The English Riviera- Torquay - Paignton - Brixham - Torbay - Living Coasts - Maidencombe - Cockington

THE ENGLISH RIVIERA

With so many exciting and interesting experiences to enjoy on the English Riviera, you will certainly be spoilt for choice. Once you've discovered just how much there is to see, do and enjoy we're sure you'll want to come back to the English Riviera time after time. We wish you a most enjoyable visit.

Torbay, with it's three towns - the 19th-century resorts of Paignton and Torquay, and the historic fishing port of Brixham - is backed by steep hills, which creates a suntrap, and results in a micro-climate that is warmer than the rest of the country.

Paignton, the oldest of the three towns is in the centre of Torbay, and the distinctive red sandstone lends the area it's Mediterranean feel

Torquay faces south, and due to it's sunny aspect, developed a reputation as a health resort. The waterfront, it's marinas, wine-bars, restaurants, theatre and unique town centre shops, offers visitors all the facilities required by an international resort.

Brixham nestles in the rugged cliffs at the southern end of Torbay. Fishing has been carried out in Brixham for more than 900 years and remains in the forefront of today's industry

Torquay Paignton Brixham

Torquay Marina

Sheltering in the north east corner of Torbay, Torquay Marina gives onto some of the UK's best sailing waters. One of the finest marinas on the south coast, it combines modern facilities and first class service with a friendly and professional welcome - which is why it is now established as a favourite centre for yachtsmen from home and abroad. Facing east and sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly winds.

Torquay Marina is a haven for yachtsmen, with safe access in all weather conditions and at all states of the tide. Close to all of Torquay's amenities (including the magnificently restored Edwardian Pavilion, its own speciality shopping mall next to the site), the Marina is also conveniently situated for exploring the beautiful South Devon countryside
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Torquay TIC. Vaughan Parade Torquay TQ2 5JG
01803 297428

Torre Abbey

Torre Abbey is Torquay's oldest building. In a beautiful setting, facing out to sea, it houses a superb collection of paintings and antiques and boasts the Agatha Christie Memorial Room. The nearby Spanish Barn was used to hold 300 Spanish prisoners after the failed Armada in 1588.

Beach Guide

Along the 22 miles of the English Riviera coastline there are 20 beaches from wide sandy stretches to hidden rocky coves.

Beach life in Torquay is always close at hand. A string of nine beautiful beaches and coves stretch out along the palm lined coast, only minutes from the resort centre. 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's Beaches from North to South

Maidencombe Beach (Torquay)
A sand and shingle beach with ample parking, swimming safe with care, toilet, café, deckchair and sunbed hire. Dogs are allowed.

Watcombe Beach (Torquay) A sandy beach with limited parking, dogs allowed, swimming safe with care, toilets, cafe, beach shop and deckchair/sunbed hire

Oddicombe Beach (Torquay) Sand and shingle beach just below the north end of Babbacombe Downs. Parking is half a mile from the beach. Steep access but try the cliff railway (great fun). No dogs, swimming safe with care, toilets, café, beach shop, deckchair/sunbed hire.

Babbacombe Beach (Torquay)
A sand and shingle beach popular for sailing and fishing off the breakwater. Steep access from Beach Road, swimming safe with care, limited parking, dogs allowed, toilets, café, deckchair/sunbed hire.

Redgate Beach (Torquay) is currently closed due to unstable cliffs above.

Anstey’s Cove (Torquay) Shingle and rocky beach with parking quarter of a mile from the beach. Dogs allowed, café, beach shop, deckchair/sunbed hire and chalet hire.

Meadfoot Beach (Torquay) A long pebble and sand beach with ample parking. Dogs allowed only at the Kilmorie end, swimming safe with care, toilets, café, deckchair/sunbed hire and chalet hire.

Torre Abbey Sands / Corbyn Sands (Torquay) A sandy beach right in the heart of Torquay’s so lots of parking nearby. Very high tides will cover the sand. Dogs banned, swimming safe with care, toilets, café, beach shop, deckchair/sunbed hire and chalet hire. Just across the road from Torre Abbey Meadows parkland.

