15 unmissable things to do in Torquay

Torquay is one of the country’s top seaside resorts and the South Devon town has been attracting holidaymakers for generations. It’s on part of the coastline known as the English Riviera, which is famous for its golden beaches and iconic palm trees.

There are plenty of other reasons why families, couples and groups of adult friends all enjoy visiting Torquay – and many do so year after year. We’ve rounded up some of the key attractions in Torquay to give you some ideas of things to do, even if you’re looking for something free, something to do in wet weather, or just something a little unusual.

Once you’ve read our guide to unmissable things to do in Torquay, why not book a stay at one of our self-catering holiday cottages and start looking forward to an unforgettable trip?

Skip to:

• Things to do in Torquay for families
• Things to do in Torquay for adults/couples
• Free things to do in Torquay
• Things to do in Torquay in the rain
• Unusual things to do in Torquay
• Map of things to do in Torquay

Things to do in Torquay for families

Torquay’s vibrant seaside town is full of things to do with your family, read about some of our favourites here.

Kents Cavern

Go on a guided tour of the extensive system of caves at Kents Cavern that were once occupied by prehistoric people and Ice Age animals, and see the artefacts they left behind. You’ll get to experience total darkness, see extraordinary, ancient rock formations and learn the difference between spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.

Babbacombe Model Village

This miniature village and railway, set in 4 acres of landscaped gardens, has something for all the family. It has hundreds of uniquely handcrafted model buildings and thousands of tiny people – and the scenes include well-known landmarks, several animated displays and plenty of puns and humour. You can have a game of crazy golf to complete your experience – one round is included free with your admission ticket. 

Torquay’s Dinosaur World

Photo credit: Torquay Dinosaur World

It may not look very big from the outside, but this indoor exhibition on the harbourside has full-sized as well as scaled dinosaurs set in realistic scenes – you can even sit on one, or stick your head into a T-Rex’s jaws if you’re brave enough! Budding palaeontologists can brush through the sand at the excavation site to find dinosaur teeth and bones. There’s a quiz to help visitors learn all about these amazing creatures while having fun. 

Things to do in Torquay for adults/couples 

Discover the sophisticated side of Torquay with a variety of activities for adults and couples, we’ve included some more information below.

Torre Abbey

Torre Abbey is Torquay’s most historic building. It dates back to 1196 and sits within 18 acres of gardens and parkland. It contains more than 600 works of art from the 18th century to the present day, and it regularly hosts visiting art exhibitions from partners such as the V&A and the Tate. Visitors can also discover the history of the abbey through videos, talking portraits and interactive displays. 

Babbacombe Theatre

Photo credit: Andrew John Coventry Photography/Babbacombe Theatre  

This venue, situated on the beautiful Babbacombe Downs, has been part of Torquay’s tourism industry since the 1930s when it was known as Babbacombe Downs Concert Hall. It offers a range of entertainment including visiting comedians and tribute acts, but is best known for its variety shows, which often showcase the very best rising talent.

HQ Escape Rooms

The popularity of escape rooms has soared over recent years, and Torquay has an escape room tucked away near the harbourside. One option is Sherlocked, in which teams of two or more must follow the clues and solve the puzzles to crack the case before time runs out. The second option is The Gun Powder Plot, a 60-minute puzzle room challenge. Don’t worry: it’s not scary, and you won’t get locked into a room. The host will give you as many clues as you request. More information can be found on the website.

Free things to do in Torquay 

Embrace the charm of Torquay without spending a penny by exploring its wealth of free attractions and be sure to check out our guide on affordable fun ideas in Devon.

Agatha Christie Mile

The bestselling fiction writer of all time, Agatha Christie, who is sometimes called ‘The Queen of Crime’, was born in Torquay on 15 September 1890. She created the fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, and her novels include And Then There Were None and Murder on the Orient Express. She also penned the world’s longest-running play, murder mystery The Mousetrap.

The Agatha Christie Mile was created with help from the author’s daughter and follows a trail that takes in locations that were special to her. Some locations are marked with Agatha Christie plaques. You can pick up a leaflet from the English Riviera Visitor Information Centre on Torquay harbourside or read all about it on the website.

