Access for All on the English Riviera
Torquay is one of the most stylish resorts in Britain, although the fact that it is famously built on seven hills, often causes concern to people of limited mobility.
However, the stunning geography provides the backdrop to many popular modern facilities such as the Riviera International Centre. This excellent attraction boasts many all-weather leisure facilities, which are accessible to all, including the indoor heated swimming pool.
Torquay's waterfront is the focus of life in the town, over one-mile of flat pavements and promenades, with its many shops, cafes and bars.
As the area is level, you should be able to shop for most of your needs in a variety of specialist shops. While the more central shopping area of Torquay is on a slight incline, the town also boasts an excellent out-of-town shopping area called The Willows, which is completely accessible to those with limited mobility.
The Babbacombe area of Torquay is a self contained village, with stunning cliff top views across the Bay from the completely flat Babbacombe Downs area. 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.
Paignton is one of the few coastal resorts in Devon where almost all of the holiday resort is on the level, with the town, beaches, entertainment, public transport and the town centre all within easy walking distance. The compact and accessible nature of the resort have made it a favourite amongst those of limited mobility, while many attractions also cater to the needs of wheelchair users, including the multi-plex cinema and Palace Theatre.
Life in the busy fishing port of Brixham is centred in and around the harbour and while steep hills and winding alleys give the resort a quaint appeal, the central area is still accessible to all.
It's here where you'll find the true Brixham, as fishermen, locals and visitors mix against the backdrop of rows of cottages. The waterfront, marina, fish quay and breakwater are all level and accessible and provide a fascinating portrait of a working harbour in the heard of Devon.
Accommodation and Attractions
The English Riviera has a variety of serviced and self catering accommodation registered and inspected and inspected under the National Accessible Scheme. We strongly advise that you contact accommodation and attractions to discuss specific requirements prior to your visit. For further information and details of accessible accommodation please contact the following:
Accessible Accommodation - Self Catering, Guest Accommodation and Hotels.
Accessible Information - Including beaches, car parks, transport, room hire and more.
Access for All Booklet
To help make your visit to the English Riviera enjoyable and relaxing, an extremely useful booklet 'Access for All' is available from our Tourist Information Centres, holiday line on +44 (0)1803 211 211 or by e-mailing holiday@torbay.gov.uk . This booklet provides information on the accessibility of the three towns and a wide range of holiday facilities.
Disabled Toilets
Most public toilets for disabled users are fitted with Radar locks. Radar keys are available in the three Tourist Information Centres.
Equipment Hire
For the hire of powered and manual wheelchairs and electric scooters:
Torquay Shopmobility:
Lymington Road. Tel: + 44 (0)1803 380982
Paignton Shopmobility:
Victoria Car Park, Garfield Road. Tel: +44 (0)1803 521771
Brixham Shopmobility:
Central Car Park. Tel: +44 (0)1803 858304
St John Ambulance:
Tel: +44 (0)1803 328203
Torbay Mobility:
Tel: +44 (0)1803 520386
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