Best Things to Do in Torquay

The town of Torquay is a popular seaside destination that has several things to do. Torquay has lots of art, history, and entertainment to keep tourists satisfied, as well as fantastic restaurants and bars.

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Babbacombe Model Village

Babbacombe Model Village is found on the outskirts of Torquay and is one of the largest model villages in the country. It’s open every day and features a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy. The park also has several restaurants, cafes, and shops where you can spend your time exploring.

The main attraction at Babbacombe is its train station, which features scale-model replicas of famous trains from around the world. There are also smaller stations set up around the park where you can buy souvenirs, books, and postcards.

Another great feature of Babbacombe is its miniature golf course. This nine-hole course contains real-looking green grass with wood and plastic fairways. This course’s natural or synthetic turf will remind golfers of real-life courses they’ve played.

Kents Cavern

Kents Cavern is one thing to do in Torquay and is known as the most popular attraction. This limestone cave has stalagmites, stalactites, waterfalls, underground rivers, and pools. The cave is open year-round, however, summer is the greatest season to explore when the temperature is 23C.

The cave was discovered by George Smith who led an excavation team funded by the Earl of Tankerville to expose the area’s natural resources. Although it was not until a few years later that people realized just how extensive this underground world was!

There are two entrances to Kents Cavern: one on the western side of Torquay and another on St Andrews Road near Paignton. Both entrances have visitor centers with toilets and refreshments available for purchase (highly recommended). There are also several picnic areas along the route which provide excellent views of this famous attraction.

Bygones

Bygones is a local museum dedicated to the history of Torquay, Devon. The museum is located in Torre Abbey and houses many interactive exhibits that allow visitors to explore the town’s past.

The Bygones Museum is free to enter and has an extensive collection of displays including artifacts from Torquay’s past, photographs, and paintings. There are also various interactive exhibits where visitors can learn about life in Torquay during different periods such as Victorian times or World War I.

Visitors can also explore the parklands surrounding Torre Abbey by walking through one of the trails which run along the River Tavy. Although this area is not open for public access, it is well worth exploring on foot as you will be able to see some beautiful views over the River Tavy valley and its shores.

Torquay’s Dinosaur World

The Dinosaur World is a fun place to visit. It’s located in the heart of Torquay and has been a favourite destination for families with children since it was opened. The park is home to over 40 different species of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals, including giant T-rexes, kangaroos, a pterodactyl, and an ostrich. There are also displays of fossils and invertebrates, as well as fossilized footprints and fossilized tree trunks. The park also hosts several live shows each day which give children a chance to meet the dinosaurs up close.

The Dinosaur World offers two packages: the Dinosaur Experience’ (for ages 3+) which includes admission to the park and a behind-the-scenes tour with a guide; and Dinosaur Discovery’ (ages 5+), which includes an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour with an expert dinosaur keeper.

Babbacombe Cliff Railway

The Babbacombe Cliff Railway is a collection of three railway climbs, with the highest section at 1,200ft above sea level. The most popular climb is the easy climb to the top of Babbacombe Cliff, which can be done in just over an hour.

The train ride up to the top of this cliff is steep and winding. There are two stations along the way, and both offer views across Torbay towards Salisbury Plain and Dartmoor in the distance.

The second station offers a more dramatic view – you can see down to Torquay harbour and into the town centre below.

At each station, there are toilets and refreshments available for purchase. You’ll also find information about upcoming train services or events at each stopover point along your journey up to the top of Babbacombe Cliff itself.

English Riviera Wheel

Visiting The English Riviera Wheel is Things to do in Torquay for anyone who loves to get out and about, whether it is for a family day out, or a romantic weekend away. The activity center offers some of the best views in Torbay, with panoramic views of Torquay Bay and the South Devon coastline.

The Torbay Activity Centre has eight different activities on offer, including a Giant Swing’ which will send you over land and sea! There are also trampolines, climbing walls, and other fun activities for children and adults alike. The center offers a wide range of facilities including a café, restaurant, gift shop, and free parking. You can also hire bikes if you don’t feel like walking around on your own.

