10 Best Things to Do in Torquay

There are so many reasons that have made Torquay a wonderful UK holiday resort for everyone. From beachgoers who enjoy lying on the sandy beaches all day with a book or love sailing and water-related activities, and youngsters with a taste of adventure who want to immerse themselves into the local culture to families looking for things to do with kids and couples seeking romance, everyone can find holiday activities to suit their tastes. 

Torquay offers a wide variety of pretty cool year-round stuff to do during the day or at night whatever the weather.

Going to visit Torquay? Be aware that it's impossible to see it all during a single trip, and it won’t be easy choosing which places to visit on your first journey. So, make sure you dedicate enough time to travel planning and outlining the best things to do in Torquay based on what makes up priorities for you. To ensure you get tickets, book some of your chosen tours or activities ahead of time from home. Double-check and make sure that there are no restrictions that will prevent you from doing certain activities, especially if you are traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Located at the very heart of the English Riviera, alongside harbourside towns of Paignton, Brixham, and Dartmouth, Torquay is a seaside town on the South Devon Coast, famous for its mild climate, beautiful sandy beaches, picturesque countryside, and amazing archaeological sites. The town is surrounded by the stunning scenery of high cliffs and is a brew of outstanding natural beauty, history, and contemporary culture. No matter what the weather brings, there is always a huge range of activities you can do in the town from water sports, fishing and sailing, to sightseeing, nature walks and shopping. 

We have put together a list of the 10 best things to do in Torquay to help you figure out where to go during your holiday and be clear about your itinerary before leaving home.

1. Kents Cavern

Kents Cavern's prehistoric caves are a must-visit in Torquay which people with any travel expectation will enjoy visiting. Being home to Britain’s earliest humans and the most important Stone Age site in Europe, the caves are outstanding archaeological and geological sites found in the town.

**During the COVID-19, the tour capacity of the Kents Cavern has been reduced, so you must pre-book online. Check the ticket prices and book here.**

2. Babbacombe Model Village

Make your trip a lot more fun by visiting the miniature world of Babbacombe. Built-in a 4.5-acre land, this model village portrays thousands of buildings, factories, vehicles, and famous English monuments and landmarks like Stonehenge and the Shard, and has 13,000 miniature people living in it. It represents British life and culture over the last six decades using English humour. Both adults and children will enjoy visiting this miniature world.  

**Pre-booking is highly recommended. Read the visiting conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic and book here.**

3. Agatha Christie Mile

Agatha Christie Mile is a walking path in Torquay that takes you to 11 inspirational places in the life and works of the creator of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, including The Grand Hotel, Torquay Railway Station, Torre Abbey, Princess Pier, Princess Gardens, The Pavilion, The Strand, Torquay Museum, Royal Torbay Yacht Club, Beacon Cove, and The Imperial Hotel. 

Even if you are not a fan of detective stories, you can still enjoy strolling along a one-mile route around the Torquay seafront, absorbing the beauty of the stunning coastline and its breathtaking scenery. Furthermore, every September, the English Riviera celebrates the birthday of its most famous citizen in the ‘International Agatha Christie Festival’. Find out about this year’s program here. 

4. Babbacombe Cliff Railway

Babbacombe Cliff Railway’s cable-driven cars link Babbacombe Downs with Oddicombe Beach and have been transporting vacationers up and down the cliffs every day, letting them take in the outstanding natural beauty and amazing views since 1926.

**Please note that the railway is closed in winter for maintenance. Check their prices and reopening times here.**

5. Bygones

Bygones authentic life-size nostalgic street will take you back in history to the time of Queen Victoria’s reign. Immerse yourself in the life of Bygones when blacksmiths were at work and steam trains were popular transportation vehicles. The whole exhibit is located in a three-story building, offering a bunch of fun activities to explore in all weather conditions, especially for families with kids.

**Check the ticket prices and COVID-19 temporary changes. Book online here.**

6. Cockington Village

Visit the 2500-year-old village of Cockington surrounded by the award-winning country park a mile away from the seafront with its literally picturesque old cottages. While visiting the village, drop by the worth-visiting Cockington Court built in the 16th century over the remains of a medieval court, which is currently used as a craft centre filled with various arts and crafts workshops. 

1. Torre Abbey 

Torre Abbey is one of Torbay's most recommended destinations. Established in 1196, Torre Abbey is a historic building, museum, and art gallery surrounded by beautiful award-winning gardens. It is the best-preserved medieval monastery in Devon and Cornwall which offers world-class exhibitions of visual arts, history, and live performances.

**Learn more and buy your tickets online from the Torre Abbey website.**

8. Torquay Museum

Discover amazing artifacts from Torbay and around the world alongside a wide range of fun and family activities in the Torquay Museum. The museum features an Agatha Christie Gallery dedicated to the English author’s life, novels, and plays. It exhibits the donated furniture and props of  ITV’s adaptations of Agatha Christie’s Poirot. Besides,  you can see the photographs and effects of Agatha Christie’s life and work, from handwritten notes and dozens of first editions of her novels to some of her clothes in the photo gallery. 

**Find out more about the Torquay Museum here.**

9. Royal Terrace Gardens

With its beautiful Mediterranean vegetation and greenery overlooking the charming waterfront, Royal Terrace Gardens, also known as Rock Walk, is one of the wonders of Torquay. Greet the magnificent views of the Princess Gardens and the Harbour by climbing the illuminated staircase. 

10. Princess Gardens

Meticulously designed with palm trees, lovely flower beds, and an ornate water fountain, Princess Gardens is home to a variety of events and festivals, including continental markets and the world-famous Agatha Christie Festival.

Torquay has a lot far more to offer in addition to what we already listed as the best things to do in Torquay. It has an excellent choice of beaches and vibrant nightlife. Bear in mind to allocate plenty of time in your itinerary to wander along Torquay’s seafront in the evening, go to the theatres and cinemas, and spend time in a variety of cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars, and clubs scattered through this holiday resort. 

Looking for accommodation accessible to almost all attractions of Torquay? We have a hotel recommendation for you which is a 12-minute walk from Abbey Park and 20 minutes’ walk away from Torquay Railway Station.

Check out Maycliffe Hotel Torquay for more info and book direct here.