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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 the English Riviera'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. Babbacombe Theatre is renowned for wowing audiences with their highly acclaimed family variety shows, performed throughout the year by a professional cast. 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, , Paignton Festival and Torbay Royal Regatta. These are creative festivals set against the stunning landscape of the English Riviera, making them truly unforgettable experiences.

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Sculpture Trail

Cockington, Torquay

Follow our Art Path and discover sculptures created by local artists placed within the Court site, including the studio areas, Walled Art Garden and Manor House. A supporting exhibition takes place alongside in the Kitchen Gallery.
The trail is an…
Summer Festival of Art

Torre Abbey, Torquay

Torbay Guild showcase members art, sculpture, ceramic and other medias. Local art festival 17th August - 1st September.
Brixham Art Society Annual Exhibition

Brixham

This wonderful Annual Summer Exhibition of original paintings, prints and cards by local artists who are members of Brixham Art Society is always keenly anticipated. A wonderful range of subject matter, styles and media will be on display and all…
Free Summer Events at House of Marbles

Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot

Here at House of Marbles we have been planning some FREE events over the summer to amaze and amuse your children!
And we are so excited to be able to reveal our summer event schedule!
Every Monday from the 29 July to the 19 August we will be holding…
International Agatha Christie Events at Torre Abbey

Torquay

International Agatha Christie Festival is based at Torre Abbey, Torbay’s museum of art and an English Heritage Ancient Scheduled Monument. Torquay railway station is a few minutes walk from the festival venue.
Murder, She Didn't Write: The Improvised Murder Mystery

Torquay

Part of the International Agatha Christie Festival
A classic murder mystery is created on the spot in this ingenious and hilarious show from Edinburgh Fringe favourites and The Bristol Improv Theatre’s resident company.
You become the author in…
Come, Dance With Me..

Torquay

As part of the International Agatha Christie Festival, join Dance in Devon for performances, live music and dancing at this celebratory event in the beautiful surroundings of the Spanish Barn, Torre Abbey. We will be joined by critically acclaimed,…
Christie Mystery Day at Torquay Museum

Torquay

Torquay Museum will be celebrating Agatha Christie's birthday in style this year when it opens its doors exclusively for a special Christie Mystery Day, packed with events for fans of the Queen of Crime. Last year's event was a huge success where…
England's Seafood FEAST

England’s Seafood FEAST
England’s Seafood Coast will play host to a feast for all the senses between 20th September and 6th October 2019. For 2 weeks you will be able to immerse yourself in England’s Seafood FEAST (view the programme here), eating…
Heritage Open Days at Torre Abbey

Torquay

Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences - and it's all FREE!
To celebrate Heritage Open Days we…
wavelength

Experimental commissions with artists and technologists, culminating in a celebration of sound and light, illuminating the overlooked and unexpected.
An opportunity to come together in the darkness of November, and explore new work by artists and…
Torbay and South West Music Festival – (Verse Speaking Speaking and Drama)

PAIGNTON

Torbay and South West Music Festival – (Verse Speaking Speaking and Drama)
TICKETS information available shortly.
The Palace Theatre is set in the heart of Paignton and is really has a community feel to it. The Theatre is proud to work with local…
Patterns on Pots

Torquay

The Torquay Pottery Collectors Society (TPCS) aims to raise the profile of the pottery produced in Torquay and South Devon in the second half of the 19th century through to the latter years of the 20th century and to promote the interest in and…
Agatha Christie: Unfinished Portrait - Torre Abbey

Torquay

Agatha Christie: Unfinished Portrait: A Life in Photographs, offers an insight into the life of world famous author will be at Torre Abbey
Featuring photographs from the author’s private collection, the exhibition illustrates the life behind the…
Searc : Featuring Works Of Rowan Day

TORQUAY

Rowan Day exhibits works produced over a 12-month period in this recent series "Searc", the Irish word for true love, in which she explores themes of love and loneliness through allegorical renderings of the sky and the polarities of light and…
eyeview (extra) ordinary, Torbay

Bringing together site-specific works and partnership projects by artists and communities that animate and take over extraordinary and unexpected places, cultural treasures and sites in the English Riviera's unique natural environment.
Introducing…
The BFG in Pictures - Torre Abbey

Torquay

The BFG in Pictures is the first major exhibition of artwork by Quentin Blake for Roald Dahl's enduring tale.
The BFG, the story of orphan Sophie and her giant friend was first published in 1982. It has remained in print ever since, selling more…
MTS Student Exhibition

TORQUAY

A collection of work from the students at the Medical Tuition Service, Torbay. MTS is an alternate provision for students with medical conditions. In the Garden Gallery students aged between ten and fifteen years have carefully selected pieces they…
UNESCO Geopark Festival

Torbay

Celebrate The English Riviera UNESCO designated Global Geopark at this years Geopark Festival . A wide range of events will be available to visitors and residents at a number of locations across the bay.
There's a range of events all week that can…
Greenway Literary Festival - Greenway House

Brixham

Why not get inspired at the very first Greenway Literary Festival in celebration of the ten year anniversary of Greenway House being opened to the public for the first time. Part of the #LoveGreenway year of celebrations.
Booking not needed
Free…

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