Things to do in Torquay

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.