Corbyn Sands (Torquay) Just south of Torre Abbey sands, this sand and shingle beach has all the same facilities.

Hollicombe Beach (Torquay) A quiet sandy beach with parking 1 mile from the beach. Dogs banned, swimming safe with care and toilets.

TORQUAY

Torquay's sophisticated style stems from its origins as a fashionable haven for visitors in the last century. For well over a hundred years, the fashionable town of Torquay has attracted the rich and famous.

Torquay has been a favourite with the British holidaymaker from the Victorian Times. Torquay is famous for its vibrant waterfront - the focus of life in the town. Seven hills provide a magnificent backdrop matching 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.

Palm tree lined seafront, Italian style white villas perched high on the surrounding hillsides and fabulous yachts moored in the modem marina help to create a truly relaxing, continental and stylish atmosphere that our visitors just love to soak up.

Today, thousands of visitors still enjoy its sophisticated charm, which combined with modem attractions, and amenities have produced a truly first class resort. There is an abundance of pavement cafes, pubs, restaurants and nightlife, good quality shops and a host of family attractions. Enjoy-the superb beaches and spectacular views from cliff top coastal paths or simply stroll along the elegant seafront promenades. Torquay also boasts a number of heritage sites including Torre Abbey and Kents Cavern while literary associations include the world's greatest mystery writer, Dame Agatha Christie.

Follow the Agatha Christie Trail and discover the Torquay that inspired her ever-popular detective stories. Torquay is one of the most stylish resorts in Britain. Its elegant Victorian terraces, white villas and famous seven hills provide the backdrop to popular, modern facilities such as the Riviera Centre and a busy shopping centre.

For shopping with a difference, the Pavilion is well worth a visit. What was once an Edwardian Theatre is now a premier shopping centre with specialist boutiques and shops. A café and restaurant in beautiful terrace setting also adorns the building. Nearby you'll find Fleet Walk, a state of the art undercover shopping area. Specialist shops, gifts, boutiques and cafes can be found on two levels, with stylish open terraces leading to the Winter Gardens. Also don't miss shopping on the harbourside and Union Street with its colourful mix of high street stores.

Living Coasts is one of south Devon's most popular family attractions. Situated on the coast line with fabulous views of Tor Bay this unique coastal zoo gives a fascinating insight into marine life. Developed by Paignton Zoo; Living Coasts is home to a wide array of marine wildlife from puffins to penguins, fur seals to ducks.

It is a thoroughly entertaining and educational day out especially for youngsters.

With much to do from feeding times to watching the animals swimming underwater through the special glass windows, Living Coasts is a wonderful family day out.

Babbacombe Model Village
& St Marychurch

Babbacombe Model Village Perched high on the cliffs, Babbacombe and St Marychurch offer their own unique attraction. Life in St Marychurch revolves around Fore Street with its charming collection of select shops.In Babbacombe, the views from the Downs are spectacular and the gardens are ideal for a morning or evening stroll, along the clifftops.

Babbacombe is also the home of the Model Village, three superb fish and chip shops and the Babbacombe Theatre which runs a summer show each year.

Babbacombe Model Village One of Babbacombe's premier attractions is its four acres of award winning miniature landscaped gardens!! With hundreds of varieties of plants the gardens will impress even the most enthusiastic of gardeners. Also popular is the model city. This large model includes famous retail outlets and everything else you would expect to see in a city. But best off all from Easter to September at dusk you can experience the "minilluminations", when the model city is illuminated by thousands of tiny lights, which create a breath-taking atmosphere.

Cockington

Only a mile from Torquay seafront, Cockington is a journey into a bygone age. In an idyllic village setting you can wander around thatched cottages, watch the blacksmith at work in the forge, enjoy a cream tea and stroll through acres of gardens and woodland.

