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TORQUAY In the bay of dreams Bringing you the places, events and things to do, that locals love! About Torquay.com WATER SPORTS ARE ALL THE RAGE Water Sports Check out where the locals go to paddleboard, kayak, sail and ski Eat & Drink WHERE LOCALS GO TO ENJOY THEMSELVES START PLANNING A TRIP TO TORQUAY What to do around Torbay Torquay's Heritage Torquay has undergone significant transformations throughout its history, from a small fishing village to a thriving tourist destination with connections to significant historical events. It started some 450,000 years ago with early humans, of which artefacts were found in Kents Cavern. The eleventh-century records from the Domesday Book show no actual occupation, though it is known that Roman soldiers made visits, and there was a small Saxon settlement called 'Torre'.However, in 1196 Torre Abbey was founded here; the rest is history and much of it! Read More A Few Facts Torquay It's not uncommon for people to say, "I've been to Torquay, or Paignton or Brixham as a child, or to visit friends or pre-wedding. But there are so many facts most people don't know, such as: The oldest UK human remains found in Kent's Cavern. That Faulty Towers was based on the Gleneagles Hotel (RIP). Agatha Christie was born here, and two billion book sales later, one of the most famous authors ever! The area is a geopark with an incredible geological history, as witnessed by its cliffs and contours. There are also two other Torquays, Australia & Canada! Beaches Locals love Torquay & Torbay Ask why the M5 gets jammed in the summer and on bank holidays, heading south. Yes, some head to Cornwall, which is another hour away and nowhere near as lovely as Devon (I'm biased here). We have it all because of the sea, and 80% of people want to live next to water. We have countryside with Dartmoor on our doorstep. We have plenty of bars, restaurants and things to do (it is a tourist destination). It's warmer in winter, and the calm and quiet time, which we all need occasionally, allows time to walk the beaches, breathe the fresh air and wait for next season. To Do Holiday Rentals Cottages & Apts If you are looking for a Torquay Airbnb, cheaper and direct from managers and other more focused websites then check out these links. The companies specialise in certain aspects of the business, and holiday rentals or holiday cottages are recommended by locals. Cottages Dog Friendly Rentals With so many great beaches and walks around Torbay, then dog-friendly rentals are the perfect answer. For families and couples who don't want to leave their best friends behind then stay in a holiday cottage. Let your dog loose on the beach and in the waves! Dog Friendly Luxury Rentals Maybe you want to celebrate a birthday or a wedding anniversary, or perhaps you may just want to enjoy views or premium accommodation. Luxury rentals are often larger, too, with bigger gardens or space. This lends itself to group celebrations, too. Luxury Rentals Too much accommodation choice? Take our advice, we live here! Hotel accommodation. Easy to book Check out some of the local photos

