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Torre Abbey
Type:Abbey/Priory
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Opening Dates and Times
| 2025 Opening (28 Jan 2025 - 18 Dec 2025) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Tuesday | Closed* | |
| Wednesday - Sunday | 10:00 | - 17:00* |
| Bank Holiday | 10:00 | - 16:00* |
Book Tickets
About
An English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site.
Torre Abbey is Torbay's most historic building, an ancient scheduled monument dating back to 1196 set within 18 acres of garden and parkland.
The Abbey's story began with the arrival of an abbot and six canons at Torre, they had been sent from Welbeck Abbey in Nottinghamshire following the gift of land from the Lord of the Manor of Torre, William Brewer. Rich fertile land, proximity to the sea and stone from a nearby headland provided the founding medieval Premonstratensian Monks with all the resources they needed to establish Torre Abbey.
Today the Abbey is a real hive of activity where world class exhibitions are shown side-by-side with creative work from local emerging talents. You can learn about the early years and the Georgian Cary Family who resided in the Abbey for hundreds of years. The fascinating Cary Family invited Horatio Nelson for a dinner party, this is recreated in the Dining Room.
With over 600 incredible works of art from the 18th century to the presen day, our 800 years of history gallery explores local history, heritage and stories through interactive displays, talking portraits and videos, which really makes the Abbey a truly unique place to visit.
Our award winning garden is famed for exuberant plantings of herbaceous perennials, roses and dahlias. Rare shrubs and trees flourish in the English Riviera climate. Our Palm and Cactus Houses contain tropical and sub-tropical plants including endangered palms from Kew Gardens.
All year round the gardens celebrate the achievements of Torquay's most famous resident 'Agatha Christie' through the Potent Plants Garden. You'll be surprised by the range of sinister but beautiful plants on show. Fans of the writer can also interpret the plants and clues in the four outside beds and solve the mystery of the missing story titles.
We are a family-friendly museum, all year round we offering special house and garden trails and quizzes, learning activities, dressing up and a wide range of workshops. Torre Abbey is accessible for prams and children, with a lift running to each floor, buggy parking and baby-changing faciltities. We welcome picnicking in our gardens, and have plenty of spots to enjoy alfresco dining.
Our gift shop is open during Abbey opening hours, selling everything from locally produced gin, preserves and sweets, to traditional toys, plants, gardening accessories, mugs and annual memberships.
During August we hold our Outdoor Cinema Festival, showing a range of cult classics, blockbuster movies and family favourites under the stars in our romantic ruins. For each screening our licensed pop-up bar is open selling a range of refreshments and movie snacks.
For full details on all of our exhibitions, events and workshops visit our website.
A Visual Guide is now available for Torre Abbey, The Guide is a site specific online tool to help people plan and consider their visit to a new place. The Visual Guide shows anything from functional information like entry prices, parking and facilities, but also highlights elements like sound levels, lighting types, spaces and bespoke features that may cause alarm or confusion.
Awards
- Regional and Miscellaneous
WTTC Safe Travels 2021
TripAdvisor
- Excellent566
- Very Good248
- Average37
- Poor13
- Terrible11
Recent Reviews:
- PeterTheSongExeter, United KingdomNo café
15/05/2025Looks amazing but no cafe as promised on the website. Staff not particularly knowledgeable or friendly in suggesting alternative places to eat. Read full review - Yvonne LA Hidden Gem – History, Gardens, and Great Views!
01/06/2025I was really impressed by Torre Abbey — it's a brilliant place to spend a few hours in Torquay. The combination of rich history, beautiful art, and stunning gardens makes it feel like a hidden... Read full review - Grasmi909London, United KingdomRecommended!
05/07/2025The abbey itself, or rather what’s left of it, was very interesting and well laid out as were the gardens which were stunning! In addition the staff were friendly and helpful. The only negative was... Read full review
Related Events
25/05/2025 - 06/09/2025
Mechanical Marvels Exhibition at Torre AbbeyCabaret Mechanical Marvels Exhibition at Torre Abbey
Prepare to embark on an interactive journey into the wild and wonderful world of automata at the Cabaret Mechanical Marvels exhibition, opening at Torre Abbey on May 25th. This captivating showcase seamlessly weaves science, technology,…- more info
02/08/2025 - 02/08/2025
The Mossy CarpetAn enchanting outdoor performance & workshop for children ages 4+ and their families
Step into the magical world of The Mossy Carpet, where a curious boy named Jay and his wise Grandma journey through an enchanted garden, meeting minuscule creatures and taking on the mighty Carbon Giant. Together,…- more info
15/08/2025 - 15/08/2025
16/08/2025 - 16/08/2025
Outdoor Theatre: 440 Theatre – Much Ado About Nothing & Macbeth - The Comedy!Four Forty Theatre return for a raucous retelling of Much Ado About Nothing and Macbeth - The Comedy!