In the heart of the estate stands Cockington Castle, a 17th Century Manor house. At the Court you'll find craft demonstrations, a Norman church and an organic garden.

Maidencombe

An unspoilt coastal hamlet boasting a sheltered beach and magnificent coastal walks with panoramic views.

The manor of "Medencumbe" is mentioned in the Doomsday Book and one of the oldest buildings is the "Courthouse", parts of which date back to the 14th Century.

The coastal farm and woodlands are managed under the "Countryside Stewardship Scheme" to protect wildlife, encourage traditional farming and allow public access and enjoyment of the area. Maidencombe is a delight to stay in and an ideal base from which to explore south Devon.

Kents Caverns

Kents Cavern is located just a mile away from the bustling harbour town of Torquay and is a thoroughly fascinating and educational day out for all the family.

Take a guided tour around Britain's most important Stone Age Heritage site. These prehistoric caves, at over 500,000 years old are the oldest recognisable examples of human dwelling in the UK.

See spectacular rock formations and wonderful prehistoric finds which give a fascinating insight into human habitation some 500,000 years ago.

Bygones Victorian Museum

A fascinating insight into Victorian life. Wander along the life size Victorian street with over 20 shops and period rooms set out with sounds and smells from a bygone age. It's like walking back in time. See the sweet shop and the grocers, the pawnbrokers and the pub, all exactly how they would have been in Victorian times.

Holiday accommodation - Where to Stay Torquay - English Riviera

Hotels in Torquay, self-catering Torquay, Bed and Breakfast in Torquay

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We have 43 Properties in the Torquay and Torbay area


Raddicombe Lodge Brixham Click here to view website	Bed & Breakfast Raddicombe Lodge guesthouse B and B in Brixham, South Devon offers Bed and Breakfast accommodation plus evening meals being served twice a week and has again been awarded a 4 star rating by Visit Britain. Visit Britain 4 star Tel: 01803 882 125

Anchorage Guest House Brixham Click here to view website	Bed & Breakfast A welcoming family run guest house located conveniently on New Road Brixham. The guest house is close to all amenities. We have ample parking for all guests and a landscaped garden AA 4 Star guest accommodation Tel: 01803 852 960

Quayside Hotel Brixham Click here to view website	Hotel Charming AA 3* Egon Ronay recommended Hotel. 30 Ensuite Bedrooms. Sea View rooms and four-poster. Historic Harbourside location. AA Rosette Award for Good Food. Private Guest Parking. AA 3 Star Tel: 01803 855751

Long Barn Cottages North Wilborough Click here to view website	Self Catering 4 traditional stone farm buildings into the very best luxury holiday accommodation (5 Stars), carefully converted to ensure maximum comfort whilst retaining many original features. Each has its own private garden or terrace & all 4 share the use of a superb heated indoor swimming pool & games area. SWT 5 Star Tel: 01803 875 044

All Seasons Holiday Apartments Paignton Click here to view website	Self Catering All Seasons Holiday Apartments - Ideally situated for Paignton beach & all usual amenities. The heights of Dartmoor, horseshoe shaped bay & prevailling winds bring with the Gulf warmer waters - a unique micro-climate destination for all year round holidays. Tel: 01803 552187

New Esplanade Court Paignton Click here to view website	Self Catering New Esplanade Court Holiday Apartment is a family run establishment, situated on Paignton seafront, presented in excellent condition, with gardens, own private patio area, use of heated swimming pool and private parking. Sleeps 5. Non-smoking. No pets. ETC 3 Star Tel: 01803 528078

The Ratcliffe Guest House Paignton Click here to view website	Bed & Breakfast A distinctive late Victorian Guest House, offering a varied menu for breakfast with locally sourced produce. Situated in the heart of Paignton, with the beach, town centre and local amenities all within a few minutes stroll. ETC 3 Star Tel: 01803 556106

