Two Days In Torquay
While visiting England, we happened to be there for New Year’s and decided to take a weekend trip to visit Torquay, Dartmouth, and Lyme Regis. We stayed in Torquay for two nights over New Year’s Eve with all of Christopher’s cousins, and it was one of the best New Year’s celebrations I have had.
Torquay offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and British seaside nostalgia and I absolutely loved it here. We were here from December 31 - January 2nd and the weather was not great, it rained almost every day that we were there and it was chilly making it harder to walk around at night, but we still made the most of it.
Getting There:
To reach Torquay, you can opt for various transportation options. If you're coming from London, you can catch a direct train from Paddington Station, and in just under three hours, you'll find yourself in this seaside paradise. Alternatively, if you prefer driving, Torquay is easily accessible via the A380 or A385 roads. We were headed there from Mark, so it was only about a 2 hour drive for us.
What We Did:
Torquay is a vibrant seaside town is the perfect destination for a day of sun, sand, and relaxation. Start your day by exploring the bustling harborside, where you'll find a plethora of trendy boutiques and charming seaside shops. From fashion-forward clothing to unique coastal-inspired decor, there's something for everyone.
We checked in on New Year’s Eve and settled into our apartment to get ready for the night out.
That night, for New Year’s Eve we bar-hopped around Torquay, starting with a few drinks at the Visto Lounge where we ate dinner. They had a really great seating area with couches and you could order drinks from the bar and hang out, it was perfect for our large group.
Next we took a walk over to Soho for some cocktails, but they were tickets only to get in for New Year’s. We then went over to The Green Ginger, which is a Weatherspoon francaise.
If you are not familiar - Weatherspoon is a popular pub chain that you can find all around England and Ireland. This place was like no pub I had ever seen before. It was like someone had taken an Applebees and made it into a nightclub with a casino inside. I would definitely recommend checking this out if you are in the area.
Next, we walked a little more and ended up at Yates 1884. As we walked in the door, they handed us blow-up guitars and other festive toys and hats to get everyone in the mood for celebration. This bar had a big dancefloor and they were playing some older hits, we had a great time dancing and listening to the music.
Finally, we ended the night at Decades nightclub where they played tons of old classics and had a great throwback vibe. We had to purchase tickets ahead of time to get in but this club was great fun once we were inside, especially with a big group of us. We danced and sang the night away until Midnight when it turned New Year’s. We all got a glass of champagne and toasted to the new year, it was a great way to start it.
The next day, we woke up and took a day trip to Dartmouth, which you can read about here.
What We Ate:
There were so many restaurants to visit around Torquay, but we decided to all make sandwiches at our apartment for lunch the day we arrived so we could relax and get ready for the night ahead.
For dinner we ate at The Visto Lounge which had great options for anyone with any food allergies, or if you are vegan, or vegetarian. I had the Tomato and Mozzarella Panini and it was delicious. The atmosphere here was great, after dinner, we stayed at the lounge and sat in some of the big armchairs in the corner where we were able to hang out and drink and play some games before going out for the night.
The next day we had lunch in Dartmouth and the weather was terrible around dinner time so we decided to stay in and order food. We all got a mix of different foods but everything we received was delicious.
Where To Stay:
For an unforgettable stay in Torquay, consider booking a room in one of the town's charming guesthouses or boutique hotels. The Osborne Hotel perched atop Meadfoot Beach, offers stunning sea views and a luxurious ambiance. Alternatively, The Grand Hotel, a Torquay landmark, boasts a rich heritage and elegant Victorian architecture, making it a perfect choice for history enthusiasts.
We booked our apartment through Booking.com for 2 nights in Torquay. This apartment was perfect. We had a group of 10 people and we were able to get two apartments right next to each other for the two nights. Bedford House was clean and had everything we needed for our stay, it was also a close walk to all the bars and restaurants downtown.
Torquay, with its idyllic coastal scenery, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, offers an enchanting escape for a day trip. From picturesque beaches and historic attractions to delightful culinary experiences, this vibrant town promises an unforgettable adventure. So, pack your bags, embrace the Riviera lifestyle, and get ready to create beautiful memories in Torquay, England's sun-kissed gem on the coast.
