Parks and Leisure

Search,Plan

And Book

You are here: Things to Do > By Type > Parks and Leisure

Parks and Leisure

Although the English Riviera is rightly renowned for its fabulous coastline, it also has some beautiful and quite fascinating parks and gardens. Some have hidden secrets to explore. Try the Agatha Christie Potent Plants Garden at 800-year-old Torre Abbey in Torquay, the stunning country park at quintessentially English Cockington village, the remnants of Britain’s wartime years at Brixham’s Battery Gardens and the wonderfully prehistoric Geoplay Park on Paignton Green.

Torquay’s illustrious history as the playground for British and foreign royals and the aristocracy from the late 18th century created a fashionable resort. This played its part in the many traditional parks and gardens you’ll see here. The English Riviera’s sheltered location and mild climate encouraged the planting of many exotic species including the famous Torbay palm.

Torquay Parks & Gardens

In Torquay, Princess Gardens located on the seafront has exotic palms, beautiful flowerbeds and lawns and was opened in 1894. On the sea cliffs behind are the spectacular Royal Terrace Gardens, known locally as Rock Walk with amazing views of the beach and the bay. It’s a network of delightful paths with subtropical Mediterranean planting throughout and a magnificent new illuminated staircase. Very special too is the Agatha Christie Potent Plants Garden at 800-year-old Torre Abbey on the seafront. Here you’ll find planting inspired by the murky world of poisons, antidotes and remedies featured in the famous writer’s novels. Don’t miss the Italian Gardens, which form part of Abbey Park and Meadows. Here you’ll find a charming pond with fountain and water rock garden. Lovely King’s Gardens are adjacent to Abbey Gardens and beautifully lit up with coloured spotlights at night.

Babbacombe & St Marychurch Parks and Gardens

Babbacombe and St Marychurch are blessed with the stunning Babbacombe Downs, a delightful promenade and gardens with jaw-dropping views across Lyme Bay. Tessier Gardens are a short stroll away and are peaceful and idyllic with a fascinating ‘Sun Temple’ a scented garden and fernery area.

Paignton Parks and Gardens

Goodrington’s Youngs Park is a natural habitat for swans, geese and wild birds and is perfect for family picnics with children of all ages plus the family dog. Enjoy the Boating Lake (where model boat enthusiasts are often launching their treasures) and enjoy some delightful walks in the parkland and up into the terraced Rock Walk Gardens, which are lit up at dusk. Roundham Head at the top of the cliff here has beautiful parkland with spectacular views out to sea all round – see if you can spot the charming Spitfire Garden. For children, don’t miss the wonderful Geoplay Park on Paignton’s lovely Green where families can discover the English Riviera’s amazing history and learn why it is an important UNESCO accredited Global Geopark.

Brixham Parks and Gardens

Brixham’s evocative Battery Gardens are a pleasant stroll past Brixham’s Fish Market and along the waterfront at Oxen Cove – mount the steps at the far end into the 14-acre gardens. This tranquil spot became an Emergency Coastal Battery during World War II. It’s an attractive park with splendid views of the bay. Around the grounds you can also see: The Battery Observation Post (the nerve centre which housed high precision rage finders), a Pill Box, the remains of a 37mm Anti Aircraft Gun Position, the Altmark (a shelter that was the site of the Battery Guardhouse and two prison cells) and a Duty Cookhouse. Don’t miss the free Brixham Battery Heritage Centre, which is open on Sunday, Monday and Friday afternoons. Also in Brixham is Bonsey Gardens, a small formal garden, planted with annual bedding, roses, palms & herbaceous borders, which offers spectacular views of Brixham’s harbour and marina and the whole of the bay. The perfect photo opportunity!

Number of results: 23

, currently showing 1 to 9.

Sort By Price - Lowest Price - Highest Grading: Highest A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Abbey Park

Address

Torquay Seafront, Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5HP

Telephone
01803 701310

info@swisco.co.uk

Price
Price £3.25 to £7.00 Per Ticket

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Abbey Meadows and Gardens is situated on Torquay Seafront. The meadow is a large open space used by all for events and picnics. The park itself is host to a range of activities, such as tennis and crazy golf; it also houses the Italian Gardens with…

Type

Type:

