If you have ever been to the south of England, you are sure to know Torquay. It is the gateway to the wonderful world of Devon. The sun shines here more often than anywhere else on the British coast, and on clear days, the sea looks almost Mediterranean. But the real secret of Torquay is that it is a convenient base for exploring the entire region.

From here, you can take a ferry along the coastal towns or hop on an old steam train that slowly rolls along cliffs, bays and sandy beaches. Each route is a journey with the flavour of old England, the smell of the salty wind and the sounds of rails stretching into the distance.

Torquay ferry routes

Sea voyages are a special way to travel, where you can take your time and see the coast from a new perspective. Ferry lines connect Torquay with other coastal towns, allowing you to enjoy the fresh breeze, the cries of seagulls and the smooth surface of the water glistening in the sun.

The first regular ferries between Torquay and neighbouring ports appeared in the 19th century, when the sea was the main means of transport along the coast. Today, this tradition continues. The quays still echo with the voices of captains, the smell of salt water and the cosiness of old ships, but the routes themselves have become more comfortable and safer. Below are the three main destinations that are most popular with travellers.

Torquay to Brixham Ferry

Torquay pier address: North Quay, Torquay Harbour, Torquay, TQ1 2BG

Brixham arrival address: New Pier, Brixham Harbour, Brixham, TQ5 8AJ

This ferry is one of the most scenic routes along the coast. The journey takes about 30 minutes, but during that time you will see cliffs, yachts and tiny bays that are inaccessible from land. In good weather, you can even see the edge of Dartmoor Forest.

In summer, ferries depart every half hour, and in the off-season, several times a day. Tickets can be purchased directly at the pier or online, but keep in mind that ferries may be cancelled in windy weather.

Once you arrive in Brixham, be sure to take a stroll along the waterfront, visit the fish market or one of the shops at Old Fish Quay. Here, fresh sea fish is caught and sold, which is then served in Torbay’s best restaurants.

Torquay to Paignton Ferry

Departure: Beacon Quay, Torquay, TQ1 2BG

Arrival: Paignton Harbour, Roundham Road, Paignton, TQ4 6DU

The Torquay to Paignton route is ideal for those who want to combine a sea voyage with a short excursion on land. The journey takes about 25 minutes, and the views during the trip are especially beautiful at sunset, when the sun sets behind the Dartmoor ridges.

Paignton is famous for its long beach and historic railway station, from where the legendary Dartmouth Steam Railway departs. Therefore, it is convenient to plan a combined route: there by water, back by train through picturesque villages and valleys.

Street musicians often perform on Paynton Pier, and not far from the harbour, you can try the famous Devon Ice Cream, made from local cream.

Torquay to Dartmouth Ferry

Departure: North Quay, Torquay, TQ1 2BG

Arrival: South Embankment, Dartmouth, TQ6 9BH

The longest of the sea routes, taking approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, connects Torquay with historic Dartmouth, a town with a naval academy and old houses along the waterfront.

Dartmouth is a real open-air museum. It has narrow streets, antique shops, cafés overlooking the river and the legendary Dartmouth Castle. Taking the ferry means seeing Devon from its true side: maritime, open and a little old-fashioned.

Railway travel – retro and modern

If the sea is all about movement and wind, then the railway is about comfort and rhythm. Devon is one of the few regions where old steam railway lines have been preserved and are still operating for tourists.

Here you can hear the whistle of the locomotive, smell the smoke and coal, and be transported back in time for a few hours to when travel was leisurely and romantic.

Dartmouth Steam Railway

Departure station: Paignton Station, Queens Park Road, Paignton, TQ4 6AF

Arrival station: Kingswear Station, The Square, Kingswear, TQ6 0AA

This is the most famous tourist route in the region. The steam train runs along the coast, past Goodrington Sands beach and the hills of Churchham, offering views of the sea and green fields. The journey is about 11 kilometres long and takes 30 minutes, but the impressions will last a lifetime.

The stations are decorated in Victorian style: wooden signs, antique lamps, and the café serves tea in porcelain cups. In Kingswear, you can change to a ferry and cross the River Dart to Dartmouth itself, continuing your journey on the ‘train + ferry’ route.

In summer, there are often themed trips, such as the evening Steam & Cream Tea or the Christmas Santa Express, where children are treated to sweets right in the carriage.

Riviera Line – from Torquay to Exeter

Departure: Torquay Railway Station, Rathmore Road, TQ2 6NU

Arrival: Exeter St Davids Station, Bonhay Road, EX4 4NT

The Riviera Line is a modern route connecting the coastal towns of the English Riviera with the region’s main transport hub, Exeter. The journey takes just over an hour and runs along the coast.

Part of the route runs right along the edge of the cliffs, offering impressive panoramic views of beaches, yachts and distant villages. An early morning trip is particularly enjoyable, when the mist hangs over the water.

There are stops along the route in Paignton, Torre, Newton Abbot and Teignmouth, where you can get off, take a walk and catch the next train. For photographers, this is a real treat – the views here are some of the most picturesque in England.

Useful tips for travellers

To ensure your trip to Devon goes smoothly, it is worth planning your route in advance. Many ferries and vintage trains operate on a seasonal schedule, and tickets sometimes sell out several days in advance.

Before you travel, it is worth considering the following:

• Car parks at piers and stations fill up quickly, so arrive early.
• Ferries can be crowded in summer, especially on weekends and public holidays.
• It is best to book tickets for vintage trains online, as there are often queues at the ticket office.
• In Dartmouth and Brixham, it is more convenient to buy a return ticket to avoid waiting for the return journey.
• If you are travelling with children, bring light jackets – even in summer, it can be chilly on the water.

After a walk, it is always nice to stop at one of the cafés by the harbour. In Torquay, at Beacon Quay, there is a cosy restaurant called Below Decks, which serves fish and seafood straight from the morning’s catch. In Paignton, you can visit Harbour Light, and in Brixham, the historic pub The Old Market House, where musicians play in the evenings.