In the heart of the English Riviera, tucked away from the prevailing south-westerly winds in the north-east corner of Torbay, Torquay Marina’s location is both delightful and secure for boats in all conditions.
Built in 1984, it was one of the UK’s first town centre marinas and is still one of the favourites, drawing scores of visiting sailors, enchanted by the agreeable climate along this stunning stretch of coastline. The marina thrives as a vibrant destination where berth holders and visitors can enjoy a serene sailing location with many captivating coves to explore. Such is the marina’s popularity, this winter it is installing a new visitor pontoon ready to welcome even more sailors and motorboaters in 2024. The marina’s year-round social calendar buzzes with events open to all, creating an inclusive sense of community. Nestled at the heart of Torquay, the marina also benefits from its central location, with shops, eateries, bars and various amenities all within a short walking distance.
FACILITIES & BERTHING
An ideal location for boaters to dock, dine and stock up on supplies while enjoying the Torbay waters, the 440-berth marina can accommodate vessels up to 30m. Complementing the extensive berthing facilities is a modern laundry, WiFi, secure car parking and an expert team of friendly staff who are available 24/7, 365 days a year to make sure customers are looked after around the clock.
For the watersports enthusiast, there are also more than 50 personal watercraft pods offering the opportunity to add an element of ‘thrill’ to the on-water experience.
Diesel is readily available just across the bay at MDL’s Brixham Marina, with berth holders and visitors signed up to MDL’s Otium Loyalty Rewards Programme able to make great savings on fuel when they ‘spend’ their loyalty points.
In addition, both petrol and diesel are available on the Torbay South Pier in Torquay Harbour.
For boaters in search of nautical supplies, a small chandlery is available in Seawood Yachts on Palk Street, just a five-minute walk from the marina.
ACCESS
Finding Torquay Marina is very straightforward.
By Road: From Exeter, take the A380 to Newton Abbot and then on to Torquay. On entering the outskirts of Torquay, follow the signs for Torquay seafront. At the seafront turn left and follow signs for the harbour.
By Rail: There is a main line station in Torquay. The marina is only five minutes away by taxi, or 20 minutes’ walk along the seafront.
By Boat: Enter Torbay either directly from the NE or via Berry Head from the south-west. The town of Torquay is easily identified by day and night.
May to September: Steer for a green buoy (QG) 200m west of Haldon Pier head, then head east into the harbour. Turn north for the visitor berths on A pontoon.
October to April: Head for the large white Princess Theatre building situated shore end of Princess Pier until past the harbour mouth, then east into harbour and turn north for the marina and visitor berths. Call the marina on VHF Ch80 for a vacant berth.
CRUISING
Torbay has approximately 22 miles of beautiful coastline to explore with numerous anchorages, including the popular Elberry Cove. This picturesque cove has more than 650m of seagrass, so keep an eye out for the seagrass marker buoys before anchoring.
Easily accessible at all stages of the tide, Anstey’s Cove is another popular anchorage, situated just a little over a mile from Torbay or four miles south of Teignmouth. Tucked below the high cliffs, the bay offers shelter from the north all the way around to west/south-west even in strong conditions.
For those looking to explore further afield, there is the gorgeous River Dart, and the marina is conveniently located for Channel crossings to Brittany, Normandy and the Channel Islands.
OUT AND ABOUT
Torquay is famous for its association with writer Agatha Christie who was born in and spent her early years living in the quaint little town, which contains an ‘Agatha Christie Mile’ – a tour with plaques dedicated to her life and works.
You can learn more about Torquay’s history by taking a trip to the medieval Abbey built in 1196 or the Torquay Museum, which was founded in 1844 and is one of the oldest museums in Devon.
For outdoor aficionados, visitors can enjoy a stroll in Cockington Court, enjoying picture-postcard cottages and horse and carriage rides, and let us not forget, there are plenty of award-winning beaches.
For those keen on exploring the attractions further in land, Torbay offers visitors an excellent year-round bus service.
Paignton Zoo – Listed as one of Britain’s top zoos, it is home to some of the planet’s rarest and most wonderful creatures including gorillas and orangutans, giraffes, lions, tigers and rhinos. There is also a wide variety of plants with hundreds of rare and beautiful specimens around the 80-acre site.
Babbacombe Model Village – This is famous for its miniature landscaped gardens and is branded as one of Europe’s Premier Model Villages. Open all year, it has an incredible four-acres of marvellously miniature gardens and offers great value with one ticket entitling you to two visits within any seven days.
Kents Cavern – This award-winning home of ancient humans is one of the top prehistoric Stone Age caves in Europe. With an extensive labyrinth of spectacular caves, they really are an iconic site well worth a visit.
Bygones – Located in St. Marychurch and spread over three floors, Bygones offers pure nostalgia for all ages. You can visit an authentic, life-size Victorian street including a forge, sweet shop and apothecary plus a nursery, kitchen, parlour or dentist. There is also a 1940s and 1950s shopping arcade and a First World War trench.
BUSINESSES AT THE MARINA
Otto Torquay
Situated in the marina, Otto is an exciting new Mediterranean style restaurant with alfresco dining offering 360-degree views of the marina from its large outdoor terrace.
Marina Gifts
Nestled in the heart of the harbour, Torquay Marina Gifts is a treasure trove of thoughtful surprises and fascinating discoveries, with shelves stacked with elegant trinkets and whimsical novelties.
Torquay Watersports
Torquay Watersports is an RYA recognised training school providing training for beginners to more experienced mariners. The team also offers high performance RIB rides and charters so visitors can enjoy the beautiful South Devon coast with one of its highly experienced skippers at the helm.
Western Lady Ferry
The Western Lady has been operating a fine ferry service between Brixham and Torquay for more than 75 years. The 30-minute ferry ride across the bay to Brixham and returning to Torquay is a refreshing and stress-free way to view Torbay from the sea, especially when the sun is shining.
Torquay Marina
Vaughan Parade
Torquay, Devon TQ2 5EQ
VHF Channel 80
01803 200210
torquaymarina@mdlmarinas.co.uk
www.torquaymarina.co.uk
