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Torquay

Welcome to Austiger House

4
Bedrooms
|
8
Guests
|
4
Bathrooms
|
Perfectly located on the coast, Austiger House is a stunning escape where laid-back luxury interiors meets family-friendly fun. With its sparkling pool, spacious interiors, and gorgeous entertaining outdoor spaces, this is the perfect retreat for making unforgettable memories together and your woofers are welcome too.
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Availability
Arrival
Available
Departure
Unavailable
Selected
Guests
Max Adults:
8
Max Children:
7
Max Infants:
2
(Sleeps in a cot)
Note: There are two additional fold out beds in the ground floor bedroom allowing up to 10 guests - housekeeper must be advised if requested
Maximum number of adults and children is 8
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Why Finest Stays love this

Outdoor dining area

Savour lingering meals on the terrace in this lovely outdoor garden

Heated outdoor swimming pools

Splash around in the pool with family. what fun!

Privacy and prestige

Tucked behind private gates escape to this luxury home

Woofers very welcome

Austiger House welcomes four legged friends

Stylish Scandinavian design

Contemporary and luxury scandi cool interiors

Perfect for the family

Spacious open plan areas and facilities for all ages

Fabulous entertaining space

Space to entertain the family and friends and enjoy time together

Austiger House Overview

Set amidst rolling countryside with glorious views of Maidencombe bay, Austiger House is a special haven for families and friends seeking a luxurious and relaxing retreat. This beautifully appointed home combines contemporary comfort with thoughtful scandinavian style design, offering an abundance of space and amenities to suit every guest.

At the heart of the house, the open-plan kitchen and dining area with views over the bay, is perfect for sociable mealtimes, with an airy modern kitchen, a huge kitchen island, plenty of storage and all the equipment you will need, you can easily prepare everything whilst still enjoying the chatter with your family. A selection of coffees and teas have been carefully curated with a top of the range coffee machine and grinder. The dining table is large enough to gather the whole family and friends. Opening on to the beautiful terrace with outside dining for eight, it is easy to prepare those suppers or poolside lunches for al-fresco dining. Sample the fish from the local fishmongers and try out the barbecue. Long lazy suppers are perfect here to end the day.

Across the hallway, sink in to the comfy sofas and enjoy the warmth of the cosy woodburner. Watch a movie with the family and plan the next days adventures together.

On the second floor, the bedrooms are just as spacious with the luxury of ensuites to cater for all the family. The king size bedroom with views of the bay and rolling countryside ahead, offers a peaceful retreat after all the wonderful Devon fresh air. Additional double and twin rooms, each thoughtfully decorated, ensure everyone has their own serene sanctuary.

Outside, Austiger House truly shines. The expansive gardens are perfect for children to explore, a magical playhouse with its own play shop sits proudly overlooking the gardens, what exciting adventures await! The heated pool is a standout feature, and the outdoor sofas are the perfect spot for your evening cocktail or curling up with that long awaited holiday novel whilst the family enjoy the pool. The private heated pool is a luxury addition, perfect for the children or your early morning laps of the pool before the rest of the group rise.

A special feature of this home are all the toys available for all ages. Lego, jigsaws, board games, a tea set and a dolls house. There is just so much to explore and really no need to bring your own toys on this holiday.

With its combination of space, style, and unrivalled amenities for all ages, Austiger House is more than just a holiday home – it’s an experience designed for unforgettable stays together.

Little Ones - Travel cots, high chairs and a buggies are available.

WiFi- there is WiFi throughout the property so if you need to stay in touch with the outside world you can

Please note up to two well behaved dogs are allowed - preferably one year old or over.

Please note there is the option of two single fold out beds in one of the large bedrooms - to accommodate an extra two people - please enquire at time of booking. Allowing 10 guests in total.

