‘English Riviera’ set to get major £20,000,000 upgrade

Devon is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK — and for many visitors, Torquay and its coastline is the jewel in the coastline’s crown.

This seaside town, just a 30 minute train from Exeter, has been attracting Brits from across the country for years due to its sandy beaches, crystal blue water, and some of Devon’s most luxurious hotels and restaurants.

While the combination of Torquay and neighbouring towns Paignton and Brixham make up the stunning ‘English Riviera’, Torquay is often thought of as the district’s Queen.

The idyllic landscape is home to 52,000 residents but regularly sees upwards of 4 million visitors annually.

And as spectacular as it already is, it’s about to get a major facelift.

Torbay Council is currently in the midst of revamping several different areas in Torquay’s Harbourside – as part of a broader plan to totally regenerate the town over the next decade.

New homes, restaurants, an upmarket hotel, and more efficient travel networks are all set to be included in the large-scale project.

In 2023, it was announced that a private and public sector partnership was going to invest over £20 million into the project.

While Torquay is the main site for refurbishment, the plans also include updating sites in both Paignton and Brixham.

Which areas in Torquay are being upgraded?

Made up of dozens of stages that will unfold over the next 10 years, one of the biggest elements of the refurbishment involves Torquay’s Harbourside.

Announced back in March, the council revealed plans for a redevelopment of The Strand – the main harbour-front promenade in the town, with shops and cafes.

This particular spot has already seen a partial glow up, with an investment injected in 2024 to ‘enhance the space for pedestrians, public transport operators and increase dwell time in the area.’

There’s also plans for an upscale boutique hotel. According to construction company, Willmott Dixon, it will feature ‘a brasserie-style restaurant, rooftop bar, fitness room, and event space.’

Hotel guests will also be offered impressive culinary options: ‘The food and beverage offering will showcase local produce, delivering a “Best of Devon” experience,’ reads the website.

Once completed, the council have stated that the full revamp of the harbour should provide about 80 full-time jobs, £32 million in wages, and bring 86,000 new visitors over a 30-year period.

There are also plans to introduce a ‘Festival of Torquay’ in 2027.

Another important site for the refurb is Union Square – which has been called the ‘flagship’ project by the council.

With £11 million allocated in funding, the council has stated that the ‘scheme’s design meets local needs by creating a future-ready town centre hub. This hub will provide much-needed housing and help diversify the local economy.’

Specifically, this includes upgrades such as providing approximately 100 new homes and new healthcare facilities and provisions.

This is a long-term project – and while some small developments have taken place over the past two years, most of the heavy lifting is predicted to start in 2026.

Things to do in Torquay

With Torquay undergoing so much development, it’s highly probable that tourism in the area will continue to climb – and it’s easy to see why.

So, if you have this oasis on your bucket list, here are some things to keep in mind when planning your visit.

The 22-mile stretch of English Riviera boasts 20 beaches but for sandy beaches rather than stone you’ll want to visit Torre Abbey Sands which is easily accessible and great for swimming but you can’t take your dogs.

Hollicombe beach may be slightly difficult to access if you’re disabled and dogs are also banned, while Corbyn Head is a sand and shingle beach with sunbed hire and good swimming spots.

If you’re a fan of watersports there are plenty of activities available like water-skiing, diving, kayaking and windsurfing.

For experienced swimmers there is the Meadfoot to Brixham swim challenge which is four miles across the bay. 

For evening entertainment the Babbacombe theatre or Princess Theatre show West End productions or, if you fancy a challenge, the HQ Escape Rooms are great for some family team-building.

@torquay.retreats

Winter is the perfect time to visit Torquay! It’s a little bit quieter, the surf is great and theres so much to see and do. For affordable accommodation options, visit our website. #torquay #torquayvictoria #geelong #surfcoastaccommodation

♬ original sound – Torquay Retreats

If you prefer to shop during your holiday then the family-friendly shopping centre Trago Mills works or you could wander Torquay Harbour which is home to plenty of shops and places to eat.

Average cost of a trip to Torquay

So, how much does it cost to actually travel down to Torquay?

Tickets aren’t cheap, so make sure you plan ahead. From London, you can book a single for £34, if you book three months in advance.

Once you’re there bus travel costs £3.70 for adults – this is reduced to £2.40 if you have a rail card – and £1.85 for children.

In terms of accomodation, there are a number of affordable options alongside the higher end hotels.

For example, the Trecarn offer stays from £75 per night for a Saturday night in May. Or, you can get a room at the Heritage Hotel for £145 with breakfast included.

But if you’re looking for something a tad more boujie, The Balmoral Hotel is Torquay’s ‘best kept secret.’ An adult-only hotel, the sea-front location provides a perfect backdrop for early evening cocktails or breakfast on the front lawn.

For £428, two people can stay for two nights, with breakfast and a five course meal each night included.

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