Torquay beaches

Torquay’s main beach is Torre Abbey Sands. It has a stretch of red sand that is perfect for building sandcastles and the gently sloping beach makes it safe for families who want to paddle or swim. It’s easy to access, and it’s right in front of a cluster of restaurants, bars and cafes. The iconic white spiral bridge across the road has great views over the beach so makes an ideal platform for taking some holiday snaps.

Remember to check the tide times as the beach disappears completely at high tide. There are plenty of other local beaches which vary in size, accessibility, facilities, whether they are mostly sand or shingle, and whether they are dog friendly. Full details can be found on the Torbay Council website.

Cockington Country Park

No holiday in Torquay would be complete without a visit to Cockington. It’s picturesque and quintessentially English, with narrow lanes, thatched cottages, a manor house and a cricket ground. The 450-acre country park is a popular place for a leisurely stroll around the lakes, parkland and woodland, especially among dog walkers, and Cockington Court is a hub for creative crafts and arts. Whether or not you wish to purchase anything, you can watch the blacksmith, the glass maker and more at work in their studios. You can find out more about the history and facilities on the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust website.

Things to do in Torquay in the rain 

Don't let the rain dampen your spirits in Torquay as there are plenty of indoor attractions for you to enjoy. Or venture further afield and discover more things to do in Devon in the rain.

Princess Theatre

Photo credit: Princess Theatre Torquay 

The Princess Theatre, which opened on the seafront in June 1961, is the largest theatre in the area and it showcases the best West End and touring productions from across the country. It offers a wide and varied programme including first-class comedy, musicals, dance, music and children’s shows. It also hosts amateur productions by two local groups. The theatre has an on-site cafe, bar and restaurant which offers a daytime menu and pre-theatre dining. 

Torquay Museum

Photo credit: Torquay Museum

Torquay Museum offers visitors the opportunity to discover 400 million years of local heritage. It’s a hands-on, family-friendly attraction with lots to see and do for children and adults alike, including exhibitions, activities, events, lectures and trails. What’s more, your entry ticket gives you access to all the galleries and exhibitions for 12 months.

Waves Leisure Pool

Waves Leisure Pool is located within the Riviera International Centre. Whether you want a casual swim or swimming lessons, there are activities for everyone. The pool has a wave machine, flume, and sloping, beach-style entry. There’s also a children’s play area and a water feature. Facilities include private changing cubicles and private showers. Lockers require a £1 deposit.

Unusual things to do in Torquay 

Embark on an adventure off the beaten path in Torquay by exploring its hidden gems, discover some of our favourites below.

Babbacombe Cliff Railway

Babbacombe Cliff Railway was built in 1926 to shuttle people between Babbacombe Downs and Oddicombe Beach if they didn’t fancy the steep walk. Today, it remains a more peaceful and leisurely way to travel down to the water’s edge and it offers breathtaking views.

At the end of the day, a bell is sounded at the lower station to warn passengers that the last trip will shortly take place. It should be noted that it does not accept cash – only card payments, and contactless is preferred. 

Bygones

Photo credit: Bygones

Bygones is another rainy day idea. It’s a heritage family attraction packed with over 100 years of British history, authentic curiosities and quirky memorabilia set over three floors. You’ll feel transported back in time as you visit the Victorian Street. Themed period rooms show you what life was like in an upper-middle-class Victorian household, and you’ll never complain about having to visit the dentist again after taking in the scene of a visit to a Victorian dentist! There are also sections on Wartime Britain and The Railways.

You can take a break in the cafe, which is decorated in the style of a 1940s railway cafe. You can expect your visit to Bygones to last around 2 hours. 

The Real Crime Museum

This museum, which is tucked away near the harbourside in World War Two bunkers, is a must-see for everyone fascinated by true crime. There are exhibits about gangsters, robberies, forensics, drug smuggling, medieval torture, poisoners, serial killers, the Princess Diana inquest and Charles Bronson artwork – it’s really one of a kind. 

Map of things to do in Torquay 

Stay in Torquay

These are just some of the attractions that Torquay has to offer holidaymakers, but are intended to show that there’s much more to the famous seaside resort than its sandy beaches.

Whether you’re visiting for a day, a weekend, or a week or two, there’s plenty to keep you busy, whatever your budget, tastes and the weather. We have a wide range of self-catering accommodation in Torquay that will help to make your visit a memorable one.