Torquay Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Torquay Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Torquay offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty and attractions that make it worth leaving your hot tub for at least part of your holiday. The harbour area forms the heart of the town, with its stunning marina filled with boats and lined with restaurants.

Kents Cavern (TQ1 2JF, open 10am-4pm daily) ranks as Torquay's top attraction with a 4.5/5 TripAdvisor score. These prehistoric caves contain some of Britain's oldest human remains and offer fascinating guided tours lasting about an hour.

Babbacombe Model Village (TQ1 3LA, open 10am-5pm) scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and provides a quirky day out. The miniature village includes tiny hot tubs in its model holiday cottages - a fun detail that kids love spotting.

Torre Abbey (TQ2 5JE) combines history with beautiful gardens and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. The medieval abbey houses an impressive art collection and hosts regular exhibitions. Its walled garden includes plants mentioned in Agatha Christie's murder mysteries - many containing actual poisons!

Living Coasts has sadly closed permanently, but Paignton Zoo (TQ4 7EU) is just a short drive away and scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor with over 2,000 animals across 80 acres.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Torquay almost as much as their owners do. Many beaches welcome dogs year-round, including Beacon Cove and Meadfoot Beach. Others have seasonal restrictions, typically from May to September.

Anstey's Cove offers a spectacular coastal walk with your dog, with clear paths and stunning views. The South West Coast Path provides miles of walking opportunities right from your cottage door.

The Drum Inn (TQ2 8QY) welcomes dogs in its bar area and garden, providing water bowls and treats. They serve excellent Sunday roasts too. The Thatched Tavern in Maidencombe (TQ1 4TS) is another dog-friendly pub with a lovely garden.

I recommend bringing towels specifically for your dog - after beach walks, they'll need cleaning before jumping back in the hot tub with you! Many cottages provide outdoor taps for rinsing sandy paws.

Torquay's mild climate means outdoor seating at cafés is available most of the year, so you'll rarely struggle to find places to eat with your dog in tow.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Torquay

Cockington Village (TQ2 6XA) feels like stepping back in time. Just a mile from Torquay's seafront, this thatched village remains virtually unchanged for centuries. The craft studios in the old stable yard showcase local artists at work. The country park offers woodland walks perfect for working up an appetite before returning to your cottage for dinner and a hot tub session.

Babbacombe Cliff Railway (TQ1 3LF) has transported visitors since 1926 down the steep cliff to Oddicombe Beach. The views across Lyme Bay are spectacular, especially at sunset. One visitor noted: "Worth every penny of the £3.80 return fare. We saw dolphins from the beach below!" The railway operates 10am-5pm daily from April to October.

Agatha Christie Mile follows the seafront, marking significant locations in the famous author's life. Start at the Grand Hotel where she spent her honeymoon, then visit the Pavilion where she met her first husband. The tour includes Princess Gardens and finishes at the Imperial Hotel, featured in several of her novels. Download the free audio guide from the tourist information centre (TQ2 5QB) to enhance your experience.

Is Torquay good for swimming?

Yes! Torquay has several beaches with excellent water quality. Torre Abbey Sands and Meadfoot Beach both hold Blue Flag status. The water temperature reaches around 18°C in summer - refreshing after a hot tub session. Oddicombe Beach offers the clearest water for swimming.

When is the best time to visit Torquay?

May to September offers the warmest weather, but Torquay's microclimate makes it pleasant year-round. I find June and September ideal - warm enough for beach days but with fewer crowds. Winter visits mean empty beaches and cosy evenings in your hot tub watching the storms roll in.

Do I need a car in Torquay?

Not necessarily. The town centre is walkable and buses connect major attractions. The Hop12 bus runs every 10 minutes between Torquay and Brixham. However, a car helps reach more remote beaches and Dartmoor National Park.

What's the best area to stay in Torquay?

Babbacombe offers quieter cottages with stunning sea views. Wellswood provides upmarket properties near Kents Cavern. For maximum convenience, the harbour area puts you close to restaurants and shops. Cockington offers the most picturesque cottages in a rural setting just minutes from town.

Is Torquay expensive?

Torquay offers better value than Cornwall or Devon's north coast. Eating out ranges from budget fish and chips (around £8) to high-end seafood restaurants (£25+ main courses). Many cottages with hot tubs work out cheaper than equivalent hotel stays when you factor in self-catering savings.

What should I pack for Torquay?

Bring swimwear for beaches and your hot tub, walking shoes for coastal paths and a light raincoat even in summer. Beach towels are bulky - check if your cottage provides these. Many cottages supply welcome packs with tea, coffee and milk, but bring any specialty items you need.

Helpful links:

1. English Riviera Events Calendar
2. South West Coast Path - Torquay Walks
3. Agatha Christie's Devon Connections