About this property

In a tranquil location, The Shirley offers 4-star family-run guest accommodations, retaining many original Victorian period features, only 5 minutes' walk from the marina. All rooms are en suite, with a Freeview flat-screen TV, DVD player and 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 Center is also close by.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.3 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

    • Located in the real heart of Torquay, this property has an excellent location score of 9.2!

    • 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


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room Type
Number of guests
 
1 queen bed
2 twin beds
and
1 queen bed
2 twin beds
and
1 king bed
1 queen bed
2 twin beds
and
1 king bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free Wifi

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Guests who stayed here loved

  • Kevin
    United States United States
    Nick and Chen were amazing and welcoming hosts. The house, the room and the breakfast were outstanding. We wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again.😁😁😁
  • Graham
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    everything about the hotel was excellent the room the breakfast the cleanliness and the people
  • Angela
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Such a great place to stay. Close to the centre. Breakfasts were lovely and all cooked fresh . Room was great with lots of room including a walk-in wardrobe. Hosts were brilliant -so helpful and attentive but not intrusive. Close to lots of...
  • Alan
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    A beautiful old building decorated to a high standard. Lovely room. Nick and Chen were fantastic, nothing was too much trouble for them. Fantastic freshly cooked breakfast every morning. Definitely recommend anyone to go here.
  • 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 276 reviews from 1 property
1 managed property

Company info

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 info

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.

Neighborhood info

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

Area info

House rules

The Shirley takes special requests – add in the next step!
Check-in
From 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
Check-out
From 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
Children & Beds

Child policies

Children over 7 are welcome.

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

Crib and extra bed policies

Cribs and extra beds aren't 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

Must-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 located on a hill and is accessed by 15 steps. It may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility

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

In accordance with government guidelines to minimize transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property currently isn't accepting guests from certain countries on dates where such guidelines exist.

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property is taking steps to protect the safety of guests and staff. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), wearing a face mask is mandatory in all indoor common areas.

It's not possible to stay at this property for coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine purposes.