Both performed in one night by only four actors in forty (ish!) minutes each! "This is an exceptionally special, hilarious, speedy tour of two of Shakespeare's arguably greatest…- more info
30/08/2025 - 30/08/2025
Annual Summer FairTorre Abbey is thrilled to announce the return of our Annual Summer Fair!
Join us for a day filled with joy and community spirit. Expect:
Craft Stalls: Discover unique handmade treasures.
Fun Activities: Enjoy games and activities for all ages.
Live Music & Entertainment: Vibe to live performances…- more info
12/09/2025 - 21/09/2025
Heritage Open DaysHeritage Open Days is England's largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and…- more info
13/09/2025 - 21/09/2025
12/09/2026 - 20/09/2026
11/09/2027 - 19/09/2027
The Agatha Christie FestivalThe programme can be viewed by carrying out a diary search via www.englishriviera.co.uk/whats-on and on The Agatha Christie Festival website www.iacf-uk.org.
Agatha Christie is Torquay's most well-known resident and the best selling author of all time. Every year Torquay celebrates the life and…- more info
17/09/2025 - 17/09/2025
The Mysterious Mix & MingleAhead of the start of the Literary Festival, we are hosting an informal mix and mingle event to allow guests to meet each other over a drink or two. We will be providing details of the (rather nice) location a bit closer to the event.- more info
18/09/2025 - 18/09/2025
Continuing Marple and PoirotContinuing Marple and Poirot
Lucy Foley and Sophie Hannah, Interviewed by David Brawn
In March, it was announced that Lucy Foley will be writing a new Miss Marple novel. After the success of the 2022 Marple book, with twelve new short stories by twelve bestselling female authors, this is very…- more info
18/09/2025 - 18/09/2025
In Conversation with Chris ChibnallIn Conversation with Chris Chibnall - From Broadchurch to Doctor Who and onto Agatha Christie
The Agatha Christie Festival are delighted to welcome author and screenwriter, Chris Chibnall, to the Festival. In an interview with our guest host he will discuss his debut novel, Death at the White…- more info
18/09/2025 - 18/09/2025
The Agatha Christie Mile 1920s Costumed PromenadeStart the Literary Festival off in style! Dress up in 1920s clothes and join us for this free event, promenading along the Agatha Christie Trail from the brand-new sculpture, past the Agatha Christie bust and along to Princess Pier.
The walk is completely flat and about half a mile in length to…- more info
18/09/2025 - 18/09/2025
Tom Adams and Agatha Christie: Partners in CrimeThe Agatha Christie Festival are delighted to bring you this wonderful evening celebrating the artwork of Tom Adams, creator of numerous iconic Agatha Christie book covers. The event begins with a talk by David Morris, author of CollectingChristie.com, who will share exclusive insights into the…- more info
19/09/2025 - 19/09/2025
A Bundle of Fun - Victoria DowdTo commemorate the 100th anniversary of the publication of The Secret of Chimneys, bestselling Devon-based author, Victoria Dowd, will give an entertaining talk on Bundle Brent. Lady Eileen ‘Bundle’ Brent featured in both The Secret of Chimneys and The Seven Dials Mystery, and had a love of…- more info
19/09/2025 - 19/09/2025
Agatha Christie and the Murder Game - John CurranJohn Curran looks at Golden Age detective fiction as a literary game and explains how Agatha Christie was the greatest player. Ever.
Internationally recognised expert on Christie’s work, Dr John Curran, is a literary scholar and archivist who worked as a National Trust consultant during the…- more info
19/09/2025 - 19/09/2025
Agatha Christie's Devon - Laura ThompsonAgatha Christie travelled the world, but Devon always had her heart: in 1922 she described South Africa as 'like all beautiful places, just like Torquay!' This talk will explore her relationship - both personal and literary - with her childhood home Ashfield, with Greenway House, and with the…- more info
19/09/2025 - 19/09/2025
Publishing Agatha Christie - David BrawnHarperCollins’ head of literary estates David Brawn marks 30 years in his role as Agatha Christie’s publisher by taking us behind the scenes of her UK publishing house and giving a unique insight into how the author’s complete canon of novels and short stories continue to thrive.
