Things to Do in Torquay

There is no shortage of things to do in Torquay - with its stunning seafront, stylish marina and beautiful beaches meandering the length of this beautiful South Devon town, Torquay is noted for its huge range of year-round things to do. Part of the glorious UNESCO accredited English Riviera Global Geopark, it’s a perfect haven for families with tiny tots or teenagers, singles with a taste for adventure, couples looking for romance or experienced travellers looking for something new. With attractions, museums, theatres and watersports, you will find plenty of things to do in Torquay - you are sure to be spoilt for choice!

Devon’s Very Best Attractions in Torquay

Torquay has some of Devon’s best year-round attractions including the spectacular underground caves at Kents Cavern, 800 year old Torre Abbey with its Agatha Christie-inspired Potent Plants Garden, Bygones plus Open Top Sightseeing Buses and much more. Kids will love bowling, crazy golf and the fascinating Babbacombe Model Village. If you are after something more cultural, there are museums, galleries, and the beautiful Cockington Craft Centre where you can watch glass blowing and local artists. There is something for everyone no matter what your age. 

Boat and Ferry Trips in Torquay

You can get afloat and enjoy the breath-taking waters of the English Riviera with regular passenger ferries to the harbourside towns of Paignton, Brixham and Dartmouth plus fishing and wildlife safari boat trips. Take a day cruise to Dartmouth, or a power boat across the bay. If you fancy something a little more active, try kayaking or paddleboarding the beautiful coves along the coastline with Reach Outdoors. 

Torquay’s Torre Abbey Sands

Torquay is famous for its world-class sailing with national and international races regularly competing in the stunning horseshoe shaped bay.  Yachts and super yachts nod gently on the marina. The coastline is simply idyllic to explore from beautiful Torre Abbey Sands by kayak or paddleboard, and is a popular year-round location for wild swimming.

Sailing, Powerboating & Kayaking In Torquay

The calm waters of Tor Bay are a wonderful place to learn to sail on dinghies, yachts and motorboats and there are a range of sea schools offering leisure sailing and RYA courses.  The Disabled Sailing Association based in Torquay is a non-profit-making service run for the disabled by the disabled and gives you the chance to participate as fully as you are able in a seagoing sailing experience. Kayaking is also available locally.

Torquay Theatres and Shows

Torquay has a vibrant evening scene with a huge choice of glamorous shows, concerts, plays, musicals, ballets and comedies offering you top West End performances and the best of local am-dram.  There are three theatres in Torquay including the Princess Theatre, which attracts the very best of the national touring shows plus The Little Theatre, homes of TOADS Theatre Company and historic Babbacombe Theatre with its wonderful musical variety shows and top visiting acts. In the summer months there’s a choice of open-air theatre performances at National Trust properties and at Cockington Country Park.

Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie was born in Torquay and there’s a famous International Agatha Christie Festival every year.  You can also walk the Agatha Christie mile and discover some of the murder scenes described in her novels and see many of the places where the Queen of Crime visited as a local. You can also take the picturesque steam train to Kingswear and jump aboard a riverboat up the Dart to visit her magnificent riverside residence at Greenway (now National Trust).

Walking in Torquay

Enjoy long leisurely strolls along the historic pier and promenade and take in the relaxed atmosphere. Walkers will love Devon’s stunning South West Coast Path with its jaw dropping views.  You can take the beautiful coastal footpath right around the bay to Paignton, Brixham and beyond; it’s renowned as one of Devon’s very finest waterside walks.  The whole area is wonderfully dog friendly and your best friend will love it. Why not plan a fascinating walk along England’s Seafood Coast?

Shopping in Torquay

There are some excellent shops and art galleries around Torquay’s attractive harbour area, plus the quintessentially Devon village of Cockington where you’ll find a vibrant, working craft centre set within the 18th century manor house of Cockington Court with its beautiful country park and tea rooms.

History & Heritage in Torquay

Torquay Museum has some really fascinating exhibits plus a permanent Agatha Christie Gallery.  A must-visit is 800-year-old Torre Abbey on the seafront in Torquay with its galleries and gardens including a medieval children’s garden, tropical glasshouses and a full year-round events programme.