Please note the outdoor pool is heated from May to end of September inclusive. The temperature of the pool cannot be guaranteed as it is very dependant and affected by the outside air temperature


Please note there is CCTV at the exterior of the property and is not monitored live

Floorplan

Layout

Ground Floor

  • Entrance at ground level
  • Hallway with stairs to first floor
  • Utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer
  • Master bedroom suite- step free access with king size bed , single twin sofa beds, ensuite shower room, private coffee station and sliding doors to front terrace
  • Housekeepers room not accessible to guests

First Floor

  • Open plan kitchen and dining area with sea views and opening doors to terrace
  • Family lounge area with Smart TV and woodburner
  • Large hallway
  • Cloakroom with basin and WC

Second Floor

  • King size bedroom with bay views, ensuite shower room, basin and WC
  • Twin room with garden views, ensuite bathroom and WC
  • Double bedroom with pool views, ensuite shower, basin and WC
  • Private bedroom not accessible to guests

Outside Area

  • Large outside terrace with luxury dining table and chairs for 8 looking out over the swimming pool and gardens
  • Sunloungers around the pool area
  • Private gardens with outdoor sofas
  • Heated swimming pool with retractable cover
  • Parking for four vehicles in gated driveway (only in use over April - September, The temperature of the pool cannot be guaranteed as it is very dependant and affected by the outside air temperature
  • EV charger
  • Childrens play area with play house

Finer Details

Appliances

  • 4 x Smart TVs
  • Sonos sound system
  • Dishwasher
  • Washing machine
  • Tumble dryer
  • Mockamaster coffee machine with a De Longhi Burr grinder
  • Sage Espresso Coffee Machine
  • Lavazza Modo Mio machine in master bedroom suite
  • Fridge
  • Freezer
  • Steam iron & ironing board
  • Microwave
  • Hairdryers in each bedroom

Facilities

  • Outdoor dining table for 8 next to the swimming pool
  • Charcoal barbecue
  • Outdoor luxury seating in garden area and terraces with sunloungers
  • Luxury outdoor heated swimming pool (only in use during May - September, The temperature of the pool cannot be guaranteed as it is very dependant and affected by the outside air temperature
  • Children's play area and play house
  • Gardens
  • Dog shower
  • Step free access to ground floor suite
  • Two high chairs
  • Two cots available
  • Two children's buggies available
  • Baby Bjorn baby bouncer available

Parking

  • Parking for four vehicles in gated area
  • EV charging

FAQs

Sleeps

8

Beds

  • 2 x King
  • 1 x Double
  • 1 x Twin

Changeover Day

Friday for peak periods, flexibility at other times and for short breaks

Arrival and Departure

Arrival from 4:00pm, departure by 10am

Coffee Machine

Mockamaster Machine with Breville Espresso Grinder
Sage Espresso Coffee Machine
De Longhi Burr Grinder

Wifi Speed

Upload Speed: 18.5 Mb/s
Download Speed: 73.2 Mb/s
Last checked on 10/12/2024

Bed Linen

High quality bed linen supplied and changed weekly

Towels

Each guest has one hand towel and one bath sheet

Dog Friendly

This property will allow up to two well behaved dogs over one year old

Mobile Reception

Click here for information

EV Charging Locations

Click here for information

Additional Information

  • Outdoor heated swimming pool with retractable cover (only in use between May - September, The temperature of the pool cannot be guaranteed as it is very dependant and affected by the outside air temperature
  • Children's play area
  • Two High chairs and travel cots available - two buggies also available Bedlinen provided
  • Hair dryers available in each room
  • Steam iron and ironing board available
  • Small play table available for young children
  • Extensive selection of toys and games available
  • Private parking for up to 4 vehicles
  • Private outside terrace and gardens with dining table and chairs for eight and charcoal BBQ
  • Outside sofas in garden area
  • Additional two fold out beds are available in the ground floor suite should you require accommodation for 10 - please enquire
  • Step free access to ground floor suite
  • Please note that there may be a visit from the pool maintenance company during your stay to measure the chemical levels
We provide a complimentary starter supply of essentials including toilet rolls, washing-up liquid and hand soap to help you settle in. If you’re staying longer than a few days, or prefer to have extras to hand, we recommend bringing along additional supplies for your self-catering stay.

If you’d like to check any specific information that isn't mentioned in our descriptions, please call us and speak to one of our Holiday Consultants or see our FAQ's page.

