Villas in Torquay

About Torquay

Torquay sits on the north side of Tor Bay, adjoining Paignton. The town grew from the quay of the old village of Torre, and Torre Abbey, a monastery founded in 1196, was its first major building. Kents Cavern was home to early humans for some 40,000 years. Cabbage trees from New Zealand, known as Torbay palms, have grown here since they were introduced in 1820, and the winters are mild and wet. The homes are packed within about a kilometre of each other, are mostly compact, and many have a garden. Beaches include Torre Abbey Sands, Meadfoot, Babbacombe and Oddicombe. With two railway stations, you can arrive without a car.

Is Torquay right for you?

Best for

Couples and small families wanting a seaside town base, not a pool

Not for you if

You want wild, empty coast or a pool, because Torquay is a town and few homes here have one.

Near Torquay

• Babbacombe

  Home to Babbacombe Model Village, which opened in 1963, the Babbacombe Cliff Railway and the Babbacombe and Oddicombe beaches.

• Brixham

  Harbour-side town known for fresh fish and waterfront walks, with a scenic beach and the Art Deco outdoor lido at Shoalstone Pool.

• Dartmouth

  A historic town beloved by seafarers, with a 2.5 km (1.6 mile) town trail around its streets.

• Dartmoor National Park

  Adjacent to the English Riviera, with walking routes including the accessible Miles Without Stiles route.

Getting to Torquay

Exeter, 29 km north, has an airport with direct flights from Aberdeen, Belfast and Dublin among others, and more Mediterranean routes in summer. The Great Western Mainline runs from London Paddington via Exeter, and the half-hourly Riviera Line links Exeter and Newton Abbot with Torquay.

When to go to Torquay

Many beaches have lifeguards during the holiday season, and Nights are rowdier in those months. Torquay has a mild microclimate with mild, wet winters, so the quieter months still suit coast walks and Dartmoor day trips. Outside the holiday season lifeguard cover is not promised, so check before you swim.

Torquay villa holidays: questions answered

Nearby towns to Torquay

• Mevagissey (25)
• Kingsand (16)
• Newquay (16)
• Widemouth Bay (16)
• Chudleigh (14)
• Helston (14)
• All of South-West