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1 / 6Torquay is the heart of the English Riviera, a palm-lined seaside town on Devon's Tor Bay known for its harbour, sandy beaches and easygoing holiday feel. Where you base yourself shapes the trip: stay by the water for buzz and walkability, or head to the clifftop suburbs for quieter, greener stays close to the family attractions. Here are five confirmed areas worth booking, with honest notes on what each is like.
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This is the lively heart of Torquay, wrapped around the marina and harbour with a palm-lined promenade, bars, restaurants and the Princess Theatre, all backing onto the main town-centre beach at Torre Abbey Sands. It suits first-timers, couples, anyone after nightlife, and car-free visitors who want everything on the doorstep, from the shops to Torre Abbey house and gardens and the English Riviera Wheel area. The trade-off is clear: this is the busiest and most expensive part of town, and in peak season it can be noisy at night, so ask for a room away from the strip if you want quiet.
Babbacombe & Oddicombe
About a mile north of the harbour, this clifftop suburb offers big Lyme Bay views and a cluster of Torquay's best-known family attractions, from the Babbacombe Model Village to Bygones museum, plus the Babbacombe Downs promenade and the South West Coast Path. With plenty of mid-range hotels and B&Bs, it's a natural fit for families and budget-minded sightseers who want a quieter, greener base. Bear in mind the beach itself sits down a steep hill, so most people ride the Babbacombe Cliff Railway down to Oddicombe rather than walk it.
Wellswood, Meadfoot & Ilsham (the Lincombes)
On the hillside just east of the harbour, this leafy, affluent district centres on Ilsham Road, sometimes called Wellswood Village, with independent shops, delis and restaurants. Grand villas, sea views and a calm residential feel make it a good choice for couples and anyone after an upscale, quieter break, and it's still only about a mile from the harbour on foot. Nearby you'll find Kents Cavern's prehistoric caves, Meadfoot Beach, Anstey's Cove and the Ilsham Marine Drive coastal walk. The trade-off is price: this is one of the pricier corners of town.
St Marychurch
Just inland and above Babbacombe, St Marychurch is a village-style quarter with a pedestrianised shopping precinct, everyday amenities and plenty of guesthouses, making it one of the more budget-friendly and practical bases, especially for families or longer stays. You're a short walk from the Babbacombe Model Village, Babbacombe Downs and the Cliff Railway, with Cary Park close by. The honest note: it's practical and family-friendly rather than scenic, so if a sea view is a priority you'll want to be nearer the clifftop or harbour.
Livermead & Corbyn Head (western seafront)
Just west of Torre Abbey Sands, this stretch of coast road holds several traditional seafront hotels facing Tor Bay, giving you a sea-view setting a little removed from the town-centre crowds. It works well for couples, drivers and anyone wanting a quieter seafront stay, with Corbyn Head, Torre Abbey and the promenade towards the harbour all close, plus the road up to pretty Cockington village nearby. The trade-off is that you're on the main road, so it's a level walk or short drive into the harbour rather than being right in the thick of it.
How to choose
For a first visit or a car-free break, the Harbourside puts nightlife, beach and theatre within a stroll, at the cost of higher prices and peak-season noise. Families juggling attractions and budget are best served by Babbacombe or St Marychurch, with the clifftop views a bonus in Babbacombe. Couples after a calm, upscale stay should look to Wellswood and the Lincombes, while drivers wanting a quieter sea view can settle at Livermead and Corbyn Head. In short: central for buzz, clifftop for family value, hillside for peace.
FAQs
Which area is best for first-time visitors to Torquay?
The Harbourside and Seafront around Torbay Road is the easiest first base, putting the marina, main town beach, restaurants and Princess Theatre within walking distance, though it's the busiest and priciest part of town.
Where should families stay in Torquay?
Babbacombe and St Marychurch are strong family choices, sitting close to attractions like the Babbacombe Model Village and the Cliff Railway, with plenty of mid-range and budget guesthouses.
Where can I stay for a quieter, more upscale break?
Wellswood, Meadfoot and Ilsham (the Lincombes) offer a leafy, affluent village feel with sea views and independent shops, while still sitting about a mile from the harbour.
🎟️ Top things to do in Torquay
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