Parking Information

There is off street gated parking available for at least four cars or potentially more if the cars aren’t too big.

Make An Enquiry

Austiger House Location

Perfect for a romantic escape or a family seaside holiday, Torquay really has something for everyone but when you can also stay in a luxury holiday home in Torquay, we’re sure it’s the icing on the cake! Torquay and the neighbouring towns of Brixham and Paignton have been known as The English Riviera since Victorian times when the elite used to visit and compare its mild climate and swaying palms to that of the French Riviera. Explore the stunning coastline dotted with pretty coves and beautiful beaches. Delve deep into the hinterland of the South Devon countryside with its charming market towns of Kingsbridge, Totnes and Dartmouth, discover country houses and excellent walks. Water sports in Torquay are always popular so book yourself a boat trip, rib ride or hire out some kayaks or paddle boards. You can even go on a dolphin safari!

Why book with us

Truly Personal

From your first enquiry to check-out, you’ll deal with real people who care about your stay. No call centres here.

Local Experts

We live and breathe Devon, with insider knowledge of hidden gems. Follow our weekend highlights on Instagram for inspiration and a taste of local life.

Competitive Prices

Book direct for the best rates, with no added commission or surprise charges that online booking channels love to sneak in.

Handpicked Homes

Every property is personally picked by real humans with exceptional taste, so your stay lives up to your expectations.

Availability
Arrival
Available
Departure
Unavailable
Selected
Guests
Max Adults:
8
Max Children:
7
Max Infants:
2
(Sleeps in a cot)
Note: There are two additional fold out beds in the ground floor bedroom allowing up to 10 guests - housekeeper must be advised if requested
Maximum number of adults and children is 8
Previous
Next
Select an arrival day to begin
Please select a departure day.
Select a new arrival date
Loading Getting availability
 
Summary
Nights
From
To
For
Total Cost (inc booking fee)
Sorry, but your searched dates are not available for this property
Get in touch today | Finest Stays

Get in touch

Our Finest Stays specialists are available everyday to answer all your booking enquiries.

Call
Our stay at Austiger House was one that we will remember for a long time. A beautiful house in a wonderful area, the views were breath taking. It was so relaxing and we were finally able to disconnect from everyday stresses and reconnect. The pool was a huge bonus for us, the children adored it. We particularly appreciated the little extras like the doggie spa, the games and books and the QR codes to the appliances. The house was clean and well maintained, lots of space and very quiet. The beds were comfortable and we slept well. We would absolutely return, my whole family enjoyed every moment of our holiday and we quite sad to leave! Thank you for giving us some fabulous memories.
Mrs Blakemoor
August 2026
Great house for a mixed age group, the pool was brilliant
Ms Garaki
August 2026
Beautiful house, very well organised with everything provided including feminine products which is very thoughtful. Coffee, teas amazing. Pool lovely. An amazing place to be with the family.
Mr Dyson
July 2026
We all had a wonderful time thank you and we would rate the house 5 stars.
Mrs P Rooney
June 2026
Spacious in every respect, with excellent equipment and support from a responsive management team
Mr Knightly
April 2026
We had a fabulous stay at Austiger house! It exceeded our expectations! Contemporary in style with plenty of space to relax & entertain. Set in beautiful countryside with great views. The house was well appointed with quality furnishings & equipment & even had a range of coffees (a lovely touch!). We had a minor issue with the heating initially, however this was promptly resolved by a phone call to Lucy at Presteige Property Management who was extremely helpful & arranged an engineer to attend. Would highly recommend !
Ms Harris
October 2025
We all really did have a great stay. The house is wonderful for a large family with plenty of parking and really well equipped. The heated pool, BBQ and play area + toys etc for the kids were all brilliant and attention to detail like toothbrushes in all rooms was a nice touch. It’s not often we get everyone plus all dogs together.
Mrs Gibson
October 2025
We had a wonderful stay and break. The house had so much space and very well equipped. Nothing more was needed for us to be able to enjoy the company of 7 guests. The house obviously has quite a wow factor on arrival.
Ms Philips
September 2025
Swimming pool was amazing , used everyday and was huge plus point for the holiday. Lots of space and room for everyone in the huge house , even those there was 8 of us staying Lots of space for parking. Great location
Ms Parker
August 2025
A beautiful house. It is on a main road, but there is no road noise heard in the house or gardens. You will need a car staying here ( or use taxis) The pool is a great bonus.
M. Duffin
June 2025
We had a truly wonderful stay in Austiger House everything you could wish for & more. The photos were most definitely true to their word. Everything was spotlessly clean & tidy & the heated pool was perfect after a day out sightseeing. We would be thrilled to stay there again in the very near future.
G. Ashmead
June 2025
A very lovely house, huge and with a warm pool. Pool cover made us feel secure with little kids around! Lots of toys inside and an outside play area.
Mr Fernandez
May 2025
We all had a really lovely stay and the house was amazing! We had lunch at the Thatched Tavern and dinner on our last night at the Cary Arms. Thank you again! We all had a thoroughly enjoyable time!
Ms Goodwin
April 2025
"Our stay at Austiger House was nothing short of amazing! The house had this incredible sense of space, giving everyone room to do their thing, yet cosy enough for us to come together for lazy breakfasts in the enormous kitchen and late-night chats in the lounge. The pool was an absolute highlight – we couldn’t get our children out of it! A perfect family escape with just the right mix of style, comfort, and fun – everything we needed and more!"
The Finest Stays Team
November 2024