Babbacombe Theatre

The Babbacombe Theatre is a community theatre in Torquay, Devon. It was founded in 1939 and has been run by the Torbay Civic Society (TCCS) since 1981. The Babbacombe Theatre is situated on the Babbacombe peninsula, which is a strip of land between Torquay and Paignton. The theatre is built into the cliff face and has its car park, which is accessed via a narrow road that runs along the cliff top.

The Babbacombe Theatre’s main auditorium seats 300 people and has a proscenium arch stage with two tiers of seating – the upper tier being more expensive than the lower tier. Three smaller studios can be hired out for private hire or film shoots.

The Imperial Torquay Spa

The Imperial Torquay Spa is one of the most luxurious spas in the UK and it’s not hard to see why. The spa has a beautiful design, with marble, wood, and glass all used to create a tranquil atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a busy day in Torquay.

The spa has everything you need for an amazing pamper session. The main treatment area offers all the usual treatments, including facials and manicures, but there are also more unusual options like hot stone massages and hydrotherapy sessions.

The Imperial Torquay Spa also offers treatments for children and adults, including those who suffer from eczema or psoriasis, so no matter what your skin type is, there’s something for everyone at this spa.

9. Torre Abbey

Torre Abbey is a large medieval ruin in Torquay in the English county of Devon. It stands on an outcrop above the town and overlooks Torbay to the south, with views across the bay to Lands End and South Wales.

The abbey has a long history and was built around 1196 by the Benedictine monks of Tavistock Abbey. The site was chosen because it commanded one of the most important routes between Exeter and Bristol, as well as being close enough to be reached by boat from Dartmouth or Plymouth; it also provided an ideal location for defense against any marauding forces who might threaten the area.

It was damaged during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII in 1539-1540 and then again during Civil War times when it was used as a garrison by Parliamentary troops. It was later abandoned until it was rediscovered in 1855 when some foundations were discovered during building work nearby. The ruins have been listed as Grade I since 1960 and are now owned by English Heritage and managed by its partner organization, Devon County Council.

Princess Theatre

There are plenty of things to do in Torquay, with the main attraction being the Princess Theatre. This is an impressive building that dates back to 11854 and has been used for many different purposes over the years, including as a cinema, a rehearsal theatre, and even as a cinema again. Today it’s once again a place where people can enjoy live performances and enjoy themselves. It’s also an important part of the town’s social calendar, with many events taking place here throughout the year.

The Princess Theatre has been restored to its original condition and is now home to live shows, plays, and musicals. Recent productions have included Mamma Mia! The Musical and The Lion King, so you can be sure that there’ll be something for everyone here! It also hosts several other events throughout the year, including comedy nights and dance nights where you can get involved in some light entertainment yourself!

The theatre is located on High Street in Torquay just minutes from other attractions such as Babbacombe Cliff Sea Life Centre and Torbay Museum & Art Gallery.

Torquay Museum

The Torquay Museum is a place of interest in Torquay, Devon. It has a varied collection of exhibits which include archaeology, local history, and natural history. The museum was founded in 1975 to provide a place where visitors could find out information about the town. It has grown over time to become one of the biggest museums in Devon with around 50,000 visitors each year.

The museum’s exhibitions range from local history to archaeology, geology, and natural history. There are also displays of prehistoric times, the Victorian era, and modern-day life in Torquay. One of its most popular exhibits is the Torbay Model Railway’ which allows children to explore different aspects of railway travel as well as shows how railways were built in days gone by.

The Real Crime Museum

When you think of crime museums, you probably think of the one in London. But there are quite a few out there, and Torquay has one of its own. The Real Crime Museum is on the seafront at Torquay and it tells the story of how we got ourselves into this mess. It’s a fascinating look at some serious crimes through the years and how they were solved. From Jack the Ripper to Peter Sutcliffe, you’ll learn all about some pretty sinister characters who have been locked up in this building.

The museum also has a great cafe and shop if you want to relax after your visit (and buy some treats). You can even take a tour of the prison cells where some of these crimes took place or have a go at their shooting range.

Waves Leisure Pool

The Waves Leisure Pool is a great place to relax and enjoy the summer sunshine. It’s not a massive pool but it’s still very popular with locals and tourists alike. There’s a bar, restaurant, and events room on site, so it’s well-equipped for birthday parties and other socials.

