Local Attractions
There's plenty places worth visiting when you come to stay in Torquay, there really is something for everyone. Here are a few we would reccomend, but there are so many more!
Kents Cavern is an internationally renowned prehistoric cave system, award winning visitor attraction and the only underground visitor centre in the UNESCO Global Geopark. The caves are a extremely accessible with concrete pathways and electric lighting with guided tours of the cave run regularly all year round.
As you walk round the intimate cave system you will see unique cave formations, learn about the earliest cave dwellers and animals to inhabit the caves as well as the archaeology that has been carried out at the site.
Above ground there is a visitor centre with restaurant/cafe serving local sourced produce, gift shop and a number of children's activities including a woodland trail, archaeological fun dig and cave drawing area.
Kent's Caverns
Agatha Christie's Greenway
World renowned author Agatha Christie is best known for her 66 detective novels, 150 short stories, plays, and her famous sleuths Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.
It was here at Greenway that she had her holiday home, on the banks of the River Dart. With a long history dating back to the 1490s, the house still retains features added by all generations of occupying families. Now managed by the National Trust, the property offers visitors an extraordinary glimpse into the private life of the Queen of Crime and her family.
Greenway is a magical place to explore, with its rich historical interior and the wildness and mystery of its garden. Agatha Christie set three of her novels here, all of which feature on the Agatha Christie Literary Trail.
Take a journey around the coasts of the world where amazing plants and animals live life on the edge. At Living Coasts, you'll see birds and mammals in specially-designed naturalistic habitats.
With outdoor and indoor exhibits, there's plenty to see and do whatever the weather. During your visit you'll be able to see penguins, fur seals, auks, sea ducks and estuary birds both above and below the water, as well as the spectacular mangrove and local coasts exhibits.
Visitors cal also enjoy a children's activities area, restaurant and cafe with panoramic views across Torbay, not to mention an excellent gift shop.
Living Coasts
Paignton Zoo
Paignton Zoo is home to thousands of amazing animals and plants all housed in 80 acres of natural habitat. Visit the desert, cross the savannah, explore the forest and trek through the tropics. Use your senses to discover the wild world: look around, listen out - you’ll even need your sense of smell! It’s a great day out for everyone. Find out about conservation and the world’s endangered species.
As well as the thousands of animals, there’s a miniature train ride, a wobbly jungle bridge in Lemur Wood, indoor and outdoor play areas, keeper talks and feeding times.
The Babbacombe Model Village set in four acres of landscaped gardens is the world as you know it recreated in miniature.
Comprising around 400 miniature buildings, including houses, stately homes, shops and environmental features, along with railways, vehicles and some well known monuments and landmarks. Not to mention the 13,000 miniature people who live in the village, all brought to life by sound and animation. Indoor attractions include the indoor model railway, circus and the 4D theatre experience.
In the evening the village magically transforms with the must see illuminations. Tickets are valid all day so visitors can return to see the illuminations in the evening at no extra cost!
Babbacombe Model Village
Dartmouth Steam Railway
Dartmouth Steam Railway steam trains travel seven miles along the South Devon coast and into the Dart Valley with stations at Goodrington Sands, Churston and the beautiful village of Kingswear which sits opposite the pretty Port of Dartmouth whilst Dartmouth River Boats operate on the River Dart offering daily scheduled services to the historic town of Totnes (nine miles upriver).
With the round robin ticket, you can enjoy a day out in Devon on steam trains, boat trips and paddle steamers - the only attraction in Devon that lets you enjoy the delights of Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Dartmouth and the River Dart, Kingswear and Totnes on your day out!
Torre Abbey is Torquay’s oldest building and is sited in a very prominent position overlooking Torre Abbey meadows and the seafront promenades beyond.
In all of its roles - as an abbey, a family home, art gallery and attraction - eight centuries of history have been absorbed into the very fabric of a building which is divided into 122 rooms, rambling over 20 different levels and with 265 steps.
Today you can experience the many lives of Torre Abbey and experience its place, still at the heart of the English Riviera. Enjoy the impressive permanent art collection and lively programme of contemporary arts events. Visit the picturesque gardens, with exotic and exciting plants and even some mysteries to be solved.
