Torquay is a well sheltered haven on the north side of Tor Bay which is well worth a visit unless you are implacably averse to busy seaside resorts. Although the centre is a bit disappointing the town is beautifully situated on low wooded hills and continues to give an impression of leisurely living from a more relaxed and affluent age. You can certainly see why the place caught on.

Approach from the south and west is simple on a course of about 330º after you round Berry Head. From the north you can pass between the Ore Stone and the Thatcher Rock and then, at a suitable distance, follow the coast round the north side of Tor Bay past a number of spectacularly sited hotels until you approach the harbour. Much the best identifying mark, as of 2010, is a large white observation balloon which is tethered just to the left of the beach adjacent to the harbour.

Leave the green buoy to starboard as you shape up to enter the harbour and listen out for the long warning blast of any ferry or other vessel about to leave from behind the breakwater. Inside, visitors have a choice of the marina to port or rafting up on the town quay pontoons to starboard for about half the price. Note, however, that if bad weather threatens, the town quay is more exposed to swell.

All kinds of shops, including Tesco Metro, in Fleet Street at the corner of the inner harbour. Wide range of restaurants including classy eating at The Elephant (T 01803 200044 and Number 7 (T 01803 295055) on Beacon Terrace just behind the harbour office.

For small vessels which can take the ground, Paignton is a possible alternative to either Brixham or Torquay. It’s another busy resort, without the grandeur of Torquay but with a nice beach and a drying harbour. Approach from the north-east where you will find a minimum depth of about 0.8m LAT outside and drying heights of a maximum of 1.3m inside. It is best to consult the harbour master before arrival (T 01803 557812).

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