You can reserve tables by the pool in advance too if you’d like to eat or drink at the poolside. The Waves Leisure Pool is open all year round, but it isn’t heated so it’s best suited for summer months rather than winter days.

AMF Bowling

AMF Bowling is a fun and family-friendly place to go bowling in Torquay. They have amazing facilities, so there is something that everyone can enjoy. You can bowl in either of the two lanes or one of their two party rooms during your visit. If you want to try something new, they have a variety of different bowling games available for you to play at their arcade section too!

If you are looking for something a little more relaxed then you can also book their bowling lessons! These lessons are suitable for people of all ages and abilities, so everyone will be able to learn how to bowl properly!

They offer these lessons every day from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, so it does not matter if you live nearby or not – because it is open to everyone! The teachers are professional and experienced, so they will help anyone improve their skills.

Thatcher Point

The UK’s most northerly point, Thatcher Point is a renowned beauty spot with sweeping views of the bay and Torbay itself. The area around Thatcher Point has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty due to its stunning scenery, wildlife, and birdwatching opportunities.

The iconic Churchill Barriers are a favorite attraction for tourists and locals alike, who can enjoy watching seals as they swim or watch ships pass through the gap between the two rocks. There’s also plenty of free parking available at nearby Langstone Harbour Car Park.

Although it’s not essential to visit Thatcher Point, it’s worth taking a stroll along the beach if you’re in the area – this is one of the best beaches for exploring Torquay’s rocky coastline.

Cockington Country Park

The Cockington Country Park is a beautiful park, located in Torquay. It has many different activities to offer, including walking, jogging and cycling routes, fishing, and bird watching. There are also plenty of places for families to enjoy picnics and barbecues. The park also has three playing fields which are used for football and cricket matches during the summer months.

The park also has an adventure playground with climbing frames and slides as well as a wheeled vehicle area for children aged 3 years old and over. The adventure playground also includes a zip wire which can be accessed via a path leading off from the main entrance to the park.

Brunel Woods

Brunel Woods is a small nature reserve located on the outskirts of Torquay, Devon. It is owned by Torbay Council, which purchased the site in 1959. The area was once a sand quarry that was used by Brunel during his time as an engineer at the nearby Dawlish Railway.

The nature reserve is home to a variety of wildlife including kingfishers and badgers. There are also many different types of trees including oaks and ash trees which provide shelter for birds such as pheasants and redstarts.

The area also provides a habitat for insects such as butterflies and dragonflies who drink from the nearby stream and another body of water known locally as ‘the pond’.

Agatha Christie Mile

Torquay has a long history of being a seaside town, but it’s not just the seaside that brings people here. It’s also the town’s unique architecture and its beautiful coastline, which attract many visitors from all over the world.

The town has been home to Agatha Christie since 1926, and you can visit her house today. The author lived here for many years with her husband Archibald Christie, who was also an author. To see this house of mystery firsthand, head over to Poet’s Corner on Torquay’s high street where you’ll find the imposing building that houses their former home.

If you want to spend some time exploring the town on foot, there are plenty of things to do in Torquay – visit the famous Poet’s Corner mentioned above or take in one of Torbay Council’s free guided walks around the area.

The Boulder Bunker

The Boulder Bunker offers a variety of activities for people of all ages. The attraction is housed in a former military bunker that was used during World War II and the Cold War. The space is filled with artifacts, including an old radio, weapons, and other items relating to the era. There are also special events, such as tours of the facility and demonstrations by military personnel who were stationed at this location.

The Dragonfly Maze

This attraction is located inside the Wharfside Shopping Centre in Torquay, just minutes from the town centre. It’s a popular attraction for families and children because it features a maze of over 50 interconnected slides that lead to different parts of the room. The slides can be used by children as young as three years old, though they are recommended for those aged four and up. The cost per slide ranges from £1 to £2 depending on how long you want to stay in the maze; each slide takes about five minutes to complete.

Torquay Alpine Ski Club

Torquay is not a destination you would associate with skiing, but there are some great reasons why you should give it a go.

