Access Information - Torquay
The fact that the town of Torquay is famously built on seven hills,
often causes concern to people of limited mobility who come to visit the
resort. However Torquay's waterfront, the focus of life in the town, has
over one-mile of flat pavements and promenades, with many shops, cafes
and bars. The more central shopping area of Torquay is on an incline.
meaning a small number of shops may have steps for access but most shops
in the town centre are accessible.
The Babbacombe area of Torquay, with stunning cliff top views across the
Bay from the completely flat Babbacombe Downs area is popular with older
visitors and again those of limited mobility, the area is a quieter and
more traditional haven, complete with welcoming tea rooms and
award-winning fish and chip shops. The Babbacombe Cliff Railway means
that the beach area and promenade below is entirely accessible to all.
Useful Information and Contacts
TORQUAY TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE
The Tourist Information Centre
Vaughan Parade,
TORQUAY
TQ2 5JG
Tel: 01803 211211
Fax: 01803 214885
E-mail:
torquay.tic@torbay.gov.uk
ACCESS: Wheelchair access; no parking
Equipment Hire
British Red Cross, Unit 3C
Broomhill Way Torquay TQ2 7QL. Tel: 01803 616098
Wheelchair hire, short term basis.
Shopmobility, Lymington
Road Torquay TQ1 4BW. Tel: 01803 380 982
Manual and powered wheelchairs, scooters. 1 day hire only.
www.justmobility.co.uk.
St John Ambulance, 65 St
Marychurch Road Torquay, TQ1 3HG Tel: 01803 328203
Toilets
(RADAR keys are available from Torquay Tourist Information Centre)
- Beacon Quay (seasonal/radar)
- Cockington Village Car Park Corbyn Head (quite a way from road)
(seasonal)
- Factory Row (Off Union Street) (radar)
- Hollicombe gardens, Preston (seasonal)
- Oddicombe Beach (Seasonal)
- Old Town Hall, Union Street (Radar)
- Princess Gardens, Seafront (Radar)
- St Marychurch Town Hall (Radar)
- Vaughan Road (Marina Car Park) (Radar)
- Lymington Road Coach Station (Radar)
- Meadfoot Beach (Seasonal)
Beaches and Coves
- Anstey's Cove – Type: Shingle/rock, moderate access, very steep.
- Babbacombe Beach – Type: Sand/shingle, moderate access.
- Corbyn Head – Type: Sand/shingle, easy access, steep slope.
- Hollicombe Beach –Type: Sand, moderate access, steep slope. Toilets
located nearby.
- Maidencombe Beach –Type: Sand/shingle, generally easy access, steep in
some places.
- Meadfoot Beach – Type: Sand/pebble, moderate access, very steep, radar
key toilets.
- Torre Abbey Sands –Type: Sand, easy access, toilets.
- Watcombe Beach –Type: Sand, moderate but steep in places.
- Oddicombe Beach –Type: Sand/shingle, moderate access (cliff lift),
toilets by beach.
Pubs, Bars & Restaurants
Most pubs, bars and Restaurants in the area are accessible to disabled
users. Below are some of those but please check accessibility before
visiting.
London Inn (JD
Weatherspoons) 15 The Strand, Torquay TQ1 2AA Tel: 01803 380003 Small
step on entry, radar key for toilet, entry phone to call for
assistance, side level access, stair lift to all floors.
Vaughans Wine Bar, 3
Vaughan Parade Torquay TQ2 5EG
Wheelchair accessible, level access
Red Snapper 8/9 Braddons
Hill West Torquay TQ1 1BG Tel: 01803 380822
Wheelchair accessible, easy access into bar.
Brewers Fayre, Beacon
Quay, Torquay TQ1 2RD Tel: 01803 380004
Disabled access throughout, Guide dogs welcome, Lift.
Drum Inn, Cockington
Village Torquay TQ2 6XA Tel: 01803 605143
Disabled toilet, side entrance access
Riviera International Centre,
Chestnut Avenue Torquay TQ2 5LZ. Tel :01803 206337
Level access. Lift available.
Bianco’s, 38 Torwood
Street Torquay TQ1 1EB. Tel: 01803 293430
Wheelchair accessible.
Chelston Manor Hotel, Old
Mill Road Torquay TQ2 6HN. Tel: 01802 605142
Wheelchair accessible
MacDonalds, 114 Union
Street Torquay TQ2 5PY. Tel: 01803 201072
Level access and toilets
Burger King, Fleet Street
Torquay TQ1 3SR. Tel: 01803 294845
Level access and toilets
Entertainment
Princess Theatre, Torbay
Road Torquay TQ2 5EZ. Tel: 0870 2414120
Separate entrance for wheelchairs. Telephone in advance, (limited
space – 4 spaces plus extra wheelchair transfers), accessible bar (ramp
and lift).
Babbacombe Theatre,
Babbacombe Downs Road Torquay TQ1 3LU. Tel: 01803 328385 Space for 2
wheelchairs. Telephone in advance. Accessible to toilets and
refreshments.
www.babbacombe-theatre.com.
Little Theatre,
St Marks Road Torquay TQ1 2EL. Tel: 01803 299330
Seating for Disabled in front rows – Cannot stay seated in wheelchair
due to fire access regulations.
www.toadstheatre.co.uk.
International Riviera Centre,
Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ. Tel: 01803 299992
Easy access. Ramps supplied if required. Bars and restaurants
accessible, Disabled toilet.
www.rivieracentre.co.uk
Central Cinema, 27-29
Abbey Road Torquay TQ2 5NQ. Tel: 01803 380001
www.merlincinemas.co.uk