Things to do in Torquay

Activities, attractions and tours

Torquay featuring a coastal town, night scenes and boating
Torquay featuring a coastal town, night scenes and boating
Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens which includes flowers and a garden
Torquay featuring rugged coastline, general coastal views and a sandy beach
Torquay showing a bay or harbor, general coastal views and a marina
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Top places to visit

1. Princess Theatre

Attending a show at the Princess Theatre is a favorite activity for many regular visitors to the seafront resort town of Torquay. Expect to see everything from famous musicals to live music acts to stand-up comedy shows and even burlesque. Choose from shows targeted at a wide variety of audiences, and find something to please all age groups.
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Princess Theatre

2. Babbacombe Beach

Relax and soak up the sun on the shingle sands of Babbacombe Beach. Take the 1920s Babbacombe Cliff Railway to the top of the cliffs and walk along the highest promenade in England. Fish from the breakwater, take a sailboat out on the waves or scuba dive beneath them.
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We had a pleasant walk along the walkway to a cafe. There isn’t much to do here but it is very pretty and great for dog walks. It has a very rural feel to it even though it is a seaside village.

3. Inner Harbour

The Inner Harbour is the area of Torquay Harbour where yacht-owners looking for long-term berth moor their boats. Set against the pretty backdrop of the strip, with its lovely historic buildings, the Inner Harbour looks like it could have come straight off a postcard. Go for a walk here to enjoy the sights and sounds of the harbor, then take the time to explore the other attractions in the area.
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Inner Harbour

4. Torre Abbey

Learn about the history of Torre Abbey and the roles it has played throughout English history. See historic paintings by famous artists, with collections ranging from battle scenes and marine landscapes to images of the pre-industrial British countryside and historical portraits. Wander the beautiful gardens and admire a wide variety of exotic plants.
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Torre Abbey which includes a park, heritage architecture and flowers

5. Meadfoot Beach

Meadfoot Beach is located a little further away from the action at Torquay Harbour than some of the area’s other beaches. This means it is often slightly more peaceful, especially if you visit during a weekday. Bring the whole family along for a day of relaxation and fun, try your hand at water sports, and take the time to enjoy a pleasant walk inspired by a famous crime writer.
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Meadfoot Beach

6. Torre Abbey Sands

Relax with other vacationers on Torre Abbey Sands, Torquay’s main beach. Try windsurfing on the waves or rent watercraft such as paddleboats and kayaks. Enjoy the surrounding parkland or take a short walk to one of Torquay’s other attractions.
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Abbey Sands featuring swimming, a coastal town and a beach

7. Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens

Explore the miniature world of Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens that recreates buildings with a wide variety of architectural styles, along with famous British landmarks such as the Shard and Stonehenge. Find the tiny residents, from the animated ‘Arry to the fire-breathing dragon on the castle. Wander through the award-winning gardens or catch a 4-D film in the special effects cinema.
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Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens showing outdoor art, a garden and a small town or village

8. Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves

Explore the rusty red tunnels and caves at Kents Cavern. See cave paintings and fossils of Ice Age animals. View an exhibit on the Kents Cavern jawbone, which is 41,000 years old. Take children on a woodland trail quest and let them play in an archeological dig area, then relax with a Devonshire cream tea in the café.
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Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves featuring caves

What to do in Torquay

Popular places to visit

Devon

Princess Theatre

See a stand-up show, musical or other live production at this much-loved coastal theater, located close to many of Torquay’s most popular attractions.

Princess Theatre
Babbacombe Beach showing kayaking or canoeing and general coastal views

Babbacombe Beach

This unspoiled cove was once the home of fishermen and smugglers. Now it’s a popular beach on the English Riviera coastline.

Babbacombe Beach
Take a walk back in time through Cockington village #instone #england

Cockington Country Park

Explore the great outdoors at Cockington Country Park, a lovely green space in Torquay. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this quaint area.

Cockington Country Park
Inner Harbour

Inner Harbour

Admire the beautiful yachts moored in this picturesque harbor, which sits within easy walking distance of many of Torquay’s main attractions.

Inner Harbour
Torre Abbey showing heritage architecture

Torre Abbey

The best-preserved medieval monastery in Devon and Cornwall is now a popular art gallery, with specialist exhibits exploring 19th-century paintings.

Torre Abbey
Meadfoot Beach

Meadfoot Beach

Walk along a scenic coastal path from Torquay Harbour to reach this well-maintained beach, a favorite with water sports fans.

Meadfoot Beach
Abbey Sands featuring swimming, a coastal town and a beach

Torre Abbey Sands

Torquay’s most popular beach is a great spot for watersports or relaxing, all just a moment from the town center.

Torre Abbey Sands
Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens featuring a small town or village, outdoor art and a garden

Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens

Visit this miniature world, which has been growing since 1963. See buildings, people and animals recreated with a touch of British humor.

Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens
Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves featuring caves

Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves

Duck under stalactites, wander through tunnels and learn about in the oldest human dwelling in Britain.

Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves

Areas of Torquay

Torquay City Centre showing street scenes

Torquay City Centre

4.5/5(384 area reviews)

Torquay City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for its great bars, beautiful seaside views and captivating waterfront views. You might also want to check out attractions like Princess Theatre or Torquay Marina while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Torquay City Centre
Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens which includes a garden

Babbacombe

4.5/5(47 area reviews)

Marvel at the beautiful red cliffs, clear sea views and pretty beaches of this district filled with natural beauty and top tourist attractions.

Babbacombe
DE6GTK Paignton pier and sandy beach Torbay Devon England in HDR with blue sky, near tourist destinations of Torquay and Brixham

Paignton

Awesome colours, easy to find

Newton Abbot

Teignmouth featuring a bay or harbor, a coastal town and boating

Teignmouth

Frequently asked questions

Is Torquay worth visiting?
Torquay has a unique mix of culture, local charm and attractions. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or local cuisine, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Torquay?
Paignton Beach and Babbacombe Beach are two good places to start your holiday adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and retail options in Torquay while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Torquay?
Don't go home without checking out Paignton Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Torquay.
Is three days enough to stay in Torquay?
Three days in Torquay is enough to enjoy the city's main highlights. Many travellers spend three days on average. Paignton Beach, Babbacombe Beach and Paignton Zoo are highly rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Exeter.
Is Torquay a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Torquay, including Paignton Beach and Babbacombe Beach, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.48 kilometres from central Torquay is Torquay City Centre and Babbacombe is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Torquay with kids?
Planning what to do in Torquay with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or little ones, there's no shortage of family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Torquay for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Torquay, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Abbey Park Golf, Tennis & Bowls Centre.
Are there free things to do in Torquay?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Torquay is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. Paignton Beach is one spot that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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