Language: English
Currency: Pound Sterling
Time Zone: GMT
Tipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required.
It may not have the St Tropez super yachts or the celebrity of Cannes, but Torquay is the closest to the French Riviera that England's got. Thanks to a warm microclimate and plenty of vibrancy, glamorous Torquay has enough palm trees and balmy summer days to give it a continental atmosphere, making it a stylish and sought-after destination when it comes to coach holidays. Ssh though, because not many know that those palm trees are really Cordyline australis; AKA Cabbage Trees.
Once the place to holiday in Victorian times, the resort consequently combines modern facilities with the elegance of times gone by. To add to it, there's also a sophisticated air and the varied scenery of the rest of spectacular Torbay on hand. Coach holidays to Torquay might involve spending your days lounging on one of nine sandy beaches (of which 3 hold European Blue Flags, more than any other English resort), walking the palm-studded promenade, daydreaming at a pavement cafe or improving your knowledge of Agatha Christie, Torquay's most famous resident, at the Torquay Museum. Wander to Torquay's international marina to marvel at yachts or peer into the windows of ritzy gin palaces and in the evening, enjoy a drawn-out meal on the waterfront and catch Torquay's renowned coastal illuminations.
Torquay's popularity as a holiday destination means that there is a large selection of Torquay coach trips available throughout the year. Breaks typically include return coach travel, good 3 or 4* accommodation in Torquay and excursion to popular nearby favourites like Dartmouth, Paignton, Brixham, Buckfast Abbey, Eden Project and the Gardens of Heligan. Some packages are more dedicated to rail or cruising and feature journeys on the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Dart cruises.
Tourist office
To find out more about visiting Torquay, check out the official tourism website at: englishriviera.co.uk
Situated in the heart of the English Riviera, Torquay has many places to visit within easy reach. Here is just a selection of the great things on offer.
Cockington Court and Gardens
Cockington Country Park which is made up of 460 acres of parkland surrounds the picture perfect Cockington Village, which is located near Torquay's seafront. Be sure to visit the formal gardens, the Rose Garden, woodland areas and lakes which are joined by a network of paths.
Kents Cavern
As one of Europe's top prehistoric Stone Age caves, this extensive labyrinth of caves is a great attraction for everyone. You will be given a guided tour of the caves which lasts around 1 hour, concluding in the underground exhibition chamber. There are various events on throughout the year – woodland trail quest, Santa Quest and even Shakespeare plays!
Babbacombe Model Village
Explore this model village whilst wandering through acres of manicured gardens. Acknowledged as one of the best model villages in the world, hundreds of models showcase British life, humour and culture throughout the decades.
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Torquay, please take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office:
Health and Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended by all our tour operators and for some operators it is a condition of booking. When choosing a travel insurance please ensure it fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses, and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. As a British citizen you will obviously be entitled to free emergency health care on the NHS.
If you are visiting England from outside the United Kingdom and fall ill or are involved in an accident and are from an EU country or Switzerland, you can use a valid EHIC issued by your home country to access healthcare. Please note this is not an alternative to travel insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for nationalities planning on visiting the UK.
For the latest information and travel advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), please click here
If you need to contact the emergency services whilst in the UK simply dial 999 or 112 to ask for an ambulance.
Crime
The United Kingdom is a safe place to visit, however, as with all countries please exercise common sense. Petty crime can occur so take your usual precautions such as not leaving luggage unattended, beware of pickpockets in tourist areas and leave valuables in the hotel safe.
Local Laws and Customs
Queuing is a British Institution - jump a queue at your own risk!
If you are visiting from outside of the United Kingdom, it is wise to check customs requirements before you travel. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. If you go over your allowances, you may have to pay tax or duty. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel.
UK Entry Requirements
When travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man you may need to show a Border Force officer a document confirming your identity. In most cases an official form of identification such as a driver's license or an armed forces identity card will be ok. However, some airlines will insist you show a passport so please check before you travel.
If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can enter the UK with one of the following identity documents: a passport, an Irish passport card or a national identity card issued by an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if you’re eligible to use one. The identity document should be valid for the whole of your stay.
If you’re from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa, depending on which country you’re from. Please check here if a visa is required before you travel.