Garfield Lodge Guest House Paignton Click here to view website	Guest House + Bed & Breakfast ETC 4 diamond bed and breakfast guest house. All bedrooms ensuite. Open All Year. Great Value. Short break special offers. Four-poster room. Optional evening dinner. ETC 4 Diamonds Tel: 01803 557764

Amber House Hotel Paignton Click here to view website	Bed & Breakfast + Hotel A small privately owned hotel that prides itself with its customer care. Quietly situated but very convenient for local beaches & attractions. Quality food, evening meals & special diets. Rooms with views across the bay to Brixham. Well-behaved pets welcome. ETC 4 Star Silver Award Tel: 01803 558372

Beverley Holidays Paignton Click here to view website	Camping + Caravans + Self Catering Great Choice of Self-Catering Holiday Caravans, 5* Lodges and Touring facilities. Wonderful Views over Torbay. Excellent on site facilities. Indoor and Outdoor Pools. Daily and nightly entertainment for all the Family. ETC 5 Star Tel: 01803 843887

Strawberry Fair Hotel Paignton Click here to view website	Bed & Breakfast Strawberry Fair Hotel is a friendly, family run bed & breakfast located on the flat & within east reach of off the Blue Flag Award Preston Sands Beach (only 400 yards). Free parking & close to shops & places to eat. Tel: 01803 551015

Whitehill Country Park Paignton Click here to view website	Camping + Caravans + Tourers Whitehill Country Park is uniquely situated in the Devonshire countryside, yet just 2 miles from Paignton town centre and the nearest beaches. Static Holiday Homes, caravans, camping, motorhome pitches. Tel: 01803 782338

Summerhill Hotel Paignton Click here to view website	Hotel + Bed & Breakfast ETC 2 Star family hotel providing a perfect choice for all ages. 200 yards from safe sandy beach. Children’s play area. Lift. Open all Year. ETC 2 Star Tel: 01803 558101

Devon Caravan Holidays Paignton Click here to view website	Camping + Caravans + Tourers elcome to Hoburne Torbay Holiday Centre, in the heart of the English Riviera from comfortable cosy 2 bedroom caravans, to a spacious luxury 3 bedroom with sun deck, Just a short walk from the park, Goodrington Sands offers days full of pleasure and sun, with so much to see and do. ETB, BGHP 4 ticks Tel: 0121 520 6969

Newbarn Farm Cottages and Angling Centre Paignton Click here to view website	Self Catering Eight 4 star rated luxury self-catering cottages in South Devon countryside with magnificent hill top views. 42 acres of private pasture and woodland, peaceful & tranquil yet close to many major tourist attractions. ETC 4 Stars Tel: 01803 553602

Heywood Lodge Torquay Click here to view website	Self Catering High Quality Self Catering Holiday ApartmentsPrivate Guest Parking. Choice of accommodation for 1 - 6 guests. Walking distance to Torquay Town Centre. Blue Flag sandy beach close by. Open All Year. Tel: 01803 292051

The Bay Tree Hotel Torquay Click here to view website	Bed & Breakfast Under new ownership. Non-Smoking Bed and Breakfast. Delightful Victorian House. Located in quiet area close to the seafront. Guest parking. Optional Evening Dinner. All ensuite rooms. Tel: 01803 293718

Astor House Apartments Torquay Click here to view website	Self Catering An imposing Victorian Villa offering 10 holiday apartments (each sleeping 2 - 6 ) with excellent views across the bay. Located in a prominent position in the heart of Torquay.,just above the beach with the Princess Theatre just below. Tel: 01803 782 461

Coastguard Cottages Torquay Click here to view website	Self Catering Two delightful 18th Century Coastguard Cottages, situated on a cliff top with outstanding sea views. Only a 10 minute walk from Torquay and 5 minutes from the beach. Open all year. One cottage (blue one) sleeps up to 9 & the other one (pink one) sleeps up to 4. Please see web site for more pictures and description of cottages rooms and pictures. Tel: 0117 9688775

