While you sure won’t see the Sydney Opera House from a Torquay hotel window, the views certainly shouldn’t disappoint. And if you have no idea what I mean by that, you might want to brush up on your Faulty Towers trivia.
Other than being the setting for this famous English comedy series, Torquay is an English seaside town that traverses the centuries. It took me about five seconds to understand why its described as the country’s most booming seaside town.
Don’t be mistaken; this is no dusty resort town past its prime. No, no – the town has moved away from the copy-paste hotel and resort scene and received a new lease on life featuring boutique-themed hotels, campsites, guesthouses, and even Airbnbs in Torquay. My pick of the lot – Airbnbs are the ideal combination between a holiday cottage, a serviced home, and a B&B.
Call me Airbnb’s biggest fan, but I can’t imagine a better way to experience this seaside town than in a private space with all the comforts and conveniences of home. Especially if you’re travelling with kids or don’t fancy eating out three times a day.
If you’re looking for locally authentic place to stay, I’ve done the groundwork for you and compiled a list of the BEST Airbnbs in Torquay.
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Quick Answer: These Are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Torquay
Sunny Victorian Apartment with Two Beds
- > $$$
- > 4 Guests
- > Big south-facing garden
- > High ceilings with relief details
Elegant Listed One-Bed Apartment
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Walking distance to harbour and beach
- > Grade 2 listed Victorian home
Stately Two Bedroom Home With Bay Views
- > $$$$
- > 6 Guests
- > Hot tub, BBQ, garden and sea views
- > Impressive modern interiors
Chic and Minimalistic One-Bed Victorian Flat
- > $$
- > 1-2 Guests
- > Outdoor courtyard with BBQ and dining table
- > Close to three beaches
Family-Friendly-Home with Sun-Drenched Conservatory and Patio
- > $$$
- > 3 Guests
- > Underfloor heating throughout
- > Sunny conservatory dining space
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Torquay
Torquay is one of those old-school seaside resort towns that won the country’s heart with its grand hotels and resorts. But after decades of use, many resorts have lost their charm and gotten pricer with the years.
It’s no wonder that Airbnb has become wildly popular, especially for travellers to the UK – who wouldn’t opt for a fully self-catering, private home for a fraction of the price of a carpeted hotel room with windows that hardly open on their trip to the UK?
Airbnbs come in all shapes and sizes. You could rent a Victorian terrace from the 1880s, a historic apartment, modern condos, a room in a local home, or even a home in a gated community. The options are endless, as are these Airbnb amenities and facilities.
So what amenities can you expect? The typical Airbnb has a fully equipped kitchen, an open-concept living space that opens onto a garden or a terrace, and private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Toiletries and basic cleaning supplies are also expected.
Airbnbs set in historic buildings are usually refurbished with modern interiors and state-of-the-art appliances. Torquay’s homes have a distinctive beachy feel. Many are designed with simple white-washed walls and decorated with blue coastal-themed wallpapers, fabrics, and furniture.
There are tons of places to stay in Devon just a few minutes walk from the beach or harbour. And I recommend you do exactly this, especially without a car. For the perfect summer spot, I recommend finding an Airbnb with an outdoor living space where you can BBQ, dine outdoors, and even relax in the sunshine.
The 15 Top Airbnbs in Torquay
When you take the leap from basic hotels to Airbnbs in Torquay, you open up a world of opportunities. From seaside retreats to compact town centre apartments to romantic condos with sea views, there is a spot on this list for every type of vacation.
Sunny Victorian Apartment with Two Beds | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Torquay
Let’s start this list with a home featuring the best combination of style, price, and location. It’s a tough combo to hit, but this sun-drenched Victorian home has sealed the deal with its high ceilings, huge windows, and period details.
The kitchen is my favourite room in the apartment, with a deep farmhouse sink, gas stove, and French doors opening out into the garden. Oh, and did I forget to mention this house is accessible, too? It has a fully accessible bathroom and is set on the ground floor with ramps for wheelchair access. Win, win, win!
Elegant Listed One-Bed Apartment | Best Budget Airbnb in Torquay
You can rest assured you’ll get the most bang for your buck staying in this holiday rental in the UK. While most of the top solo-friendly Airbnb’s around here are private rooms in a shared house, this entire condo with a full bedroom is on the market for a similar price.
