddicombe Beach via the Babbacombe Cliff Railway, which descends 72 meters and looks across the bay. Each beach has distinct characteristics - Torre Abbey Sands has cafes and shops nearby, while Meadfoot Beach remains less crowded even in July and August.
Following Agatha Christie's Footsteps
The crime writer was born in Torquay in 1890 and wrote her first novels while working as a nurse at Torquay Town Hall during WWI. The Agatha Christie Mile includes plaques marking locations from her life, including Beacon Cove and the Grand Hotel where she spent her honeymoon. Each September, the International Agatha Christie Festival brings writers and readers to the town for talks, workshops, and walking tours.
Underground Adventures at Kents Cavern
The caves at Kents Cavern contain tools and bones from human settlements dating back 40,000 years. Guided tours take you through chambers where archaeologists found stone tools and animal remains. The cave temperature stays at 14°C year-round. Inside, you'll see limestone formations of stalagmites and stalactites, and learn about how early humans used these caves for shelter.
Getting Around Torquay
Two railway stations connect to the town - Torquay station near Torre Abbey Sands and Torre station slightly inland. Buses run between the beaches, harbor area, and shopping districts every 15-20 minutes. You can walk between most attractions within 20 minutes. If you're driving, you'll find parking at Beacon Quay near the harbor and Fleet Walk in the shopping area.
Water Activities and Sailing
The curved shape of the bay creates sheltered waters for sailing and water sports. The marina hosts racing events throughout the year, including national championships. You can take sailing lessons, rent kayaks, or join boat trips around the bay. During the 1948 Summer Olympics, sailors from around the world competed in these waters when Torquay hosted the sailing events.
Local Food Scene
Fish and seafood arrive each morning at local restaurants from Brixham fish market, 5 miles away. Cafes around the harbor and seafront serve Devon cream teas with local clotted cream. You'll find everything from small beachside cafes to high-end restaurants. Many menus include Brixham crab, Devon scallops, and fish caught that morning in Tor Bay.
