Parks and Gardens, English Riviera, Devon, Torquay, Torbay

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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 18^th 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 Plant 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), have a go at crazy golf 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!

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Becky Falls

Devon, Newton Abbot

Set within a spectacular ancient valley, Dartmoor’s famous Becky Falls has been attracting visitors since 1903, and no trip to Devon would be complete without a visit.
Enjoy breath-taking woodland walks, taking time to explore over 50 acres of...

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616 reviews
Torre Abbey

Torquay

Explore 800 years of history beautifully presented heritage rooms, galleries, art exhibitions, interactive displays, talking portraits and videos which bring our colourful history and art to life. With a wealth of exotic and exciting plants, the...

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
731 reviews
English Riviera Wheel

Torquay

Soaring high over the beautiful harbour in the heart of the English Riviera at Torquay, the wheel is situated within the famous Pavilion Gardens, next to The Princess Theatre, enjoying amazing views of the town and harbour.
The English Riviera...
National Trust - Greenway

Brixham

This is an extraordinary glimpse into the private holiday home of the famous and much-loved author Agatha Christie and her family.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1594 reviews
Roundham Head

Paignton

Roundham Head, Paignton, Devon is at the top of the cliff with beautiful parkland and spectacular views out to sea all round – see if you can spot the charming Spitfire Garden.
Suggested Walk - Roundham Head - 0.9 miles (1.4 km) - North Quay,...
Youngs Park

Paignton

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...
Princess Gardens Torquay

Torquay

A wander along Torquay's seafront will take you alongside Torquay Marina and through the pretty waterside Princess Gardens, a promenade lined with palm trees, well-manicured flowerbeds and an ornate water fountain.
Rose Garden - Cockington

Torquay

Behind the Manor House you will find the peaceful Tudor Rose Garden (managed by Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust) and also the Walled Art Garden (managed by TDA), which is currently undergoing a transformation into an additional attraction and...
Italian Gardens - Abbey Park

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.
Babbacombe Downs

Torquay

Beautiful Babbacombe Downs has the highest cliff top promenade in England, and on a clear day you can see right across to Portland Bill in Dorset.
Cockington Village and Country Park

Cockington, TORQUAY

Cockington Country Park is a beautiful mix of picturesque well-ordered garden landscapes, open parkland, rural countryside and substantial woodland. Tucked in amongst this 450 acre park are three pretty ornamental lakes, a historic Manor House with...
Royal Terrace Gardens

Torquay

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.
Torre Abbey Meadows

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...
Tessier Gardens

Torquay

Hidden away between Babbacombe and St. Marychurch, Tessier Gardens is a small and delightful park that was given to the town in 1933 by Mrs H.A Tessier 'for the use of adults only'.
Potent Plants Garden - Torre Abbey

Torquay

Do not touch! is the warning for all visitors to the Potent Plants Garden at Torre Abbey. Discover a world of poisons, antidotes and remedies in the serene setting of the Abbey grounds.

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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

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