Award-winning Bed & Breakfast in a remarkable setting in Torquay Currently rated 6th out of 146 B & B's on TripAdvisor and 9.6 on Booking.com
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The Torcroft welcomes children who are 12 years and over.
The Torcroft - A History
The Torcroft
The Torcroft was built in 1860 as a Gentleman's Residence, during the golden age of the Victorian era, by the Wheeler family.
The Torcroft has enjoyed many owners, styles of interiors and fashions over the decades, and there are original brochures from some of these eras which give guests a sense of history. Many of The Torcroft's original features have been preserved to an outstanding standard, which are particularly stunning in the lounge and dining room. The Torcroft has been extended over the years, including a second floor of guest bedrooms at the top of the house.
Pictured above are 2 photographs from the 1937 brochure, kindly sent by the daughter of an Australian couple who spent their honeymoon at The Torcroft.
Torquay
Torquay is a seaside resort town on the English Channel in Devon, south west England.It was established as a popular spa destination by the Victorians during the 19th century, largely due to its temperate, mild climate. Torquay has a micro climate that generally gives warmer, longer summers than other parts of the UK. Known for beaches such as Babbacombe and cliffside Oddicombe, its coastline is nicknamed the English Riviera.
There was little development until the early 19th century. At this time the town started to attract visitors in ill health as a winter resort because of its fresh air and mild climate. Later in the century, Torquay became a favoured resort for the upper classes. In 1870, Lawrence Palk, built a new harbour for the town which made it popular with yacht sailors.
During the First World War a number of hospitals and convalescent homes were set up. Between the wars, an advertising campaign by the Great Western Railway ensured that Torquay became a major holiday resort. In 1948 Torquay hosted the watersports events of the Olympic Games. In 1950 the European Broadcasting Union was formed here.
Torquay, and the surrounding area, is a major tourist destination in the UK, offering fabulous places to visit and plenty to do. Torquay is an excellent base for visitors, who find plenty to do locally, and is a short distance for day trips. Torquay offers first class restaurants and bars, stunning beaches, the Jurassic Coast, the Princess Theatre and the Riveria Centre. A short drive, bus journey or ferry from Torquay, South Devon has plenty of gems - Brixham, Dartmouth, Greenways, Exmoor National Park and Cockington, to name a few. From Torquay it is a short drive to Totnes, Exeter and Plymouth.
