Explore the English Riviera with a Guided Tour

Torquay has welcomed visitors since the late 19th Century and has been a popular tourist destination since. One of the best ways to learn more about our lovely seaside destination, is a guided walk with English Riviera Guided Tours.

With a variety of walks offers, English Riviera Guided Tours  convey intriguing stories and fascinating facts about the people and events that have shaped Torquay’s history.

From Agatha Christie to our role in World War 2, there are many reminders across Torquay that has created the bay as we see it today.

Timeless Torquay

This circular Torquay walk meets outside The English Riviera Tourist Information Office in Vaughan Parade, Torquay TQ2 5JG. We’ll pass by the Pavilion, along Princess Gardens and Princess Pier, towards Abbey Sands. On arrival at The Grand Hotel, we’ll return to the starting point via Torre Abbey and the Royal Terrace gardens.

Time: 2 – 2 ½ hours, 8000 steps Terrain: Flat for the majority of the walk, but there’s a short steep rise and steps towards the end

Torbay at War

This circular walk meets outside The English Riviera Tourist Information Office in Vaughan Parade, Torquay TQ2 5JG.  The walk takes us past the Pavilion, along Princess Gardens and Princess Pier, towards The Grand Hotel and Torquay station, before returning via Torre Abbey, over Rock Walk and around the harbour, finishing at Haldon Pier.

Time: 2 – 2 ½ hours, 8000 steps Terrain: Flat for the majority of the walk, but there’s a short steep rise and steps towards the end

Beauty of the Bay

This circular walk meets outside The English Riviera Tourist Information Office in Vaughan Parade, Torquay TQ2 5JG. The route follows the harbour, before heading out of town to Meadfoot beach, returning via London Bridge, the Imperial hotel and finishing at the harbour.

Time: 2 ½ – 3 hours, 8000 steps Terrain:  Initially flat, the road gently rises towards the South West Coastal path, which is steep in places, with steps and uneven surface in places – suitable for good/fit walkers.

A Gentle Introduction to Agatha Christie

This walk is all about Agatha. Find out about her early years growing up in Torquay and visit the places she and her friends used to go. This walk meets outside The English Riviera Tourist Information Office in Vaughan Parade, Torquay TQ2 5JG.  The route follows the sea front to the Grand Hotel, before returning via Torre Station, Torre Abbey via the harbour and Imperial Hotel.

Time: 2 – 2 ½ hours, 7000 steps Terrain: Flat – easy walking, with a short steep walk at the end

Hidden Harbour

Find out how John Cleese’s stay at a Torquay hotel inspired Fawlty Towers and stand at the starting line of Torquay’s annual waiters’ races.  This circular walk meets outside The English Riviera Tourist Information Office in Vaughan Parade, Torquay TQ2 5JG.  The route follows the harbour, before heading up Torwood Street, along Park Hill Road, before passing the former Living Coasts and returning to the harbour.

Time: 2 hours, 3000 steps Terrain: Flat – easy walking

Best of Babbacombe

Learn about Oscar Wilde’s infamous liaison in Babbacombe and hear the story about John Babbacombe Lee – “the man they couldn’t hang”.  You can marvel at the Victorian’s engineering as you are transported up the Babbacombe Cliff Railway and enjoy the spectacular views. Take a stroll through an award winning, adults only park, Tessier Gardens. End the walk with a story about how a dog saved Torquay United from relegation!

Time: 2 – 2 ½ hours, 6000 steps Terrain: Initially a steep descent to the coast and uneven surface along the beach. Otherwise, flat and easy walking

Tailored Walks

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