Jane’s Guidebook to Local Favourites
Beaches and Swimming Spots
This is our nearest beach - only a 3-minute drive from the house, or a pleasant 15-minute stroll through the historic Torre Abbey Park.
45 locals recommend
Torre Abbey Sands
Torbay RoadThis is our nearest beach - only a 3-minute drive from the house, or a pleasant 15-minute stroll through the historic Torre Abbey Park.
Adjacent to Torre Abbey Sands beach, Torquay Seafront is a long concrete walkway with steps going down into the sea, offering convenient access into one of the best swimming spots in the region on account of the clean water, ease of access, open views of the whole bay, and quick entry into moderately deep water (except when the tide is fully out).
21 locals recommend
Torquay Seafront
15962 Torbay RdAdjacent to Torre Abbey Sands beach, Torquay Seafront is a long concrete walkway with steps going down into the sea, offering convenient access into one of the best swimming spots in the region on account of the clean water, ease of access, open views of the whole bay, and quick entry into moderately deep water (except when the tide is fully out).
Corbyn Beach is one of our two nearest beaches - only a 3-minute drive from the house, or a 15-minute pleasant stroll through the historic Torre Abbey Park. This beach is a firm favourite of many locals, and indeed some of our friends have moved away from other parts of Torquay specifically because they wanted to live closer to Corbyn Beach. The beach has sand, shells, huts and is good for swimming on calm days and when the tide is not too low or too high. It is also a great spot from which to start one of the best walks in the area - from here along Torquay Seafront and then all the way along the Promenade to the Harbour, Marina and Piers in the city centre.
Corbyn Beach
Corbyn Beach is one of our two nearest beaches - only a 3-minute drive from the house, or a 15-minute pleasant stroll through the historic Torre Abbey Park. This beach is a firm favourite of many locals, and indeed some of our friends have moved away from other parts of Torquay specifically because they wanted to live closer to Corbyn Beach. The beach has sand, shells, huts and is good for swimming on calm days and when the tide is not too low or too high. It is also a great spot from which to start one of the best walks in the area - from here along Torquay Seafront and then all the way along the Promenade to the Harbour, Marina and Piers in the city centre.
One of the loveliest beaches in the area, Oddicombe is a short drive away from the house. You can park in Babbacombe which is on the cliff above, and from there you will need to either take the Cliff Railway down to Oddicombe, or you can walk down via a pretty woodland road. Oddicombe gets more sun in the first half of the day, so arrive early if you want to sunbathe. The views on Oddicombe are beautiful, and the water is great for swimming.
42 locals recommend
Oddicombe Beach
Babbacombe Downs RoadOne of the loveliest beaches in the area, Oddicombe is a short drive away from the house. You can park in Babbacombe which is on the cliff above, and from there you will need to either take the Cliff Railway down to Oddicombe, or you can walk down via a pretty woodland road. Oddicombe gets more sun in the first half of the day, so arrive early if you want to sunbathe. The views on Oddicombe are beautiful, and the water is great for swimming.
Connects beautiful Babbacombe to the first-class Oddicombe beach at the bottom of the cliff.
72 locals recommend
Babbacombe Cliff Railway
Babbacombe Downs RoadConnects beautiful Babbacombe to the first-class Oddicombe beach at the bottom of the cliff.
One of the many stunning and varied beaches in Torbay, this one does not have direct access by car so even though it is very near to Brixham it requires a walk through nearby wooded footpaths to reach it.
20 locals recommend
Fishcombe Cove
Fishcombe HillOne of the many stunning and varied beaches in Torbay, this one does not have direct access by car so even though it is very near to Brixham it requires a walk through nearby wooded footpaths to reach it.
One of the best local beaches. A great spot for a swim, or to sunbathe on the sand beneath red-sand cliffs. It has a secluded feeling owing to being slightly apart from the road, yet at the same time it is only a short walk through a small park to get there.
6 locals recommend
Hollicombe Beach
One of the best local beaches. A great spot for a swim, or to sunbathe on the sand beneath red-sand cliffs. It has a secluded feeling owing to being slightly apart from the road, yet at the same time it is only a short walk through a small park to get there.
For those who prefer a long sandy beach, Paignton Beach is not far away, and also offers a pier to explore, as well as an adjacent cinema.
44 locals recommend
Paignton Beach
For those who prefer a long sandy beach, Paignton Beach is not far away, and also offers a pier to explore, as well as an adjacent cinema.
Goodrington Beach
Another great beach in the area.
