Arts and Culture

Beyond the wilds and beauty of Torbay’s iconic coastline lies a vibrant arts and culture scene of unique museums, diverse theatres and creative festivals.

For history and art explorers, there are three distinct museums across the Bay. Torre Abbey is an 800-year-old museum of history, art and performance housed in an Ancient Scheduled Monument in Torquay. Voted large Visitor Attraction of the Year (South Devon and English Riviera Tourism Awards 2017), the museum offers both a permanent collection of art and displays, alongside a seasonal programme of exhibitions, events and activities from world-class curators, established artists and emerging talent. With free entry for kids and teens every day, the museum is a great place to sample life as a Torbay local. Torquay Museum has 3 floors of exhibitions and displays in 8 galleries, featuring collections from both Devon and the world. The museum houses natural history collections with over 150,000 diverse specimens. Follow the incredible journey made by Torquay's famous explorers, from the Antarctic to Egypt and the Amazon. Discover the life and works of Torbay’s literary icon, Agatha Christie, with exclusive content, props and furniture. With a Certificate of Excellence (tripadvisor 2015), the museum is a favourite place for families both local and visiting. Brixham Heritage Museum is housed in an old police station, charting the rich history of this thriving town from the Napoleonic Wars to Victorian times, the First and Second World War and the maritime heritage of generations of Brixham Fisherman. With free entry throughout the year, the museum offers a slice of Torbay history, come rain or shine.

For performing arts and theatre lovers, Torbay has eight theatres and venues offering comedy, dance, family shows, music and performances from West End tours to the very best in local contemporary youth theatre and emerging talent delivering compelling shows. Located on Torquay’s’ seafront, the Princess Theatre showcases popular touring musicals, comedy, tribute acts and mainstream theatre; whilst the Little Theatre up on the hillside is home to renowned amateur dramatic and operatic society, TOADS, with classics, comedy and thrillers to delight. Known more for its UNESCO Global Geopark status, you might not immediately think of Kents Cavern for performing arts; but this underground cave system plays host to Shakespeare and music in a truly unique setting. With dramatic views from the Downs, Babbacombe Theatre offers the best of traditional English variety shows. Brixham Theatre is a hot bed of local and touring music (especially folk), talks and theatre. In Paignton, you’ll find the oldest working theatre and cinema in the Bay, as well as a new arts and music club. The Palace Theatre is home to nationally recognised arts education company, Doorstep Arts, and offers a huge variety of touring performances from Shakespeare to comedy and music to family shows. Paignton Picture House is one of the most remarkable buildings in Torbay and one of Britain’s most important historic cinemas. A new Trust has set out to restore this venue as a place for arts, cinema, learning and wellbeing. Behind-the-scenes tours and special events are available to book. The Lucky 7 Club is a new live music, cabaret and entertainment venue with a vintage twist. Hidden at the heart of Paignton with advance tickets only, this is a one off experience you’re sure to remember.

Torbay’s other cultural attractions include Cockington Court showcasing Torbay’s artisan makers; Agatha Christie’s holiday home - National Trust’s Greenway; and four libraries in Torquay, Paignton, Churston and Brixham with a wealth of litrature, exhibition programmes and local study materials.

For festival goers, Torbay has a thriving seasonal and rotating programme with the International Agatha Christie Festival, BMAD Motorbike Festival, Brixham Pirate Festival, BrixFest, English Riviera Film Festival, Fishstock, Geopark Festival, Grinagog Festival, Paignton Festival and Torbay Royal Regatta. These are creative festivals set against the stunning landscape of the English Riviera, making them truly unforgettable experiences.