Torquay is a characterful seaside resort that's been luring sunseekers in since Victorian times with fine-dining restaurants, upscale shops and boutique B&Bs. Its palm-lined promenade and picturesque beaches make it the perfect place to enjoy an iconic British summer getaway.

Things to do

Torquay sits at the heart of the "English Riviera" and boasts gorgeous Blue Flag beaches. Just east of Torquay is Babbacombe Beach, an unspoilt arc of shingle sand fringed by red cliffs and turquoise water. Oddicombe Beach is another favourite, with colourful beach huts, water sports stalls and a breezy cafe.

Kids and adults alike will love the beautifully designed Babbacombe Model Village. It features over 400 tiny buildings complete with more than 13,000 figurines. Settings include a miniature Stonehenge, pocket-sized football stadium, sun-drenched beach and medieval castle.

Kents Cavern offers welcome relief from the summer sunshine and is filled with stalactites, rock galleries and echoing chambers. In addition to a 450,000-year-old axe and 35,000-year-old human jawbone, archaeologists have also found the remains of prehistoric animals, including giant mammoths, cave lions and sabre-tooth cats.

Over the past few years, Torquay has earned its stripes on the British foodie scene. Snag a table at Elephant, a Michelin-starred restaurant featuring seasonal ingredients in creative dishes. Seafood lovers can flock to Rockfish, an upscale eatery known for its sumptuous Devon lobster.

Getting around

Torquay is easy to get around on foot, while rental cars are best for exploring the Devon coast. The town is serviced by local buses and taxis. In summer, ferries cruise between the harbours in Torquay and Brixham. Trains run from Exeter to Torquay in 45 minutes.