Holiday rentals and lettings in Torquay

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in Torquay?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in Torquay: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Torquay: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Torquay?

• Choice of accommodation: From seafront apartments to characterful cottages and holiday homes, Torquay suits families, couples and groups.
• Where to stay: On the harbourside for the buzz, or quieter Babbacombe and Cockington for charm.
• What guests love: Palm-lined promenades, sandy coves, the Agatha Christie connection and the English Riviera climate.
• Best time to visit: Summer for the beaches, spring and autumn for coastal walks, and mild winters by the sea.
• Things to do: Relax on Torre Abbey Sands, explore Kent's Cavern, visit Babbacombe Model Village and stroll the harbour.

Torquay's holiday lettings line the English Riviera, from bright seafront apartments and characterful cottages to spacious holiday homes and cosy log cabins. Many enjoy sea views or a handy harbourside spot, and there is something to suit couples, families and groups. Whether you want to wake to the sound of the waves or settle near the shops and restaurants, there is a self-catering letting to match, and most come well equipped for a relaxed break. Expect features such as:

• Wi-Fi to plan your days out
• A balcony or terrace for warm evenings
• Sea or harbour views from many properties
• Parking, handy for exploring the wider Riviera
• BnBs and pet-friendly options at a number of lettings

Wherever you base yourself, a beach, the harbour or a coastal path is rarely far away.

What are the best areas to stay in Torquay?

It depends on the holiday you have in mind: the harbourside is best for the buzz, while Babbacombe suits a quieter base. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking holiday lettings in Torquay through Holidu often highlight the palm-lined promenades, the sandy coves and the mild Riviera climate. Many mention the lively harbour, the Agatha Christie heritage and the fun family attractions nearby, and return for the mix of classic English seaside charm, beautiful coastline and a warm, sunny feel.

On the south coast of Devon, Torquay is the jewel of the English Riviera, a handsome resort town of palm trees, sandy beaches and elegant Victorian villas rising above a sparkling bay. Birthplace of Agatha Christie and part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, it pairs a lively harbour and marina with pretty coves, clifftop gardens and a mild, sunny climate. Full of character and things to do, it makes a delightful base for a seaside holiday.

✈️What is the best way to get to Torquay?

Most visitors arrive by car or by train to the seafront station. Here are the most common ways to get to the town:

• By car: Torquay is reached via the M5 and A380, within easy reach of Exeter and the rest of Devon. A car is handy for exploring the wider Riviera and the South Devon coast, and most holiday lettings offer parking nearby.
• By train: Direct and connecting services run to Torquay from Exeter and beyond, with the station a short walk from the seafront and harbour. It is a relaxed, car-free way to arrive right by the beach and the town's attractions.

🥗Where to eat in Torquay?

According to local reviews, The Elephant is one of the best rated restaurants in Torquay. Below is a table showing top highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers recommends The Offshore Bar and Restaurant: a friendly spot for freshly landed fish and chips with a view of the boats.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

There is no bad time to visit, but the summer months of June to August bring the warmest beach weather, while spring and autumn are ideal for coastal walks. Thanks to the mild Riviera climate, winter is gentle, with palm trees and bracing seafront strolls.

Summer (June–August)

• Best for: Beaches, boat trips and family attractions
• Weather: Warm and often sunny, with sea breezes
• Atmosphere: Lively and busy along the harbour and prom

Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–October)

• Best for: Coastal walks, gardens and fewer crowds
• Weather: Mild and often bright
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, with easy availability

Winter (November–March)

• Best for: Mild seafront walks, museums and cosy pubs
• Weather: Gentle for the season, rarely very cold
• Atmosphere: Quiet and restful, with a mild sea air

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Our Torquay hosts recommend an early morning on Torre Abbey Sands before the crowds, then a walk along the coast path to Cockington's thatched village for a cream tea. Ask your host about the Agatha Christie trail and the best clifftop viewpoint at Babbacombe.

1. Relax on Torre Abbey Sands
2. Explore Kent's Cavern
3. Visit Babbacombe Model Village
4. Follow the Agatha Christie trail
5. Stroll Cockington Country Park

1. Relax on Torre Abbey Sands

   Right in the heart of the seafront, Torre Abbey Sands is Torquay's main beach, a broad stretch of golden sand backed by the palm-lined promenade. At low tide it offers plenty of room for sandcastles, paddling and sunbathing, with cafés, gardens and the harbour close by. Sheltered and central, it is the sunny, sociable heart of a Torquay holiday and perfect for families.

2. Explore Kent's Cavern

   One of Britain's most important prehistoric sites, Kent's Cavern is a spectacular network of ancient caves where humans sheltered tens of thousands of years ago. Guided tours lead you through dramatic caverns of stalactites and stalagmites while telling the story of the Ice Age hunters who lived here. Fascinating, atmospheric and great in any weather, it is a memorable outing for all ages.

3. Visit Babbacombe Model Village

   Perched above the coast, the award-winning Babbacombe Model Village is a beautifully detailed miniature world set in four acres of gardens. Wander among tiny towns, villages and landmarks, spotting witty little scenes and, after dark, thousands of twinkling lights. Charming and endlessly entertaining, it is a firm family favourite and one of the Riviera's best-loved attractions.

4. Follow the Agatha Christie trail

   Torquay is proud to be the birthplace of the world's best-selling novelist, Agatha Christie. Follow the town's Agatha Christie Mile past the places that shaped her, admire her bust on the harbourside and, in season, take a boat to nearby Greenway, her beloved holiday home now cared for by the National Trust. It is a fascinating trail for fans of the Queen of Crime.

5. Stroll Cockington Country Park

   Just outside town, Cockington Country Park feels a world away, a picture-perfect village of thatched cottages, a working forge and rose-filled gardens set in rolling parkland. Wander the lanes, watch the craftspeople at work and enjoy a traditional cream tea, or explore the wider grounds and lakes. Free and delightful, it is a lovely, gentle escape from the seafront bustle.