Summary of Attractions in Torquay
On the English Riviera in Devon, Torquay has maintained a prestigious reputation since it gained popularity among high society in the early 1800s.
The resort, situated at the northern end of Tor Bay, is surrounded by steep hills and cliffs composed of red breccia and sandstone.
Beneath these cliffs, inviting beaches await, where visitors can enjoy winter walks or a refreshing swim in the calm waters during warm summer days.
Within the town itself, an elegant harbour brimming with yachts greets you, accompanied by quays dotted with local shops, cafes, and dining establishments.
For families, Torquay and the surrounding Torbay offer ample inspiration for enjoyable outings, while a blend of historical and modern cultural experiences can be found at Torre Abbey and Cockington Country Park.
Let’s delve into the top attractions in Torquay:
1. Kents Cavern
Regarded as one of the most significant Stone Age sites in Europe, Kents Cavern has unveiled evidence of human habitation dating back 45,000 years.
This intricate network of chambers maintains a consistent temperature of 14°C and would have served as a refuge for prehistoric humans during the Ice Age winters.
Throughout the tour, visitors will encounter some of the oldest tools discovered in the UK, as well as the bones and teeth of prehistoric creatures such as mammoths and saber-toothed cats.
Guides provide insights into the geology of Kents Cavern, detailing its formation over 2.5 million years ago and how stalagmites growing from the floor concealed evidence of prehistoric occupation from the first explorations.
The Rockies chamber features remarkable concretions, while the Great Chamber narrates the 15-year survey of the Cavern conducted in the 1860s and 70s.
2. Babbacombe Model Village
Offering the quintessential lighthearted family entertainment often associated with Devon, Babbacombe Model Village showcases over 400 miniature buildings set across four acres.
The village features approximately 13,160 figures scattered throughout the lanes, along with skillfully crafted replicas of some of the country’s most iconic landmarks.
Visitors can admire models of London’s Shard, Piccadilly Circus, and Stonehenge, complemented by a 300-meter-long model train track that weaves through the displays.
Designed with a sense of humor, guests are encouraged to take their time to discover the amusing signs and figures in quirky situations.
Additionally, the site includes a 4D cinema showcasing immersive 3D films, and during summer Thursday evenings, the village is aglow with thousands of miniature lights.
3. Torre Abbey
Torre Abbey, the finest preserved monastic site in Devon and Cornwall, can be found in Torquay, with origins dating back to the late 12th century.
Following its suppression in the 16th century, Torre Abbey was transformed into a stately home; large portions of the church were dismantled, yet the south and west cloisters have been integrated into the house.
Remarkably, the tithe barn, gatehouse, abbot’s tower, and undercrofts remained intact.
This multifaceted attraction showcases historic architecture spanning the Medieval and Georgian periods, as well as one of the most impressive art collections in the county.
Among the 600 displayed pieces are works by William Blake and Pre-Raphaelite artists like Edward Burne-Jones and William Holman Hunt.
Visitors can also explore the studio of Victorian sculptor William Thrupp and view contemporary art exhibitions featuring artists such as Damien Hirst and Anthony Gormley.
4. Cockington Country Park
Situated on the western boundary of Torquay is the charming village of Cockington, featuring delightful thatched cottages and Cockington Court manor house, all nestled within 450 acres of parkland.
The Country Park encompasses the entire village, offering a diverse landscape that includes beautifully maintained gardens, ornamental lakes, rolling hills, and woodlands.
Cockington Court, established in the 16th century and last modified in 1820, hosts a craft center and studios for potters and glassblowers.
While in the village, visitors can tour Cockington Church, consecrated in the 11th century, discover a historic water mill, enjoy high tea at the weaver’s cottage, and visit a forge that has operated at the same location for five centuries.
5. Bygones
Located near the Model Village in Babbacombe, Bygones offers a nostalgic journey through history, spanning from the Victorian era to the mid-20th century.
The highlight of this attraction is a cobblestone street scene from the late 19th century, featuring over a dozen shops, including a sweet shop, apothecary, and haberdashery, along with themed Victorian rooms such as a parlor, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom.
Additionally, guests can explore steam rail travel exhibitions showcasing a 27-ton engine, experience a World War One trench, and partake in a variety of vintage seaside amusements.
Lastly, a replica shopping arcade filled with clothing, jewelry, gadgets, food containers, and furniture from the 1950s and 60s awaits exploration.
6. Living Coasts
Recognized as Britain’s only coastal zoo, Living Coasts features a rich array of birds, marine life, and aquatic mammals within a series of meticulously designed marine habitats.
Positioned on the western side of Beacon Hill, the site overlooks Tor Bay.
The award-winning free-flying seabird aviary is the most notable enclosure here, boasting a volume of 51,000 cubic meters and reaching heights of up to 19 meters.
This aviary is notable as the first in the country to successfully breed tufted puffins, alongside species such as common and pigeon guillemots, auks, redshanks, and red-legged kittiwakes.
Visitors can also discover habitats like the “Mysterious Mangrove,” featuring archer fish and rays, “Penguin Beach,” “Octopus Odyssey,” “Otter Rapids,” and a crawl tank allowing children to view starfish up close.
7. Oddicombe Beach
Oddicombe Beach is considered the premier beach in Torquay, situated at the base of towering red breccia cliffs.
Visitors can reach the beach via a winding road or take the Babbacombe Cliff Railway, which will be discussed in the following section.
Facing east, the beach features gentle waters that lap against its reddish sand, which is interspersed with pebbles.
During the summer season, deck chairs can be rented, and a cafe and beach shop can be found just up the steps behind the beach.
The calm waters also provide an opportunity for hiring pedalos or kayaks for a leisurely exploration of the beach’s small bay.
Above the beach on Babbacombe Downs lies a picturesque promenade adorned with benches, telescopes, and a lawn lined with cherry trees.
8. Babbacombe Cliff Railway
The eco-friendly method to access Oddicombe Beach from Babbacombe Downs is via the funicular railway, operational since 1926. The Babbacombe Cliff Railway offers service during high season, closing in winter for maintenance.
Operational hours are from 09:30 to 16:30, with bells ringing at 15 and 30 minutes before the final journey for the day.
Throughout the 220-meter ride, passengers are treated to scenic views of the sea through breaks in the woodlands lining the path.
9. Inner Harbour
Among the various spots to observe life in the town, the Inner Harbour is perhaps the most picturesque.
Located at the harbor’s head opposite Debenhams, a row of benches is sheltered beneath plane trees and alongside swaying palms.
Here, visitors can gaze over the sea dotted with masts, while tea rooms, galleries, souvenir shops, and restaurants with outdoor seating line the harbor.
One of the appealing aspects of the Inner Harbour is its enclosure by a tidal cill, which retains water during low tide, ensuring a consistently high water level.
At the southern end, visitors can cross the Millennium Bridge to enjoy views of the town and its steep landscape.
10. Torquay Museum
Located on Babbacombe Road, the Torquay Museum, established in 1844, features a collection reflective of the Victorian era’s diversity.
It houses an impressive array of Stone Age tools, as well as human and animal remains from Kents Cavern and other sites within Devon.
Among its many artifacts are numerous Ancient Egyptian items, including amulets, shabti figures, a mummified hand, and the complete remains of a boy from the 18th Dynasty (circa 600 BC). Additionally, Torquay was the birthplace and childhood home of the renowned crime writer Agatha Christie, and the museum contains authentic memorabilia related to her legacy.
Visitors can explore a representation of daily life in a 19th-century Devon farmhouse, view a vast collection of zoological specimens, and admire an extensive ethnographic collection, along with exquisite antique ceramics from England’s prominent potteries.
11. Meadfoot Beach
Positioned facing southeast at the top of Tor Bay, Meadfoot Beach boasts a stunning setting against vegetated cliffs.
This shingle beach is bordered by a long promenade featuring charming beach chalets adorned in various shades of blue.
With sheltered waters, the beach is ideal for young children and non-swimmers, as it is oriented away from strong currents.
A cafe with a terrace located behind the beach allows patrons to enjoy vistas that include the craggy islet, Thatcher’s Rock, situated at the northern end of Tor Bay.
In the distance to the south lies the unmistakable silhouette of Berry Head.
12. Princess Gardens
West of the Inner Harbour, Princess Gardens offers an open area for leisurely walks next to the alignment of yachts within the marina.
The gardens feature a promenade bordered by well-manicured flowerbeds, neatly trimmed lawns, and an elegant water fountain.
Named after Princess Louise, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria, who laid the foundation stone in 1890, the gardens are home to the Princess Theatre, the leading performing arts venue in Torquay. Adjacent to this is the English Riviera Wheel, standing 60 meters tall and providing panoramic views of the harbour from its 42 gondolas.
13. Babbacombe Theatre
A vital component of Torquay’s cultural scene, Babbacombe Theatre has been operational since 1939 and boasts the longest summer season in the UK, extending over nine months.
Refurbished in 2009, the auditorium accommodates 600 guests and features a lineup of touring tribute acts, stand-up comedians, and musicals.
Throughout the summer, a bi-weekly variety show, produced since 1986 by the theatre’s director, Colin Matthews, features a mix of dancers, singers, and well-known comedians from British television.
14. Dinosaur World
For families with children fascinated by dinosaurs, Dinosaur World provides an ideal attraction within a charming Art Deco building located in the Inner Harbour.
This establishment is adorned with life-sized and scale models of dinosaurs, creatively arranged in realistic settings.
Children are encouraged to play the role of paleontologists, excavating dinosaur bones and testing their knowledge about various dinosaur species through interactive quizzes.
Many opportunities for engagement are available, such as grasping a triceratops by the horns or posing with a full-size T-rex skull.
15. South West Coast Path
Torquay offers numerous walking opportunities; however, the South West Coast Path stands out as an awe-inspiring adventure. This National Trail spans 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset, traversing the stunning landscapes of Devon and Cornwall.
Visitors can tackle sections of the path by ascending from Torquay Harbour onto the eastern cliffs at Daddyhole Plain.
Along the way, one might encounter Beacon Cove, where Agatha Christie swam during her youth.
From Daddyhole Plain, breathtaking views of the entire Tor Bay can be enjoyed.
A day trip to Berry Head, located at the southern end of the bay, can be accomplished, followed by a quick return to Torquay from Churston via train.
