Torquay’s nightlife entertainment is just as varied and high quality as its dining scene, whether you’re looking for a leisurely cocktail or a full-blown music concert. This city on England’s south coast is home to a variety of world-class attractions, counting some of the region’s best night-time venues.

Families will find plenty to do around Torquay Harbor, while anyone looking for pubs and clubs can find what they’re looking for in the city centre. Take a look at the best things to do after dinner in Torquay.

  • 1

    English Riviera Wheel

    A local landmark with stunning ocean views

    English Riviera Wheel
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Photo

    The English Riviera Wheel is located right on Torquay’s famous harbor and offers some of the best views of the area. Totally silent, this striking structure rises over 100 ft above the town’s lush Princess Gardens.

    Riding the wheel offers a unique perspective on Torquay and its surroundings, while those with less of a head for heights can enjoy a delicious hot drink in the adjacent cafe. For children and adults alike, this 12-minute ride on the English Riviera Wheel provides an unforgettable, quintessential Torquay experience – especially around sunset.

    Location: Torquay Pavilion Torquay Sea Front, Torquay TQ2 5EQ, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)115 967 9991

    Map
  • 2

    The Attic

    Legendary music venue highlighting local acts

    The Attic
    • Nightlife

    The Attic is an edgy, live music venue located in central Torquay. Famous across the region for providing local artists with a platform to perform, this place puts on events across a range of genres including house, drum ’n’ bass, rock, and indie.

    There’s no other place in Torquay like The Attic, especially for those with an ear for the alternate. Not only a venue for local acts, but The Attic also plays host to world-class bands and acts, counting some of music’s biggest names among previous shows.

    Location: 13 Torwood St, Torquay TQ1 1ED, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1803 403350

    Map
  • 3

    Rock Garden Torquay

    Outdoor venue for live music and beverages

    Rock Garden Torquay
    • Couples
    • Group
    • Nightlife

    Rock Garden Torquay is a great option for after-dinner beverages and live music in this quaint seaside town. Located close to the heart of town, the venue offers guests all manner of delicious cocktails to choose from. It’s an especially popular spot in the summer months.

    On weekends, Rock Garden becomes one of the hippest spots in town as the doors are kept open until well beyond midnight. Live acts from both Torquay and beyond play to large crowds – in summer, the ambience in the garden is hard to beat.

    Location: 40-42 Swan Street, Torquay TQ2 5ES, UK

    Open: Friday from 11 am to 1 am, Saturday from 11 am to 2.30 am, Sunday–Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1803 200558

    Map
  • 4

    The Foundry Torquay

    Vibrant nightclub with DJs and live music

    The Foundry Torquay
    • Nightlife

    The Foundry is one of Torquay’s top nightclubs, located in the famous Harborside neighbourhood. Playing host to DJs and musicians from across the southwest and beyond, this popular spot is the ideal venue for an after-dinner boogie. DJs play bass-heavy music such as house and techno.

    With an intimate vibe, an excellent sound system and some of the friendliest staff to be found anywhere in town, The Foundry is an unmissable nightclub for music lovers in Torquay.

    Location: 11 Torwood St, Torquay TQ1 1ED, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1803 214446

    Map
  • 5

    Cru Beach Bar Torquay

    Chic waterfront cocktail bar

    Cru Beach Bar Torquay
    • Couples
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife

    Cru Beach Bar is a great place to come for after-dinner beverages in Torquay. This stylish little bar serves up both classic cocktails and in-house creations, with delightful views of the harbor. 

    In fact, there are over 100 beverages to choose from at this modern spot. Wine lovers won’t be disappointed with Cru Beach Bar's extensive selection of white, rose, red and sparkling options. You can even order by the glass, ideal for those who like to sample a few styles.

    Location: Abbey Sands, 1a Abbey Rd, Torquay TQ2 5HD, UK

    Open: Monday–Friday from 5 pm to midnight, Saturday–Sunday from 11 am to midnight

    Phone: +44 (0)7894 448008

    Map
  • 6

    Soho Bar & Cocktail Garden

    A trendy spot for cocktails in Torquat

    Soho Bar & Cocktail Garden
    • Nightlife

    Soho Bar & Cocktail Garden, just a stone’s throw from Torquay Harbor, is a unique locale for after-dinner beverages. Blending glamor with a touch of offbeat quirkiness, the decor at this popular Torquay bar is something to marvel at. Expect tastefully mismatched furniture, original art and wacky cocktails creations aplenty.

    On weekends, Soho stays open until late and its ambient garden becomes a place to see and be seen in central Torquay. This cocktail bar frequently hosts theme nights, when guests wear fancy dress. The entire space is even transformed into something completely new.

    Location: 1 Palk St, Torquay TQ2 5EL, UK

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 2 pm to 10 pm, Friday–Sunday from noon to 10 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1803 411585

    Map

    photo by Simon Cobb (CC0 1.0) modified

  • 7

    Princess Theater Torquay

    Theater staging live music, plays and more

    Princess Theater Torquay
    • Nightlife

    Princess Theater Torquay is a local landmark and a key fixture on the town’s performing arts scene. Built in the 1960s, when Tommy Cooper and Morecambe & Wise headlined the opening night, the theater continues to fill out its 1,500 capacity on a regular basis.

    Today it routinely plays host to live music events, stand-up comedy, plays, and musicals.  With a prime waterfront location and a popular onsite cafe, Princess Theater provides a solid after-dinner option to anybody visiting Torquay.

    Location: Torbay Rd, Torquay TQ2 5EZ, UK

    Open: Monday–Friday from 10am to 5pm, Saturday from 10am to 4pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +44 (0)333 009 6690

    Map

    photo by Richard Rogerson (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 8

    Babbacombe Theater

    A small theater specializing in variety shows

    Babbacombe Theater
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Nightlife

    Babbacombe Theater is a 600-capacity venue specializing in variety shows and musical tribute acts. The theater is also renowned for its festive program, which includes an annual pantomime and a locally renowned Christmas show.

    The theater plays host to comedians, musicians and artists from across the UK, regularly providing the local community with first-class entertainment in a cozy, ambient atmosphere. The Babbacombe Theater is just a short drive away from Torquay town center. If you want to fuel up before or after a show, plenty of quaint pubs, bars and restaurants surround the theater.  

    Location: Babbacombe Downs Rd, Torquay TQ1 3LU, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1803 328385

    Map

    photo by Ian S (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 9

    Red House Mysteries

    Hugely popular town center escape room

    Red House Mysteries
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Group

    Red House Mysteries offers an exciting variety of escape room games in central Torquay. Locals and tourists frequent this unique venue, where they have 1 hour to escape a room using a series of cryptic clues and scraps of evidence. This is a great after-dinner activity for groups, though there is an age limit of 16 years for some games.

    Red House Mysteries has 2 storylines, either The Strange Disappearance of Arthur Moon or On the Last Train to Paris. Both are thrilling and are sure to leave players racking their brains for the entire duration of their stay.

    Location: 8-9 Braddons Hill Rd W, Torquay TQ1 1BG, UK

    Open: Friday–Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm (closed from Mondays to Thursdays)

    Phone: +44 (0)1803 215265

    Map
James Connolly | Guest Writer