Lucy's Guidebook
Places to Visit
With over 2,500 different animals across 80 acres, Paignton Zoo is one of the South West's most exciting visitor attractions.
Come rain or shine, Paignton Zoo is a fun filled day out for all the family, and you’ll need all day to see it all!
269 locals recommend
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Totnes RoadWith over 2,500 different animals across 80 acres, Paignton Zoo is one of the South West's most exciting visitor attractions.
Come rain or shine, Paignton Zoo is a fun filled day out for all the family, and you’ll need all day to see it all!
Splashdown Waterpark at Quaywest is perfectly situated right next to Goodrington beach, on the English Riviera, Devon's beautiful Bay.
With twisting tyre rides, slippery waterslides, it is the essential addition to your seaside day out or family holiday.
82 locals recommend
Splashdown Quaywest
Tanners RoadSplashdown Waterpark at Quaywest is perfectly situated right next to Goodrington beach, on the English Riviera, Devon's beautiful Bay.
With twisting tyre rides, slippery waterslides, it is the essential addition to your seaside day out or family holiday.
Woodlands Family Theme Park is the largest theme park in Devon, a fun filled family day out for everyone. From little kids to kid-ults there’s something for anyone and everyone!
With one of the largest and best indoor play areas in the South West, amazing water rides, a zoo farm and much more, there’s fun to be had rain or shine. A great value family day out!
135 locals recommend
Woodlands Family Theme Park
A3122Woodlands Family Theme Park is the largest theme park in Devon, a fun filled family day out for everyone. From little kids to kid-ults there’s something for anyone and everyone!
With one of the largest and best indoor play areas in the South West, amazing water rides, a zoo farm and much more, there’s fun to be had rain or shine. A great value family day out!
Crealy Theme Park & Resort is an award winning family Theme Park in Devon that boasts over 60 rides and attractions, with spectacular entertainment, live shows and animals galore.
It’s no wonder that Crealy Theme Park & Resort has been voted as the best day out in Devon for eight years running!
175 locals recommend
Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Sidmouth RoadCrealy Theme Park & Resort is an award winning family Theme Park in Devon that boasts over 60 rides and attractions, with spectacular entertainment, live shows and animals galore.
It’s no wonder that Crealy Theme Park & Resort has been voted as the best day out in Devon for eight years running!
With 12 unique role play areas, each more exciting than the last, Bear Town will inspire your child to broaden their personal, social and emotional development, expand their communication and language skills all the while gaining confidence and most importantly having fun.
Bear Town has been carefully created to help develop both gross and fine motor skills in children of all ages. Learning through play is key to all children’s development so why not come and join the fun!
Bear Town
With 12 unique role play areas, each more exciting than the last, Bear Town will inspire your child to broaden their personal, social and emotional development, expand their communication and language skills all the while gaining confidence and most importantly having fun.
Bear Town has been carefully created to help develop both gross and fine motor skills in children of all ages. Learning through play is key to all children’s development so why not come and join the fun!
Kents Cavern is one of the most important Stone Age sites in Europe and one of Britain's best showcaves! On your visit you'll go back to a time when the cave was home to ancient humans, sheltering from extreme weather, making fires, shaping tools and hunting Ice Age animals. As you walk through the extensive labyrinth of caverns, you'll be surrounded by 400 million year old rocks and spectacular stalagmites and stalactites!
135 locals recommend
Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves
91 Ilsham RdKents Cavern is one of the most important Stone Age sites in Europe and one of Britain's best showcaves! On your visit you'll go back to a time when the cave was home to ancient humans, sheltering from extreme weather, making fires, shaping tools and hunting Ice Age animals. As you walk through the extensive labyrinth of caverns, you'll be surrounded by 400 million year old rocks and spectacular stalagmites and stalactites!
Enjoy the unique English Riviera with Torquay Watersports. See the amazing coastline, wonderful wildlife and escape the crowds in the many secluded and hidden coves.
Torquay Watersports is a specialist in providing high performance RIB rides. Let us show you the joys of the beautiful South Devon coast with one of our highly experienced skippers at the helm.
We also offer the opportunity to try a variety of watersports including wakeboarding, knee boarding or simply the joy of towed inflatables.
15 locals recommend
Torquay Watersports
Vaughan RoadEnjoy the unique English Riviera with Torquay Watersports. See the amazing coastline, wonderful wildlife and escape the crowds in the many secluded and hidden coves.
Torquay Watersports is a specialist in providing high performance RIB rides. Let us show you the joys of the beautiful South Devon coast with one of our highly experienced skippers at the helm.
