Plan your visit
Getting Here
Torquay is on the south Devon coast, in between the cities of Exeter and Plymouth. Being in the south-west of England, it does take a little planning to visit, but its location is also what makes it so special.
Train
Many of our visitors choose to travel by train and Torquay Railway Station is conveniently located right by the seafront, close to several hotels and the Festival’s main venues. Torquay Railway Station is also where Agatha Christie and Archie stepped off the train for their one-night honeymoon on Christmas Eve 1914 and she returned to the station many times over the years when visiting her hometown.
Torquay Railway Station was also the setting for a unique meeting at the Agatha Christie Centenary Celebrations in 1990. Hercule Poirot (David Suchet) stepped off the Orient Express where he was met by Joan Hickson in full costume as Miss Marple.
Our partners at Great Western Railway can help you plan your journey to Torquay from across their network and beyond. Plus, you will enjoy one of the UK’s most picturesque rail journeys – the coastal route between Exeter and Torquay. Book early to save, on average, more than 50%. For more information, visit the GWR website.
Driving
If you are driving here, you will need to take the M5 motorway from Bristol and head south to Newton Abbot, before following signs for Torquay.
Coach
Coach travel is also possible, and National Express offer a number of routes into Torquay and the English Riviera. These also connect to airports in Bristol and London.
Arriving by Air
Our closest airport is Exeter Airport (although it is fairly small) and shuttle buses run regularly from there to Exeter City Centre where you can then take a train, bus of taxi to Torquay. Bristol Airport is another possibility, as are the various international terminals in London, including London Gatwick and Heathrow. From there you can either drive to Devon, or take a bus or train.
Getting Around Once you are Here
Torquay is very walkable, especially around the seafront area where many of our events are held. Stagecoach offer bus routes across Torquay and the rest of the Bay, while it is just one stop on the train between Torquay and Paignton to visit any events taking place there. There are also a number of car hire companies in Torquay, including Avis who are located at Torquay Train Station.
Of course, another possibility is to take a taxi to your destination. A number of taxi ranks are located around the seafront, including one at Torquay Train Station. Your accommodation can also arrange a taxi for you. You can also call your own.
Three possibilities are:
- Torbay Taxis: 01803 211611
- Price First Taxis: 01803 322322
- Torbay Cab Company: 01803 292292
Take a Ferry
Torbay is made up of the three towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham and a really fantastic way of getting around the Bay is by ferry. These run from the end of March to the end of October – weather dependant, of course. It takes about half an hour to travel between each of the towns, while daily boats also run from Torquay and Brixham to Dartmouth and take around an hour and a half each way.
English Riviera Visitor Information Centre
For more information about getting to places around the Bay and beyond, we would highly recommend popping into the English Riviera Visitor Information Centre which is found at 5 Vaughan Parade, Torquay TQ2 5JG. The helpful staff there will also be able to give you more information about the Festival, while they also sell a range of Agatha Christie related books and merchandise.
Don’t forget to visit the Agatha Christie memorial bust to the rear of the building.
