Planning holidays in Torquay is about as straightforward as it gets if you want a British seaside break with plenty going on. Known as the heart of the English Riviera, Torquay brings together sandy beaches, coastal walks, lively nightlife, and lots of family-friendly attractions. Whether you’re looking for caravan holidays in Torquay, something more indulgent like all inclusive holidays in Torquay, or you’re keeping an eye out for cheap holidays in Torquay, this South Devon town has you covered.
Where Torquay is and how to get there
Torquay sits on the south coast of Devon, right in the sheltered curve of Tor Bay. Its location gives it mild weather compared with much of the UK, and it’s well connected despite feeling a world away from city life.
- By car: Torquay is easy to reach via the M5, which links with the A380 and takes you directly into town.
- By train: There are regular services from London Paddington and Birmingham New Street (passing through Bristol Temple Meads), with most changing at Newton Abbot before heading on to Torquay.
- By bus: National Express and Stagecoach routes run in and out of the town, often at very competitive prices.
- By air: Exeter Airport is the closest, around 45 minutes away, making it simple for travellers flying in from elsewhere in the UK or Europe.
If you’re weighing up the simplest routes, our guide on travelling from Exeter to Torquay breaks things down in more detail.
Best time of year to visit
Choosing when to take your holidays in Torquay Devon depends on what you want out of your trip. Summer naturally draws the biggest crowds, with July and August bringing the warmest sea temperatures and the liveliest atmosphere. Perfect if beaches and boat trips are your focus.
Spring and autumn are quieter yet still mild, making them good for coastal walking and visiting attractions without queues. Winter is the calmest time, with crisp days and cheaper accommodation, suited to travellers who don’t mind wrapping up for cliff-top walks.
For a more detailed breakdown of average conditions by season, take a look at our Torquay weather guide.
Things to do and family-friendly activities
A big reason why people keep coming back for holidays in Torquay 2025 is the sheer range of activities. Families in particular will find the town packed with options:
Torre Abbey Sands
This is Torquay’s main beach, right by the town centre and easy to reach. It’s wide, sandy, and perfect for families who want space to play or relax. Kids can paddle in the shallow water while adults enjoy deckchair views of the bay. Being close to cafés and shops means you don’t need to lug everything with you.
Meadfoot Beach
For something a little more tucked away, Meadfoot is the quieter cousin of Torre Abbey Sands. It’s backed by cliffs and loved for its rock pools, which keep children busy for hours. It’s also dog-friendly outside peak restrictions, making it a good stop if you’re travelling with pets.
Kents Cavern
These prehistoric caves are a real crowd-pleaser. Guided tours take you underground to see impressive rock formations while learning about early human history. The caves are buggy-friendly in parts, and the site often runs special events for children during school holidays.
Babbacombe Model Village
An old favourite that hasn’t lost its charm. Spread over four acres, this miniature world has everything from tiny towns to scaled-down landmarks. Spotting all the little details becomes a game in itself, and the evening illuminations add a different atmosphere.
Torquay Town, Harbour and Marina
The harbour is the social hub of Torquay, especially in the evenings. Families can enjoy a stroll along the waterfront, grab fish and chips, even book a short boat trip across the bay. For parents, there are plenty of bars and cafés to settle into once the sun sets.
There’s lots to keep you busy in Torquay town, too. A visit to Torquay’s Museums is great for a rainy day, as is an evening watching a show at Torquay Theatre. When the sun’s shining, stroll through the town and pop into some of the local shops selling souvenirs and artisan gifts.
For a fuller round-up beyond the family-friendly highlights, you can check out this dedicated guide to things to do in Torquay.
Caravan parks and budget stays
For travellers who like the idea of independence and a sociable holiday atmosphere, caravan holidays in Torquay are a strong choice. Parks such as Waterside Holiday Park or Hoburne Devon Bay Holiday Park put you close to the beach while offering on-site pools and entertainment. These are both about a 15-minute drive from Torquay.
Budget stays in town often mean guesthouses or small B&Bs within walking distance of the seafront. If you’re set on cheap holidays in Torquay, you’ll find plenty of no-frills accommodation that still puts you near the main attractions. Off-season bookings tend to bring the best value.
All-inclusive vs self-catering options
When considering all inclusive holidays in Torquay, resorts and larger hotels in and around Torquay often package meals, drinks and entertainment together. These work well if you like everything organised and paid for upfront.
That said, self-catering is often the better choice if flexibility matters. With Fresh Escapes, you’ll find properties ranging from sleek seafront apartments to family-sized houses with private gardens. Cook when you want, eat out when you fancy, and enjoy more space than you’d usually get in a hotel. Self-catering also makes longer stays easier and is ideal for families or groups who prefer to keep things on their own schedule.
Conclusion and why Torquay makes a great UK holiday
The reason holidays in Torquay remain so popular is simple: variety. Families, couples and groups can all find something that suits them, whether that’s sandy beaches, lively nightlife, history, or quiet walks along the South West Coast Path. From caravan holidays in Torquay to holidays in Torquay Devon focused on comfort and style, the choice of accommodation shapes the trip as much as the activities do.
If you’re planning your visit, Fresh Escapes makes it easy to book self-catering holiday homes across Torquay. Think modern apartments with bay views, cosy cottages near the harbour, or spacious houses with gardens for the kids.
Browse the collection, pick your base, and start looking forward to your own Torquay break.
