castle
Dartmouth Castle
A coastal fortress at the mouth of the Dart, the first English castle designed for artillery, once chained to Kingswear opposite.
14 km · about 25 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Torquay
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Torquay
Torquay works well as a base: 10 minutes from Paignton, 21km from Haytor.
Torquay is in England, United Kingdom, with about 65,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Paignton, about 4 km away.
Torquay ( tor-KEE) is a seaside town in Devon, England, part of the unitary authority area of Torbay. It lies 18 miles (29 km) south of the county town of Exeter and 28 miles (45 km) east-north-east of Plymouth, on the north of Tor Bay, adjoining the neighbouring town of Paignton on the west of the bay and acrossRead more
from the fishing port of Brixham. At the 2021 census, the built-up area of Torquay had a population of 52,037.
The town's economy, like Brixham's, was initially based upon fishing and agriculture; however, in the early 19th century, it began to develop into a fashionable seaside resort. Later, as the town's fame spread, it was popular with Victorian society. Renowned for its mild climate, the town earned the nickname the English Riviera.
The writer Agatha Christie was born in the town and lived at Ashfield in Torquay during her early years. There is an "Agatha Christie Mile", a tour with plaques dedicated to her life and work.
The poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning lived in the town from 1837 to 1841. This was on the recommendation of her doctor in an attempt to cure her of a disease, thought likely to have been tuberculosis. Her former home now forms part of the Regina Hotel in Vaughan Parade.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Torquay?
Within an hour or so of Torquay: Dartmouth Castle (14 km), Haytor (21 km), Powderham Castle (21 km), Hound Tor (23 km).
Are there any good drives near Torquay?
The nearest famous roads are B3212 across Dartmoor, Atlantic Highway (A39) and Porlock Hill.
Where is Torquay?
Torquay is in England, United Kingdom, about 4 km from Paignton.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 65,388
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 50.4620, -3.5252
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Torquay
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
natural wonder
Haytor
The most visited granite tor on Dartmoor, a pair of rounded outcrops rising above open moor with easy roadside access.
21 km · about 25 min drive
castle
Powderham Castle
The fortified manor of the Courtenay family since 1391, in a deer park beside the Exe estuary.
21 km · about 25 min drive
natural wonder
Hound Tor
A shattered granite tor said to have inspired The Hound of the Baskervilles, beside the ruins of a deserted medieval village.
23 km · about 25 min drive
natural wonder
Bowerman’s Nose
A weathered granite stack on Hayne Down shaped like a human head, tied to a legend of a hunter turned to stone by witches.
24 km · about 30 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Dartmeet
The confluence of the East and West Dart rivers, a popular riverside spot beside a steep-sided moorland road.
26 km · about 30 min drive
cafe
The Bike Shed Exeter
The original Bike Shed venue in Exeter's historic city centre, blending motorcycle culture with independent food and drink.
29 km · about 35 min drive
cathedral
Exeter Cathedral
Magnificent Gothic cathedral boasting the longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling in England, dating back to the 12th century.
29 km · about 35 min drive
Driving roads near Torquay
- 26 kmDartmeetThe confluence of the East and West Dart rivers, a popular riverside spot beside a steep-sided moorland road.
- 31 kmB3212 across DartmoorThe open moorland crossing from Moretonhampstead to Yelverton past Postbridge and Princetown, with ponies on the road.
- 31 kmPostbridge Clapper BridgeA 13th-century granite slab bridge over the East Dart, the best-preserved clapper bridge on Dartmoor.
- 52 kmRame HeadA conical headland on Cornwall's south-east tip crowned by a 14th-century chapel, with views across Plymouth Sound.
- 57 kmGolden CapThe highest point on England's south coast at 191 m, its sandstone summit glowing gold above Charmouth and Lyme Bay.
- 69 kmTarr StepsA 17-span prehistoric-style clapper bridge across the River Barle on Exmoor, repeatedly rebuilt after floods.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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