We also offer the opportunity to try a variety of watersports including wakeboarding, knee boarding or simply the joy of towed inflatables.
Play Cafe
161 Union StSoft play centre & cafe
Vue Cinema Torbay
Esplanade RoadChildren and families will find plenty of hands on exhibits throughout the museum, with trails and in-gallery activities to keep visitors of all ages learning and exploring!
44 locals recommend
Torquay Museum
529 Babbacombe RdChildren and families will find plenty of hands on exhibits throughout the museum, with trails and in-gallery activities to keep visitors of all ages learning and exploring!
Just a stones throw away from the bustling Torquay Harbourside you will find Elton’s Piano Bar a unique themed and sophisticated music venue where a warm welcome awaits you.
Boasting a superb and varied selection of cocktails and drinks. Eltons also provide a delicious food menu including Tapas, Main Courses, Desserts and Sharing Platters.
You will no doubt have an enjoyable experience in our opulent and luxurious surroundings.
Eltons Piano Cocktail Lounge Bar
Just a stones throw away from the bustling Torquay Harbourside you will find Elton’s Piano Bar a unique themed and sophisticated music venue where a warm welcome awaits you.
Boasting a superb and varied selection of cocktails and drinks. Eltons also provide a delicious food menu including Tapas, Main Courses, Desserts and Sharing Platters.
You will no doubt have an enjoyable experience in our opulent and luxurious surroundings.
Sightseeing
Savour the sights, sounds and smells of Paignton Pier!
No visit to the resort is complete without a stroll along the iconic and magnificent Paignton Pier – one of just a handful of traditional seaside piers still delighting holidaymakers around the country.
Award-winning Paignton Pier, reaching out majestically from the centre of Paignton seafront, is an unmissable destination for fun, food and relaxation.
The Pier is a magnet for young visitors who enjoy a jaw-dropping choice of rides, games – including the latest video games – and amusements for all ages.
And for older visitors it provides a unique chance to stretch the legs, grab some fresh sea air, relax and take in unrivalled views of Torquay to the north and Brixham to the south.
Entry is FREE, the Pier is close to the town centre and there’s plenty to do under cover if the weather isn’t kind.
Voted one of Devon’s top attractions… Whatever else you do during your trip – don’t miss Paignton Pier!
66 locals recommend
Paignton Pier
South SandsSavour the sights, sounds and smells of Paignton Pier!
No visit to the resort is complete without a stroll along the iconic and magnificent Paignton Pier – one of just a handful of traditional seaside piers still delighting holidaymakers around the country.
Award-winning Paignton Pier, reaching out majestically from the centre of Paignton seafront, is an unmissable destination for fun, food and relaxation.
The Pier is a magnet for young visitors who enjoy a jaw-dropping choice of rides, games – including the latest video games – and amusements for all ages.
And for older visitors it provides a unique chance to stretch the legs, grab some fresh sea air, relax and take in unrivalled views of Torquay to the north and Brixham to the south.
Entry is FREE, the Pier is close to the town centre and there’s plenty to do under cover if the weather isn’t kind.
Voted one of Devon’s top attractions… Whatever else you do during your trip – don’t miss Paignton Pier!
Based on the glorious South Devon coastline in South West England, enjoy your days out in Devon on our steam trains, boat trips and paddle steamer - the only attraction in Devon that lets you enjoy the delights of Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Dartmouth and the River Dart, Kingswear and Totnes on your day out!
110 locals recommend
Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company
Queen's Park RoadBased on the glorious South Devon coastline in South West England, enjoy your days out in Devon on our steam trains, boat trips and paddle steamer - the only attraction in Devon that lets you enjoy the delights of Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Dartmouth and the River Dart, Kingswear and Totnes on your day out!
Operating lots of different Boat Trips - from Fishing Trips, Ferries, Round Robins, Sunset Cruises and much more.
Our pledge is to provide quality attractions and the best experiences to our customers.
Great boat tours, on colourful boats, at great prices – from a local, independent, family run company.
WeFerry - Torbay & Teignmouth
Berry Head RoadOperating lots of different Boat Trips - from Fishing Trips, Ferries, Round Robins, Sunset Cruises and much more.
Our pledge is to provide quality attractions and the best experiences to our customers.
Great boat tours, on colourful boats, at great prices – from a local, independent, family run company.
Berry Head is a National Nature Reserve. This stunning headland, with its iconic lighthouse and Napoleonic Fort, is surrounded by water on three sides and offers exceptional views across Torbay and beyond. It is Torbay’s most designated heritage site being a Special Area of Conservation, National Nature Reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest and Scheduled Ancient Monument to name only four!
