Your stay — Toorak Hotel
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Torquay.
The Property — Toorak Hotel
The Toorak Hotel is a family-run, 3-star establishment that exudes a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Its Victorian-era façade has been tastefully restored, with a subtle blend of modern comforts and period charm. The lobby's dark wood paneling and plush armchairs create a cozy retreat from the bustling streets of Torquay. This hotel is ideal for couples and families seeking a relaxing seaside break, with a focus on comfort and practicality rather than luxury.
Chronicles of Torquay
Torquay, located on the south coast of Devon, has a rich maritime history dating back to the 18th century. The town's picturesque harbour was a major hub for shipbuilding and trade, with many Georgian and Victorian-era buildings still standing today. In the early 20th century, Torquay became a popular resort town for the British aristocracy, earning the nickname 'The English Riviera'. Today, the town maintains its charm, with a thriving arts scene and a strong sense of community. Visitors can explore the historic Torre Abbey, a 12th-century monastery that now houses a museum and art gallery.
Best Time to Visit
Full Torquay guide →Best months
The best months to visit Torquay are July and August, with warm weather (average highs of 22°C) and long days, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor pursuits. September is also a good choice, with milder temperatures (average highs of 19°C) and smaller crowds.
Peak / festival surge
August is the peak tourist month in Torquay, driven by the town's participation in the Torbay Airshow and the English Riviera Airshow. Expect higher hotel prices and larger crowds, but the events are well worth it for aviation enthusiasts. The airshows typically take place in mid-August.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are excellent shoulder months for budget-conscious visitors, with mild temperatures (average highs of 17°C) and fewer crowds. Prices are generally lower, and you can enjoy the town's scenic coastal walks and attractions without the peak-season crowds.
Weather & packing
Be prepared for unpredictable weather in Torquay, as the town is known for its 'April showers' – pack waterproof gear and layers for your visit. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and a hat for those sunny days.
Live City Briefing — Torquay
- The A380 highway linking Torquay to Exeter has been upgraded, reducing journey times to the city centre. New bus services connect Torquay to local attractions, including the English Riviera Wheel and Kents Cavern. The town's famous Babbacombe Cliff Railway has reopened after a major refurbishment, offering stunning views of the coastline.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Toorak Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Rooms on higher floors (4th floor or above) are recommended due to the potential for street noise on the lower floors, especially on the main road. Looking for a room with a west or east-facing window can provide a better view of the surrounding area.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the lower floors (ground floor to 3rd floor) may experience more noise from the main road, especially those with windows facing the front of the hotel. Additionally, rooms near the lift may have more noise from its operation.
Best views
Rooms on the higher floors (4th floor or above) may offer views of the surrounding area, including the sea or nearby buildings.
Quietest floors
4th floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Torquay's TQ2 area is generally quiet, but the hotel's proximity to the main road may cause some noise disturbance, especially during peak hours. The hotel's concrete floors may also carry some noise from above.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a kettle and tea/coffee facilities for a more convenient stay. If you're planning to explore the area, the hotel is within walking distance to the Torquay town centre and various local amenities.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Toorak Hotel
free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, including the historic part of the building which has a spiral staircase
complimentary access to PressReader, no physical papers, historic building features exposed beams and fireplaces
3:00 PM - 10:00 PM, no early bag-drop, late check-out until 12:00 PM, £10 fee after 12:00 PM
available at the hotel's luggage storage facility, £5 per item per day
step-free access to the hotel, wheelchair-accessible entrance, some rooms have adapted bathrooms, but no wheelchair-accessible rooms available
on-site parking available, £15 per night, public car park nearby, £10 per day, no electric vehicle charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: £1.50 per night, per person, mandatory city tax
Deposit & card hold: £20 advance deposit, £50 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: All Saints Church (374 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Andrews (421 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Church of Our Lady of Walsingham with St. Cuthbert Mayne (611 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Central Church (642 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Union Square Shopping Centre — 1.1 km · ~13 min walk
Torre Abbey Meadows — 581 m · ~7 min walk
Dinosaur World — 1.8 km · ~22 min walk
Unleashed @ The Royal Lyceum — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
Rocket Park Playground — 811 m · ~10 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 640 m · ~8 min walk
Well Pharmacy — 469 m · ~6 min walk
Belgrave Stores — 348 m · ~4 min walk
Torquay — 760 m · ~10 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Pound Sterling, GBP
Avoid airport and hotel exchange bureaux for poor rates; use high-street banks or Post Office branches in Torquay town centre.
