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Torquay Golf Club is an extremely popular venue for visitors and societies alike - due to the excellent service and friendly welcome provided.
It is a delightful parkland course with stunning views over Lyme Bay to the east and Dartmoor to the west.
Distance: 2.3 miles (7 mins by car)
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.
Torbay, as well as a popular family holiday resort, has, over recent years, become very popular with the diving community, both as a place to learn the sport, and for the more experienced Scuba diver, as a place to enjoy spectacular shallow , and more challenging wreck diving.
For those not yet qualified, but with a hankering to do so, Aqualearn offers fully inclusive PADI courses for the beginner, and for those wishing to increase their level of qualification.
For those already qualified, and looking for some interesting shore dive sites in the area, probably one of the safest actually within Torbay, has to be Fairy cove. This site can be accessed on foot from Paignton harbour, is quite shallow. Swim out from the beach until you reach the edge of the rock shelf, and descend to about 7 or 8 meters, you will find yourself on a golden sand sea bed, with rocky inlets to explore, and a variety of sea life. Keep the shelf on your right, and follow the shelf for some 100 meters, and you will stumble on the wreck of the E.Boat T.289. She lies in about 8 meters of water, and is worth the effort of finding.
Brixham Breakwater is also a good, safe dive for the newly qualified, or not so adventurous amongst you. Again, this site is accessed from the beach. Drive into Brixham and follow the signs for Berry Head, Breakwater car park is on your left. Once in the water, keep the Breakwater on your left, and you can safely dive as far along as you like. The shelf on the left is the base of the pier, and to your right is open water, the majority of which is flat sand. This dive is good for a night dive, as you are, or should be, always within sight of the Breakwater, which gives you a good fixing on location.
Known as ‘Queen of the Riviera’ in Victorian times Torquay possesses some of the best of the English weather and most sought after beaches. Stroll along the palm lined promenade watching the rows of graceful Victorian terraces and white villas pass you by or just lay by the almost tropical beaches as the sea gently rolls in. Enjoy an entertaining nightlife presenting theatres, pubs, night clubs and quality Continental foods from all around the world. Weather you’re looking for Cantonese, Thai, Indian, Italian, Spanish or even specialist seafood bistros and traditional cuisine tempt your taste buds in the English Riviera.
With more animals than anyone else in the South West you're in for a really wild time. See them all - giraffes, lions, gorillas, cheetahs and thrilling crocodiles, plus our cheeky meerkats, colourful snakes and amazing monkeys. There are also indoor play areas, the Jungle Express train and uniquely, six habitats that mimic the animals' natural environment. Come in and get close to over two thousand creatures. But you'd better leave a whole day - you'll need it.
Splashdown at Quaywest is the UK's biggest outdoor waterpark. Close to the heart of the English Riviera in South Devons beautiful bay and just minutes from Paignton town centre. At Splashdown you will find amusements, play park, boating lake, canoes, pedalos and go-karts are right alongside - a whole day of fun for the family.
Hundreds of models are on display featuring many architectural styles including Medieval, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian, along with many familiar scenes such as the picture-postcard thatched village and the iconic Stonehenge. The fire-breathing dragon on the medieval castle never fails to surprise!
In 2012 the English Riviera topped the charts for the second year in a row with the best beaches in the country, scooping a fantastic 1 Blue Flag and Coast Awards.
Along the 22 miles of English Riviera coastline are 20 beaches and coves. Some are wide, sandy beaches others are smaller and more secluded.
Many of the beaches hold coveted awards for cleanliness and quality.
Whilst exploring Torquay's beaches, you'll find that many are linked by the South West Coast Path. Stretching from the south side of Brixham to Maidencombe, this walk around the Bay offers excellent and varied walking with spectacular sea views. You will find beach cafes and watering holes for the thirsty and a wide variety of flora and fauna for naturalists. If you like water sports, fishing, boating, or just lazing the day away, the coastline of Torbay has a wide variety on offer.
No trip to Torquay is complete without experiencing its nightlife. Torquay lights up at night with its illuminated promenade where you can enjoy a lovely evening stroll. Winner of the coveted purple flag award for two years running the town has a great choice of waterfront pubs, bars, cocktail venues and clubs, plus the famed Princess Theatre, all within walking distance of the marine. There is also a wide range of eating out options, from family favourites to a mix of international cuisine and fine dining.
The Princess Theatre is situated on Torquay seafront overlooking the marina. The theatre hosts a wide variety of shows all year round from comedians and tribute acts to opera, ballets and West End musicals. With beautiful panoramic views across the bay our cafe-bar Breezes offers a mouth watering menu and a wide range of beverages as well as a fully licensed bar. Open all year round the cafe-bar is the perfect place whether you are looking for pre-show meal or a frothy cappuccino why not call in to Breezes.