The guillemot colony is protected by the only Area of Special Protection in the UK, which prohibits boats from entering the cove during their breeding season.
You can enjoy superb coastal walks, spot a wide range of wildlife on land and at sea or simply relax in the award-winning Guardhouse Café. Our visitor centre has lots of stories about the reserve, its history, wildlife and the work of Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust.
73 locals recommend
Berry Head National Nature Reserve
Gillard RoadBerry Head is a National Nature Reserve. This stunning headland, with its iconic lighthouse and Napoleonic Fort, is surrounded by water on three sides and offers exceptional views across Torbay and beyond. It is Torbay’s most designated heritage site being a Special Area of Conservation, National Nature Reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest and Scheduled Ancient Monument to name only four!
The guillemot colony is protected by the only Area of Special Protection in the UK, which prohibits boats from entering the cove during their breeding season.
You can enjoy superb coastal walks, spot a wide range of wildlife on land and at sea or simply relax in the award-winning Guardhouse Café. Our visitor centre has lots of stories about the reserve, its history, wildlife and the work of Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust.
Clean water tested by the Environment Agency, Beach is well maintained, Organic and locally produced food, Toilets, Refreshing showers, Disabled facilities, Watersports - Lifeguards on duty;
10th July – 5th September 2021
183 locals recommend
Blackpool Sands
Clean water tested by the Environment Agency, Beach is well maintained, Organic and locally produced food, Toilets, Refreshing showers, Disabled facilities, Watersports - Lifeguards on duty;
10th July – 5th September 2021
Goodrington Beach
Food scene
The Latin life comes to Abbey Sands, the ideal spot for enjoying our delicious Latin American menu, perfect for sharing, alongside a cocktail with views across the Riviera.
Las Iguanas Torquay has all of the sizzling Latin favourites on the menu alongside a legendary cocktail menu to bring that extra sparkle to the beach. It’s cocktail o’clock all day every day with 241 on Happy Hour cocktails and coolers. Torquay Las Iguanas is perfect for big parties, cosy corners, family time, lunch or cocktails at the bar.
25 locals recommend
Las Iguanas Torquay
Torbay RoadThe Latin life comes to Abbey Sands, the ideal spot for enjoying our delicious Latin American menu, perfect for sharing, alongside a cocktail with views across the Riviera.
Las Iguanas Torquay has all of the sizzling Latin favourites on the menu alongside a legendary cocktail menu to bring that extra sparkle to the beach. It’s cocktail o’clock all day every day with 241 on Happy Hour cocktails and coolers. Torquay Las Iguanas is perfect for big parties, cosy corners, family time, lunch or cocktails at the bar.
Oh we do like to be beside the seaside. Like, just across the road from it, in the amazing Abbey Sands building. We have such amazing views from our full height floor to ceiling windows and from our huge outdoor terrace you’ll almost feel the sand between your toes.
Our welcoming, light, airy and eclectic interiors are quite a distraction though, as is our fantastic range of food and drinks (including full kids, gluten free and vegan menus). And if you listen carefully, you might just hear the brass band play tiddely-om-pom-pom…
53 locals recommend
Visto Lounge
Torbay RoadOh we do like to be beside the seaside. Like, just across the road from it, in the amazing Abbey Sands building. We have such amazing views from our full height floor to ceiling windows and from our huge outdoor terrace you’ll almost feel the sand between your toes.
Our welcoming, light, airy and eclectic interiors are quite a distraction though, as is our fantastic range of food and drinks (including full kids, gluten free and vegan menus). And if you listen carefully, you might just hear the brass band play tiddely-om-pom-pom…
We simply want you to unwind and relax in our rustic hand-built seats and enjoy good company, fine food and wonderful views.
Located on Torre Abbey Sands Beach in Torbay on the English Riviera is where you will find our family run restaurant.
With wonderful views out across the bay from our dining rooms and our al fresco dining area, we want you to unwind and relax and let us do all the hard work in serving you fantastic fresh produce.
On the Rocks is the perfect location when you’re looking for exceptional cuisine in a relaxing environment…
A wide range of superbly presented cuisine to suit every palette awaits you here at On the Rocks… Using produce from only the best local suppliers based in Devon.
46 locals recommend
On The Rocks Restaurant
Torbay RoadWe simply want you to unwind and relax in our rustic hand-built seats and enjoy good company, fine food and wonderful views.
Located on Torre Abbey Sands Beach in Torbay on the English Riviera is where you will find our family run restaurant.
With wonderful views out across the bay from our dining rooms and our al fresco dining area, we want you to unwind and relax and let us do all the hard work in serving you fantastic fresh produce.
