Osborne

Torquay


The terrace of this grand, crescent-shaped hotel is more St Tropez than Torquay: think palm trees, white parasols and utterly bewitching sea views. Light-filled rooms are decked out in bright colours, with beds ranging from four poster to sleigh. The best rooms have sweeping bay views and binoculars to watch the boats go by.

A gym and two pools (one cliff-side and heated) help add to the south-of-France feel.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Torquay attractions

1. Torquay Museum

0.48 MILES

The collection at Torquay's town museum is eclectic, taking in everything from samurai suits of armour to Egyptian mummies and taxidermied butterflies…

2. Kents Cavern

0.75 MILES

Expect stalactites to drip water on your head and temperatures to dip to 14°C in these atmospheric caves. Hour-long guided tours lead through a maze of…

3. Anstey's Cove

1.02 MILES

A pocket-sized beach that's popular with swimmers, thanks to a picturesque rock ridge and pinnacle, and a cheerful beach cafe.

5. Torre Abbey Gardens

1.42 MILES

Built in 1196, this impressive abbey is a setting for arts and cultural events, but it's the wonderful gardens that are of most interest – particularly to…

6. Oddicombe Beach

1.64 MILES

One of a string of sand-and-shingle beaches, Oddicombe sits at the foot of the Babbacombe Cliff Railway.

7. Babbacombe Model Village

1.79 MILES

There are 413 tiny buildings, inhabited by 13,160 even tinier people, on display at this Lilliputian attraction, the epitome of English eccentricity…

8. Cockington Country Park

2.47 MILES

At 182 hectares, Cockington provides a welcome oasis of calm, green space, just a mile from Torquay's seafront bustle. Walking trails wind through fields,…