Cottages in Torquay

Where the cottages are

BritStays has 82 cottages published in this part of Devon, and most of them are in one place. Torquay has 72, so that's where you'll find the widest choice of sizes and styles. Brixham has 8, and Newton Abbot and Shaldon have one each. If you'd rather base yourself in Brixham, you're choosing from a short list. Settle on your dates early, because a handful of properties won't absorb much demand.

Our listings say very little about each cottage's setting. Only one flags sea views, so don't assume you'll see the water from the window. If a sea outlook or a quieter, greener setting matters to you, look closely at the photos and ask the owner before you commit.

Matching the cottage to your trip

The example stays show a good spread of sizes, from snug places for two to houses that take a big family gathering.

• Couples: Babbacombe Bay, Lyndhurst and The Lookout in Torquay each sleep 2. All three are listed as near a bus stop with EV charging nearby, which helps if you'd like to leave the car parked for a few days.
• Families: Berry Head in Brixham sleeps 4. Meadfoot Cottage and Rowell House in Torquay sleep 5, while Ninety by the Bay in Torquay and Halfway House in Brixham sleep 6. Ninety by the Bay is also listed as near a train station.
• Larger groups: Norville in Brixham sleeps 8 and The Coach House at Vane Hill sleeps 9. Oak Manor takes 10, Birchwood Barn and Shellhaven take 12 each, and Cliff Lodge sleeps 14.

Cliff Lodge stands out because it lists a swimming pool, a hot tub and a bar. It's the only cottage in this set with a pool or a hot tub. If either is essential, that narrows your options to one property.

Getting around, and what the facilities tell you

The transport picture is encouraging. Of the 82 cottages, 74 have EV charging nearby, 73 are near a bus stop and 51 are near a train station. A holiday without a car is realistic for many of these stays, and electric car drivers are well catered for.

Other facilities are thinly recorded. Only one cottage lists WiFi and only one lists parking. That almost certainly means the information hasn't been captured, rather than that these things are missing. Even so, confirm both with the owner, especially parking if you're arriving by car.

Our data also says nothing about whether dogs are welcome. If you're travelling with a dog, ask each owner directly before booking. Check whether there's a limit on numbers or an extra charge.

Things to do nearby

There's a decent mix of days out within Devon, and several suit families.

• Animals: Paignton Zoo in Paignton, and Shaldon Zoo (Shaldon Wildlife Trust), which is listed under Dawlish.
• Museums and heritage: St. Lawrence Chapel, Church House and the Monastic Way Exhibition are all listed in Devon. The Sidmouth Toy and Model Museum in Sidmouth is a good rainy-day option, and the Plym Valley Railway is listed under Salcombe.
• Aviation history: The Site of Old Torbay Aircraft Museum is listed in Paignton. As the name suggests, it marks where the museum stood, so find out what's there now before you plan a trip around it.

Check opening times and booking requirements for each attraction before you set off, as these can change with the seasons.

When to book

The cottages likely to go first are those at either end of the size range. There are only a few large houses: Oak Manor, Birchwood Barn, Shellhaven and Cliff Lodge. If you're organising a group of 10 or more, book as early as you can, particularly for school holidays.

Brixham is in the same position. With just 8 cottages, a popular week can fill quickly. Torquay offers far more choice, so you have more flexibility there, but book ahead if you need a particular size or a specific facility.

Before you pay, it's worth sending the owner a short list of questions:

• Is there parking, and is it on site?
• Is there WiFi, and is it reliable enough for streaming or work?
• Are dogs allowed, and on what terms?
• How far is it, in practice, to the nearest bus stop or train station?

A couple of minutes spent on these questions will save you surprises when you arrive.