Let’s first talk about Torquay and then, we will explore the best parking spots there, both free and paid.
Torquay, also known as the English Riviera, is a small seaside town on a peninsula in Devon, England. It is about 28 miles east of Plymouth and about 18 miles south of Exeter. It is well worth a visit because of its pleasant friendly atmosphere and one of the warmest climates in the UK.
Torquay has historical significance, which may not be obvious at first. It was a little fishing village until the early 1800s when it began to gain popularity with tourists, particularly during the Victorian era and onward. It was a military training ground during WWII, and it even has evidence of early human life dating back 40,000 years in the Kents Cavern cave system, which is also a popular tourist attraction.
Agatha Christie was born there in 1890, and you can walk down the ‘Agatha Christie mile,’ which begins at the Imperial Hotel. It includes many interesting locations, as well as signposts and information about her life. It’s a very cultural and fun thing to do, and it could be a lovely way to start your day in Torquay. On your way down the famous mile, take a detour and stroll along the late Victorian era Princess Pier, taking in the fresh salty sea breeze as you walk along the old wooden flooring above the waves.
Torquay was made famous in the mid-1970s by the hit sitcom Fawlty Towers, and a large portion of Monty Python’s Flying Circus was filmed there as well. According to legend, John Cleese got the idea for the highly volatile Basil Fawlty character from the manager of the Gleneagles Hotel while on location with Monty Python. You can stay in the hotel where the show was filmed, now known as the Lulus Fawlty Towers Hotel. It has to be done if you’re a fan of that classic English sitcom.
There are also many family-friendly attractions nearby, such as the Babbacombe Miniature Village, Dinosaur World, Meadford Beach, and various boat trips from the marina. You must go for a walk along the coastal paths and enjoy the beautiful Devon scenery. There’s also a natural sea arch, dubbed ‘London Bridge,’ where the sea has eaten away at the cliff peninsula, which makes for a great photo opportunity.
With a population of only 6,400 people, it’s quite incredible that they receive nearly 5 million tourists each year, generating thousands of jobs and nearly half a billion pounds in revenue.
Obviously, finding a parking spot can be difficult, so we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of free residential parking as well as paid parking options for you.
Important Note:
While UKFreeParking.com takes every step to ensure that the parking information provided is accurate at the time of writing, local ordinances, parking availability, parking prices, and parking regulations change with time.
UKFreeParking.com accepts no responsibility for any fines or tickets received as a result of using our website.
Please ensure that you park your vehicle safely and responsibly every time, making sure to adhere to local parking rules, signs, and regulations.
Free Parking in Torquay
Free, unrestricted residential street parking
Now is the time to save money on parking tickets by parking on residential streets. Don’t be concerned; there’s nothing wrong with it, and it’s entirely legal. You can save time looking for free parking spots and find the most convenient locations for your visit by using the list below. These addresses indicate the distances to Fleet Walk, Torquay’s main thoroughfare. The list also includes information about points of interest along your walk from parking.
We would like to remind you that, while residential parking is free, you should exercise caution. For example, if you are concerned about leaving valuables in your vehicle, most paid parking lots have security cameras. However, if you choose the free parking option, please be considerate of the residents. Park responsibly, observe any parking notices or signs, and keep noise to a minimum, especially at night.
North
If you’re driving down from Exeter, you can stop at the beach on your way to town, as well as visit the Babbacombe Model Village. If you have children or just want to relax, there’s also the Cary Play Park. If the weather is nice, we recommend walking east from your parking spot, straight to the cliffs, and then taking the long walk around the coast towards the marina. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful location.
- Princes Road TQ1 1PA – 0.5 miles
- Ellacombe Church Road TQ1 1LJ – 5 miles
- Kenwyn Road TQ1 1LX – 6 miles
- Park Road TQ1 4QR – 2 miles
- Hartop Road TQ1 4QQ – 2 miles
West
As you can see from this list, there are a lot more parking options in the west, which will be more useful if you’re coming in from Plymouth. You can walk straight down to the beach or into town in a matter of minutes. On your way, make sure not to miss the 800-year-old Torre Abbey.
- Warren Road TQ2 5TE – 0.2 miles
- Croft Hill TQ2 5NT – 0.4 miles
- Croft Road TQ2 5PF – 0.4 miles
- Scarborough Road TQ2 5UJ – 0.6 miles
- Bampfylde Road TQ2 5BA – 0.7 miles
- Cleveland Road TQ2 5BE – 0.9miles
- Newton Road TQ2 5BZ – 0.9 miles
- Rousdown Road TQ2 6PB. – 0.9 miles
- Solsbro Road TQ2 6PE – 0.9 miles
- Chelston Road TQ2 6AL – 0.9 miles
Free after 6pm/Overnight Streetside Parking
Parking is only permitted at the following addresses between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. To avoid fines, make sure you remove the car before the traffic wardens begin patrolling at 08:00.
- The Terrace TQ1 1DE – 0.1 miles
- Torwood Street TQ1 1EB – 0.2 miles
- Parkhill Road TQ1 2AR – 0.2 miles
- Torwood Gardens Road TQ1 1EQ – 0.4 miles
- Market Street TQ1 3AF –4 miles
Free after 6pm/Overnight/Sunday Streetside Parking
- Castle Road TQ1 3BB – 0.7 miles
- Lymington Road TQ1 4AQ – 0.7 miles
- Magdalene Road TQ1 4AF – 0.7 miles
Cheapest Paid Car Parks
Prices in Torquay car parks vary, but can reach £10 for the entire day. If you don’t mind paying, need to save time, or feel like you need extra security, here is a comprehensive list of paid parking lots:
- 2 Temperance St TQ2 5PU – £2.20 for 2 hours
- Fleet Walk Car Park TQ2 5EX – £2.50 for 2 hours
- Melville Street Car Park TQ2 5TB – £2.50 for 2 hours
- Union Square Car Park TQ1 3BB – £2.50 for 2 hours
- Brunswick Square Car Park TQ1 4UT – £2.50 for 2 hours
- St Marychurch Car Park TQ1 3LA – £2.50 for 2 hours
- Chilcote Close Car Park TQ1 4QT – £2.50 for 2 hours
- Lymington Road Car Park TQ1 4BD – £2.50 for 2 hours
- Walls Hill Car Park TQ1 3LZ – £2.60 for 2 hours
- Hampton Avenue Car Park TQ1 4RP – £2.60 for 2 hours
- Cockington Country Park TQ2 6XB – £2.00 for 2 hours
Free Car Park
Hurray for free parking in Torquay! This is only a 10-minute walk from the stunning London Bridge Arch on the coastal path, but it’s a 30-minute walk to the center, making it less convenient than some of our street parking options.
- Daddyhole Plain Car Park TQ1 2EF
Free short-term parking (2h or less)
We discovered a few excellent free options in customer parking lots. They’re supposed to be for customers only, but if you come in and out before your two hours are up, you won’t be penalized.
- Asda Torquay Supermarket TQ2 7AN
- B&Q Torquay TQ2 8AS