We’re not situated right next to the sea in Torquay, we’re a gentle ten minute stroll away.
There are no B&Bs on the promenade in Torquay and only two rather average hotels which are themselves set back away from the sea.
It’s a rather nice walk from The 25 Boutique B&B down to the sea, and jam packed with things to do and see on route.
Admittedly, the first few minutes are along Avenue Road, but you very quickly reach the entrance to Torre Abbey at the next set of traffic lights.
Established in 1196, Torre Abbey is now a museum covering the history of Torquay and the abbey and an art gallery housed in an Ancient Scheduled Monument with beautiful and award winning gardens. You can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring it.
It’s also a centre for creativity and culture - with a seasonal programme of exhibitions, events and activities across visual arts, history and live performance. The Abbey is a real hive of activity which ranges from comedy nights to outdoor theatre and cinema in amongst the stunning ruins.
Torre Abbey is also home to the now bi-annual International Agatha Christie Festival and the annual Grinagog Festival of the Arts.
You can wander through their grounds any time of the day or night on the way to the seafront. Next to the Abbey there’s also a tea room if you fancy a snack or drink overlooking the sea.
Before you reach the sea, as you leave Torre Abbey grounds you’ll find some sporting activities. You have the choice of tennis, bowls or pitch and putt. If that kind of golf is a little too serious for you, there’s a fun crazy golf course to try out too.
If you tire yourselves out playing golf before you even reach the sea, there’s One World Café to grab food at or Abbey Refreshments make some tasty ice cream milkshakes. They also offer deckchair hire if you want to relax in the stunning Italianate gardens right next to them.
At certain times of the year you’ll find things going on in the fields in front of Torre Abbey. At the time of writing there’s a fun fair located there.
Walk through the gardens, and you’re now on the promenade and you’ll see the entrance to the beach opposite or you can walk along the seafront down to the picturesque harbour and marina.
Just as you reach the seafront, look to your left and you’ll see a row of bars and restaurants. You’ve got a good choice with Bistro Pierre for French food, Visto Lounge for more casual dining with a coffee lounge atmosphere, Las Iguanas for Southern American, a good old fashioned chip shop, On the Rocks serving locally caught fish and other great bistro food, and Coco cocktail bar. All have outdoor seating and get the afternoon sun so it’s an ideal spot to while away an afternoon by the sea and you’ll often find Julian and I there too.
If you fancy a cool down after sitting in the sun, the shop opposite sells “Mr Whippy” type ice creams with a mix of strawberry and vanilla swirl or more traditional ice cream which is locally made and comes in a wide range of flavours.
As you can see, we may not have sea views at The 25, and we may not be immediately on the sea front, however what we do have is an interesting and attractive walk down to the sea front with plenty to keep you busy and amused before you’ve even thought of venturing into town, the harbour or along Rock Walk. Maybe I’ll leave that for a future blog post.
What’s your favourite thing to do when in Torquay? Add a comment below.
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