Britain’s ‘worst hotel’ in UK seaside town up in flames again | UK | News

A hotel once dubbed “the worst in England” has gone up in flames for the second time in as many days, prompting warnings for nearby residents to stay indoors.

Emergency services were called to the Sherwood Palm Hotel in Torquay on Easter Sunday after a fire broke out at around 2pm, just two days after an earlier fire in the same area.

According to initial reports, four fire trucks and a ladder platform were dispatched before additional resources were requested as the incident escalated.

At 14.30, two more fire trucks, a second ladder platform and an incident commander were sent to the scene.

Devon and Cornwall Police warned that large amounts of smoke were affecting surrounding neighborhoods and urged the public to avoid the area.

Police said: “Please avoid the area for now. Residents, particularly those closest to the hotel, are advised to close all windows and doors to avoid any health problems.”

The latest fire follows another incident on Friday morning, when five fire engines were called to the hotel following numerous emergency calls. The fire was brought under control later in the day.

Sherwood Palm, a former three-star hotel on Belgrave Road, has had a troubled recent history. A fire previously broke out in March 2024 and it was closed for three months in October 2025 after police described it as a “magnet for anti-social behaviour”.

The hotel has also faced criticism from guests. Canadian tourist Jason Smith has described his stay as “horrible”, claiming he encountered mould, dirty conditions and even blood-stained sheets during his four-night visit.

The cause of the recent fires has not yet been confirmed and investigations are ongoing.