A survey conducted by Which? has named Torquay in Devon as one of the worst towns in the UK, but is it really that bad? The Mirror’s Cyann Fielding grew up nearby and has a few thoughts to share…
Torquay was my first parent-free outing as a teenager, now it has been named as one of the UK’s worst towns.
Growing up in Devon I never realised how lucky I was to have both the countryside and the coast so close. In addition to this, Torquay was a seasonal hotspot offering both the benefits of the beach and the hustle and bustle of a vibrant town.
The highstreet would buzz in the summer with tourists perusing European food stalls and locals onlooking with a smile that summer had finally come around. For my teenage self, Torquay was the location of my first outing without the beady eyes of adults. It offered all that a teenage girl could dream of… A H&M, Primark and multiple arcades.
Fast forward nearly 10 years and results from a Which? survey have revealed Torquay as some Brits’ least favourite town. Scored across categories including value for money, food and drink, accommodation, cultural sights, ease of getting around and lack of crowds, Torquay only managed to achieve an overall score of 58%.
Parking scored the worst achieving only one star, whilst food and drink, cultural sights, shopping, ease of getting around and value for money all scored two stars. Despite gaining four stars for accommodation, Torquay still came out at the bottom overall. But is one of the key resorts along the English Riviera really as bad as it has been made out?
Located 18 miles from Exeter, the seaside town does have a lot to offer. Dating back to the 19th century, the town developed into and became known for being a fashionable seaside resort. Soon it became a popular destination within Victorian society, and quickly earnt its name as the English Riviera.
It was also home to murder mystery writer Agatha Christie and in her honour the town created the ‘Agatha Christie Mile’ – a tour with plaques dedicated to her life and work. Another great literary figure, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, also lived in the town following advice from her doctor to move their in hope it would cure her disease.
Reflecting its extensive history, the area offers multiple tourist and cultural attractions including 40,000-year-old caves, a Premonstratensian monastery, and a cliff railway.
Whilst the town centre itself has lost a lot of the big brand names such as H&M and New Look, it boasts many bars, local and independent businesses and numerous restaurants. In addition, the harbour located at the bottom of the high street is currently undergoing a massive revamp. Torbay Council, who are overseeing the project, plan to create a pedestrian-friendly Harbour Public Realm over five phases.
Once complete, the harbour will offer visitors space for events such as food festivals and concerts, an Agatha Christie art installation, cycle path and a modern outdoor dining area. Other than the new development and the current attractions Torquay has to offer, the local bus services are able to get you further afield to explore areas such as Babbacombe, Paignton, Newton Abbot and Exeter. Cockington is just a stone’s throw from Torquay town centre, and is a must if you like picturesque villages and quintessentially British afternoon tea. If taking a car it might be worth venturing to Dartmoor National Park for striking landscapes and encounters with the park’s famous ponies.
As far as value for money goes, my experience of Torquay is that it has never been expensive. When compared to other seaside towns in the UK, it actually appears relatively cheap. Whilst it may not be as extravagant as the towns of Cornwall, it definitely offers a good alternative.
Accommodation in the area is not hard to find. From holiday cottages and independently run B&Bs to your more generic Travelodge and Premiere Inn, you won’t be short of choice. Unlike other parts of the UK, the local hotels often cost less than the well-known hotel chains. Hotels with pools, such as The Imperial, can be found for as low as £60 per night for two people.
Parking might be a little trickier if you don’t know the area, but your best bet is to download the RingGo app. The app has a map function which will show you all the places you can park, which in and around Torquay is often on the roads adjacent to the highstreet or along the seafront. There are car parks, but these tend to be a bit more full and expensive.
If it were not for me having lived near Torquay growing up, I might agree with the 58% score – but for someone who regularly escapes the stresses of London to return to the English Riviera, I can honestly say that it is worth the weekend visit. Just maybe in the summer when the town thrives.