Main Listing Pages Kents Cavern Website Previous Next Kents Cavern is a spectacular natural cave on the coast of south Devon. The cave is only a short walk from Meadfoot beach and the beautiful South West Coast Path. It is easy to access by foot, by coach and public transport and is open for organised school visits all year. Undoubtedly Kents Cavern is one of Britain's most special caves. The incredible geology and rich archaeological heritage of the cave has been astounding scientists and visitors alike for centuries. Records show the mysteries of the caves have been enticing explorers to venture into their depths since 1571. However, archaeological evidence and research reveals that people and animals have been visiting the caves for hundreds of thousands of years. The following is an extract from the Kents Caverns FAQ's page: How big is the cave? Kents Cavern’s total passage length is 934m. The visitor trail is around 33% of this. Why the name "Kents Cavern"? Kents Cavern was originally know as Kant’s Hole which derived from an old Celtic word Kant/Kantos which meant headland. Kents Cavern therefore, means ‘Hole in the Headland’. Why is the cave so protected? Kents Cavern is listed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and therefore has the highest level of protection, equal to sites such as Stonehenge. The cave is ‘Britain’s Oldest Home’, with human occupation stretching over half a million years and its importance in proving human antiquity is paramount. Is this a natural cave? Yes. Kents Cavern is made from Devonian limestone and was formed by rainwater seeping through tiny cracks in the rock gradually dissolving it. How old is the cave? Kents Caverns Devonian limestone rock is around 385 million years old. The cave was formed around 2.5 million years ago, through a weak acid solution in rainwater dissolving the limestone rock. What animals lived in the cave? The oldest animals that lived in Kents Cavern are cave bears which date back half a million years. Other animals that have lived in the cave are; cave lions, scimitar cats and hyenas. Remains of woolly mammoths and woolly rhino have also been found. What people lived in the cave? Humans have inhabited the caves for over half a million years. Three different species of human have occupied in the cave; Homo Heidelbergensis, Neanderthal and Homo Sapiens. Kents Cavern is the only site in the world to yield evidence from all three of these different types of humans. Do the caves ever flood? The caves do not flood, but are still affected by large amounts of rain, which increases the drips of water percolating through the limestone ceiling of the cave. Are there any more caves to be discovered? Whilst it is possible, it is highly unlikely that any more caves will be found, there is potential for further passageways to be hidden behind calcite walls, or boulder chokes. The cave was extensively surveyed in 1988 by Dr Chris Proctor. Who first discovered the caves Kents Cavern has never been lost, and has almost always been occupied. Kents Cavern is the only cave in Britain which has three different species of human dwelling in it. The Romans were possibly the first early modern people to enter the cave, evidence for this is provided by a few Roman coins found in the cave. Early modern explorers of the cave also inscribed their names and date on the walls. These inscriptions range between the sixteenth and twentieth century. The oldest inscription dates back to 1571 and was inscribed by William Petre. Tides & Weather Torquay Webcams Torquay Maps

Occombe Farm About At Torquay.com, we are always happy to promote conservation, a local approach to businesses, and family get-togethers, and Occombe Farm fits all the bills! Occombe Farm is a cornerstone of TCCT's (Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust) efforts, channelling funds into conserving these cherished green spaces. Every purchase made, from a comforting cup of coffee at their café to a delightful cake from the farm shop or even an engaging day spent at our farm park, directly supports the mission. These contributions aid in maintaining the future security of Torbay’s particular green areas for wildlife, people, and generations to treasure. This epitomizes their motto: Good times that do Good! About Occombe Farm Designed for children aged 2-12, Occombe brings enchanting play areas to life through immersive coastal, woodland, and countryside-themed zones. Children can explore the beauty of the Bay’s landscapes by climbing up cliff simulations, venturing inside a giant shell, sliding down exhilarating slides, navigating a shipwreck, and even wandering through a woodland filled with musical trees. These are just some of the play areas. ​ Forest: Relax under the canopy's dappled light, surrounded by the serene sounds of nature. ​ Shipwreck and Flotsam: Discover a shipwreck semi-buried in the sand, gradually disintegrating and being claimed by the sea. ​ The Winkle: Embark on a journey of imagination within the confines of a periwinkle shell and zoom down the slide. Beach Hut: Step into a slice of seaside life with a beach hut that offers a peaceful retreat. ​ Cliffs: Traverse the coastal path that winds around a Devon cove. ​ Crawl Space for Tots: This area is designed for crawling and soft play and is dedicated to the youngest explorers under two. ​ This imaginative play space offers endless fun while educating and inspiring children about Torbay's stunning natural surroundings, fostering a sense of adventure and discovery. ​ Website Good Eating that does good Occombe Farm Shop is a treasure trove of the finest regional products, offering an array of locally grown produce, foods, deli treats, regional beverages, unique gifts, and cards. It serves as a local hub, showcasing the best of Devon and the South West’s offerings. Whether stocking up after a playful day or seeking the perfect gift, the shop provides an array of essentials and indulgences, all contributing to the charitable work in protecting Torbay's natural splendour. ​ At the heart of Occombe, with stunning valley views and ample indoor and outdoor seating, sits the Occombe Farm Café. This spot welcomes you to relish homemade dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, including those from their farm shop and invites you to experience the joy of our famous farm breakfasts, a diverse lunch menu; speciality mixed salads, and the quintessential afternoon tea. There are options for all, including special menus for children and various free-from choices. ​ So, whether you indulge in the renowned Occombe breakfast, enjoy a hearty lunch, or treat yourself to afternoon tea, each bite supports TCCT’s noble cause: Good Eating that does Good! With welcoming spaces for well-behaved dogs and a menu filled with homemade, locally sourced delights, Occombe offers a unique taste of the West Country’s finest while nurturing the area's natural beauty. ​ Website