Explore Torquay

Events

Events in Torquay The English Riviera is not only popular for its beautiful coastline and warm hospitality, but for a vibrant calendar of entertainment and events that attract locals and holidaymakers alike. Throughout the year there are festivals, sporting events, food celebrations and family entertainment that add another dimension to your South Devon visit. So, whether you're planning a spring getaway, a summer holiday or an autumn escape, there's almost always something happening around Torquay's famous harbour, beaches and waterfront. What's on in spring in Torquay? Spring is one of the best times of the year to visit South Devon, as the weather warms up, the flowers come out and the first of the year’s big events get into full swing.  English Riviera Airshow Usually held in May, the English Riviera Airshow is a three-day spectacle featuring RAF displays, historic aircraft, aerobatic teams and family entertainment over Tor Bay. In the skies iconic displays include the Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the Typhoon team, while on the ground there's typically an Armed Force Village, fairground, food and drink traders, stall holders, plus a range of activities and live entertainment. It's a great day out for all ages. English Riviera Walking Festival Walking is one of the most popular activities in South Devon, with picturesque trails in abundance, not least along the magnificent South West Coast Path. It's therefore fitting that there's an English Riviera Walking Festival, focused on the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. The Walking Festival offers guided routes for every ability, ranging from gentle coastal strolls to longer countryside hikes, often accompanied by local historians, geologists and wildlife experts. Markets and artisan events Throughout the year there are different markets along the waterfront and surrounding areas spanning a variety of events from arts and crafts to crepes and clothing. There's the Torquay International Market for global street food, crafts and clothing, a regular Street and Craft Market, and artisan markets at Cockington Court Craft Centre. What's on in summer in Torquay? Summer is the busiest season in South Devon, when schools are out and the weather often reaches Mediterranean levels of sunshine, accompanied by frequent events to help you make the most of your visit. Torbay Royal Regatta Dating back to a yacht race in 1811, the Torbay Royal Regatta has become a central feature of summer in this seaside town, celebrating Torquay's maritime heritage with sailing competitions, rowing races, onshore entertainment and family activities around the harbour. Whether you're taking part or simply watching from the marina, it's one of the highlights of the summer calendar. Anderton and Rowlands Funfair A long-standing tradition on Torre Abbey Meadows, this travelling funfair brings classic rides, games and family entertainment to Torquay during the summer months. Expect everything from dodgems and trampolines to candy floss and traditional attractions. Bay Brass Concerts Making excellent use of the curated outside spaces in Torquay, throughout the summer, brass bands perform regular concerts in Princess Gardens on the seafront for a traditional seaside atmosphere that's perfect for an evening stroll or picnic overlooking the bay. Torquay Pride Celebrating diversity and inclusion, Torquay Pride is an unequivocally joyful event that celebrates the community across Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham. People gather, march, dance, and celebrate together with plenty of entertainment, from a Market Village to plenty of performances.  Electric Bay Festival Held each summer at Torre Abbey Meadows, the Electric Bay Festival is an annual open-air electronic dance music festival that began in 2022 and quickly became a popular three-day event featuring DJs and live acts spanning house, techno, drum and bass, indie rock, and garage. Riviera Tribute Festival At Torbay Showground, the Riviera Tribute Festival is an energising day of music and family-friendly fun that exemplifies summer vibes. Usually held in August, it features food and drink, popular artists, and crowd-pleasing anthems so you can dance the day away. What's on in autumn in Torquay? Autumn is actually one of our favourite times of the year, combining coastal scenery, the glow of the changing seasons, and enjoying some of Torquay's best cultural events as well. International Agatha Christie Festival Born in Torquay, Agatha Christie is celebrated in this part of the world in lots of different ways, one of which is the annual International Agatha Christie Festival. Featuring talks, performances, guided walks, literary discussions and themed events, it's a chance to explore locations connected with the famous author while enjoying exhibitions and activities inspired by her famous novels. The International English Riviera Film Festival  The International English Riviera Film Festival is an annual event celebrating and promoting filmmaking amidst the beauty of the South West, in a showcase of talent from around the world. Set at venues across Torbay it's a vibrant celebration of storytelling and artistry, where diverse voices and visions come to life. England's Seafood Feast A two-week celebration of the UK's most prized daily catches, the historic fishing towns of Brixham, Paignton, and Torquay