Delamere Court Holiday Apartments Torquay Click here to view website	Self Catering Delamere Court is a superb Victorian Villa offering a selection of Self Catering apartments in delightful landscaped gardens, 400m from Meadfoot Beach and 800m from Torquay Harbourside and Town. ETC 3 - 4 Star Tel: 01803 293428

Daylesford Torquay Click here to view website	Bed & Breakfast Hotel Quality, award winning guest accommodation providing a genteel ambience with a high level of hospitality and comfort. Located in tree-lined avenue overlooking a park. Easy walk to the sea, marina and town. Perfect location for visiting the wonderful coast and countryside. Extensive English or Continental breakfast freshly prepared to order. The Daylesford. Silver Award 2006, 2007 & 2008. ETC 4 Star Silver Award Tel: 01803 294435

Fleurie House Torquay Click here to view website	Bed & Breakfast An elegant and beautifully presented Bed & Breakfast, with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Ideally situated in a tree lined avenue in the cosmopolitan resort of Torquay. 'The English Riviera' AA, ETC 4 Diamonds, Silver Award Tel: 01803 294869

Trafalgar House Torquay Click here to view website	Hotel + Bed & Breakfast A truly English experience. Bed and breakfast par excellence. Premium quality and comfort. Delightful, detached, peaceful victorian villa in sub-tropical gardens. Scandinavian/Australian/English proprietors. Seafront and resort 600 yards. Non-smoking. Parking. Free WiFi access ETC 4 Star Tel: 01803 292486

The Netley Hotel Torquay Click here to view website	Hotel Peaceful & relaxing bed & breakfast accommodation on the English Riviera. The Netley Hotel is a large Victorian house situated in a quiet tree lined road. Our aim is to provide quality accommodation where you can relax and enjoy your holiday. ETC 3 Star Tel: 01803 295 109

Fonthill - Torquay Holiday Homes Torquay Click here to view website	Self Catering Fonthill is a brand new development of luxury apartments in an enviable position close to the Torquay Marina. The perfect location for your holiday in beautiful South Devon. Sleeps 4 Tel: 07920 519067

Torquay Holiday Park Torquay Click here to view website	Self Catering Torquay Bay Holiday Park in Devon - self catering static caravans and Apartments. Just moments from Torquay’s stylish waterfront, in a lovely hillside location, this scenic park offers all you need for a family holiday in the heart of the English Riviera. There's plenty to keep you busy on the park with an indoor pool & flume, crazy golf, kid's clubs, mini ten-bowling and much more! Tel: 0871 641 0159

Elmdene Hotel Torquay Click here to view website	Hotel At Elmdene we offer quality accommodation, excellent home cooked food and high standards of comfort and cleanliness throughout the hotel. Perfectly situated to explore the English Riviera and its beautiful surroundings. Tel: 01803 294 940

The Osborne Club Torquay Click here to view website	Self Catering The Osborne Club apartments are situated in a magnificent Regency crescent in a stunning location overlooking Meadfoot Beach and Torbay. In a quiet area but close to Torquay town centre there is a choice of accommodation for 2-8 guests. Indoor/outdoor pool, tennis court, 2 restaurants on site. Parking. Available all year. Tel: 01803 209600

Tor Dean Hotel Torquay Click here to view website	Bed & Breakfast + Hotel An elegant & attractive detached Victorian Villa built in 1850. Ideally situated in a conservation area on a tree-lined road, within easy walking distance to the sea front & town centre. Tel: 01803 294 669

Brandize Torquay Click here to view website	Hotel Brandize is a great choice for quality guest accommodation on the English Riviera. Situated within easy walking distance to the town centre, harbour & beaches, yet far enough away to enjoy the tranquillity of the area, the perfect base from which to enjoy your holiday in Torquay. Tel: 01803 297 798

Lanscombe House Hotel Torquay Click here to view website	Hotel Stay with us in our luxury B&B hotel inside peaceful Cockington Village and the Country Park - a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Torquay. SWT 3 Diamonds Tel: 01803 606938

