The Shirley

–Excellent location - show map
+39 photos
Scored 9.3
Rated superb

Property highlights

You might be eligible for a Genius discount at The Shirley. To check if a Genius discount is available for your selected dates sign in.

Genius discounts at this property are subject to book dates, stay dates and other available deals.

About this property

In a tranquil location, The Shirley offers 4-star family-run guest accommodation, retaining many original Victorian period features, only 5 minutes' walk from the marina. All rooms are en suite, with a Freeview flat-screen TV, free WiFi internet access. Guests can enjoy award-winning breakfasts in the opulent and beautifully decorated dining room. Using locally sourced produce, the menu includes a full English, American pancakes, smoked salmon and continental options. Gluten-free options are available. There is also a spacious lounge and bar for guests to relax in, as well as a outdoor terrace. The many shops, restaurants and bars in the surrounding area and marina are a short walk away and the Riviera International Conference Centre is also close by.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.3 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Most popular facilities

  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Bar
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms

  • Situated in the real heart of Torquay, this property has an excellent location score of 9.3

  • Want a great night's sleep? This property was highly rated for its very comfy beds.

Breakfast info

Continental, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Breakfast to go

  • Free private parking available on-site

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Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

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Room type
Number of guests
 
1 large double bed
2 single beds
and
1 large double bed
2 single beds
and
1 extra-large double bed
1 large double bed
2 single beds
and
1 extra-large double bed
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Guest reviews

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Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free WiFi

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Guests who stayed here loved

Victoria
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“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,...”
Susan
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Room comfortable with all facilities. Very good breakfast. Very central location, close to marina, shops & plenty of restaurants. On-site welcoming host. Private parking available.”
Richardson
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Beautiful hotel with such lovely owners Sophie and Alec. They couldn't do enough for us! Our room was lovely, fresh milk and tea and coffee each day. And the full English breakfast was amazing! Close to the harbour with plenty of eating places...”
Anita
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Location was good, though there is a steep drive into the property breakfast was lovely did bacon really crispy as requested and good choice to choose from. Was really nice to have fresh milk and water daily.”
Carol
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“The owners Sophie and Alex were most welcoming, very approachable, very friendly, they had only been in the accomodation for 8 weeks or so, however they were the perfect hosts and very very pleasant.”
Matthew
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“What an amazing place and hosts! If you're looking for welcoming owners where nothing is too much trouble or vibrant rooms with tons of character or a taylored freshly cooked breakfast, this is the place for you. Situated close to all amenities...”
Vaughan
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Brilliant breakfast, brilliant location, brilliant hosts”
Donna
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“We were greated by Alec, he explained him and Sophie had taken over the Shirley only 8 weeks ago, which was a suprise, as they ran the b&b as though they had done it for years, everything clean and comfortable. Breakfast was perfect. We're booking...”
Jamed
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“What a lovely hotel,lovely welcoming owners who cant do enough for you,highly recommend this hotel for your visit to Torquay”
Sylwia
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“The family room was big with comfy bed and good size bathroom. The breakfast was delicious, freshly made by hosts. Location is great, few minutes walk to the marina. Sophie and Alec are lovely hosts.”

Managed by Sophie and Alec Laing

Company review score: 9.9Based on 260 reviews from 1 property
1 managed property

Company information

We have been the proud owners of the Shirley since June 2025. We love people and hosting, which is why we decided to come into the hospitality industry. .

Property information

The Shirley is a grand yet romantic style guest house with bags of character. It has an enviable position within seven minutes walk of the main harbour and town centre.

Neighbourhood information

The Shirley is situated in the Wellswood area of Torquay. It is just a short walk to the boat harbour, beach coves and sea front, where you will find a plethora of great places to eat, relax and take in the beautiful English Rivera scenery.

Language spoken

English

Property surroundings

House rules

The Shirley takes special requests - add in the next step!
Check-in
From 15:00 to 19:00
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
Check-out
From 09:30 to 10:30
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Children and beds

Child policies

Children older than 7 years are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Cards accepted at this property
VisaMastercardJCBMaestroSolo Cash is not accepted
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.

The fine print

Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Please note that the onsite parking is limited and operates on a first come, first served basis.

The Shirley is situated on a hill and is accessed by 15 steps. It may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility

Please inform The Shirley in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.