It’s located in a listed historic home, yet it has been beautifully remodelled with clean white and grey interiors. You can whip up one-pan meals in the kitchen and even cuddle up with one of the books provided in your own comfortable bed.
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View on Osprey View on REIStately Two Bedroom Home With Bay Views | Over-The-Top Luxury Airbnb in Torquay
If you’re looking for a luxurious Airbnb in Torquay, let’s skip to the chase. This sea-view apartment fits the bill. From the double-height ceilings with bay windows to the ocean view from the hot tub to the expansive gardens, this spot screams opulence.
The interior is as gorgeous as it gets, with warm wooden furniture and hardwood floors, modern leather seating, and cool grey kitchen cabinetry. Even from inside the apartment, you’ll feel the fresh sea breeze flowing through the massive windows on a warm summer day. Now, this is what I’m talking about.
Chic and Minimalistic One-Bed Victorian Flat | Perfect Torquay Airbnb for Solo Travelers
As a solo traveller in the UK, I felt I hit the jackpot with this entirely private home with sea views. For a similar price as a hostel room, I was treated to my own living room with a TV, a two-seater dining table (or workspace), and even a small balcony.
Of course, the apartment has a small kitchen, beautifully refurnished with baby-blue tiles and wooden countertops. Even as you wash your dishes from the deep butler sink, you can gaze over the trees and across the bay.
Family-Friendly-Home with Sun-Drenched Conservatory and Patio | Perfect Short-Term Airbnb for Digital Nomads
It’s true. The UK can be a physically dark place. If you’re visiting outside of summer, you’ll want to book this home with its own sunny conservatory. Don’t get me wrong, a conservatory and patio are equally as inviting during summer, but there is something special about warming yourself in the sun on a cool day.
Conservatory aside, this one-bedroom cottage is hidden on a residential street, just a hop-and-a-skip from the beach, local shops, and all the restaurants you might want to visit while in town. You won’t need to use a car to get around, but the property does offer off-street parking if you bring one along.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Torquay
Oh, but I’m not done here yet. There are even more top Airbnbs in Torquay that promise an unforgettable stay on the picturesque English Riviera. Let’s see what all the fuss is about:
Here are a few more of my favourite Airbnbs in Torquay!
Spacious Studio on the Torquay Harbourside
You can’t really get closer to the Torquay harbour than this apartment. A stone’s throw from the beating heart of Torquay, this gorgeous ground-floor studio has been styled with modern interiors and only the very finest furniture.
It reminds me of an upscale hotel room, except with the conveniences of a home. Take, for example, the kitchenette, living space, and dining room (which can double as a workspace). It’s even fitted with all the cooking basics that you might not want to purchase for a short stay.
Old-School Luxury Apartment with Sea Views
This corner apartment is as traditionally Torquay as they come. It’s survived the waves of tourism and stands as beautifully as it once did when the town first gained popularity. Aside from being ideally located in the centre of the city, it has the most beautiful harbour views in all of Torquay.
The bedroom might be small, and the kitchen a bit cramped, but the stunning property gardens and 180-degree views of the bay and harbour sure do make up for it. Oh, and it’s also on the market for a reasonable price, considering its views and location. Run, don’t walk for this one!
Modern Sea View Apartment with State-of-the-Art Kitchen
If I’m staying in a seaside town, best you believe I will find a Torquay Airbnb with sea views. Well, this one tops the list. Floor-to-ceiling windows make you feel like you’re ON the beach, even from the living room. It’s so close to the sea; the apartment has direct beachfront access. So, you really can be on the beach one moment and on the couch the next.
The entire space is modern chic, with marble floors, leather couches, and a brand-new kitchen that looks like it fell off the pages of a home magazine.
Home in a Gated Community with Landscaped Gardens
To put it lightly, travelling with kids can be a hack. In my opinion, there are few ways to ease the adventure other than staying in a safe and secure gated community.
Let your kids explore the property while you relax in the warm living room. Prepare a meal and enjoy it as a family in the seven-seater dining space, and even throw a load of laundry in the wash before bed.
My favourite part of this space is the private terrace, beautifully decked with flowerbeds and sunny couches protected from the wind.