Lanscombe House Hotel Torquay Click here to view website	Hotel Stay with us in our luxury B&B hotel inside peaceful Cockington Village and the Country Park - a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Torquay. SWT 3 Diamonds Tel: 01803 606938

Ashwood Grange Hotel Torquay Click here to view website	Bed & Breakfast Bed and Breakfast in Torquay. Quality Bed & Breakfast in a fine Victorian Villa. A traditional British guest house with an international flavour reflecting your hosts many years abroad. The spirit of a bygone era with all the comfats of today! No Smoking, No Pets, Off-road parking 4 diamonds Tel: 01803 212619

Bay Tree House Holiday Apartments Torquay Click here to view website	Self Catering Available all year, purpose built self-catering family holiday apartments. Short walk from sea front. Senior citizen discounts. Shortbreaks available out of main season. Regret no single sex group bookings. Well-behaved pets welcome. TSCA Tel: 01803 294189

The Grand Hotel Torquay Click here to view website	Hotel Set in a magnificent sea front location right on Torquay seafront opposite Corbyn Head beach and within walking distance of the town along the scenic promenade the 4 Star Grand Hotel provides the perfect choice for leisure and business. AA, 4 Star Tel: 01803 296677

Barramore Holiday Apartments Torquay Click here to view website	Self Catering The Barramore 3 Star self catering apartments (sleeping up to 6,) are situated in a quiet tree lined road away from traffic noises, yet they are only minutes away from Torquay railway station, The Riviera Centre, beaches & bus stops to all areas. Heated swimming pool. Tel: 01803 607105

Trinity Mews Holiday Apartments Torquay Click here to view website	Self Catering Located in the very heart of Torquay & situated just off the harbour, these picturesque mews-style apartments provide great value self-catering holiday accommodation. Sleeps 2-6. Garages available. Tel: 01803 782461

The Westbourne Torquay Click here to view website	Hotel Whether you are seeking a short break, a longer family holiday or looking for a hotel to stay on business you certainly won’t be disappointed. As a guest of the Westbourne you will soon discover that it offers something distinctly different, the hotel is quite literally alive with fresh ideas and a unique style all of its own. ETC 4 Diamonds Tel: 01803 292927

TLH Leisure Resort Torquay Click here to view website	Hotel + Self Catering An amazing blend of all year round, great value hotel and self catering accommodation, leisure facilities and all weather family entertainment. Stunning new themed indoor water-world and 21st century indoor games zone. AA 2 & 3 Star Tel: 01803 400500

St Christophers Holiday Home Torquay Click here to view website	Self Catering St. Christophers is a large, 5 Star, detached five-bedroomed holiday home, situated only 225 metres from Torquay harbourside and town centre and luxuriously equipped for 2 - 10 persons. Quality in Tourism 5 star Tel: 01803 297471

The Corbyn Suites & Penthouses Torquay Click here to view website	Self Catering The Corbyn offers luxurious self catering holiday accommodation in Torquay, Devon. Short and long term accommodation to suit your requirements. One, two and three bedroomed suites furnished to a high standard. The English Riviera is a place to relax, to soak up the atmosphere, to take in the scenery. Quality in Tourism 5 star Tel: 01803 215595

The Beulah Holiday Apartments Torquay Click here to view website	Self Catering Superb location within walking distance of beaches and centre. Self catering 3* Holiday Apartments for 1 - 6 people and Luxury Holiday Home for 6 - 10 people. Children welcome. ETC 3 to 5 Star Tel: 01803 297471

Longcombe Cottages Totnes Click here to view website	Self Catering 8 beautiful cottages in fantastic countryside location yet only 3 miles from the coast. Golf, horse riding, adventure parks, river boat trips, sailing, fishing, Dartmoor - all nearby. Indoor swimming pool, tennis court, games room & adventure playground - all on site. Dogs welcome, open all year. Competitive rates. Tel: 01803 863762.