Torquay Local Information: 10 top things to know... more

  • 1. History of Torquay

    Situated on the south coast of Devon, Torquay is a town with a long history. Artefacts that are believed to be over 450,000 years old have been found in nearby "Kents Cavern" and show evidence of early human activity in the area. However the origins of the Torquay we know today can be traced back to when the Anglo Saxons were in control of the country. When the town was a smal...Read morel Saxon settlement it was referred to as "Torre". However it wasn't until the 19th century that Torquay really came into its own. The town attracted visitors as a winter resort because of its fresh air and agreeable climate. After the construction of its port and harbour, the town began to appeal to the upper classes and yacht sailors. Torquay was a target for German bombers in World War Two because the town provided training facilities for the RAF, as well as a base for American troops from 1944. Read less

  • 2. Now in Torquay

    Torquay is the third largest settlement in Devon with a population of around 64,000. The town is often referred to as the "English Rivera" and enjoys some of the best weather the country has to offer.

  • 3. Events in Torquay

    Torquay and locations around it play host to a variety of events throughout the year. Nearby Torbay boasts both a Carnival and a Regatta that draw visitors from across the country. The half marathon that begins in Torbay finishes in Torquay after taking competitors past the town's landmarks. Torquay celebrates the life of one of the town's most famous daughters, Agatha Christie...Read more, with a range of events allowing visitors to find out more about the mysterious author. Some of the finest pilots in the World perform daredevil stunts as part of the Red Arrows team, and each year visitors and locals are treated to a display that will leave everyone amazed. Read less

  • 4. Attractions in Torquay

    Babbacombe Model Village is an exceptionally detailed representation of Britain in miniature form. As well as the village itself the attraction also has 4 acres of award winning gardens. The exquisite models portray the country in both the past and the present, mixed up with some classic English humour. Torquay Hi Flyer lets you see the English Rivera and the surrounding Devon...Read more countryside from the sky in a hot air balloon. The balloon lets you rise 400 feet into the air but remains tethered to the ground with a steel cable throughout , making it a great attraction for adults and children alike. Many consider Torre Abbey to be the heart of Torquay both today and throughout the history of the town. Whilst originally an active church, the building was converted into a private house following the dissolution of the monasteries in the 17th Century. Today it is also a museum with tours available throughout the year and following a recent £6 million restoration project is in better condition than ever. Read less

  • 5. Things To Do in Torquay

    Woodlands Leisure Park is crammed full of things to do including indoor centres, outdoor adventures, Zoo, Big Fun Farm, Falconry Centre and Wildlife Sanctuary. The range of indoor activities ensures that no matter what the weather, Woodlands Leisure Park can guarantee a fun time for everyone. For adrenaline junkies the park includes rides like the Avalanche and the Sea Dragon S...Read morewing that are bound to get the heart racing! Torquay's Wind and Surf Centre allows visitors to experience all manners of extreme sports from Kitebuggying to Wakeboarding. The centre not only sells equipment and accessories, but also courses for visitors who want to get involved in a new extreme hobby. Torquay has an exceptional Laser Tag Arena located in a 120 acre woodland site in Stoke Woods. This exciting activity is suitable for anyone over 8 years old and is both fun and safe. Camouflage gear is provided and as no projectiles are fired, so unlike paintball, safety equipment is not required. Read less

  • 6. Business in Torquay

    Torquay Pavilion is not only an exquisite example of Edwardian architecture but is also one of the town's premier shopping centres. Opened in 1912 and designed by Major Henry Garrett, the Pavilion was built on land that had been reclaimed from the sea. Today the Centre houses many independent and quirky shops and is open all year round. The Market Forum is the name for Torquay...Read more's market which dates back to 1852. The market was recently renovated in 2005 and provides locally sourced produce for visitors. Read less

  • 7. Transport in Torquay

    Torquay train station is located at Abbey Sands, a few yards from the sea and is situated on the Riviera Line. The closest Motorway to Torquay is the M5 and the nearest airport is in Exeter.

  • 8. Entertainment in Torquay

    Torquay Princess Theatre provides a venue for some of the best plays, shows and performances the country has to offer. The theatre has seen performances from Monty Python's Spamalot, comedians such as Jimmy Carr and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Despite being a historic town Torquay is far from quiet and has a bustling nightlife, with nightclubs such as Valbonne, the Venue and Bo...Read morehemia guaranteeing to give visitors a night they will never forget! Read less

  • 9. Famous Landmarks in Torquay

    Kents Cavern is one of Britain's most extensive and important cave systems and was named both Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Scheduled Ancient Monument in the 1950s. In 1927 a fragment of an upper jawbone was found in the cavern and is thought to be approximately 40,000 years old belonging to an early Homosapien. The Caverns are also a great place to visit - guided t...Read moreours are available and in 2005 it was named Torquay's Visitor Attraction of the year. Read less

  • 10. Interesting Facts about Torquay

    Torre Abbey is supposedly haunted by the ghost of the Spanish Lady, a prisoner caught on board the captured ship "Rosario".

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  • Geoplay Park is open

    Children of all ages have been enjoying a unique new play facility in Paignton. The Geoplay Park, at Middle Green, has been opened to the public, although its official launch will not take place until June 2. The new play park has been built by the Paignton Town Community Partnership and includes play equipment, water features, wooden life-size creatures from Paignton’s past and a storytelling chair. It is split into four different areas: the toddler area, the junior area, the …

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  • Couple picked to carry Olympic Torch

    Couple Jane and Frank Allen got into training on the decks of the MS Balmoral after finding out they had been selected as Olympic torchbearers. The couple were both chosen for the honour for different reasons and will take part in the torch relay as it travels through Torbay on May 20. Jane and Frank, of Ashburton, began their training as they took part in a recreation of the Titanic journey on MS Balmoral in April. They were on board …

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  • Teenagers needed for worthy fun

    Teenagers are being urged to sign up for a summer of fun that will help improve their communities at the same time. Torbay Council’s Youth Service is running its National Citizen’s Service (NCS) for the second year after the success of the project in 2011. The NCS involves encouraging 16-year-olds to take part in projects in their local communities. It aims to bring together young people from different backgrounds to benefit and improve their local communities. The council is looking …

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  • Pupils become published authors

    Young authors had a taste of literary success when they were asked to take part in book signing sessions. The pupils also saw their novels appear on the shelves of their local library as part of a project to encourage their writing skills. The unique writing project was organised by Hayes School, in Paignton, when children in years 3-6 were asked to pen their own books. Their work was published by the school and then put on display in Paignton …

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