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
Tender boats serve this port.
On the western shores of Lyme Bay, on the UK’s south-west peninsula, Tor Bay harbour is among Britain’s finest coastal water-sport locations. It includes the enclosed harbours of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.
The dock is a walkable distance from town.
In the truest sense, the English Riviera is a resort drawing visitors of every age and interest all year. With waterfront regeneration and several new attraction and accommodation schemes under way, Torquay offers something for everyone at every time of year.
Since Victorian Times, when gentry promenaded, bathing huts rolled down to the beaches and anyone who was anyone had an attractive sea-view villa, Torquay has ranked among the UK’s leading holiday destinations.
Victorians first called their favourite resort a Riviera, leaving a legacy that endures in sparkling white villas on verdant hilltops, beautiful seafront gardens and elegant Victorian facades along the main streets.
Despite its Victorian ancestry, Torquay is a lively, forward-thinking resort, appealing to all interests from Art and Culture aficionados to marine enthusiasts.
Torquay’s famous seven hills frame a waterfront scene equal to anything found on the French Riviera.
The classic 1970s British television comedy Fawlty Towers features a hotel owned by Basil and Sybil Fawlty and is (in)famously set in Torquay.
Kents Cavern sheltered early man for some 700,000 years and lets tourists explore this subterranean wonderland. Its caves have drawn famous visitors including Agatha Christie, Beatrix Potter, King George V of the United Kingdom and Haile Selassie, who was so impressed that he gave his guide, Leslie Powe, a gold sovereign.
Getting around
Stagecoach Devon operates two routes through Torquay: the 'Bayline' number 12 between Newton Abbot and Brixham, and the X46 between Exeter and Paignton; other services operate within the town.
Nearby places
Views across the Bay are striking almost everywhere, extending over the English Channel, along 40 miles of Lyme Bay to Portland Bill, or inland to the Tors of Dartmoor. Torquay is an ideal base for Dartmouth, Totnes, Exeter and Plymouth, each only a few miles away.
Food and shopping
Near the Harbour, Union Street and Fleet Walk shopping center provide high street shops from independent boutiques to large chains. A few minutes from the seafront, Pavilion Shopping center occupies a beautiful 19th century building with interesting small independent retailers and gift shops.
Money
Britain's currency is the pound (£), and the informal word quid also means pounds. Scottish bank notes are frowned upon elsewhere in the UK, so change them before travelling out of Scotland.
Cash machines (ATM), also called 'holes in the wall', are widespread and usually dispense £10 and £20 notes.
Most shops and restaurants accept Visa, Mastercard and Maestro.
Staying connected
Nationwide, the spoken language is English, although some accents are heavy!
Free WiFi is offered by most cafes and restaurants.
Emergency calls can go to 999 locally or to the EU-wide 112.
Opening Hours and
General shopping hours are as follows:
Small stores may open 6 or 7 days weekly (10am - 6pm); larger stores generally stay open til' 9PM, while Hyper marts are often 24/7.