Brixham is an historic fishing port with a picturesque harbour and beautiful beaches. You can see it across the bay from the tower. Like Dartmouth it can be reached by ferry but is an easy drive. https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/explore/brixham-p1296653
If you drive to Dartmouth via Kingswear you will need to take the little ferry across the Dart. This ancient town dates back to Saxon times and was visited by the Pilgrim Fathers. Just beyond Dartmouth is the stunning Blackpool Sands beach. https://discoverdartmouth.com/
Salcombe is an exquisite resort with lovely shops and restaurants. By car takes about an hour depending on traffic. Locally distilled Salcombe Gin is highly recommended. https://www.salcombeinformation.co.uk/
Totnes is a charming and quirky town. With a medieval castle at its heart it has attractive shops lining its main street. https://www.visitdevon.co.uk/information/product-catch-all/visit-totnes-p2564823
Beautiful Dartington is close to Totnes. This 1200 acre estate with visitor attractions and a year round programme of events. https://www.dartington.org/
Dartmoor and beyond
Don’t miss a visit to Dartmoor. Do your research if you plan to hike as bad weather can take you by surprise. Find out more about what to see here: https://www.visitdartmoor.co.uk/
Pretty Ashburton is a little village on the edge of Dartmoor. If you like antique shops and tea rooms you will love it. Discover more here: https://www.ashburton.org/
Exeter has a large shopping centre and a beautiful cathedral. The city is an easy drive or can be reached by train from Torquay station. We recommend a visit to Exeter Quayside; https://www.exeterquayside.co.uk/
Historic Plymouth and all its attractions is just over an hour away by car or train. You will find the National Marine Aquarium here, lots of maritime history and the iconic Plymouth Hoe. Explore: https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/explore/plymouth-p224963
Cornwall’s famous Eden Project can be reached by car in under two hours depending on traffic. https://www.edenproject.com
Ferries and Boat trips
Western Lady Ferry Service to Brixham
The best way to get to Brixham is the ferry. This 35-minute trip across the bay sails right into the heart of Brixham’s picturesque harbour. Current prices are £2 single or £3.50 return per person.
Ferries run from April until the end of October. Catch them from Torquay’s North Quay (next to the bridge crossing the harbour). Tickets are sold at the Western Lady ticket kiosk at Vaughn Parade Torquay. Ensure you get on the right boat as other boat trips use this quay. Allow extra time in the Summer because there will be queues. For a full timetable and more information click on the button below.
Dartmouth Day Cruise on the Dart Venturer
Dart Venturer sails along the coast to the beautiful port of Dartmouth every day between April 1st and October 31st.
Departing from Torquay’s North Quay at 11.05, it sails, via Brixham, to Dartmouth. The return journey leaves Dartmouth at 15.30 arriving back in Torquay at 17.00.
Watch the weather forecast as this trip is weather dependent. You can call 01803 555872 to check conditions are suitable. Alternatively, call in to the Western Lady ticket kiosk at Vaughn Parade Torquay. You can find out more information by clicking the link below:
Round Robin
Take a steam train, river boat and bus around Paignton, Dartmouth and Totnes on the Round Robin. This is a famous, award-winning tour which runs from March to November.
Starting Point: From Torquay catch the number 12 bus to Paignton. There is a stop by the harbour opposite Hoopers and another stop by The Pavilion. Get off at Bus Station 11 in Gerston Road Paignton. You will find Dartmouth Steam Railway just round the corner. But make sure you don’t go to nearby Paignton Station instead.
Enjoy the spectacular Torbay coastline from the steam train during the 30-minute long, 7 mile trip. The route then heads inland through the wooded slopes bordering the Dart Estuary to Kingswear.
Passenger ferry from Kingswear
Disembark at Kingswear and take the passenger ferry across the river to Dartmouth. Explore this beautiful little town then board a riverboat and sail up the Dart. The boat journey is 90 minutes long and finishes in the colourful, market town of Totnes.
Catch a dedicated bus back to Torquay from Totnes. If the weather permits it will be an open-top bus. For full details ring 01803 555872 or book on the website by clicking the link below.
National Trust Properties
Greenway
Greenway was the holiday home of Agatha Christie, Torquay’s most famous author. It is situated on the River Dart and is about 30 minutes by car from Torquay.
Agatha Christie described Greenway as “the loveliest place in the world”. The National Trust now run the house and gardens. Every room is filled with mementos from Christie’s travels, just as she left them.
There is a wonderful garden with a boathouse and views of the River Dart. You can see the picturesque village of Dittisham on the other side of the river. A little ferry that will take you across the river if you call it by ringing a bell.
Parking is limited at Greenway so you need to book a parking space in advance of your visit. Book ahead as it is very popular. Book by phone on 01803 842382. Or see other ways to arrive by clicking on the link to the National Trust website below:
Coleton Fishacre
Coleton Fishacre is a wonderful Arts & Craft house situated in stunning 24 acre gardens. It was the former home of the D’Oyly Carte family and is now a National Trust property.
The nearby coastline, which can be reached via the gardens, is spectacular.
For more information click on the link below.
Castle Drogo
Castle Drogo is about an hour’s drive away and was the last castle to be built in England.It is well worth a visit but there is also a beautiful walk called The Teign Gorge Classic Circuit.
This walk goes through the Teign gorge from Castle Drogo via Fingles Bridge. Click on the link below to find out more on the National Trust website.