On the Rocks is the perfect location when you’re looking for exceptional cuisine in a relaxing environment…
A wide range of superbly presented cuisine to suit every palette awaits you here at On the Rocks… Using produce from only the best local suppliers based in Devon.
Enjoy stunning sea views overlooking the bay on the Torquay seafront at our Bistrot.
Open 7 days a week for indoor dining, enjoy freshly prepared French food from our new menu including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Whether it’s a catch up with friends over lunch, a relaxed family meal, or a long-awaited reunion with loved ones join us for lunch, dinner or drinks in our outdoor seating.
85 locals recommend
Bistrot Pierre
Torbay RoadEnjoy stunning sea views overlooking the bay on the Torquay seafront at our Bistrot.
Open 7 days a week for indoor dining, enjoy freshly prepared French food from our new menu including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Whether it’s a catch up with friends over lunch, a relaxed family meal, or a long-awaited reunion with loved ones join us for lunch, dinner or drinks in our outdoor seating.
WE LOVE FOOD! FRESH. LOCAL. SEASONAL.
Twenty1 is all about great food that feeds the soul as well as your appetite, enjoy locally sourced & freshly prepared food from our seasonal changing menus.
We like to keep our menu inclusive, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free diners will always find something delicious on our menu. Not to forget those little ones too, we are a family friendly venue with a separate menu designed to perfectly fill smaller tummies.
17 locals recommend
Twenty1
21 Victoria ParadeWE LOVE FOOD! FRESH. LOCAL. SEASONAL.
Twenty1 is all about great food that feeds the soul as well as your appetite, enjoy locally sourced & freshly prepared food from our seasonal changing menus.
We like to keep our menu inclusive, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free diners will always find something delicious on our menu. Not to forget those little ones too, we are a family friendly venue with a separate menu designed to perfectly fill smaller tummies.
The Elephant restaurant is a bright, informal seaside restaurant which overlooks the beautiful Torquay harbour.
Run by chef proprietor, Simon Hulstone and his wife Katy, it was the first restaurant in Torquay to be awarded a Michelin star which it has maintained for 15 years.
The Elephant is relaxed, friendly and serves the best value Michelin starred lunch in the UK.
We aim to source our ingredients locally and sustainably, many from the restaurant’s dedicated farm in Brixham but we do look further afield if it’s something we’re really excited about. All the dishes change regularly depending on which locally grown and reared ingredients are at their best.
The Elephant welcomes children of all ages however the children’s menu is not available in the evening and is only for children 10 & Under.
50 locals recommend
The Elephant Restaurant
3&4 Beacon HillThe Elephant restaurant is a bright, informal seaside restaurant which overlooks the beautiful Torquay harbour.
Run by chef proprietor, Simon Hulstone and his wife Katy, it was the first restaurant in Torquay to be awarded a Michelin star which it has maintained for 15 years.
The Elephant is relaxed, friendly and serves the best value Michelin starred lunch in the UK.
We aim to source our ingredients locally and sustainably, many from the restaurant’s dedicated farm in Brixham but we do look further afield if it’s something we’re really excited about. All the dishes change regularly depending on which locally grown and reared ingredients are at their best.
The Elephant welcomes children of all ages however the children’s menu is not available in the evening and is only for children 10 & Under.
Handmade Gourmet Burgers. The best stories are like the best burgers: big, juicy and messy! We are an independently run, local multi-site restaurant specialising in meat and produce from Devon and the surrounding areas. We hand mix our meat, hand press our patties, breadcrumb our chicken, cook and pull our pork on site. All this along with craft beer, local ciders and music to boot.
11 locals recommend
MEAT59 Torquay
59 Abbey RdHandmade Gourmet Burgers. The best stories are like the best burgers: big, juicy and messy! We are an independently run, local multi-site restaurant specialising in meat and produce from Devon and the surrounding areas. We hand mix our meat, hand press our patties, breadcrumb our chicken, cook and pull our pork on site. All this along with craft beer, local ciders and music to boot.
Ollie's nurtures long-term relationships from across Devon to get the best produce. The restaurant delivers an informal and social setting, where the surroundings are as vibrant as the food.
Ollie's is in the heart of Torquay located on Torwood Street. This new restaurant has undergone complete refurbishment, providing a classic setting, offering the highest quality cuisine.
Ollie's
Ollie's nurtures long-term relationships from across Devon to get the best produce. The restaurant delivers an informal and social setting, where the surroundings are as vibrant as the food.
Ollie's is in the heart of Torquay located on Torwood Street. This new restaurant has undergone complete refurbishment, providing a classic setting, offering the highest quality cuisine.