Things to do in Torquay

Activities, attractions and tours

Torquay featuring a coastal town, boating and a marina
Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens featuring flowers and a garden
Torquay which includes rugged coastline, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Torquay showing a coastal town, a marina and a bay or harbour
Torquay
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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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Devon

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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An autumn sunrise. Taken on the Coast path at Babbacombe in Torquay, Devon UK.

3. 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 heritage architecture

4. 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

5. 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

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. 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 which includes caves

8. 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 which includes a small town or village, a park and outdoor art

What to do in Torquay

Popular places to visit

Princess Theatre

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 which includes general coastal views and kayaking or canoeing

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
Torre Abbey which includes 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
Cockington Country Park

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
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
Riviera International Conference Centre

Riviera International Conference Centre

After visiting Riviera International Conference Centre, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Torquay. Stroll along the seaside in this quaint area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Riviera International Conference Centre
Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves which includes 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

Default Image

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 showing a park

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
Paignton

Paignton

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

Teignmouth

Photo "Stokeinteignhead" by Derek Harper (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Derek Harper (CC BY-SA)

Stokeinteignhead

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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