There are three ski centres in the town – Torquay, Torbay, and Paignton – and they offer downhill cross-country and telemark skiing. They are open all year round and have the most advanced facilities in the country.

The club offers lessons for beginners as well as more experienced skiers who want to improve their technique or learn new tricks. There’s also a snow park where you can try out your new skills on a giant slope built especially for children, as well as an ice rink for those who want to skate long after the sun has gone down.

HQ Escape Rooms

HQ Escape Rooms is a gaming experience that’s fun for the whole family. We have multiple escape rooms to choose from, each with different themes and challenges.

HQ Escape Rooms are designed to be engaging, exciting, and challenging. The rooms are set up like a real-life crime scene where players must solve the mystery and figure out how to escape before time runs out. Players will need to use their skills and knowledge of previous games to solve this new adventure.

The company offers a range of rooms that can be played across multiple sites in Torquay, as well as other locations around the UK. The rooms have been designed with both adults and children in mind; they are suitable for players over the age of 18, although younger players are also welcome. The rooms are made of different themes, such as murder mysteries, hidden objects, secret rooms, and more! Each room has unique challenges that make it more difficult than the last.

Jungle Journey Adventure Golf

The Jungle Journey Adventure Golf is a fun and exciting way to spend your day. The course is open from 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM every day, and it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular activities in Torquay. The course is made up of three separate areas: the jungle path, the river rapids, and the waterfall. Each area has its own set of obstacles to overcome, including zip wires, swinging logs, and water hazards.

It’s also worth noting that this isn’t just any old golf course – it’s got some seriously cool attractions! The jungle path has a zip wire that will have you swinging across the trees like Tarzan or a giant slide that will send you plunging into a river below. In addition to all this, there’s also an adventure playground for kids as well as plenty of picnic facilities on site so everyone can enjoy themselves after their round is done.

Day at the Beach

Torquay is a great place for a day at the beach. There are plenty of options for getting there, but the main one will be the train. If you’re staying in Torquay and heading out to the beach, then there are a few ways to get there:

• Take a bus or taxi from Torquay station to Torquay train station. This takes about 20 minutes and costs around £5-6. You can catch the train straight from town or ask your hotel if they can collect you from the station on your behalf.
• Take bus number 23X which runs every 15 minutes (every 30 minutes on Sundays) between Torquay train station and Torbay Beach. It costs £2 each way and takes approximately 20 minutes. You can also get off at Paignton, Newton Abbot, and Totnes if that’s more convenient for you!
• Walk along Marine Parade which is just outside of the town centre and follow it down to Paignton Beach where you will find some fantastic shops, restaurants, and cafes as well as access to lots of other beaches too.

Torquay Watersports

Torquay is a great place to go watersports. There are plenty of places to do so, whether it’s diving, surfing or simply having a paddle around in the sea.

• DIVING – Torquay has some of the best diving in England and is also home to one of Europe’s biggest underwater observatories. The Western Diving Centre offers several courses including PADI Open Water Diver and Specialty Open Water Diver.
• SURFING – Torquay is one of England’s top surfing destinations with many protected beaches and plenty of waves for all abilities. You can head out on your board or take lessons from local schools such as Kitesurf World or Torbay Boardsports.
• KAYAKING – Torquay has a wealth of rivers and creeks that are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or just exploring by boat on your own.

Wesup Torquay Marina

Wesup is a great place to go for food and drink, as it’s right on the water. The menus are varied and there’s something for everyone. You can also grab some coffee or lunch on your way out if you’ve had a long day of shopping or sightseeing. The decking area has views across Torbay and beyond, so it’s a lovely place to sit and relax with some food or drinks in hand.

The Wesup Marina is also home to some of the best harbourside restaurants Torquay has to offer. From Thai food to burgers and pizzas, there’s something for everyone here. There’s also a bar serving hot drinks throughout the day if you need something hot (or cold).

