The Shirley

–Excellent location - show map
+39 photos
Scored 9.2
Rated superb

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

Property highlights

  • 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

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free WiFi

Guests who stayed here loved

Clive
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Excellent location, but as it is on high ground would not suit guests with mobility issues.”
Sharon
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“What a lovely warm welcome. The Shirley was a great find and the room was exactly as we expected. We were celebrating our wedding anniversary during our stay and they decorated our room with balloons and banners. Such a lovely gesture.”
Claire
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Great location, clean & tidy room. Would stay again”
Bullus
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Alec and Sophie were very welcoming and friendly. The cooked breakfast was lovely. Location was good only a short walk to the Marina and town.”
Steph
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“The hosts were exceptional, very welcoming and friendly - it's like a home away from home. We will definitely be back, best place we've stayed by FAR! Breakfast was delicious, you could really taste the freshness. Honestly cannot recommend The...”
France
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“We had a first class stay if your looking to stay in Torquay no need to look any futher than The Shirley truely 5 star we will be back very soon thankyou team Shirley Martin & Heather”
Sandra
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Great location within walking distance of the beach and town. Home from home.”
Nigel
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Personal welcome, clean and quiet spacious room, good breakfast and very pleasant all round. Easy walking distance to restaurants and Princess Theatre which we went to.”
Remy1
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Nice hotel, friendly hosts & very good breakfast.”
Robert
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Lovely period house with lots of character. Alex and Sophie provided a warm welcome and where keen to ensure that we had an enjoyable stay: which we did. Thank you”

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Guests who stayed here loved

Clive
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Excellent location, but as it is on high ground would not suit guests with mobility issues.”
Sharon
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“What a lovely warm welcome. The Shirley was a great find and the room was exactly as we expected. We were celebrating our wedding anniversary during our stay and they decorated our room with balloons and banners. Such a lovely gesture.”
Claire
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Great location, clean & tidy room. Would stay again”
Bullus
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Alec and Sophie were very welcoming and friendly. The cooked breakfast was lovely. Location was good only a short walk to the Marina and town.”
Steph
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“The hosts were exceptional, very welcoming and friendly - it's like a home away from home. We will definitely be back, best place we've stayed by FAR! Breakfast was delicious, you could really taste the freshness. Honestly cannot recommend The...”
France
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“We had a first class stay if your looking to stay in Torquay no need to look any futher than The Shirley truely 5 star we will be back very soon thankyou team Shirley Martin & Heather”
Sandra
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Great location within walking distance of the beach and town. Home from home.”
Nigel
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Personal welcome, clean and quiet spacious room, good breakfast and very pleasant all round. Easy walking distance to restaurants and Princess Theatre which we went to.”
Remy1
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Nice hotel, friendly hosts & very good breakfast.”
Robert
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Lovely period house with lots of character. Alex and Sophie provided a warm welcome and where keen to ensure that we had an enjoyable stay: which we did. Thank you”

Managed by Sophie and Alec Laing

Company review score: 9.9Based on 264 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.