are the perfect place for England's Seafood FEAST culinary festival. Enjoy cooking demonstrations, seafood experiences, harbour events and opportunities to meet local fishermen. It's a foodie favourite. Torbay Half Marathon & 10K For those looking for a more active holiday experience, the Torbay Half Marathon and 10K is one of the South West’s most scenic running routes, inviting you to choose from two distances, raise money for charity, and get a tour of the English Riviera in the process. Cockington Court Apple Day A free autumn festival, Cockington Court Apple Day is a wholesome fete at Cockington Court, where the whole family can enjoy seasonal entertainment. A shuttle bus runs from the Strand in Torquay, or you can make your own way, discovering activities, food and drink that celebrates the harvest time of year.    Babbacombe Model Village Halloween Bringing the magic of Halloween to the delightful Babbacombe Model Village. As darkness falls the tiny town becomes a world of spine-tingling surprises with spooky scenes and seasonal entertainment that fright and delight adults and children alike.   Dartmouth Food Festival Dartmouth Food Festival is one of the most popular events in the South Hams. Held in nearby Dartmouth, it features three days of fabulous food, world-class chefs, and the finest produce from Devon’s coast and countryside. Celebrating Devon's culinary heritage, it's also a chance to explore Dartmouth itself. Illuminate the Night At Torbay Showground, Illuminate The Night is an evening of light, energy, and entertainment, culminating in a superb fireworks display. The occasion typically features a funfair, street food, and entertainment, and is a fantastic opportunity to entertain the whole family. What's on in winter in Torquay? Winter has its own charm in South Devon, with seasonal magic spanning the coastline, leading up to festivities around Christmas and New Year. From quieter days to celebratory ones, Torquay continues to offer opportunities to get involved.  Bay of Lights Illumination Trail A sparkling way to celebrate the season, the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail is a 1.5-mile free winter light festival on the English Riviera. Featuring large-scale interactive light installations, digital light shows, festive music, and glowing sea creatures, it stretches from the historic Torre Abbey along the seafront to Torquay Harbour. Bay of Lights Ice Skating Rink An all-weather rink in Abbey Park, the Bay of Lights Ice Skating Rink typically operates from December to January featuring 45-minute sessions, a sparkling canopy for evening skating, festive food stalls, and dedicated sessions for parents and toddlers. Torre Abbey WinterFest A popular festive craft market, Torre Abbey WinterFest typically features local artisans, live music, mulled wine, and family-friendly activities. Enjoy the atmosphere, sample local fare, and get a little present inspiration at the same time. You might even meet Father Christmas. Carols in the Cave Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves is one of Torquay's most unique attractions, and at Christmas time it becomes even more magical with Carols in the Cave. An enchanting Christmas event, it promises an atmospheric evening of festive cheer, mulled wine and merriment, in a unique, candlelit underground concert. Pantomimes at the theatre Panto is a seasonal highlight wherever you are in the UK, and Torquay likes to do it as well as anyone else. At the Princess Theatre, each year brings a new entertainment offering with the most popular touring productions coming to town. In addition, there's Babbacombe Theatre, which has been part of the Bay's tourism industry since the 1930s. Paignton Lions Club Walk into the Sea An annual Boxing Day charity swim held on the Paignton seafront, the Paignton Lions Club 'Walk into the Sea' is full of good cheer, as hundreds of fundraisers don optional fancy dress and at the starter's command walk into the chilly waters of the English Channel where fun and frivolity begins. Frequently asked questions What is the biggest annual event in Torquay? The English Riviera Airshow is widely considered one of Torquay's largest annual events, attracting thousands of visitors with spectacular flying displays and free seafront entertainment. That said, Torbay Royal Regatta can also give it a run for its money.  When is the best time to visit Torquay for festivals? Late spring through to early autumn offers the busiest programme of festivals and outdoor events, although Christmas is an equally rewarding time to visit. Are Torquay events family-friendly? Yes. The majority of the annual events in Torquay include children's entertainment and activities suitable for all ages. Do I need tickets? Many of Torquay's annual festivals are free to attend and plenty don’t require prior booking, but it’s always best to check in advance just in case. Where to stay in Torquay Whether you want to get fully-immersed in local traditions, or you watch the world go by from the peace of your own balcony, Torquay offers lots to see and do on a South Devon holiday, and is a fantastic place to stay. Amongst the holiday cottages in Torquay you can stay in the heart of it all or nearby for a little more tranquility. Whether you’re on a family holiday or a romantic break, we’ve got beautiful holiday homes to choose from for every occasion.   Find a holiday cottage in Torquay