Main Listing Pages South Devon Breweries Website Previous Next South Devon Breweries Teign Rd, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 4AA Tel – 01626 334734 Web – www.tuckersmaltings.com Email – beers@edwintucker.com Tours – Open for Guided Tours from Good Friday to 31st October 2013. Opening Times – Monday to Saturday – 10am-5pm, Sunday – Closed. Tours Times – 10:45am, 12:00 noon, 2:00pm, 3:15pm. Dartmoor Brewery Ltd, Station Road, Princetown, Devon, PL20 6QX Tel – 01822 890789 Web – www.dartmoorbrewery.co.uk Email – ale@dartmoorbrewery.co.uk Please contact for further information/opening times. Tides & Weather Torquay Webcams Torquay Maps

Main Listing Pages Brixham Fish Market Tours Website Previous Next Does your fish eating experience extend to just cod, haddock, salmon and mackerel? Then the Brixham Fish Market tour is for you, where you could see over 40 different types of fish at the auctions. Annually, more than £25 million of fish is landed and auctioned. Buyers include national processors (for supplying to top restaurants and supermarkets), and local fishmongers and restaurants. A good 50% of the auction is exported worldwide. Come along and see the auctions in action, as featured in the Sky Atlantic series 'Fish Town'. You will be guided around by Barry Young of Brixham Trawler Agents, who has years of experience in the fish trade. After the tour we then head off for an English breakfast. These normally begin at 6.00am (time to be confirmed at time of booking). Location ~ Brixham Fish Market, The Quay, Brixham TQ5 8AW Contact Tel ~ 07973 297620 Please Note - Unfortunately, children under 14 years of age cannot be accommodated. Also, due to the limited space within the market, we cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Tides & Weather Torquay Webcams Torquay Maps

Main Listing Pages Greenway House & Ferry Trip Website Previous Next Take this extraordinary glimpse into the beloved holiday home of the famous and much-loved author Agatha Christie and her family. This relaxed and atmospheric house is set in the 1950s, when Agatha and her family would spend summers and Christmases here with friends, relaxing by the river, playing croquet and clock golf, and reading her latest mystery to their guests. The family were great collectors, and the house is filled with archaeology, Tunbridgeware, silver, botanical china and books. In the garden don’t miss the large and romantic woodland which drifts down the hillside towards the sparkling Dart estuary. The walled gardens are home to the restored peach house and vinery, as well as an allotment cared for by local school children. A visit to Greenway isn't complete without seeing the Boathouse, scene of the crime in Dead Man’s Folly, and the battery complete with cannon. Agatha also lived in Winterbrook House in Wallingford under her married name of Mallowan and it was here that she found the peace to write many of her later novels. She is buried in the graveyard of St. Mary's Church at nearby Cholsey near Wallingford. Tides & Weather Torquay Webcams Torquay Maps

Main Listing Pages Torquay Athletic RFC Website Previous Next Welcome to the Recreation Ground, home of Torquay Athletic R.F.C. The Recreation Ground is one of the most picturesque grounds in the South West, with a clubhouse, situated in three acres of tree lined grassland. Facilities include car parking, changing and shower rooms, snack bar and a members’ bar. We are always looking for new members, both playing and social, so welcome to our community. We run four Senior Sides:1st XV, 2nd XV, 3rd XV and a Colts (Under 18’s XV). Over the years, we have produced several international players – Bath and England Hooker Lee Mears started his rugby journey with TARFC. Mike Davis, a local Torquay lad, played and coached England in the 70’s. Forwards Coach John Widdicombe, another Torquinian, played for Newport and the Barbarians XV. We have a thriving Junior Section catering for 7 year olds upwards. On a Sunday morning there are over 200 children and parents training and playing rugby – “a playground for rugby”. We have one of the strongest Junior Sections in the South West and organise a Mini Easter Tournament which attracts teams from South Wales, the Midlands and London, who participate in the event. Torquay has a proud history of producing quality players who have represented England at Under 16 level: Rupert Seldon, Lee Mears, Andy Baker, James Manley, Jon Bourne and Chris Bell. Bell joined Plymouth Albion and captained England Under 18. Ben Cole who came through our juniors section joined the Saracens and gained Under 21 England honours. Richard Hunt also gained England Under 19 and Under 21 honours. Ben Rowntree had Welsh Under 18 honours. Certainly an impressive list of honours for any Rugby Club. Future Plans We now have a long-term lease from Torbay Council. We intend to apply for Sports and Lottery Grants. In order to completely renovate the ground, we intend to create new bars, a gymnasium, sports hall, function suite, changing rooms and hospitality suites, creating a Community accessible Centre of Excellence for sport for the people of Torbay. Tides & Weather Torquay Webcams Torquay Maps

