Things to do in Torquay
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Things to do in Torquay
There’s a pretty extensive list of things to do in Torquay so we’ve selected just a few of our favourites to help you plan for the holiday ahead. Explore the ancient Kent’s Cavern (an amazing archaeological site, the oldest UK human remains were found here!) Kids will love the model village in Babbacombe and Paignton Zoo Environmental Park. Ramble around the beautiful Torre Abbey (circa 1196).
Stride out on amazing coastal walks, perfect for nature lovers with an abundance of birds and wildlife. If water sports in Torquay are on the agenda there’s an exhaustive list with rib rides, sailing, coasteering, swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding to name just a few! Take a sea life safari and look out for porpoises and dolphins along the way – an awesome adventure not to be missed! Choose one of our luxury holiday homes as your base for a few days and have a ball!
The English Riviera is a vibrant hub of entertainment with a fun packed calendar of events throughout the year. So whenever you visit you’ll have a bounty of shows, festivals and fun for all the family with seasonal events high on the agenda. Kids will love the creepy creatures halloween trail at the museum. The Princess Theatre has some excellent pre West End shows, also talks by the likes of the well travelled Simon Reeve and wildlife photographer and filmmaker Gordan Buchanan talking about lions and tigers and bears! Also music from Jason Donovan and comedy with John Bishop to whet your appetite. You can get the full listings of what’s on at the Princess Theatre here. So here’s a rundown of what’s on in Torquay.
What’s on in Torquay
- January – A Very Miniature Christmas at Babbacombe Model Village
- February – Jason Donovan, The Frog Prince and Madame Butterfly
- March – Elkie Brooks, George Buchanan
- April – Dinosaur Adventure Live, The Lion, The Witch & the Wardrobe
- May – Pirate Festival in Brixham, English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Festival
- June – English Riviera Air Show, Walking Festival,
- July – Paignton Festival
- August – Torbay Regatta, Torbay Steam Fair, Torbay Brick Festival – Great for Lego fans!
- September – The International Agatha Christie Festival, England’s Seafood Fest
- October – Guided tours at Torre Abbey, A Very Batty Half Term at Kents Cavern
- November – Lanterns, Lights and ‘luminations – Brixham
- December – Finally, The Illumination Trail, Train of lights, Carol Concerts and the Royal Marines Christmas Spectacular to celebrate the festive season.
Theatre goers should check the programme for the Princess Theatre for some excellent pre West End shows and concerts.
Torquay attractions
Paignton Zoo – One of our favourite things to do in Torquay. Visit this world class environmental park for a fun and educational day out for all the family. Explore 80 acres of landscaped grounds and woodlands home to more than 2000 creatures and experience conservation in action. Look out for the seasonal events and special offers on their website.
Splashdown Quaywest Welcome to the UK’s biggest waterpark! Right on the coast and open during the summer months, this awesome water park always makes a splash with the kids (and adults too!). With its slippery waterslides, twisting tyre rides, shipwreck island and a new aquaplay for the under 12’s. You can of course simply swim in the pool or relax on the sun terraces. It ticks all the boxes for a fun family day out!
Kents Cavern What a place! Step back in time to the Stone Age and explore an amazing system of limestone caves, extraordinary natural rock formations and artifacts. It’s hard to believe that our prehistoric ancestors and Ice Age animals lived here in Britain’s oldest home! But the exploration and discovery doesn’t stop underground, there’s an excellent woodland trail, perfect for children from 2 years + with the prehistoric animal hunt. For children aged 7+ there’s a Paleo trail and finally Tribal code breakers for 10 years+. Learn all about Stone Age animals and how to build shelters. A fun and educational experience for all the family!
Photo credit – Visit Devon
History buffs will love Torre Abbey, this award-winning destination also has pretty impressive art collection of 600 + pieces! The formal 19th century Abbey gardens are beautiful and an oasis of calm. Stop and smell the roses as you stroll around the exotic plants, herbaceous perennials and dahlias which also thrive in the south Devon microclimate.
Babbacombe Model Village & Gardens Welcome to the world of the little people… Stroll giantlike around 4 acres of miniature houses, stately homes, factories, shops and famous monuments all dotted with miniature people which depicts British life through the ages. Always a fun day out with humorous and animated displays.
Cockington Village Wander around this quintessentially English village and step back in time. The picturesque narrow lanes are lined with thatched colour washed cottages, there’s also a pub, cricket ground and even a manor house. Such a perfect place to pause and enjoy a cream tea.