Walking & Hiking

Walking & hiking in Torquay One of the great pleasures when it comes to staying in Torquay is how quickly the landscape changes from walking beside the harbour to following a wooded path down to the beach or taking in clifftop views. You don't need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the area; with a variety of walking routes to choose from including seafront strolls to more challenging full-day sections of the South West Coast Path. Torquay offers plenty of opportunities to slow down, breathe in the sea air and see South Devon on foot. Daddyhole Plain A classic Torquay walk between Meadfoot and the so-called 'London Bridge' rock arch, this 1.9-mile loop starts and ends at the Daddyhole Plain car park (TQ1 2LJ), taking in a combination of woodland and open coast paths for beautiful views across Tor Bay. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Meadfoot Beach, and spot the famous rock arch along the way. Photo credit: Torbay Council Find Out More Hopes Nose Just shy of four miles long, the Hope's Nose walk is a circular route from Kents Cavern car park offering you a chance to spot wildlife and take full advantage of those dramatic coastal views. Hope's Nose is a dramatic headland separating Tor Bay from Babbacombe Bay and forged of limestone . It's designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and part of the UNESCO English Riviera Geopark, featuring fossils and unique geology. It is peppered with a combination of regular paths as well as steep stony areas to contend with. If you can cope, however, the vistas are worth it. Photo credit: Easymalcs Wanderings Find Out More Babbacombe Downs to Oddicombe Beach A short walk of around two miles, strolling from Babbacombe Downs to Oddicombe Beach is worth it for the views of the dramatic red sandstone cliffs alone. Taking you down a clifftop promenade to the shore, it offers vistas across Lyme Bay and Tor Bay. At the bottom you will find Oddicombe Beach, with its colourful beach huts and cafe. You can extend the walk by heading towards Babbacombe Beach as well, and choose to return on foot or using the historic Babbacombe Cliff Railway. Photo credit: Easymalcs Wanderings Find Out More Cockington Country Park If you fancy giving the coast a break, head inland to Cockington Country Park. This pretty country park surrounds the historic village of Cockington and offers a very different walking experience from the exposed coastal paths, with five distinct walking trails through 450 acres. One of the most popular loops is a 2.2 mile circular combining the park and Manscombe Woods. Find Out More Maidencombe Circular Spanning 3.3 miles from Watcombe Beach car park, the Maidencombe Circular takes you away from the busier parts of the English Riviera, combining coast and countryside. A particularly pretty section of the South West Coast Path, it features wooded valleys, cliffs and open countryside, and offers fairly moderate walking conditions while taking in the wilder side of the landscape. Find Out More Agatha Christie Mile Agatha Christie’s life and connections with Torquay are woven into the fabric of the area, and this gentle walk is a lovely way to explore the world she knew so well. The Queen of Crime was born in Torquay in 1890, and many of her stories have been inspired by South Devon landmarks. She also famously had her holiday home at Greenway, on the banks of the River Dart. Find Out More Hidden Torquay Hidden Torquay is a circular walk from Torquay railway station that reveals a quieter and surprisingly rural side of the town, spanning 5.5 miles in total. An urban coast path walk, it delivers splendid views over the bay as you travel around town and back along the harbour. It's an excellent way to get your bearings! Find Out More Brixham to Babbacombe For those seeking a longer walk, the Brixham to Babbacombe route stretches across 13.2 miles for a bracing day out. Heading along the South West Coast Path, take your sandwiches and pass by Berry Head, as well as woodland and beaches, before continuing through Paignton and along the Torquay seafront. Beyond Torquay, the scenery becomes increasingly rural and rugged before reaching Babbacombe Downs. If that sounds appealing but you want to take a shorter route, there are plenty of sections to choose from, and you can use public transport to get back to your starting point. Find Out More Where to stay in Torquay Torquay offers a dynamic part of South Devon for a holiday, combining lots of local attractions, seasonal events, and a combination of entertainment in the buzzing town alongside beach days and coastal walks. It’s a wonderful place to stay with lots of different holiday cottages in Torquay, whether you’re on a romantic gateway or a family break. Explore holiday cottages in Torquay