Tennis
Children & Infants

Accept children (Minimum age)
Price
Price £3.25 to £7.00 Per Ticket

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Occombe Valley Woods

Address

Preston Down Road, Preston, PAIGNTON, Devon, TQ3 1RN

Telephone
01803 520022

info@countryside-trust.org.uk

PAIGNTON

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The walk through Occombe Valley Woods includes pathways that are mostly gently sloping, although sometimes it does get steeper and does include some steps. This is a great place to take dogs, especially during hot summer days.
A dedicated local…

Type

Type:

Parkland/Woodland Garden

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Woodlands at Berry Head Nature Reserve

Address

Gillard Road, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 9AP

Telephone
01803 882619

berryhead@countryside-trust.org.uk

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

You may be surprised to know there are woodlands on this well-known headland - almost 20 acres of it! With large footpaths and good visibility between trees, the woods at Berry Head Nature Reserve is an ideal place to allow young children and dogs…

Type

Type:

Parkland/Woodland Garden

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Manscombe Woods

Address

TORQUAY, Devon, TQ2 6UF

TORQUAY

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Manscombe Woods are the woodlands next to Cockington Country Park. Begin your walk at the idyllic Cockington village with traditional thatched roofs. Wander round the Cockington Estate with large, manicured gardens, stroll around the three lakes…

Type

Type:

Parkland/Woodland Garden

More Details
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Royal Terrace Gardens

Address

Seafront, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JG

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Landscaped gardens on the side of the cliff face on Torquay's seafront with stunning views out to sea. Newly restored in 2010, the highlight is a magnificent illuminated staircase that ascends the cliff.

Type

Type:

Garden

More Details
Italian Gardens - Abbey Park

Address

The Kings Drive, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JE

Torquay

Don’t miss the Italian Gardens, which form part of Abbey Park and Meadows. Here you’ll find a charming pond with fountain and water rock garden.

Type

Type:

Garden

More Details
Torre Abbey Meadows

Address

The Kings Drive, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5HP

Telephone
01803 207797

greeninfrastructure@swisco.co.uk

Torquay

Abbey Meadows and Gardens is situated on Torquay Seafront. The meadow is a large open space used by all for events and picnics. The park itself is host to a range of activities, such as tennis and crazy golf; it also houses the Italian Gardens with…

Type

Type:

Historic Garden

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Thatcher Point

Address

Ilsham Marine Drive, TORQUAY, Devon, TQ1 2HU

Telephone
01803 207797

TORQUAY

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Thatcher Point is a phenomenal green space with a stunning view of the Thatcher Rock and out to sea. People visit Thatcher Point to take in the sea views and view Thatcher Rock itself, to go fishing off the coast, or to simply walk along the South…

Type

Type:

Viewpoint
Establishment Features

Dog Friendly
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Scadson Woods

Address

Preston, PAIGNTON, Devon, TQ3 1RN

Telephone
01803 520022

info@countryside-trust.org.uk

PAIGNTON

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Scadson Woods is a picturesque woodland situated between Occombe and Cockington. It is rife with wildlife including badgers, rabbits and even roe deer have been spotted here! With over 13 acres of woodlands, you can explore until your feet are sore!…

Type

Type:

Parkland/Woodland Garden

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site

Share Your Snaps

#EnglishRiviera

Real photos by real people. Use #englishriviera and you could end up on our social media gallery too. Experience the Bay your way! 🌴

With 22 miles of

coastline and 20 beaches on offer,

there's something

for everyone!

Search, plan and book

Book Now

Order your free travel directories

Contact English Riviera Visitor Information

Submit your event

Hello.

We'd love to hear what you think about the English Riviera!

Complete our short survey below to enter our free draw, and be in with a chance to win a two night bed and breakfast stay at the Mercure Hotel in Paignton.

Enter now

Don't Miss

The official tourism website for the English Riviera

This Official Tourism Website is managed by the English Riviera BID Company Ltd.

Company number 10237792

Registered address 5 Vaughan Parade, Torquay, Devon, England, TQ2 5JG.

Telephone 01803 211211 enquiries@englishrivierabid.co.uk

Ratings Powered By

My Planner

Parks and Leisure

Torquay Parks & Gardens

Babbacombe & St Marychurch Parks and Gardens

Paignton Parks and Gardens

Brixham Parks and Gardens

Refine By

Refine your search

Dates

Address

Telephone

Price

Dates

Type

Type:

Children & Infants

Price

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Dates

Type

Type:

Dates

Address

Dates

Type

Type:

Address

Type

Type:

Address

Telephone

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Establishment Features

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Don't Miss

English Riviera Visitor Information Centre

Special Offers

What's On Monthly Calendar

Subscribe to our newsletter