Campsites in Torquay, Devon

56 bookable campsites within 15 miles of Torquay Sorted by distance

Three reasons to stay in Torquay 

Tor Bay and the English Riviera

It’s fair to say that Devon’s coastline isn’t short of beauty spots, but the 20 miles around Torquay known as the English Riviera has certain draws of its own. 

First, there’s the area’s microclimate, which means you can expect milder weather, palm trees and some of the longest hours of sunlight in South West England

There’s also excellent seafood available, whether your style is crispy fish and chips on a bench by the harbour or sea-inspired haute cuisine at one of the town’s three Michelin-starred restaurants. 

When you throw in the ready availability of safe and sandy beaches and the scope for traditional pastimes like sandcastle-building and rockpooling, it’s clear that holidays here are likely to involve lengthy trips to the coast. 

Just down the road from Dartmoor

Although the town itself is on the coast, campsites near Torquay aren’t necessarily all about seaside time – it’s worth remembering that the fine open spaces of Dartmoor are just up the road, with a half-hour drive enough to get you deep into the wilder parts of the national park. 

Whether you’re canoeing down rivers, seeking out watery wonders like the Shavercombe and Canonteign falls or trekking to the heights of the park’s peaks and tors, Dartmoor’s rugged landscape feels a world away from Torquay’s smart seafront. 

Close to the best bits of south Devon

Torquay is right in the middle of the south Devon coast, within easy reach of the county’s biggest cities Exeter (35 minutes) and Plymouth on the Cornish border (55 minutes). There’s also a train station in town and readily available bike hire, making it quick and easy to get out on car-free journeys in the local area and beyond. 

Torquay is a few minutes’ drive from other stunning seaside towns like Paignton and Brixham, while the equally gorgeous South Hams and River Dart Estuary are a short drive to the west. For a scenic way to take it all in, book yourself a ticket on a three-part tour that connects up Paignton, Dartmouth and Totnes by steam train, boat and bus. 

Torquay’s best things to do

The best attractions in Torquay

  • English Riviera Wheel – a classic big wheel with open-air gondolas that soar high above the town’s marina

  • Torre Abbey – an exceptional historic house and art gallery with roots stretching as far back as 1196

  • Kents Cavern – spectacular Stone Age caves buried beneath a quiet Torquay suburb

  • Babbacombe Model Village – see your favourite sights from a new perspective in four acres of gorgeous gardens

  • Torquay Golf Course – top-quality greens, great food and sweeping views over the coast

  • Bygones Museum – take a trip down memory lane at Torquay’s nostalgic recreation of late Victorian life

Top things to do within half an hour’s drive of Torquay

  • Greenway House near Brixham – Agatha Christie’s beloved holiday getaway with gorgeous river views

  • Berry Pomeroy Castle, between Paignton and Totnes – family-friendly days out at a large Tudor mansion within the walls of an older medieval castle

  • Dartmoor Whisky Distillery, Bovey Tracey – tastings and tours for grownup guests on the edge of Dartmoor National Park

  • Paignton Zoo Environmental Park – a Devon classic, with more than 300 animal species and a botanical garden.

  • Shaldon Wildlife Trust, Teignmouth – a smaller-scale zoo with a focus on protecting rare species

Delve deeper 

The Christie connection 

Far-famed author Agatha Christie was a local girl, born and bred in Torquay and with lifelong links to the surrounding area. 

Explore the favourite haunts of the Queen of Crime on the Agatha Christie Mile, a waymarked trail along Torquay’s seafront where you can follow in the footsteps of the author and see seven different locations that helped inspire her works. 

Cockington Country Park 

An exceptional mix of formal landscaping, open parkland and woodland, Cockington Country park is just the ticket when you’ve seen enough of the sea and fancy hanging around somewhere greener. This 450-acre country park has ornamental lakes, a historic manor, a village of thatched cottages and a craft centre to explore. 

The best woodland walks near Torquay

The English Riviera is alo spectacular inland, with a wide range of gorgeous woodland walks to discover. Popular options include: 

  • Scadson Woods in Torquay, which can be easily combined with a visit to Cockington Country Park 

  • Brunel Woods, also in Torquay, which were once owned by the famous engineer of the same name

  • For a challenge, take on the hilly paths around Watcombe Woods, just to the north of Torquay

  • For a quick break from the Torquay area, head to Occombe Valley for an easy forest walk near Paignton 

Here’s how

Torquay campsites and holiday parks are both plentiful and varied. And, as they’re associated with what’s now one of Britain’s smarter seaside resorts, campsites near Torquay tend to be top-notch affairs suitable for all sorts of travellers, from bargain-baggers to luxury-seekers.

If you’re tempted by some time in Torquay, take a look at our options for outdoor stays in and around this gorgeous Devon town. Popular options include:

Not swayed by any of the above? Use the tick-box filters on this page to browse by themes, facilities and nearby leisure opportunities. 

Keen to see more of this splendid part of the world? Check out all our options for campsites and holiday parks in South West England.

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