Beaches

Beaches in Torquay With its palm-lined promenade, red sandstone cliffs and sparkling coastal waters, Torquay has long been one of South Devon's most popular seaside destinations. Nestled within the shelter of Tor Bay, the town has earned the nickname, the English Riviera, and amongst its many prized attractions are a host of local beaches. From peaceful coves to places to paddleboard or simply watch the sunset, Torquay has beaches for every mood, many of which are connected to the South West Coast Path, so you can combine walking and exploration with rest and relaxation. Torre Abbey Sands Perhaps Torquay's best-known beach, Torre Abbey Sands is in a prime position between the marina and Torre Abbey Meadows. At low tide, it offers a wide expanse of golden sand to explore, making it a fantastic destination for families and eager sandcastle builders. The shallow water and gentle slope into the sea make it particularly popular with children and swimmers, while the promenade offers easy access for pushchairs and wheelchairs.  The beach is overlooked by cafés, restaurants and the town's seafront, with plenty of opportunities to stop for an ice cream or enjoy lunch overlooking the bay. There's also deckchair hire and a designated windsurfing area. On a practical note, there's on street pay and display parking along Torquay Road, as well as nearby car parks, toilets, and a dog exercise area on Torre Abbey Meadows. However, dogs are not allowed on the beach from 1st May to 30th September. Maidencombe Beach Tucked beneath the wooded cliffs on the northern edge of Torquay, Maidencombe Beach feels wonderfully removed from the busier stretches of the English Riviera. This small, sheltered cove has a sand and shingle beach framed by greenery, with clear waters that make it a lovely spot for a swim on calmer days. The beach is reached via a fairly steep path and steps, but its peaceful setting makes the journey worthwhile. The South West Coast Path runs close by, so you can combine a visit with a coastal walk towards Babbacombe or Shaldon, while the village of Maidencombe offers a handful of places to stop for food and refreshments nearby. Oddicombe Beach Situated under the dramatic red cliffs of Babbacombe, Oddicombe Beach combines spectacular scenery with an innate sense of heritage - not least because you can travel to it on the Babbacombe Cliff Railway in a tradition that goes back to 1926. You can park on the street and walk down a steep road and over-sized steps to reach the shingle sands, which usually offer calm waters for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, thanks to the surrounding landscape. There's deckchair, boat and pedalo hire (seasonally) as well as a beach shower and toilets (also open seasonally), a cafe and beach huts. Oddicombe Beach is a unique place to spend time and is especially popular for the views across the bay. Like many beaches in the area, dogs aren't permitted from 1st May to 30th September, but there is a dog exercise area on Babbacombe Beach. Babbacombe Beach A quiet, sheltered shingle and pebble cove in Torquay, Babbacombe Beach offers a quieter alternative to some of Torquay's busier locations, sitting below Babbacombe Downs. Perfect for rock pooling and discovering the magic of marine life, the tranquil waters are also popular with scuba divers, swimmers, sailers, and anglers.  There's a small pay and display car park, as well as some free street parking close by, and you take a steep road, steps, and a slipway to reach the sand. