Stay at The Shirley, a Victorian seaside guest house in Torquay with free breakfast, heated outdoor pool, bar, free parking, and close to harbour attractions.
Guests highlight the warm hospitality, comfortable rooms, and hearty breakfasts, complemented by a peaceful setting close to local attractions and the harbour.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Situated on Braddons Hill Road East, this Victorian seaside guest house offers a quiet setting within a short six-minute walk of Torquay harbour, its shops, restaurants, and bars. The Shirley operates as a family-run bed & breakfast nestled in a historic villa, blending period charm with practical amenities such as free Wi-Fi and parking. Guests have access to a heated outdoor pool and an on-site bar, adding leisure options to the stay.
The accommodation features spacious rooms noted for their cleanliness and comfort, often highlighted by visitors appreciating the homely atmosphere and thoughtful touches like a well-equipped breakfast selection. Reviewers consistently mention the friendly and attentive hosts who provide helpful local recommendations and a warm welcome, making it a good choice for leisure travelers seeking a relaxed base close to the town centre.
Breakfast is included with the stay and praised for variety and quality, ranging from full English options to lighter pastries and pancakes. While the guest house is not air-conditioned and does not offer facilities such as pet-friendly policies or airport shuttles, it maintains a smoke-free environment and free parking on-site. Accessibility is limited, which may be a consideration for some visitors.
The surrounding area offers a range of nearby attractions suitable for families and nature enthusiasts, including Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, and Babbacombe Model Village & Gardens, all within easy reach. Exeter Airport is accessible within approximately 40 minutes by car, supporting convenient arrival and departure for most guests.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
Although we arrived late evening we were given access to hotel and room after contacting Alec and Sophie. Enjoyed lovely freshly cooked breakfast and were made very welcome. We would certainly recommend and hope to stay again next time we are in Devon Car parking up a steep slope but easy to access and reverse out of.
We've had the most amazing stay at the shirley. Sophie and Alex are amazing .there is nothing negative we had the most amazing time all the places they recommend to eat where spot on ..it was my birthday when we where there and Sophie had put banners up it was a fantastic surprise when we got back ...we will definitely be going back ..we wish you all the best for the future and cant wait to come back again soon love dave and jo
Thank you to Sophie & Alec for a wonderful stay at your beautiful Victorian villa. The room was very inviting & had everything you needed. Plenty to choose from for breakfast & always cooked to perfection. Sophie & Alec are great hosts & always happy to help. Great location with plenty to do & just a short walk to the harbour. We will definitely be back again & would highly recommended staying here. A* all round.
I had a wonderful stay at The Shirley in Torquay, and it’s a place I’d highly recommend! Sophie, the host, was absolutely lovely—friendly, welcoming, and made me feel right at home from the moment I arrived. The cozy living room was a highlight, complete with a huge TV, perfect for a movie night during rainy days. The rooms were spacious, with comfortable beds and decent hot showers, ensuring a relaxing stay. Breakfast was a treat, offering a great selection including pastries, a full English, various egg options, and pancakes—something for everyone! Adding to the charm, the house cats and dachshunds greeted me warmly, adding a delightful personal touch. The outside parking and upper decking were fantastic bonuses, providing extra convenience and a nice spot to enjoy. Overall, a fantastic experience!
A beautiful house with historical interest. Extremely quiet at night. Large bedroom with comfortable king size bed. Hearty breakfast made with local produce. Short walk to town centre. Parking available. Very friendly and helpful hosts.
Just had a fantastic weekend at the Shirley. Location is perfectly situated just a few minutes walk down to the town and harbour. The room was perfect, Very clean and comfortable, with a homely feel throughout. Our Hosts, Sophie & Alec couldn't be more helpful and accommodating. Will most definitely be back. Must add ,breakfast was great. Very well run altogether. From Sharon and Chris. X
Excellent hospitality. Great breakfast. Wonderful place! Thank you Sophie and Alec.
We came here on a recommendation. Very friendly family run business. We had the top room, very large en suite. Scrupulously clean, free parking, great breakfast choices (which u need to order the previous day). Well appointed communal rooms and a gr8 terrace to chill on. But the main thing was the friendliness of the staff.
Housed in a Victorian villa, this family-run hotel is a 6-minute walk from the harbour and its shops, restaurants and bars.
Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Torquay. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.
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