From new cover…- more info
19/09/2025 - 30/09/2025
Exhibition - Tom Adams and Agatha Christie: Partners in CrimeIncluded in Torre Abbey entrance price
Cover artist Tom Adams created numerous iconic Agatha Christie book covers, mostly in the 1960s, '70s and '80s but also as recently as the 2010s. Thanks to the generosity of Georgie Adams, Tom’s widow, and her family as well as David Morris, visitors will be…- more info
20/09/2025 - 20/09/2025
Agatha Christie and the OccultWhile best known for her detective stories and thrillers, Agatha Christie also wrote many stories of the supernatural, many of which were collected in The Last Séance. The occult and supernatural themes appear in many of her novels and stories, including her first short story, published in 1919…- more info
20/09/2025 - 20/09/2025
Making Enquiries: Inquiries into Information in A Murder is Announced - Michelle KamzerA Murder is Announced celebrates its 75th anniversary of publication in 2025. One of the most beloved Miss Marple novels, this story has been admired for its nuanced interpersonal relationships, immediate-post-war social commentary, and use of the writing itself to clue the solution. It is the…- more info
20/09/2025 - 20/09/2025
The Importance of Settings in Christie’s BooksPaddle steamers, luxury trains, archaeological digs, to name but a few. Agatha Christie’s settings have become almost as iconic as her plots. Settings play a key role in detective fiction, something the authors on our Super Panel know all about. Their varied and exciting settings include a 1920s…- more info
21/09/2025 - 21/09/2025
And Then There Were Teens: Portrayal of Teenagers in ChristieTeenagers feature in a number of Agatha Christie’s novels, so Young Adult crime writer, Troy Hunter, gives a fascinating insight into Agatha’s intriguing, and often complex, adolescents.
Troy Hunter is an Agatha Christie-loving crime author and marketing consultant from Melbourne, Australia. His…- more info
21/09/2025 - 21/09/2025
Closing Event - Agatha Christie FestivalMore information coming soon...- more info
21/09/2025 - 21/09/2025
- Secrets and Spies: Agatha Christie the War WriterAgatha Christie wrote her first mystery novel during the First World War, and reflected a world in turmoil. At the height of her career during the Second World War, global conflict shaped her work and how it was read, even as the adventures of Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot were seen as escapist.…
- more info
21/09/2025 - 21/09/2025
The Never-Ending Golden Age - Taking Christie's Blueprint in New DirectionsAgatha Christie is as synonymous with the Golden Age as Poirot is with Hastings, or Tommy is with Tuppence. In her Golden Age detective novels, Christie and her contemporaries created the blueprint for future detective fiction. Common tropes such as amateur sleuths, locked-room mysteries or…- more info
28/11/2025 - 02/01/2026
Torre Abbey Alive with Light!The abbey will be transformed into a breathtaking blend of light, history, and festive joy. Audiences will embark on a magical journey through the abbey's rich history, from its 12th-century origins to today. "Alive with Light" is a stunning visual spectacle with an evocative historical soundtrack…- more info
Facilities
Establishment Features
- Cater for groups
Key Features
- Groups
Venue Facilities
- Groups Accepted
Facilities
Accessibility
- Accessible to Wheelchair Users
Facilities
Other
- Accept Children over 7
- Film - Historic Location
- Gift Shop
- Website
Accessibility
- Accessible to Wheelchair Users
- Assistance Dogs
- Facilities for Disabled Visitors
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
- Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Attraction Facilities
- Plant Sales
- Shop
- Tea Rooms
Catering
- On-Site café/restaurant
Establishment Features
- Available for wedding receptions
- Cater for groups
- Coach drop-off point
- Conference facilities
- Event venue
- Licenced for civil marriages
- On-site Restaurant/Cafe
- Open All Year
- Shop
- Tea / Coffee Shop
- Toilets
- Wedding Venue
Key Features
- Families
- Groups
- Indoor Attraction - You can visit the Abbey building and the gardens
- Of historic, literary or architectural interest
- Outdoor Attraction - You can visit the Gardens only for £4
- Weddings
Parking & Transport
- On Bus Route
- Parking (charge) - Public Pay and Display car park nearby.
- Within 1 Mile of a Train Station
Payment Methods
- All major credit cards accepted
- Contactless payment accepted
Specialist Features
- Family Fun
- Marketed towards families
- Marketed towards senior citizens
- Themed Events
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
- Guided Tours Available for Groups
- Guided Tours Available for Individuals
Travel & Trade
- Group discounts available
- Groups Welcome
- Packed lunches available
Venue Facilities
- Area for musician/band
- Beach adajacent for photography
- Catering available in house
- Choice of marriage rooms
- