The Salcombe Town Regatta 2024
The Salcombe Town Regatta is the highlight of this stunning harbourside town’s summer calendar, and as such, the schedule...
by Jack Price / Activities
Torquay is a thriving seaside town on South Devon’s English Riviera coast. It has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century and offers a wide range of activities, from shopping and guided walks to boat trips and fishing.
With so many fun-filled things to do in Torquay and the surrounding area, our local team have narrowed it down to our top 10 ways to spend a day here.
Read more to discover the best things to do in Torquay…..
Looking for something in particular? Use our quick links below, or read on for our complete guide on the best things to do in Torquay.
Looking for a holiday cottage in Torquay? Discover our collection of self-catering properties in the region.
First on the list of things to do in Torquay is the South West Coast Path. The South West Coast Path is a popular hiking trail that stretches for over 600 miles along the coastline of the South West of England, from Minehead in Somerset towards North Cornwall, and continuing to Poole Harbour in Dorset. The path stretches along the entire length of the English Riviera, where you’ll find 22 miles of coast path through the spectacular Geopark landscape.
The path is well-maintained and signposted, making it easy to navigate for hikers of all levels of experience. Plus there are plenty of opportunities to stop for a picnic, admire the views, or simply relax on one of the many beaches.
We recommend a day exploring the path between Torquay Harbour and Daddyhole Plain. This 2.5-mile walk passes the beautiful Beacon Cove previously known as the Ladies Bathing Cove, and London Bridge Arch, a limestone natural sea arch that has developed over time. As the path climbs to 200ft above sea level, you reach Daddyhole Plain. This spot is one of only three limestone plateaux on the English Riviera – a fantastic vantage point with spectacular views across the town and out to sea.
Queen of Crime Agatha Christie was born and raised in Torquay, where she trained as a pharmacist and developed her knowledge of poisons, which proved very useful when writing her detective novels.
The Agatha Christie Mile invites you to take a tour past eleven significant locations associated with her life and works, along the busy harbour and stretching along the palm-lined seafront and promenades.
Make your way to the Torquay Tourist Information Centre for the first part of the tour and maybe some extra guidance from them before you start.
Head to places such as the Strand, the Pavilion and the Princess Gardens, all the places and locations that gave Agatha Christie inspiration for her stories.
Kents Cavern is the oldest known prehistoric home in Britain, occupied by Neanderthals and the first Britons. The caves offer guided tours through natural underground passages, showcasing amazing formations and remains of ancient animals like mammoths, woolly rhinos, and sabre-toothed cats.
This area of the UK has had some fantastic geology finds over the years and Kent Caverns is up there with the most special. Taking the tour will highlight the incredible story of Kent’s Cavern and witness the amazing 400 million-year-old stalactites and stalagmites, which are across the cave walls. The tour will allow you to walk in the same footsteps as early adventurers who unearthed an array of bones and artefacts.
Also, a favourite since the 1930s is heading to the Bears Den and experiencing the Kent Caverns blackout with the caves going into full darkness. Would you be able to brave it?
After experiencing the caves, why not head out and find more secrets along the woodland trail? Spot as many prehistoric animals along the way as you can, as well as local wildlife which live in the surrounding landscape. After your day out, why not stop at the Kents Cavern Cafe, which offers a varied menu, from paninis, sandwiches and pasties to sweeter options like Devon Cream Teas?
This is one of the best rainy-day activities in Devon. Get ready to head on your next adventure today!
Ever wondered what it would be like being a giant, then look no further than heading to Babbacombe Model Village – the most visited and beloved attraction in Torquay.
Babbacombe Model Village presents a miniature representation of British life and culture over the past 50 years, featuring animated scenes and humorous touches that bring the exhibits to life as well as some well-known landmarks added throughout the village.
Over 400 models have been made for the village, these include houses, factories, shops and entertainment venues. There is also a miniature railway that runs along the gardens. There are so many places to see, but I suppose there needs to be considering they have over 13,000 miniature people who live in the village.
Other activities for the kids include a 9-hole crazy golf course and the little bug trail, grab a spotter sheet and see how many you can tick off on your walk around. Dogs are also welcome to all the outside activities, with drinking stations positioned around the site, making Babbacombe Model Village a place your furry friend can enjoy!
There is a cafe on site too, selling a range of food options that the whole family will enjoy, from pizzas to paninis and freshly served baps and a shop selling a wide range of gifts and souvenirs.
The village takes visitors on a nostalgic journey from the 1960s to the present day, making it a great attraction for people of all ages. Its charming location in four acres of award-winning gardens is a highlight and can be enjoyed year-round.
Highly regarded as one of the finest museums in South West England, Torquay Museum is a great place to visit no matter your age.
The museum hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, including child-friendly summer blockbusters and fascinating exhibits about South Devon’s archaeology, geology, and people.
One of the highlights is the Agatha Christie Gallery, which is the only one of its kind in Britain. Additionally, the museum showcases the incredible journeys made by Torquay’s famous explorers.
With a wide variety of temporary exhibitions and special events, there are plenty of things to see, making it one of our favourite things to do in Torquay.
The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 4.45 pm, with the last admission at 4.15 pm. Adult prices are £11, with children £4.50 and concession/ students at £9.
Dating back to 1196, Torre Abbey is the most historic building in the Torbay area. This ancient building set within 18 acres of ground is an archaeological site of national importance.
When it was built, it was the wealthiest English monastery of the order of Premonstratensian canons. After the monasteries were closed by Henry VIII in 1539, two of its former ranges were turned into private houses.
The gardens offer a wide range of exotic plants and are a perfect setting for a stroll on a nice summer day or just as the leaves are changing in the Autumn.