Contactless card and mobile payments are widely accepted; some market stalls or small B&Bs may prefer cash.
Rounding up the bill or leaving 10% in restaurants is appreciated but not compulsory; taxis and hotel porters get £1-2.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Cafe filter coffee or Americano from a chain like Costa or Greggs costs around £2.50-3.00.
A filled baguette or jacket potato from a high-street bakery or cafe, £5-7.
Pie, chips and mushy peas or fish and chips from a takeaway chippy, about £8-10 for a main.
Torquay harbour has several takeaway stalls selling pasties, burgers and doughnuts; Brixham fish market nearby for fresh seafood on the go.
Tesco, Sainsbury's, Lidl and Aldi are the budget supermarkets in the area.
High-street chains in the town centre (Primark, Next, M&S) and charity shops on Fleet Street for bargains.
Day bus pass for £4.50-5.50 covers local routes; from Exeter Airport take the 345 bus to Torquay (about £7 single).
Pack a picnic for beach days to avoid overpriced seafront cafes; visit attractions on free-entry museums days; walk or cycle the coastal path instead of paying for parking.
Good to know — Torquay
Type G · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ £0.74 · GBP
Emergency Contacts
Torquay999 is the UK's single emergency number. For non-urgent police matters, dial 101. For non-emergency medical help, call 111. Local Torquay police station: 01803 500400.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Torquay, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Toorak Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 640 m · ~8 min walk — pharmacy · Well Pharmacy — 469 m · ~6 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Exeter St Davids (via shuttle bus from airport) → Torquay Station
💡 Hop the 56 airport shuttle bus to Exeter St Davids (single £2.30) then catch the train. Buy an off-peak day return on GWR’s website—saves a third on walk-up fares. From Torquay station it’s a 10-minute uphill walk to Arran Lodge; a short taxi costs £5.
Torquay Bus Station (8-min walk from Arran Lodge) → Paignton, Brixham, or Teignmouth
💡 Buy a day rider ticket (£5.20) if you’re making more than two local trips—it’s valid on all Stagecoach buses in Torbay. Bus 12 runs along the seafront, so grab a window seat for the full coastline view.
Exeter Airport (EXT) → Arran Lodge, Torquay
💡 Book with Apple Taxis or Torquay Taxis online a day before—costs £5 less than hailing at the rank. Ask for a fixed price quote upfront.
Exeter Airport (EXT) Bus Stop → Torquay Harbour (adjacent to Arran Lodge)
💡 Buy a digital return ticket on the app—50p cheaper than cash. Sit on the left side for sea views past Newton Abbot. The stop is a 3-minute walk from Arran Lodge up Terrace Walk.
Exeter St Davids station → Torquay station
💡 Take the Paignton-bound service. From Torquay station, it’s a 20-minute walk downhill to the hotel, or pick up the number 12 bus from the stop outside the station.
Exeter St Davids → Torquay Rail Station (then 15-min walk or short taxi to Crown Lodge)
💡 Buy advance tickets online for cheapest fares; station to Lodge is downhill along Torwood Gardens Road.
Torquay Bus Station (stand F) → Lee Hotel (Warberry Road stop)
💡 The bus stops right opposite the hotel. Use Stagecoach app for live times – the service is reliable but gets packed during Torquay United home games.
Paignton bus station → Livermead Hotel stop (opposite)
💡 This bus runs the whole seafront. Get off at the stop just after the Livermead Cliff Hotel sign – the return stop is directly across the road. Buy a day rider (£5) if you’ll make more than two trips.
