Torquay is a seaside town on the South West coast in Devon, UK around 25 miles (40 km) north east of Plymouth and 20 miles (32 km) south of Exeter.

• Together with Paignton and Brixham it forms the borough of Torbay which was created in 1998.
• Those who are born and bred are known as Torquinian.
• A river flows under the roads of Union St & Fleet St, running through pipes and this is why at times the shops have flooded from time to time. It’s called the River Fleet, which is how Fleet St got its name.
• Some early human artefacts were found in Kents Cavern and date back 450 thousand years ago.
• Hand axes found in Kents Cavern date to 450,000 years ago, and a maxilla fragment known as Kents Cavern 4 may be the oldest example of a modern human in Europe.
• In 1196 Torre Abbey was founded and by 1539 it had become the richest Premonstratensian Monastery in England.
• Agatha Christie was born in the town and lived here during her early years.
• Charles Darwin’s arrived in Torquay in July 1861 and lived at No 2 Meadfoot House in Hesketh Crescent, having chosen the town for health reasons as Torquay was then a recognised Spa Town.
• In 1948 Torquay hosted the water sports events of the Olympic Games.
• Torre railway station was opened on 18 December 1848 & central Torquay railway station was opened on 2 August 1859.
• From 1875 a number of potteries operated in Torquay, making Torquay pottery for both the tourist trade and high-end retail.
• Torquay UTD FC became the first Football League team to win promotion on penalties after defeating Blackpool on penalties in the Fourth Division play-off final at Wembley 1991.
• Monty Python’s Flying Circus television show (1969–74) were filmed on location in and around both Torquay and neighbouring Paignton. It was while staying in Torquay at the Gleneagles Hotel with the Python team in 1971, that John Cleese found inspiration (and the setting, although not the actual film location) for the popular sitcom Fawlty Towers (1975, 1979).
• The only British breeding colony of the Fire Bug (Pyrrhocoris apterus), a conspicuous red and black hemiptera is on the Ore Stone, a kilometre off Hope’s Nose.

• Torquay was a military training area during World War II and did suffer German bombing raids (at least 40), that resulted in the deaths of 168 people – three of whom served in Torquay’s Home Guard. Many bombings were from planes dumping excess loads after participating in the Plymouth Blitz. The last air raid on Torquay took place on 29 May 1944.
• Tramways operated electric street trams from 1907. The line was extended to Paignton in 1911 but the network was closed in 1934.
• Torquay Museum, the oldest in Devon, was founded in 1844, by The Torquay Natural History Society.
• A large tethered balloon offering aerial views of the town operated for several years until it was destroyed by strong winds in January 2012.
• Bristol based artist Banksy had painted a mural on the wall of the Grosvenor Hotel in Belgrave Road. The mural showed a child drawing a robot using the vent of an extractor fan as the head of the robot. Sadly the painting was vandalised in May 2011 and has now been painted over due to the Grosvenor Hotel being refurbished by the new owners (Richardsons) in 2014.
• Gold was first discovered at Hope’s Nose in the calcite veins of the limestone by Professor Gordon in 1922, although it had been reported previously from Daddyhole Plain in 1903.
• Torquay was originally a hamlet by the quay, but development from the late 18th century (the population of this parish increased over thirteen-fold between 1801 and 1851) has resulted in the town of Torquay embracing the whole parish of Tormohun and extending into the neighbouring parishes of St Marychurch and Cockington

There’s no shortage of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, ranging from luxury hotels to charming Bed & Breakfasts and quality self catering establishments.

• Airbnb, from £20 a night for a private room, while entire apartments/homes can start from around £40 a night, this would be my recommended option.
• Camping, Torquay Holiday Park.
• Hostel, £19.33 a night Torquay backpackers, linen included, free parking and free wi-fi. Also there’s Amigos Backpackers, £20 a night.
• B&B & Guest Houses, There are loads to choose from, probably best to look at the reviews on TripAdvisor.  Prices start from £40 a night.
• Hotel, There are many from the budget Travelodge, Premier Inn and then the luxury 5* Carlton Court or 4* hotels like, Livermead, Grand or Imperial. Prices start from £40 – £150+ a night.

• Agatha Christie Festival
• Anderton and Rowland Funfair
• Aqua Adrenaline (Powerboat Racing)
• Pedal Car Grand Prix
• Torbay Half Marathon
• Torbay Royal Regatta
• Torquay Carnival
• TQ Sun Festival

The town shopping centre is on a hill, but it’s not steep, just a steady incline. The harbour and seafront is pretty much all on the level.

• Bus, There are two companies running throughout the bay Stagecoach and Torbay Buses. A Stagecoach Day rider is £6.50 for adults and £4.40 for a child, Area the ticket covers.  The number 12 runs between Paignton, Torquay, Brixham and Newton Abbot. After 7PM ask for a Nightrider £4 until end of service. The Gold busses are fitted with wifi and usb charging ports for each seat. (Prices 2023)
• Taxi, There are a few to choose from and some now have there own Uber like app:

• Car, is by far the easiest option if you want to travel between towns. There are a few local places you can hire from, Thrifty, Enterprise, Chief & Budget Car
• Ferry, There are a few to choose from, but for just £2 and 20 minutes you can travel between the 3 Torbay towns or head to Teignmouth or Dartmouth. Check out We Ferry.
• Walking, With some of the best coastal paths in the country, walking these won’t disappoint, with the stunning views on a sunny day. (Don’t forget the sunscreen)

Tip: If travelling by bus in a group of 5 or more ask for the group save.

Tip: If travelling by train in a group of 3 or more ask for the group save.

• Bus, National express travels daily to and from London for as little as £10 and stops at the coach station on Lymington Rd.
• Car, Heading south on the M5 follow the signs for Exeter and then Torquay.  If anyone wishes to avoid the use of coins or contact with a pay and display machine, the RingGo app may be used which allows ‘hands free’ payments to be made.
• Train, Torquay station is not located in the town centre so you’ll likely need a taxi from outside the front of the station or jump on the bus.

• All the Public Toilets in Torbay cost 30p, I would support one of the many fine establishment and buy yourself a drink, then you can use the facilities there for free.
• If travelling by train in a group of 3 or more ask for the group save.
• If travelling by bus in a group of 5 or more ask for the group save.
• Taxis, there are a few to choose from and some now have there own Uber like app:

• Pay and display machines use the RingGo app which allows you to pay via your phone.
• Airport Transfers Torbay specialises in airport taxis from Torbay to any UK airport or ferry port for 1 to 16 passengers, 01803 857050.
• Be aware of the seagulls if your outside with food.