A local favourite for swimmers, this beach is a short but steep walk from the city centre, along a stunning bit of coast where you easily forget that you are not in the Mediterranean, and where it is hard to believe you are so close to a city just round the corner. It offers direct access into deep, crystal clean water, and stunning views across the bay. The coastal walk on either side of this cove includes lovely wooded trails as well as an area which used to be a landscaped cliff garden but has since been given over to the public as part of the coast path.
Peaked Tor Cove
A local favourite for swimmers, this beach is a short but steep walk from the city centre, along a stunning bit of coast where you easily forget that you are not in the Mediterranean, and where it is hard to believe you are so close to a city just round the corner. It offers direct access into deep, crystal clean water, and stunning views across the bay. The coastal walk on either side of this cove includes lovely wooded trails as well as an area which used to be a landscaped cliff garden but has since been given over to the public as part of the coast path.
This is a stunningly beautiful pebbly beach surrounded by woodland. There is no car access, so it requires a walk through the woods to get there. All the same, in peak season you will always find people and boats at this beach. In spite of its proximity to nearby towns, it feels wild when you get there, and on a sunny day you can be forgiven for thinking you are on a Greek island. Lovely place for a swim, although a word of warning: the pebbles can get rather hot to the touch of your feet during sunny summer spells unless you have galoshes when you walk down to the water!
25 locals recommend
Elberry Cove
This is a stunningly beautiful pebbly beach surrounded by woodland. There is no car access, so it requires a walk through the woods to get there. All the same, in peak season you will always find people and boats at this beach. In spite of its proximity to nearby towns, it feels wild when you get there, and on a sunny day you can be forgiven for thinking you are on a Greek island. Lovely place for a swim, although a word of warning: the pebbles can get rather hot to the touch of your feet during sunny summer spells unless you have galoshes when you walk down to the water!
Beauty spots
Cockington is a large, stunning country estate free to the public, just an 8-minute drive from the house. A manor house, a village of thatched cottages, an old mill, tea rooms, the Drum Inn with popular pub lunches, beautiful gardens (including a lovely rose garden), lakes and woods... It's easy to pass a whole day at Cockington and then want to come back again soon. We love to visit Cockington all year round to catch the beautiful gardens and trees in every season. There is also a very large lawn in front of the manor house and picnic spots.
34 locals recommend
Cockington Country Park
Cockington is a large, stunning country estate free to the public, just an 8-minute drive from the house. A manor house, a village of thatched cottages, an old mill, tea rooms, the Drum Inn with popular pub lunches, beautiful gardens (including a lovely rose garden), lakes and woods... It's easy to pass a whole day at Cockington and then want to come back again soon. We love to visit Cockington all year round to catch the beautiful gardens and trees in every season. There is also a very large lawn in front of the manor house and picnic spots.
Haytor is perhaps the nearest and easiest-access tor on Dartmoor, ideal for first-time visitors to Dartmoor who want an accessible, easy and beautiful first taste of the national park. There is a car park from which it is a short walk up to the tor, with views over Dartmoor.
20 locals recommend
Haytor
Haytor is perhaps the nearest and easiest-access tor on Dartmoor, ideal for first-time visitors to Dartmoor who want an accessible, easy and beautiful first taste of the national park. There is a car park from which it is a short walk up to the tor, with views over Dartmoor.
Hope's Nose is a headland at the north end of Torbay, and offers one of the most thrilling and beautiful walking trails in the area, with breathtaking views in several directions.
34 locals recommend
Hopes Nose
Hope's Nose is a headland at the north end of Torbay, and offers one of the most thrilling and beautiful walking trails in the area, with breathtaking views in several directions.
This manor house and estate host beautifully maintained, extensive, historic gardens that are a favourite of both visitors and locals. Dartington Trust, located at the same place, host a programme of arts which it’s well worth keeping abreast of too.
8 locals recommend
Dartington Hall Estate and Gardens
2 Tower CottagesThis manor house and estate host beautifully maintained, extensive, historic gardens that are a favourite of both visitors and locals. Dartington Trust, located at the same place, host a programme of arts which it’s well worth keeping abreast of too.
Brixham is a lovely nearby fishing village with an old harbour and pier where it is fun to take a stroll around, look at the boats, grab some fish and chips and maybe imagine the pirates walking past in bygone days. There is also a boat that runs from Torquay to Brixham, right across Torbay, which is a lovely excursion.
67 locals recommend
Brixham Harbour Office
The QuayBrixham is a lovely nearby fishing village with an old harbour and pier where it is fun to take a stroll around, look at the boats, grab some fish and chips and maybe imagine the pirates walking past in bygone days. There is also a boat that runs from Torquay to Brixham, right across Torbay, which is a lovely excursion.