Crown Lodge (stop on Warren Road nearby) → Paignton, Babbacombe, or Torre Abbey
💡 Get a day rider ticket (£5) for unlimited hops — useful for exploring the English Riviera; buses are cash or contactless.
Torquay Railway Station → Paignton
💡 The Lee Hotel is a 10-minute walk uphill from Torquay station – not great with suitcases. For Paignton, buy a return; single fares are barely cheaper.
Exeter Bus Station (opposite train station) → Torquay Harbour (Crown Lodge is 5-min walk uphill)
💡 Sit on the right side for sea views past Teignmouth; ask driver for nearest stop to Crown Lodge — get off at Torquay Town Hall.
Exeter Airport (EXT) → Crown Lodge, Torquay
💡 Pre-book with a local firm like Torquay Taxis Direct for a fixed price — avoid surge pricing at arrivals.
About Torquay
Wikipedia ↗Torquay United Football Club is a professional association football club based in Torquay, Devon, England. The team currently compete in the National League South, the sixth level of the English football league system. They have played their home matches at Plainmoor since 1921 and are nicknamed "T...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Toorak Hotel?
Rooms on higher floors (4th floor or above) are recommended due to the potential for street noise on the lower floors, especially on the main road. Looking for a room with a west or east-facing window can provide a better view of the surrounding area.
Which rooms should I avoid at Toorak Hotel?
Rooms on the lower floors (ground floor to 3rd floor) may experience more noise from the main road, especially those with windows facing the front of the hotel. Additionally, rooms near the lift may have more noise from its operation.
Is Toorak Hotel noisy?
Torquay's TQ2 area is generally quiet, but the hotel's proximity to the main road may cause some noise disturbance, especially during peak hours. The hotel's concrete floors may also carry some noise from above.
Which rooms have the best views at Toorak Hotel?
Rooms on the higher floors (4th floor or above) may offer views of the surrounding area, including the sea or nearby buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at Toorak Hotel?
Consider requesting a room with a kettle and tea/coffee facilities for a more convenient stay. If you're planning to explore the area, the hotel is within walking distance to the Torquay town centre and various local amenities.
What time is check-in at Toorak Hotel?
Check-in at Toorak Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Toorak Hotel have Wi-Fi?
free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Toorak Hotel?
£1.50 per night, per person, mandatory city tax
Where can I eat cheaply near Toorak Hotel?
A filled baguette or jacket potato from a high-street bakery or cafe, £5-7.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Toorak Hotel?
Day bus pass for £4.50-5.50 covers local routes; from Exeter Airport take the 345 bus to Torquay (about £7 single).
When is the best time to visit Torquay?
The best months to visit Torquay are July and August, with warm weather (average highs of 22°C) and long days, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor pursuits. September is also a good choice, with milder temperatures (average highs of 19°C) and smaller crowds.
Top Attractions in Torquay
💡 Go early on a hot day to get a decent spot. The tide goes out a long way so you get plenty of flat sand for games or just lounging.
💡 Pick up fish and chips from The Captains Table on the quay—better quality than the tourist traps. Sit on the eastern side for a quieter view.
💡 Walk the full loop around the harbour to see the working fish market (early mornings only). Grab a pasty from the harbour kiosk—it's cheaper than the sit-down places.
💡 Visit at low tide to walk right around to the harbour wall; the cafes at the back sell decent pasties for under £4.
💡 Bring a picnic and sit on the grass near the bandstand. Free outdoor concerts happen on Sunday afternoons in summer.
💡 Free live music at the bandstand most Sunday afternoons in summer. Grab fish and chips from a nearby takeaway and sit on the sea wall to watch the boats.
💡 Come early morning for a quiet walk – popular with dog walkers before 9am.
💡 It gets busy on sunny weekends—go early morning for a bench spot. Combine with a walk along the promenade to Meadfoot Beach.