Photo credit – Visit Devon
Torquay Beaches
The English Riviera is renowned for its spectacular beaches which is why it’s always been such an great choice for a seaside holiday. So why not book one of our luxurious holiday homes for a few nights away and enjoy a special time with family or friends. Torquay beaches are perfect for swimming, water sports and wildlife experiences with regular sightings of porpoises, dolphins and seals thriving in the gin clear waters of the bay.
Finest Stays guide to the best beaches in Torquay
Corbyn Sands, Corbyn Head TQ2 6NT
- Family friendly sand and shingle beach with a relaxed vibe to the south of Torre Abbey Sands.
- Facilities: Easily accessible from the road with a slipway down to the beach and a short promenade. Toilets and disabled toilets, deckchairs, beach cafe and beach huts. Dogs – seasonal summer ban. But there is a dog exercise area on Torre Abbey Meadows.
Torre Abbey Sands TQ2 6NY
- This beautiful stretch of sand is Torquay’s main beach and it very popular with families due to its accessibility and has excellent facilities. This is the main beach for Torquay and it’s always popular with holidaymakers from the surrounding hotels, day visitors and locals.
- Facilities: Easily accessible, disabled parking also loos. Deckchairs, first aid room, shop, beach side refreshment kiosk also a café/restaurant. Parking. Guide dogs permitted.
Babbacombe TQ1 3LX
- A beautiful and tranquil shingle beach to the east of Torquay with fabulous views. One of our favourite spots for a dip in the crystal clear waters followed by a stroll along the downs.
- Facilities: Parking. Easily accessible with disabled parking and loos. Deckchairs, first aid room, shop, beach side refreshment kiosk, café/restaurant, there’s also a picnic area. Dogs also welcome.
Meadfoot TQ1 2LL
- What a location… firstly, sitting at the bottom of the cliffs this shingle beach lined with pretty beach chalets is charming. Secondly, you can hire kayaks or paddle boards and explore the clear waters or take the plunge for a spot of wild swimming. And finally… there’s a pretty good beach cafe too!
- Facilities: Easily accessible. Parking, disabled beach access, toilets and showers. Deckchairs, first aid room, shop. Water sports hire. Lifeguarded. Beach side café/restaurant. Seasonal summer dog ban from south western section but dogs are welcome all year round on the northern end of the beach.
Oddicombe TQ1 3LB
- Accessible via the Babbacombe Cliff Railway (or a steep road!) this beach is perfect for family fun… not only is the arrival exciting and the paddling perfect but you can also hire kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and pedalos. So retreat to your very own beach hut and take in the glorious vistas of the coastal landscape. What a lovely way to while away a few hours!
- Facilities: Parking. Easily accessible, disabled parking and loos, deckchairs, first aid room, shop, water sports hire. Lifeguarded. Beach side refreshment kiosk, café/restaurant, picnic area. Dogs also welcome
Maidencombe TQ1 4TS
- Escape the hustle and bustle and spend a few hours on the sands. Think rolling countryside, towering red cliffs and excellent water quality and you get the picture. This stunning beach is accessed via steep steps but it’s well worth the descent. Hire a beach hut and a couple of deck chairs for the day, set up camp and simply breathe in the sea air. . .
- Facilities: Access to the beach is via steep steps, toilets, deck chair hire, beach hut hire, there’s also a cafe which is open during the summer months only. Dogs welcome.
Boat trips from Torquay
The waters around Torquay are rich in marine life with seals, porpoises and dolphins all active in the bay. So why not book one of the regular boat trips and cruises and experience wildlife first hand. The coastline around Torbay is spectacular. Join the Dartmouth Day Cruise from Torquay along the coast, past Berry Head and the beautiful Coleton Fishacre Estate. The cruise then heads into the River Dart estuary and moors up in Dartmouth. Perfect for a spot of shopping or a coffee at a riverside cafe. More about this and other wildlife boat trips from Torquay here
Watersports in Torquay
Of all the things to do in Torquay, Watersports has to be on the agenda. And why not? It’s the perfect destination for getting out on the water. The large sheltered bay with safe shallow waters and warm microclimate paired with beautiful sandy beaches, secluded coves and gin clear waters offer ideal conditions for paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing and wild swimming. Paignton Sailing Club offers RYA courses in dinghy sailing for both beginners and intermediate sailors.
And finally adrenaline junkies can get their fix with Torquay Watersports and their Raptor Rib Ride. They have a great range of exciting trips for the family so book your place and explore this stunning coastline aboard their rib. Ever fancied trying coasteering? Now’s your chance, Torquay water sports also offer Ribquest coasteering for the ultimate adventure experience. It’s perfect for families too with children over 8 years old joining in the fun.