Tore Abbey also holds an impressive art collection boasting over 600 incredible works of art from the 18th century to the present day. The Abbey is also home to a large collection of nationally important Archaeology from the building’s extensive excavations.
There are several events to enjoy throughout the year, from the Open Air Cinema Festival in August to Torre Abbey’s thrilling Viking Day and the festive Father Christmas Experience.
The Abbey is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am till 5 pm (last entry 4 pm) and prices are £11 for Adults, £4 for Children aged 5-18 years and under 5s go free.
One of the best things to do in Torquay is to head to Torquay Beach. Grab your bucket and spade it’s sandcastle-building time!
Located just north of Torquay on the English Riviera, this sheltered shingle beach is a beloved spot for families, especially during the summer months. Visitors can rent deckchairs, kayaks, pedalos, and sunbeds. As a UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site, the beach boasts fascinating cliff formations and geology, with the limestone and red sandstone creating a particularly striking landscape. Landslides have also impacted the seaside scenery.
The nearest car parks to the beach are at St Marychurch and Princes Street, around half a mile away. Access to the beach is steep, but the Babbacombe Cliff Railway offers an alternative route to the promenade. From there, visitors can descend the steps to the beach or take advantage of the on-site cafe and shop.
Please note that dogs are not allowed on Oddicombe Beach from May 1st to September 30th, and there is no lifeguard service. However, the beach does have disabled toilet facilities available during the summer season. The beach holds a Blue Flag Award and is a popular spot for sailing and other water sports.
Ever wanted to know how to distil your own gin? Then head to the The Gin Nest, for a 2-hour gin-making experience.
You are invited to create your own craft gin using the traditional copper pot still. This 5* rated gin school has an experienced team of experts on hand to help you create a gin profile from a selection of botanicals and will help direct you towards aromas and flavours which best complement each other.
As if that wasn’t good enough, gin and tonics are also included for you to enjoy throughout the experience, and you will leave with your very own 50cl handmade craft gin to share with friends and family (or … keep to enjoy for yourself during the sunnier summer evenings).
This beautiful and historic park covers over 450 acres of woodland, lakes and gardens which are home to a variety of flora and fauna.
Cockington Country Park is known for its picturesque and tranquil setting, with paths that wind their way through tree-lined avenues and beautiful meadows. Visitors to the park can stop to explore the park’s craft centre and discover artists at work in their studios, from glass blowers to chocolatiers. There is also a gallery, tea room and working watermill.
Cockington Country Park has received several fantastic awards over the years, including the highly regarded Keep Britain Tidy, Green Flag Award. It is one of only 5 sites in the whole of the UK to retain the award 26 times since its launch.
In addition to its natural beauty and historic attractions, Cockington Country Park offers a range of activities including horse riding, cycling and fishing; and hosts a variety of concerts, festivals and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.
Last but certainly not least on our list of things to do in Torquay is a family favourite for all ages, the Torquay Dinosaur World offers a fascinating insight into the world of dinosaurs and prehistoric life. It features a wide range of exhibits including life-size dinosaur models, skeletons, fossils and interactive displays.
Visitors can explore their evolution from the earliest life forms through to the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. One of the highlights of a trip to the museum is the life-size T-Rex skull and model of a Stegosaurus, not to forget the dinosaur sound booth and fossil excavation pit.
The museum offers educational programmes and events for all ages including guided tours, workshops and hands-on activities for the kids. Knowledgeable and friendly experts are on hand to answer questions and provide insights into the life of dinosaurs. Whether you are a dinosaur enthusiast or simply curious about the world of prehistoric life, this museum is a must-visit attraction when visiting Torquay.
18 Abbey Sands (Ref: 1101746) | Torquay | Sleeps 4 in 2 Bedrooms with 2 Bathrooms | No Pets
18 Abbey Sands is a contemporary second-floor apartment situated in an enviable position in the town centre, featuring stylish, open-plan living and unrivalled sea views. This two-bedroom property is a perfect base for two couples or a family of four looking for a coastal escape in Devon.
Harbour Cottage (Ref: 1072593) | Torquay | Sleeps 4 in 2 Bedrooms with 1 Bathroom | No Pets
Harbour Cottage is a charming two-bedroom single-storey cottage located in the heart of Torquay. The property offers an open-plan living space with integrated appliances, an electric fire, and a dining area, which makes it a great functional living space for cooking, dining, and unwinding after a busy day.
Fonthill (Ref: 1068651) | Torquay | Sleeps 6 in 3 Bedrooms with 2 Bathrooms | 1 Pet Welcome.
Offering three bedrooms, this detached cottage resting in Torquay is a perfect choice property for all the family. Enjoy your day out along the Devon coastline and then come back to chill out in the sunshine, with a selection of patio seating in the garden.
Blue Harbour Cottage (Ref: 944353) | Torquay | Sleeps 3 in 2 Bedrooms with 1 Bathroom | 1 Pet Welcome
Head to this rather unusual and charming cottage, which offers two bedrooms and sleeps up to three guests. Enjoy the enclosed courtyard in the summer and have the wood burner ready in the wintertime to cosy up to after ticking off these things to do in Torquay.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional coastal cottage, a country escape or a sea view property so close to the water’s edge you can smell the fresh sea air from your bedside, Coast & Country Cottages offers an exquisite collection of over 500 throughout South Devon.
Browse our handpicked holiday cottages, and start planning your next adventure today. Your perfect holiday awaits…
Image Credits: Kents Cavern (CC-BY-2.0), Torre Abbey – (CC-BY-4.0) and Torquay Dinosaur Museum (CC-BY-2.0)
by Jack Price / Activities
I joined the Sykes team in November 2021, helping to produce content for existing and potential owners. I love a good film, tr...
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