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Art & Culture

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

Museums

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.

Art Galleries

For art lovers, Artizan Gallery is a wonderful day out. An independent, fine art gallery dedicated to celebrating the work of South Devon artists and championing the contemporary artistic talent as well as the established cultural heritage that marks the resort as a destination for UK arts.

Theatre and Performing Arts

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.

Cultural Days Out

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.

Festivals

For festival goers, Torbay has a thriving seasonal and rotating programme with the Agatha Christie Festival, Brixham Pirate Festival, English Riviera Film Festival, 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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Dates

From:

2 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Palace Theatre Paignton

Address

Palace Avenue, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 3HF

Telephone
01803 665800

info@palacetheatrepaignton.co.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

2 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Take your seats and let the show begin as the curtain rises at one of Devon’s favourite community theatres.
With performances and events running 50 weeks of the year you will be sure to find something to suit your tastes, from popular dramas to…

Type

Type:

Theatre

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Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
Agatha Christie Mile

Address

Torquay Seafront, (starting points: Grand or Imperial Hotels), Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6NT

Telephone
01803 211211

holiday@englishriviera.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Drift back into the style and opulence of the Jazz Age as you retrace the steps of the world’s best-selling author along Torquay’s seafront.

Type

Type:

Sightseeing
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Brixham Murals

Address

Various Locations Throughout, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8ED

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Brixham is fast becoming the cultural hub of Devon as incredible art murals take over the town.
From the harbour, through the town and up to Bolton Street there are over 15 full size murals painted on the side of buildings.
Commissioned by both…

Type

Type:

Walking Route

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 09:00 - 17:00
OurGlass

Address

Studio 3, Stableyard, Cockington Court Craft Centre, Cockington Village, TORQUAY, Devon, TQ2 6XA

Telephone
+ 44 01803 606757

ourglasslimited@hotmail.com

Price
Free

Cockington Village, TORQUAY

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 09:00 - 17:00

OurGlass produce an innovative range of studio glass using traditional glassblowing methods. The workshop is open every day, all year round and is free admission. You can watch the work being created up-close... and ask any questions you may have

Type

Type:

Craft Centre
Children & Infants

Facilities for children
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
Price
Free

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
James Murch

Address

1-3 Stable Yard Studios, Cockington Court Craft Centre, Cockington Village, TORQUAY, DEVON, TQ2 6XA

Telephone
07891 973263

murchjames1@gmail.com

Cockington Village, TORQUAY

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

James Murch Art Studio
Original Paintings - Portraits - Prints - Tuition.
Workshops and Painting Sessions with Artist James Murch
Artist James Murch runs small, supportive painting and drawing sessions throughout the year at Cockington…

Type

Type:

Arts Centre
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Battery Gardens

Address

Fishcombe Road, BRIXHAM, Devon, TQ5 8RU

Telephone
07933 793683

BRIXHAM

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

The Battery Gardens has one of the most panoramic views in the Bay and is a great location to watch the annual English Riviera Airshow. The gardens are a natural landscape of trees and grass, and in spring it becomes a sea of bluebells and snowdrops…

Type

Type:

Historic Site

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

28 Jan 2026to18 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
Torre Abbey

Address

The Kings Drive, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JE

Telephone
+44 01803 293593

torreabbeyenquiries@torbay.gov.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

28 Jan 2026to18 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

An English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site.
Come and enjoy a visit exploring Torbay's most historic building, garden and impressive displays, world-class collections and exhibitions, complemented by modern amenities and special accessibility…

Type

Type:

Abbey/Priory
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted

Key Features

Groups

Establishment Features

Cater for groups
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
Conferences at The Imperial Torquay

Address

Park Hill Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2DG

Telephone
+44 01803 294301

info@theimperialtorquay.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

With nine meeting rooms, ranging from small boardrooms to sumptuous Suites seating up to 350 delegates theatre-style, The Imperial Torquay provides the ultimate choice and flexibility for your meeting or event.
To contact our events team, please…

Type

Type:

Event Venue
Key Features

Groups Welcomed
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site - Parking is Charged at £7.00 per car per night and £15.00 for Garage Parking

Parking On-site or Valet Parking
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
The Real Crime Museum

Address

23 Victoria Parade, TORQUAY, Devon, TQ1 2BD

georgebamby1971@gmail.com

Price
Price Free to £8.95 Per Ticket

TORQUAY

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

The Real Crime Museum is a fascinating attraction based on the harbour in Torquay. If you are interested in crime, you will love the exhibits they have on show. They include gangsters, bank robberies, forensics, police memorabilia, prison service…

Type

Type:

Museum
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted

Key Features

Groups
Price
Price Free to £8.95 Per Ticket

More Details

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