According to a recent Visit Britain survey 54% of Americans never visit the UK beyond London as they are reluctant to get behind the wheel of a hire car and drive. Let's hope the news spreads that if they visit Torbay then there's no need to have a car at all!
Regular Train -
The 25 is ideally situated with Torquay station a ten minute walk near to one end of our road, and Torre Station at the other end of Avenue Road (and down hill all the way to us!). There's a direct train from Paddington Station in London.
Once you're here, trains are regular and easy to catch to all sorts of local towns like Paignton, Newton Abbot, Totnes, Plymouth and Exeter.
Steam Train -
For a great experience, we have several steam trains in South Devon. The most popular is the one from Paignton which takes in the dramatic coastline to Kingswear (we recommend sitting in the observation carriage at the front). Then hop on the passenger ferry for a four minute crossing to the lovely town of Dartmouth. Alternately you can get off at the Greenway stop and walk to Agatha Christie's home.
Land Train -
Taking a regular circular route around Torquay, why walk when you can catch the land train?
Coach -
Arriving by coach is just as easy with the station just less than a mile from us.
Taxi -
We have plenty of taxi firms locally and one based on the road just behind us. It's around £5 into the centre of Torquay.
Regular Bus -
Our public transport is very good and you can get almost anywhere by bus. There are more local stops near us, but the main area where all buses stop is outside Debenhams in the harbour area of Torquay.
Open Top Bus -
As pictured above, why not take the open top bus and hop on and off to explore several places in one day?
Ferry -
A short walk into the harbour area gives you the option of taking a ferry across to Paignton, the little fishing town or Brixham or picturesque Dartmouth. Alternately just take a boat trip out to spot the dolphins & seals.
Walking -
Lots of things are within walking distance, particularly when it's lovely sunny weather and if you're happy to walk.
Torre Abbey, one of the areas biggest attractions is only 5 minutes away. The Big Wheel, Princess Theatre, Torquay Museum, beaches, South West Coastal Path, harbour and shopping can all be found in Torquay along with a huge array of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.
A little further and you've got the delights of Babbacombe and all the attractions there. Paignton is walkable too.
Guided Tour -
If you're looking to go further afield, such as Dartmoor National Park, then it may be worth spending a day out with Alex Graeme from Unique Devon Tours who offers a special price to residents at The 25 for his award winning tours of the area.
As you can see, you'll have no problem filling at least a week without even getting in a car.
Many of our guests arrive by car, park up, and never touch it until they go home. It's nice to get some fresh sea air and not have to be a commuter for a while. Not to mention the green benefits to lots of people not using their cars whilst in the area.
So, whether you are American, English or from any other country, there's nothing stopping you having a car-free time in Torquay. We have a large car park with plenty of space for all our rooms so we hope to see you soon.