Main Listing Pages Brixham Theatre Website Previous Next Situated in the heart of historic Brixham, the current Town Hall building was constructed on the site of a former naval reservoir, from which pipes would have led down to the Kings Quay in the Harbour and were used for watering naval ships. The building always leaned to the right, because of subsidence into the mud. The building was always called Brixham Town Hall and was designed by George Bridgman, the same local architect who designed the Palace Theatre, Paignton, It was officially opened on 1st October 1886, with a build cost of £3,000. About ~ The Friends of Brixham Theatre was formed in 2008 by a group of like minded individuals who were concerned that Brixham Theatre was under-used and was falling into disrepair. This group later re-named itself as Brixham Arts and Theatre Society (BATS), with a wider remit to support the arts in the Brixham area. Since being granted the full lease for Brixham Theatre in September 2013, the community group has become Brixham Arts & Theatre Society, a non-profit making company, limited by guarantee. The current Directors are Cecilia Potten and Suzy Miles and the Company Secretary is Olive Farnham. The Company Mission is to support and encourage artistic endeavour in the Brixham peninsula. Aims:Encouraging existing artistic groups Supporting new artistic ventures Promoting artistic aspirations Developing artistic opportunities for all generations Creating a central arts, theatre and community hub in Brixham Brixham Theatre is operated on a purely voluntary basis, by the BATS Members, with professional technicians contracted as required. All surplus funds are used to make improvements to the Theatre and to enhance the professional programme and specific artistic projects, including fostering new writing and creation. Tides & Weather Torquay Webcams Torquay Maps

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Main Listing Pages Castle Drogo Website Previous Next Inside the castle has been redisplayed by three artists, you will see elements of the collection brought together in creative ways, and darkened spaces brought to life revealing new aspects of Drogo’s remarkable story. Discover the beautiful Lutyens-designed terraced garden with dramatic views of Dartmoor. There’s plenty to see from the rose garden to the quaint Bunty House (Wendy House) complete with its own miniature garden. Explore the Teign Gorge Follow the winding paths below the castle into the sheltered Teign Gorge. Explore this ancient gorge, teeming with wildlife on trails along the river. During winter weekends you could go on a project tour to find out more about the building work and go into the chapel. A lantern with vivid colours in the former Library Stories from the castle During the winter period entrance to the house is by guided tour. Read more to find out what there is on display in the castle. Children enjoying an autumn walk with crispy leaves Family fun We've got lots to keep your little ones entertained, from picking up a free spotter sheet in the garden to miles of pathways in the woods to run wild in. Tides & Weather Torquay Webcams Torquay Maps