Brixham Battery Heritage Centre

The Brixham Battery Heritage Centre is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Torquay. The museum is housed in an old battery that was built in 1940, during the Crimean War. The building has been restored and now houses exhibits about Torquay’s military history, including photographs and artifacts from the First World War. The center also has an exhibition on World War II, which includes information about the different types of guns used during the war and how they worked. There is also a display about how Torquay’s defenses were designed to defend against attacks from enemy ships or submarines. The museum is located at Church Walk, off Torquay’s St Marychurch Road. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM but closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Golden Hind Museum Ship

The Golden Hind Museum Ship is a replica of the world’s first fully-rigged ship, designed and built by Sir Francis Drake. It was launched in 1580 and has been sailing for more than 450 years now. The ship is located on the River Dart near Torquay in Devon, England.

The Golden Hind Museum Ship has been rebuilt and restored several times, but it still maintains its original design and layout. The museum hosts exhibitions devoted to Sir Francis Drake’s life and achievements, including his various voyages around the world. Plenty of activities are available at the museum, such as guided tours, talks, and events.

Go Shopping at Torquay Central Farmers Market

Torquay Central Farmers Market is a great place to go shopping. The market is located at the top of Torquay’s Main Street, and it has been running since the 1800s. The market is open every day from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. It’s open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, while on Sundays it runs from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Torquay Central Farmers Market sells fresh produce and local products such as cheese and meat, as well as plenty of other things you might need for your holiday or for cooking at home. You’ll find everything from fruit and vegetables to fish and meat, plus all sorts of specialist items like cheeses and bread. If you’re looking for something specific then be sure to check out the stall’s list of what’s available each day.

Oddicombe Beach

Oddicombe Beach is the most popular of Torquay’s beaches, and rightly so: it’s a lovely sandy beach that’s backed by sand dunes, and it gets great weather. There are many amusements for children, including a play park and a waterslide, as well as plenty of places to eat and drink.

The beach is on the northern side of the town center, so you need to walk under the railway line to get there. If you’re staying in one of the hotels in the town center then they probably have parking facilities close by (though it’s still worth checking).

The setting is idyllic, but it’s the beach that’s at the heart of it. The town is built around a stunning curve of golden sand with a rugged shoreline, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafés to while away the hours.

Oddicombe Beach is also home to some of Devon’s best surfing spots, sand dunes, and rock pools. You can hire bikes or take a guided tour to explore the area on your terms.

If you want to get out of town for some peace and quiet, head for the nearby Seaton Sluice Nature Reserve, which offers stunning views over Dartmoor from its hilltop position.

South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path is a long-distance walk from Minehead in Somerset to Lands End in Cornwall. It runs along the south coast of England, from Minehead on the Bristol Channel to Land’s End. The path follows the route of an Anglo-Saxon road known as Watling Street, which linked the largest towns of Wessex with those of Mercia and Wales.

The SWCP is the longest National Trail in England and Wales and extends for over 200 miles through some of the country’s most beautiful scenery. The path links coastal towns, villages, and beaches giving visitors many opportunities to explore their surroundings or just enjoy some peace and quiet in places like Dawlish Warren, Bude, or Crackington Haven (all on the coast).

Meadfoot Beach

Meadfoot Beach is a very popular spot in Torquay, with its stunning views of the Torbay coastline. The beach is not sand and surf, but rather a pebble-strewn shoreline that has been shaped by centuries of erosion.

The beach is also home to one of Torquay’s best beaches, which is why it’s such a popular destination for families and tourists alike.

Meadfoot Beach has several amenities available, including toilets and parking spaces. There are also plenty of shops nearby where you can buy food and drink, as well as gifts to take home with you.

Enjoy Torquay’s Nightlife

Torquay is a beautiful seaside town, full of interesting attractions and great places to eat. It’s also home to some of the best nightlife in Devon — try out the clubs and bars on South Street and in the Old Town.

Torquay has a lot going for it when it comes to entertainment — from live music venues to comedy clubs and theatre shows, there’s something for everyone in this part of England’s southwest.

The Torquay Oceanarium is one of the most popular attractions in town, with its aquariums featuring sharks, penguins, and other marine creatures. This is a great place to visit with children; they can learn more about marine life while exploring their new surroundings.

Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery

The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery is a local family-run business that makes delicious homemade chocolates, truffles, ice cream, and other yummy treats. The best part about this place is that they’re not just selling their products – they’re also active in the community. The owners are always willing to chat with you and answer any questions you have about their products or the area.

In addition to creating amazing sugary treats, they also offer a couple of special events each month. The first one is the Chocolate Festival where they host various competitions for chocolate lovers of all ages. The second event is a weekend called “Chocomania” where people dress up as their favourite characters from movies or TV shows (or even celebrities) and eat as much chocolate as possible over three days.

Surf Coast Strawberry Fields

Strawberry Fields is a great place to go if you want to eat some of the best food in Torquay. The cafe is located on the beach and has an outside area where you can sit and enjoy your meal.

They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but their sweet treats are what I keep coming back for. Their homemade ice cream is so good, and they use real fruit in their sorbets and gelatos that are made from scratch every day.

Their coffee is excellent too, with a variety of flavours available including hazelnut coffee with chocolate flakes; vanilla latte; chocolate brownie; salted caramel mocha. They also have hot chocolates, frappes, and lattes if you want something non-caffeinated.

Tiger Moth World Adventure Flights

If you’re looking for something a little more exciting than the usual sightseeing, why not try a Tiger Moth World Adventure Flight? This is an experience that you’ll never forget as it takes you on an exhilarating ride through the beautiful countryside of Devon.

The planes are based at Torbay Airport and all passengers are provided with a safety briefing before taking off. Once airborne, you will be given a briefing on your flight route and what to expect during the flight. You will then start your journey going over Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks before heading towards Dawlish Warren and Teignmouth, where you will see some of the most spectacular views in Devon.

You could even stop off at Taunton or Newton Abbot during your journey if you wish – either way, it’s sure to be one of the most memorable experiences you’ll ever have.

Living Coasts

Living Coasts is the only coastal zoo in the United Kingdom. It has sea birds, fish, and mammals. All of these are on the western side of Beacon Hill and have a view of Tor bay. The best enclosure here is the free-flying seabird aviary, which is 19 meters tall and has a volume of 51,000 cubic meters.

This aviary is the first of its kind in the country. It is home to many different kinds of birds, such as tufted puffins, common guillemots, pigeon guillemots, auks, redshanks, and red-legged Kittihawks, to name a few.

The “Mysterious Mangrove” is home to archery fish and rays. The aquarium also has the “Penguin Beach,” the “Octopus Odyssey,” the “Otter Rapids,” and a “crawl tank” where small visitors can see starfish up close.

Princess Gardens

A nice way to spend the day is to walk along the yacht columns in the marina, which is west of the Inner Harbour. With their well-kept flowerbeds, freshly cut grass, and small fountains, the Princess Gardens are a beautiful place to take a walk.

In 1890, Princess Louise, Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter, came to the site to lay the cornerstone. This is how the garden got its name. The Princess, which is Torquay’s best theater, is in the middle, and right next to it is the English Riviera Wheel, which is a 60-meter-high Ferris wheel with 42 gondolas that each have a beautiful view of the port.

39. Paignton Pier

If you’re in South West England and want to see a traditional pier, Paignton Pier is your best bet. It opened in 1879 and has been one of Torquay’s most popular attractions ever since. This 780-foot Victorian-era pier was just fixed up, so there are now a lot of fun things to do along its length.

Teenagers can play video games in the amusement arcade while younger kids enjoy bumper cars, carousels, and mega slides. Traditional fried foods like fish and chips are right next to ice cream and doughnuts, which can be used as desserts.

The Foundry

The Foundry Nightclub is part of a larger complex of entertainment venues on the coast of Torquay. It’s one of the most popular nightclubs because the music and lighting are so good. DJs often play EDM, Drum & Bass, or house music that has a lot of basses. There will be a lot of people on the dance floor, but the second level is great for people who would rather sit back and enjoy the music with a drink.

Torquay is a coastal town with a flagstone seafront and a long promenade by the water to enjoy. It is home to over 100 fountains and statues and is named after Tor, or the ‘rocky headland’, overlooking the harbor. Visitors will find the beaches here to be clean and well cared for, with gaily painted wooden beach huts and summer boats adding to the fun atmosphere