Refurbished Victorian Schoolhouse with Two-Bedrooms
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved staying in properties with a unique history. The walls of this historic schoolhouse echo the chatter of kids past, but not in the creepy way you might imagine…
The apartment’s interior has been totally refurbished, with a countryside kitchen, wooden shelving, and a grey-blue tiled bathroom. It might not be the biggest Airbnb in Torquay, but it has more than enough space for four to five guests. It even has a fully equipped kitchen to cook in and a private terrace to enjoy your morning coffee.
Refurbished 1880s Victorian Home with Bay Views
This refurbished house from the 1880s is considered one of the most popular Victorian homes in the area. If only walls could talk, we’d hear about the glamorous days of the Torquay harbourfront in all its glory.
Today, the home has two bedrooms and a spacious open-concept living space. The kitchen and dining room are in a separate room (as a true ode to the past aesthetic). No doubt the best part of the house, this stylishly tiled room with ingenious storage and shelving, will make you want to cook instead of eat out.
Self-Catering Two-Bed Apartment with Inner Courtyard
Although this is one of the more affordable hotels in the town, the last thing it feels like is a cheap stay. It’s set in what feels like an upmarket motel, with a shared central courtyard with private entrances for each apartment.
This family-friendly Airbnb in Torquay has two bedrooms with space to sleep up to five guests. It’s also well equipped for families, with extras including a crib, children’s books, toys and dinnerware, and a high-chair available upon request.
Stylish One Bed Cottage with Fenced-In Garden
Let this modern cottage be your peaceful escape from the busy streets of Torquay. The spacious home is a new build, featuring tiled bathrooms with an industrial iron and glass shower, a kitchen fitted with everything you might need to prepare a homecooked meal and an attic bedroom with a private workspace.
The living room is so spacious you could easily set up two yoga mats on the floor. Oh, and the kitchen has sliding doors opening onto a sunny garden, where you can enjoy your morning coffee or just a refreshing breeze.
Long-Term-Friendly Apartment with Sunny Balcony
If a few days in this harbour town doesn’t scratch the itch, I don’t blame you. Why not spend an extended vacation in this apartment, which has amenities for long-term living built into the price?
If it’s an option, do yourself a favour and rent this gorgeous one-bedroom Airbnb in Torquay. It’s perfectly fitted for a couple, or even better – a solo traveller, with a dining table, bar seating, and a small kitchen with laundry facilities. Not to mention, the home even has a terrace where you can host some new friends!
Fully-Equipped Three-Bed Family Home with Fireplace
This one is for the families visiting Torquay. From the moment you step into this harbourside inn, you’ll feel right at home. Busy interiors with unique lighting fixtures, pops of colour, and carpets you could only expect from a historic resort in Torquay make this one of the more traditional apartments on the list.
The living area is centred around a fireplace making it an ideal cottage for Christmas in the UK. The beds are topped with an abundance of comfortable pillows and blankets and the master bed takes the saying ‘the cherry on top’ literally!
If you’re taking on the area but not sure if Torquay is the right spot for you, check out the best best Woolacombe Airbnbs instead.
FAQs About Airbnbs in Torquay
Curious about Torquay? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions. If you have any of your own, feel free to drop it in the comments below!
What To Pack For Torquay
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Torquay Travel Insurance
When backpacking, you never know what can happen. I’ve had several unfortunate accidents where travel insurance would have saved me so much anxiety and trouble.
Take it from me, make your Torquay trip anxiety-free and get solid travel insurance.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on The Best Airbnbs in Torquay
You don’t get much more ‘traditional English seaside’ than Torquay. Famous for its beaches and promenade, Victorian aesthetic, and influence on English comedy, I’ve always considered Torquay the epicentre of the English Riviera. Sure, it might not be the French Riviera, but it would be a mistake to dismiss Torquay as anything short of wonderful.
But it doesn’t end there. The Airbnbs in Torquay are just as impressive as the town itself. Having transcended decades of English history, this once grand resort town has reinvented itself as a modern beach town with an exciting range of self-catering rentals to suit all budgets and preferences.
For me, it’s a no-brainer, I have to go with my favourite; this Refurbished 1880s Victorian Home with Bay Views. It’s such a gem in Torquay that I’m sure you’ll love.
To close things out with a quote from the most iconic English comedy show to hit the telly – “Might I suggest you move to a hotel (read: Torquay Airbnb) closer to the sea?”
- Check out our Backpacking around the UK guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Make sure you visit the most beautiful places in the UK too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks in the UK.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
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