WATER SPORTS Paddle Boarding (SUP) Anybody visiting the coast in recent years will have noticed the massive growth in paddleboarders and boarding. Inflatable boards have opened up the market to so many more people, and the gentle sounds of pumping air early in the mornings around Torbay are nothing new now. The protected shores from southwesterly winds and shallow sands make Torquay and Torbay ideal places to board. Check out the beaches. Open water swimming There is nothing new here. People have been swimming in the Blue Flag seas for years around Torbay. However, there has been an increasing swimming trend, especially early mornings and those retired few who enjoy the camaraderie of others as clubs and groups of friends descend on Meadfoot, Abbey Sands, Preston, and Paignton beaches throughout the whole year. This was unheard of in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s! If you want to know more about outdoor swimming, check out this site. Kayaking Kayaking comes in various guises, such as sit on and sit in. Again, Torquay and Torbay are perfect for this type of activity. It is generally unsuitable only when there is a very southwesterly or an easterly gale. So venturing around Hopes Nose or Berry Head can be achieved by most kayakers, but for novices, there is plenty of scope and lots of places to hire kayaks if you don't already have one. There are plenty of places to fish and much wildlife to see as well. Sailing Sailing may seem a little "old hat" these days, but it is still incredibly popular. There are several sailing clubs around the bay in Brixham, Paignton, Torquay, and Babbacombe. A number of heritage vessels, such as Vigilance of Brixham, are also moored in the bay . The Disabled Sailing Association, based in Torquay, is also a brilliant, award-winning non-profit service. If you are looking for competition events, visit the RYA club website in Torquay. Surfing Surfing is possible, but you will need to wait for a strong easterly wind to bring the big waves into Torbay. If that does happen, and it's a few times per year, then there are some decent beaches, such as Paignton, to the right and left side of the pier, that are worth testing. Video here. However, it's fair to say that unlike North Devon and the Atlantic coast, we offer a much more leisurely and safer experience for families covering many water sports. Wind surfing & Kiteboarding Getting more physical, Torbay can get windy, but relatively calm and hence a haven for this activity and perfect if you are learning. Like all other sports, the beaches in the centre of the bay offer the best opportunities. They are more exposed and have a greater reach on the prevailing winds, so head for Preston and Paignton beaches for the greatest run north and south. Sea Angling Fishing, by any other name, is still a popular sport. Boats can be hired out of all harbours to take you deep sea or offshore, and this offers bigger catches of pollack, bass, flatfish, conger, ling, and even Tuna and sharks. Inshore, there are plenty of marks for bass, mackerel, smaller pollack, wrasse, etc. Hopes Nose, Berry Head, Torquay Pier, beaches at dawn and dusk and further afield, the Teign and Dart rivers offer more opportunity. Water Skiing and Jet skis Water skiing seems to have been supplanted in volume by jet skiers. Elberry Cove towards Brixham is still popular in the summer with water skiers. Jet skis have had a bad rap (often understandably), and they are being pushed offshore to avoid swimmers and create a disturbance to beachgoers. They can be hired in Torquay Harbour or launched there and in other parts of the bay, but please stay a considerable way offshore and do not hound the wildlife. Scuba diving & Snorkeling As you can imagine, this activity is best undertaken in clear water and, hence, after a period of calm weather. The bay is not a deep water location and most coastal areas are shallow. The Churston to Brixham end of Torbay and Meadfoot beach to Ansteys Cove (Video) tend to be more popular, being rockier and weedier. The shallows up to 20-30 meters out from the shore often have visibility, but snorkel on an outgoing tide as it takes away the tiny floating sand particles, making the water clearer.

Main Listing Pages Babbacombe Theatre Website Previous Next Situated on the English Riviera’s beautiful Babbacombe Downs in Torquay, South Devon, the venue is arguably one of the most popular Theatres in the region, as it boasts the number 1 ranking for theatres in Devon on TripAdvisor. Colin Matthews, who has run the Babbacombe Theatre since 1986 won the Herald Express’s, ‘Outstanding Contribution to Tourism’ Award during his 30th year at the venue in 2016. He now has a legacy to maintain, therefore in 2017, not only will he be producing and directing more shows that will deliver extraordinary entertainment, but he will continue to offer the best programme of touring shows throughout the year, with something to suit all genres. For details and dates for all the upcoming shows please refer to the theatre’s website or contact the box office directly. The theatre has – • Access for wheelchair users with an accessible toilet, • Wheelchair spaces • Loop System. A valuable asset to the English Riviera for nearly eighty years, the Babbacombe Theatre in Torquay, is renowned for wowing audiences with their highly-acclaimed family variety shows, performed throughout the year by a professional cast. A TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence Award winner for five consecutive years the theatre is also ranked at the No.1 Theatre in Devon. Tides & Weather Torquay Webcams Torquay Maps