Beaches:
Meadfoot (20 minute walk)
The cafe is open year-round, a perfect spot to look across the bay to Brixham
Ansteys Cove (30 minute walk)
The beach has a seasonal cafe, it's a lovely bay but the beach is pebbly
Broadsands (30 minutes by car)
A great sandy beach with water craft hire and decent beach bar
Must sees (we think!):
Torquay Harbour and Torre Beach
The harbour and promenade are an essential visit. There are many lovely spots to stop for coffee and take in the views, and we'd recommend taking the South West Coastal Path from the town to Meadfoot beach, be warned it's steep in places but there are steps. Look out for dolphins and local celebrity, Sammy the seal
Torre Beach can become crowded in the summer season but it's a safe beach to swim from
In high season, look out for the Raptor, an exhilarating trip along the coast on a high speed rib
https://torquaywatersports.co.uk
There are also boat trips from the harbour for mackerel fishing (Tip: make sure you go out when the tide's coming in to maximise your chance of a good catch!)
https://seasprayfishingtrips.co.uk
See also below for ferry trips from the harbour
Torre Abbey (20 minute walk)
Torre Abbey is participating in The National Gallery: Art on Your Doorstep until 5 September 2026, a new national touring project bringing iconic artworks from the National Gallery’s collection directly to communities across the UK, look out for artworks along the seafront, the artworks are on display at Torre Abbey
https://www.torre-abbey.org.uk/whats-on/art-on-your-doorstep/
Walk to Cockington Village (50/60 minute walk or 10 minute drive)
Cockington is a lovely little village with some coffee shops, a pub (see The Drum under Restaurant Recommendations) and a small artisanal development at Cockington Court with a blacksmith, glass blowing, gin distilling, chocolatiers and artists’ studios.
Seek out the lakes, they’re well worth a stroll around
https://cockingtoncourt.org/our-creative-makers/
Brixham by ferry from Torquay harbour
A great way to cross the bay, it’s a fun day out and opportunity to go do some crabbing and have fish and chips in picturesque Brixham
The Seatrain to Dartmouth
An all day excursion from Torquay harbour cruising along the South Devon coastline to Dartmouth where you land. Time in Dartmouth for shopping , browsing and sampling the excellent eateries and pubs of this historic town. Then catch the ferry to Kingswear for the steam train to Paignton and the bus back to Torquay (via Stagecoach bus, fare payable)
Totnes (30 minutes by car)
Lots of independent shops and restaurants and a hippyish vibe. There’s a good market on Saturdays
Dartmouth (45 minutes by car including a fun ferry ride)
Picturesque, historic town on the River Dart with lots of boutique shops and many restaurants. Known for its steep hills, medieval streets, and maritime heritage, it offers attractions like Dartmouth Castle, the Britannia Royal Naval College, and numerous boat trips, making it a popular destination for tourists, foodies, and sailors.
Salcombe (1hour by car)
A trendy seaside town on the Kingsbridge Estuary known for its stunning estuary views, sandy beaches, and vibrant sailing culture
https://salcombeinformation.co.uk
Exeter (40 minutes by car)
The cathedral is worth visiting and we'd recommend a stroll and coffee around the quayside. For the more adventurous, it's fun to hire a kayak and paddle down the canal to the Double Locks pub for lunch and a pint, for the less adventurous, it's a nice walk.
There's also a great indoor climbing centre adjacent to the quayside
https://quayclimbingcentre.co.uk/clip-climb-centre/
Dartmoor (45 minutes by car)
Wild, open moorlands and deep river valleys, a rich history and rare wildlife with many moorland walks
We must give a special recommendation for The Ruddlestone Inn, more in Restaurant Recommendations
Plymouth (1 hour by car)
Known for its maritime heritage and historic Barbican district with narrow, cobbled streets. Sutton Harbour is home to the National Marine Aquarium where sharks and rays glide in a deep tank
www.visitbritain.com/en/destinations/england/plymouth
Live theatre/film/music/comedy
Princess Theatre (15 minute walk)
In Torquay and has a variety of live plays, comedy and entertainment
www.atgtickets.com/venues/princess-theatre-torquay/
Babbacombe Theatre (10 minute drive)
Mainly musical shows by tribute acts
https://babbacombe-theatre.com/upcoming-shows/
Little Theatre (15 minute walk)
A lively amateur theatre
www.littletheatretorquay.co.uk
New Central Cinema/Merlin Cinema (15 minute walk)
Local cinema a short walk away
https://torquay.merlincinemas.co.uk
Vue Cinema in Paignton (15 minutes by car)
www.myvue.com/cinema/torbay/whats-on
Arena (10 minute walk)
A new venue offering live music and comedy
Griffin Bar (5 minute walk)
Live music most weekends from 3pm
Wet day activities:
Riviera Centre a large indoor leisure pool and gym (15 minute walk)
www.leisurecentre.com/riviera-international-centre
Kents Cavern pre-historic caves (15 minute walk)
Torquay Museum (5/10 minute walk)
10 Pin bowling (10 minute walk)
https://hollywoodbowl.co.uk/torquay
China Blue in Totnes, pottery painting and cafe (40 minutes by car)
VIVA on the harbour offers axe throwing, smart darts, street golf, beer pong, shuffleboard and pool (15 minute walk)
The amusement arcades next to the harbour
See also Monthly Events 2026
There is a wealth of further local information at:
https://www.englishriviera.co.uk
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