Things to do in Torquay & Paignton
-
A
Paignton Zoo
This 80-acre site is dotted with spacious enclosures re-creating habitats as varied as savannah, wetlands, tropical forest and desert. Highlights are the crocodile swamp, orang-utan island, vast glass-walled lion enclosure, and a lemur wood, where you walk over a plank suspension bridge as the primates leap around in the surrounding trees.
reviewed
-
B
Living Coasts
A vast open-plan aviary bringing you up close to free-roaming penguins, punk-rocker style tufted puffins and disarmingly cute bank cormorants.
reviewed
-
C
Kent's Cavern
At Kent's Cavern, expect a stalactite to drip water on your head and temperatures of 14°C in an atmospheric, prehistoric subterranean world. These caves were inhabited in the Stone Age, making them the oldest homes in Britain. The animals that roamed Torbay then were a mite different too - guides lead you past hyena's lairs, cave bear dens and mammoth teeth.
reviewed
-
D
Al-beb
Take a virtual trip to north Africa courtesy of this brightly tiled Moroccan eatery crammed with woven fabrics and bright ceramics. It dishes up first-rate meze, tagine and couscous. Don't be surprised if a bit of belly dancing kicks-off too. If it's full, try the excellent Indian restaurant, Maha Bharat, at No 52, which is also open for dinner.
reviewed
-
E
Cockington Country Park
Cockington Country Park is a 450-acre patch of calm green space just a mile inland from Torbay's seafront bustle. Its heavily thatched village (complete with Lutyens pub) is pretty, if more than a little touristy, but the rose garden, craftsmen's workshops and cricket pitch (check to see if a match is on at the weekend) are delightful.
reviewed
-
F
Funicular Railway
Torbay boasts no fewer than 20 beaches, and a surprising 22 miles of coast. Tourists flock to the central Torre Abbey Sands (covered by water at very high tides); the locals opt for the sand and shingle beaches below the 240ft red-clay cliffs at Babbacombe. These can be accessed by a glorious 1920s funicular railway .
reviewed
-
G
Torre Abbey Sands
Torbay boasts no fewer than 20 beaches, and a surprising 22 miles of coast. Tourists flock to the central Torre Abbey Sands (covered by water at very high tides); the locals opt for the sand and shingle beaches below the 240ft red-clay cliffs at Babbacombe. These can be accessed by a glorious 1920s funicular railway.
reviewed
-
H
Babbacombe
Torbay boasts no fewer than 20 beaches, and a surprising 22 miles of coast. Tourists flock to the central Torre Abbey Sands (covered by water at very high tides); the locals opt for the sand and shingle beaches below the 240ft red-clay cliffs at Babbacombe. These can be accessed by a glorious 1920s funicular railway.
reviewed
-
I
Number 7
Fabulous smells fill the air at this buzzing harbourside bistro, where the menu is packed with super-fresh crab, lobster and monkfish, often with unexpected twists. Try the king scallops with vermouth or fish and prawn tempura.
reviewed
-
J
Barcode
Quite simply the best bar in town, this is where Torbay's cool crowd hangs out. Raspberry red walls and twinkly lights surround huge, round cane chairs and a chimenea in the fireplace. The cocktails are works of art, and the snacks are tasty (try the homemade lamb and mint burgers).
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Elephant
One to remember, Torbay's Michelin-starred restaurant is full of imaginative flavour fusions: venison with vanilla and beetroot; sea bass with hog's pudding gnocchi. If that's a bit much, they'll do you a steak. There's fine dining in the Room, or brasserie fare downstairs.
reviewed
-
L
Orange Tree
This award-winning brasserie adds a dash of Continental flair to local fish, meat and game. Try to resist the Brixham crab lasagne with crab bisque or the south Devon steak with a rich blue cheese sauce. Then succumb to Chocolate Temptation, a brownie, mousse and parfait combo.
reviewed
-
M
-
Boathouse
Munch bistro standards (from steaks to spaghetti) and fresh fish at this breezy café on the seafront on the way to Paignton. You can hang out with a cappuccino on the sun-drenched terrace or sip a glass of white wine in chilled surrounds inside.
reviewed
-
N
Mojo
This buzzing café-bar has a terrace overlooking Tor Bay. Inside it's all huge leather sofas and photos of jazz stars on the walls. Music is a mix of live bands, R&B and Latino with cheesy disco at the weekends.
reviewed
-
O
Hole in the Wall
This heavily beamed, tardis-like boozer claims to be the oldest in Torquay - the part-cobbled floor is actually listed. At the front, there's a tiny alley-cum-beer terrace on which to enjoy an al fresco pint.
reviewed
-
Thai Garden
Gloriously gilded Thai figurines and sparkly mirrors dot the interior, while fresh flavours fill a menu that includes extensive veggie options. Try the scallops with asparagus and spring onions.
reviewed
-
P
Babbacombe Model Village
Babbacombe Model Village is a fabulously eccentric, 4-acre world in miniature. Complete with a tiny Stonehenge, football stadium and beach, it's all inhabited by bizarre, Lilliputian people.
reviewed
-
Torbay Belle
Torbay Belle runs boat trips to Brixham from North Quay in the Harbour, and to Dartmouth from Haldon Pier. The trips to Agatha Christie's garden at Greenway leave from Princess Pier.
reviewed
-
Q
English Riviera Centre
When the weather's foul, the wave machine and giant flumes of the pool at the English Riviera Centre draw the crowds.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
R
Rocky's
Torbay's gay venue, Rocky's, is a firm favourite with the fellas.
reviewed
-
S
-
T
Torquay Museum
reviewed
-
Room in the Elephant
A restaurant to remember. Torbay's Michelin-starred eatery is defined by seriously good food and imaginative flavour fusions: squid and cauliflower risotto or chicken with liver and fig salad. The sumptuous cheeseboard groans under the very best Westcountry offerings.
reviewed
-
U
Hole in the Wall
Heavily beamed, Tardis-like boozer with a tiny terrace; an atmospheric spot for a pint.
reviewed
