Living in Torquay

Torquay’s community is both friendly and active, reflecting its mix of long-term residents, families, and seasonal visitors. The town centre and seafront act as hubs for social activities, local shopping, and community events, from summer festivals such as the Torbay Airshow to farmers’ markets and Christmas fairs. Community centres and churches play a key role in bringing people together through clubs, groups, and volunteering opportunities.

Green spaces and outdoor living are central to local life in Torquay. The town is rich in parks, including Torre Abbey Gardens and Cockington Country Park, which provide opportunities for walking, picnics, and family days out. The South West Coast Path passes through Torquay, inviting residents to explore stretches of dramatic coastline and secluded coves. Sailing, swimming, and coastal rowing are popular, as are activities in and around the marina. This blend of community spirit and active lifestyles underpins a strong sense of belonging throughout the area.

Like many popular coastal towns, safety and crime rates in Torquay can vary depending on the area and time of year. As a busy tourist destination, certain parts of the town centre and seafront become more congested in summer, which can impact reported crime rates temporarily. Overall, Torquay experiences both urban and suburban dynamics, with some wards exhibiting lower crime levels than others.

Policing in Torquay is managed by Devon & Cornwall Police, who have a visible presence in the community, particularly during peak tourist season. Neighbourhood watch schemes and local partnerships contribute to efforts to reduce antisocial behaviour and promote safety, particularly in regenerated areas near the harbour and Torre. Community organisations and council schemes also support youth engagement, neighbourhood watch, and crime prevention across Torquay’s residential zones.

Parking in Torquay is generally accessible, with a mix of on-street parking, short-stay and long-stay car parks, and resident permit schemes in busy residential areas close to the town centre or coastline. During the height of the tourist season, parking at the seafront and harbour can become competitive, but there are several large public car parks, such as those at Lower Union Lane and Torre Abbey, designed to cater to both visitors and locals.

The South Devon Highway (A380) makes road access into Torquay straightforward from the north, providing a fast route from the M5 motorway and Exeter. The A3022 runs through the centre, linking to Paignton, Brixham, and across Torbay. Road congestion is generally moderate but can increase at peak holiday times, particularly on routes to the seafront. The locality is well signposted, and journey planning apps make it easier to navigate high-traffic periods.

Nearby towns and routes:
Paignton – approx. 10 minutes via A3022 (3 miles)
Brixham – approx. 25 minutes via A3022/A379 (8 miles)
Newton Abbot – approx. 25 minutes via A380 (7 miles)
Exeter – approx. 35 minutes via A380/M5 (22 miles)

Torquay’s food scene is shaped by its coastal location, offering a host of seafood restaurants, classic British fish and chip shops, and cosmopolitan bistros. The town harbour area is home to numerous restaurants and cafés with sea views, including spots that specialise in locally caught fish and fresh Devon produce. Popular options include the No.7 Fish Bistro, Rockfish Torquay, and The Elephant, which is Torbay’s Michelin-starred restaurant.

Pubs in Torquay range from traditional locals such as The Hole in the Wall (the oldest pub in town) and The Kents to contemporary bars and cocktail lounges along the harbour. Café culture flourishes here, with a choice of independent coffee shops and bakeries. Takeaways and casual dining are also easy to find, making Torquay well-suited for both relaxed and social evenings.

Nightlife in Torquay ranges from lively bars and nightclubs on Fleet Walk and the harbourside to entertainment venues such as the Princess Theatre, which regularly hosts touring shows, plays, and live music. As a seaside town, the nightlife tends to be more vibrant during the summer but generally offers something for all tastes year-round.

Torquay is widely considered a family friendly location, owing to its range of well-regarded schools, nurseries, and childcare facilities throughout the town. The quality and breadth of educational options make it attractive for families seeking a long-term home in Devon.

Parks and green spaces are in abundance, with family destinations including Torre Abbey Meadows, Babbacombe Downs, and Cockington Country Park. Playgrounds and beachside activities make it easy for children to stay active outdoors. Childcare providers are found across all neighbourhoods and cater for both early years and after-school needs.

Safety is prioritised in residential areas, which benefit from community policing, neighbourhood watch schemes, and regular patrols near schools and parks. Family activities are plentiful in Torquay, spanning museums, soft play, the popular Living Coasts (Torquay’s now-closed but fondly remembered coastal zoo aquarium), boat trips, and miniature golf, ensuring a varied lifestyle for children and parents alike.

Torquay is renowned for its pet friendly ethos, with many public spaces, beaches, and green parks welcoming dogs and their owners year-round (with some seasonal restrictions on main beaches). Cockington Country Park, Torre Abbey Gardens, and the picturesque South West Coast Path are all excellent for dog walking and outdoor adventures.

Pet owners benefit from a host of local vet practices, grooming salons, and pet shops distributed across the town. Many cafés and pubs, especially in the harbour and St Marychurch area, offer water bowls and treats for dogs, and several holiday accommodations highlight their dog-friendly status. Renting with pets is generally possible, though, as in most regions, is subject to landlord approval. The general attitude in Torquay is highly positive towards pets, making it a comfortable place for animal lovers to settle down.

Torquay is well-connected to the wider South West and beyond, making it popular with commuters and visitors who value easy access in and out of the region. The town’s railway station is located a short walk from the seafront and offers direct services on the Riviera Line, connecting Torquay to Exeter St Davids and beyond, with onward trains to **London Paddington**, **Bristol Temple Meads**, and other major cities.

Local and regional bus routes operated by Stagecoach South West link Torquay to neighbouring towns such as Paignton, Brixham, Newton Abbot, and Totnes, supporting easy connections throughout Torbay and South Devon. The South Devon Highway (A380) provides a fast road link to the A38 and M5, enabling straightforward car journeys across the South West.

The closest major airports are Exeter Airport, around a 30-minute drive, and Bristol Airport, which is about 90 minutes away by car. These provide domestic and international flights year-round. For access to ferry services, Plymouth is within manageable reach.

Key Commute Times:

• Exeter – approx. 35 minutes by train or car (22 miles)
• Plymouth – approx. 55 minutes by car (32 miles)
• Newton Abbot – approx. 20 minutes by train or car (7 miles)
• London – approx. 3 hours by train (via Exeter)

Torquay offers a comprehensive range of educational options catering to families and students at all stages. The area is well-served by primary, secondary, and further education establishments, making it a suitable location for families prioritising quality schooling.

Primary Schools

Ilsham Church of England Academy is a popular choice, often praised for its nurturing environment and academic standards (Ofsted rated Outstanding, 2018). Sherwell Valley Primary School and Cockington Primary School attract positive feedback from local families, focusing on a broad curriculum and creative development. St Margaret's Academy is also highly regarded for its inclusive ethos and community links.

Secondary Schools

Torquay Boys' Grammar School has a longstanding reputation for academic excellence (Ofsted rated Outstanding, 2011) and draws students from across the region. Torquay Girls' Grammar School, similarly known for high achievement and strong extracurriculars, maintains a strong position in regional league tables (Ofsted rated Outstanding, 2011). St Cuthbert Mayne School, a joint Catholic and Church of England school, provides a caring and well-rounded secondary education.

Sixth Form and Further Education

South Devon College is a significant provider in the area, offering a broad range of A-levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and adult learning. Torquay Academy also hosts a sixth form, blending academic and practical options for post-16 students.

Universities

While there are no universities directly in Torquay, the University of Exeter (Streatham campus) is accessible within an hour’s drive, and Plymouth University is also nearby, making Torquay a feasible base for university commuters.