Torquay has been named by a Devon Live team as the county’s best seaside town, a distinction that underlines the resort’s long-standing place at the heart of the English Riviera. The verdict emphasises the town’s historic development, current attractions and the diversity of its hospitality offering.
From fishing village to Victorian destination
The town’s rise from a small fishing community to a premier health and leisure resort began in the early 19th century and gathered pace after rail links were established in the 1840s. That period saw a rapid expansion in places to stay and entertain, with hotels, guest houses and leisure venues appearing to satisfy growing demand from visitors seeking British seaside retreats.
Modern attractions and events keep visitors coming
Torquay is recognised as part of the English Riviera alongside Paignton and Brixham. Recent years have seen the seafront and waterfront developed with bold attractions aimed at new generations of holidaymakers. Among the features cited by the Devon Live team were a waterfront big wheel and a high-profile airshow, alongside sporting events that have drawn large crowds.
“Why would anyone choose to holiday anywhere else?”
The town’s calendar now blends traditional seaside fare with contemporary events, such as the nationally notable stand-up paddleboarding competition that was described as the UK’s first World Cup for the discipline and attracted significant turnouts to the seafront.
Food, drink and hospitality: evolving with visitor expectations
Torquay’s hospitality scene has evolved considerably from the mid-20th-century image of canteens and self-service cafés. The harbourside now supports a mix of outlets ranging from family-focused fish and chip shops to restaurants serving higher-end menus, artisan coffee houses and craft-beer venues. This variety was highlighted as a strength for families and younger visitors alike.
- Historic appeal: growth tied to 19th-century tourism and rail connections.
- Contemporary attractions: airshows, a waterfront wheel and major watersport events.
- Hospitality breadth: from traditional fish and chips to modern dining and bars.
Where Torquay sits in the county’s coastal offer
Devon has a range of well-regarded seaside towns, each with distinct characteristics. Devon Live acknowledged places such as Exmouth, Teignmouth, Paignton and Croyde as worthy alternatives, noting that any could serve as a fine holiday base. The assessment nevertheless places Torquay at the top for its combination of history, events and investment in visitor infrastructure.
| Town | Noted for |
|---|---|
| Torquay | Victorian heritage, events, harbourside food and attractions |
| Paignton | Family beaches, coastal access to Brixham and steam railway |
| Exmouth | Long beaches and watersports |
| Croyde | Surfing and rugged Atlantic coast |
Readers and visitors will judge for themselves whether Torquay deserves the crown; Devon Live invited votes for the UK-wide poll to pick the best seaside town in the country. For local businesses and councils, the recognition provides a timely prompt to sustain investment in attractions, public spaces and coastfront hospitality as the summer season continues.
From a local perspective, Torquay’s place at the top reflects both a depth of history and an ability to adapt — a combination that keeps it relevant in a competitive tourism market.
