Making the most of Torquay
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
This is a tender port.
Tor Bay harbor is one of Britain's finest coastal water-sport locations, nestling within the western shores of Lyme Bay on the UK's south-west peninsula including within it the enclosed harbors of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.
The dock is within walking distance of town.
The English Riviera is a resort in the truest sense of the word, attracting visitors of all ages and interests throughout the year. Undergoing a water front regeneration and a number of new attraction and accommodation schemes, Torquay has something for everyone and for all ages, at all times of the year!
Torquay has been one of the UK 's top holiday destinations since Victorian Times when the gentry promenaded, bathing huts were wheeled down to 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 favorite 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.
Don't be fooled by the Victorian ancestry however, Torquay is also a vibrant and forward thinking resort attracting visitors of all interests, from Art and Culture aficionados to marine enthusiasts.
Torquay's famous seven hills provide the backdrop to a waterfront scene that matches anything you'll find on the French Riviera.
Torquay is (in)famous as the setting of Fawlty Towers, the hotel owned by Basil and Sybil Fawlty in the classic 1970s British television comedy.
Kents Cavern - which was home to early man for some 700,000 years and where 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 Haile Selassie who was so impressed with his visit that he gave his guide, Leslie Powe a gold sovereign.
Getting around
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 the town
Nearby places
Stunning views are to be seen just about every where across the Bay, out over the English Channel, along the 40 miles of Lyme Bay to Portland Bill or inland towards the Tors of Dartmoor. Torquay is an ideal base from which to visit Dartmouth, Totnes, Exeter and Plymouth, all of which are only a few miles distant.
Food and shopping
Union Street and Fleet Walk shopping center, located near to the Harbour, offer a wide range of high street shops, ranging from independent boutiques to large chain stores. The Pavilion Shopping center is a few minutes walk from the seafront and provides a selection of interesting small independent retailers and gift shops in a beautiful 19th century building.
Money
The currency throughout the UK is the pound (£). You may also hear the slang term quid for pounds. Scottish bank notes are frowned upon in other parts of the UK, so change the notes before leaving Scotland.
Cash machines (ATM) or less formally 'holes in the wall' are very widely available and usually dispense £10 and £20 notes.
Visa, Mastercard and Maestro, are accepted by most shops and restaurants.
Staying connected
English is spoken throughout the country, but sometimes with heavy accents!
Most cafe's and restaurants offer free WiFi.
The local emergency telephone number is 999, however the EU-wide 112 can also be used.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours are in general:
Small stores 6 or 7 days a week (10am - 6pm) Larger stores in general stay open til' 9PM Hyper marts often 24/7