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Kaplan City Guide: Torquay
Sometimes known as the “English Riviera” due to its beautiful palm trees and harbor reminiscent of the Mediterranean, Torquay is nonetheless a typically English city in the southwest of England. We asked our students to provide us with some of their best tips on how to take advantage of a visit here.
The best beach: Babbacombe
I think that the best beach in Torquay is Babbacombe, as it has spectacular views.
Ingrid Vila Gimenez, Spain
Our students are pretty universal in their love of Babbacombe Beach. It’s one of the better known areas of Torquay, but worth pointing out to newcomers as a place to start their journey. It’s perfect for lazily lying on the sand, or else taking a more active approach and trying out the many local water sports.
Explore all the different corners of the city
What I most love is Torre Abbey, Cockington Village, and Angel near Babbacombe beach.
Preeda Gittipongpittaya, Thailand
Hoping to explore a bit of English heritage while you’re staying in Torquay? After you’ve tried out the famous beach, you won’t be far from a few typically British and uniquely charming local gems.
Torre Abbey, as its name suggests, was first built in 1196 as an abbey, but over the years has become a private home, an art gallery, and a popular destination for visitors. Explore the gardens and the art-lined halls of the largest surviving medieval monastery in Devon and Cornwall.
Cockington, an immensely old, picturesque village, is about half a mile from Torquay and boasts quaint cottages, cricket grounds, a historical mansion, and other endearing corners perfect for exploring.
The Angel Team Room boasts a beautiful garden setting – despite the fact that it is both indoors and climate-controlled. The effect comes from shop’s collection of silk flowers, which are even changed to match the season and for holidays. It’s the perfect place to grab a cup of real English tea and relax!
Meet up with friends and other classmates after class
A place that I often went to was Appleby's, it's a pub where can you meet other students from Kaplan.
Guido Colombi, Italy
Appleby’s Bar and Restaurant, located in the Heritage Hotel Complex, is a common hangout for Kaplan students and locals alike. It’s great for live music, enjoying the fresh air on the patio with a bite to eat or a drink, watching the big match, or just meeting up with friends.
Another local nightlife favorite is Park Lane, a recently refurbished bar, grill, and club.
If this beautiful city appeals to you, find out more about our schools in the UK and how you can study at our Kaplan school in Torquay.
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