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round, and when it comes to food and drink the renowned Cary Arms & Spa sits right on the quayside. It's a lovely place to settle in for the day. Beacon Cove Close to Torquay Harbour, near Haldon Pier, Beacon Cove is a tiny sheltered beach that often flies under the radar of visitors. Comparatively small, it's a favourite with local swimmers, enjoying a sheltered spot, and was famously a favourite swimming spot of murder mystery writer, Agatha Christie.  Livermead Sands Livermead Sands is a quieter beach that's for those in the know, it's a pretty combination of shingle and red sand, with space for beach games and paddleboarding. It can feel a bit calmer than other parts of Torquay in the height of summer. It's also a designated waterskiing area.  Corbyn Beach Corbyn Beach is a pretty stretch of sand with excellent facilities close by and offering easy access. Flanked by colourful beach huts which are available to hire, there's also beach deckchair hire, and the Corbyn Beach Cafe is handy for refreshments including ice cream and cakes. Anstey's Cove A secluded shingle beach and a favourite among locals, Anstey's Cove is one of Torquay's hidden gems. This is very much a beach for enjoying the natural beauty of the area rather than looking for lots of provided entertainment.  It's perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, and there's also the Ansteys Cove Beach Cafe alongside it, with seating and refreshments. An award-winning haven, there's rock pooling to be done and views to simply sit back and enjoy, and it welcomes dogs all year round. Meadfoot Beach A pretty walk from Torquay Harbour and you will find Meadfoot Beach - a Blue Flag beach on one of the most picturesque parts of the coastline. Framed by dramatic cliffs, it has a quieter atmosphere than Torre Abbey Sands, and is primarily shingle, with clear waters popular for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. It's also an excellent place to enjoy sunrise or sunset. For walkers, it sits on a two-mile loop around Daddyhole Plain, while the Meadfoot Beach Cafe close by offers a menu that ranges from hearty fare to cakes. In terms of accessibility, there are sloping paths and steps to reach the beach. There's a small car park on Meadfoot Road that's a five-minute walk away, and it's generally considered too steep for wheelchairs. There are toilets close by that are open seasonally, as well as beach hut and deckchair hire. For those with four-legged friends, dogs are not allowed on the southern part of Meadfoot Beach from 1st May to 30th September. Where to stay in Torquay Torquay has been a fashionable holiday destination for centuries, attracting visitors for its coastal wellbeing, natural beauty, and the vivacity of the seaside town. Its grand Italianate villas dating to the 1800s prompted the moniker, the 'English Riviera', and its attraction as a place to holiday in South Devon continues to this day.  For those visiting the area, there's a wide variety of holiday cottages in Torquay to choose from, whether you're looking for a group getaway with friends, a romantic retreat, or a family holiday for multiple generations. From glamorous houses to cosy cottages, sea views to places to stay right in the heart of town, there's a whole host of holiday homes to choose from. Find a holiday cottage in Torquay

 

Sauna season is back

Use code SAUNA26 when you book your South Devon stay and enjoy £26 off to put towards a local sauna session. Book by 31st December 2026. Applies to new bookings only.

 

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