Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Christmas Deliveries: If you placed an order on or before midday on Wednesday 18th December for Christmas delivery it was despatched before the Royal Mail or Parcel Force deadline and therefore should be received in time for Christmas. Orders placed after midday on Wednesday 18th December will be delivered in the New Year.

Please Note: Our offices and factory are now closed until Thursday 2nd January when we will be pleased to deal with any queries that have arisen during the holiday period.

During the holiday our Gift Cards may still be ordered for any last minute orders and will be sent automatically by email direct to your recipient - see here: Gift Cards

Torquay, Imperial Hotel 1888
Photo ref: 21436
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More about this scene

The swanky Imperial still occupies this site just round the corner from the harbour; it now bears little resemblance to the original Victorian building. The foundation stone was laid in March 1864 by Lady Palk, and the hotel opened in November 1866.

A Selection of Memories from Torquay

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Torquay

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

I worked at the Derwent hotel in 1973 & 1974. I came from Sheffield with a friend to work the season but ended up working 2 seasons. It was then owned by Mr Morel & the manager was Mr Sorrentino. It was a great hotel to work in - I met many friends but no longer in touch. Lived in house with some of the girls I worked with owned by mr Sorrentino. I have some fantastic memories & sad we lost touch when ...see more
We holidayed in Torquay in july 1965 we was a group of kids from The Hollies children's home in sidcup Kent..by what I remember the YMCA hotel was called the castle hotel..would this be the same one or was there more then one YMCA hotels in Torquay in those days
Wow I can give loads of memories in the 60s Going down there with my parents. Ansty cove; Afternoon tea; Charity box on counter; As a black person supporting foreign aid; Put a coin on his hand twist his ear, coin went in. Also the gong at bottom of stairs was rung when it was meal time. Carpet bowls on reception, carpet. Rock walk bottom gate Cilla Black on at Princess Theatre 1964, no bar Lovely balcony over ...see more
I learned my English in Torquay at YMCA 1968 . Firs job, first experience of independent life. Miss cotton my Boss. All nice old clients extremely gentle with me . So many beautiful memories. Sandro Melaranci sandromelaranci@gmail.com