Sightseeing
The historic Torre Abbey Park is a very short stroll from the house, and is on the way to the beach and harbour - making it a great route to take on your way through. This seaside abbey was the original heart of Torquay around which the town later grew. The abbey now hosts a museum and gardens (both of which are accessible via the entrance fee). Around the abbey is a park which is open to the public with free access. This includes gardens, lawns, tree groves, a small maze for children, a bowling green and the historic Spanish Barn. Nearby are also ponds with ducks and swans.
102 locals recommend
Torre Abbey
The historic Torre Abbey Park is a very short stroll from the house, and is on the way to the beach and harbour - making it a great route to take on your way through. This seaside abbey was the original heart of Torquay around which the town later grew. The abbey now hosts a museum and gardens (both of which are accessible via the entrance fee). Around the abbey is a park which is open to the public with free access. This includes gardens, lawns, tree groves, a small maze for children, a bowling green and the historic Spanish Barn. Nearby are also ponds with ducks and swans.
A popular local tourist attraction, and just a few minutes from the house by car.
150 locals recommend
Babbacombe Model Village
Hampton AvenueA popular local tourist attraction, and just a few minutes from the house by car.
A popular local attraction, and just a few minutes from the house by car.
135 locals recommend
Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves
91 Ilsham RdA popular local attraction, and just a few minutes from the house by car.
Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company
Queen's Park RoadHistoric, scenic steam railway.
Food scene
The Clock Tower is situated in the heart of Torquay, adjacent to the Harbour. I mention it here just as a landmark all around which you will find many options for eating out, in the streets in all directions from here, including along the various sides of the Harbour, as well as if you turn up the High Street.
Clock Tower
3 Victoria ParadeThe Clock Tower is situated in the heart of Torquay, adjacent to the Harbour. I mention it here just as a landmark all around which you will find many options for eating out, in the streets in all directions from here, including along the various sides of the Harbour, as well as if you turn up the High Street.
This is a popular local fish restaurant, and there are also many similar options on the same street.
62 locals recommend
No 7 Fish Bistro & Wine Bar
7 Beacon HillThis is a popular local fish restaurant, and there are also many similar options on the same street.
In our opinion, this is the best fish and chips in town - and furthermore it is just down the road from the house (a pleasant 5-minute stroll).
Crispins
26-28 Old Mill RoadIn our opinion, this is the best fish and chips in town - and furthermore it is just down the road from the house (a pleasant 5-minute stroll).
This local Chinese take-away is a pleasant 5-minute stroll from the house, and in our opinion is one of the best Chinese take-aways around.
Shun da
13 Old Mill RoadThis local Chinese take-away is a pleasant 5-minute stroll from the house, and in our opinion is one of the best Chinese take-aways around.
This is another Chinese take-away that has a good quality menu and is a short drive from the house.
Upton Cantonese Take Away
52 Upton RoadThis is another Chinese take-away that has a good quality menu and is a short drive from the house.
One of many cafés in the town, this one is popular with locals and is beautifully situated in the middle of Torre Abbey Park.
One world
One of many cafés in the town, this one is popular with locals and is beautifully situated in the middle of Torre Abbey Park.
Great location for a bite to eat, right next to the Harbour and Pavillion, and is also a live music venue.
29 locals recommend
The Offshore Bar and Restaurant
13-14 Vaughan RdGreat location for a bite to eat, right next to the Harbour and Pavillion, and is also a live music venue.
Green Leaf Cafe
22 Union StA popular café with good quality food, half way up the high street.
Located part way up the high street, this is a good local bakery to get pasties.
22 locals recommend
The Cornish Bakery
15 Sidford High StLocated part way up the high street, this is a good local bakery to get pasties.
Shopping
A very large Sainsbury's, and easily one of the best places to shop in the bay, this is an easy 5-minute drive from the house.
7 locals recommend
Sainsbury's
Nicholson RoadA very large Sainsbury's, and easily one of the best places to shop in the bay, this is an easy 5-minute drive from the house.
Lidl
149 Plymouth RoadThis Lidl's is a good supermarket option not far away.
This large Asda is a good supermarket option less than 5 minutes away by car.
6 locals recommend
Asda Torquay Supermarket
Newton RoadThis large Asda is a good supermarket option less than 5 minutes away by car.
This large Marks and Sparks is just opposite Sainsbury's and is a good local supermarket option.
12 locals recommend
Marks and Spencer
113 Kensington High StreetThis large Marks and Sparks is just opposite Sainsbury's and is a good local supermarket option.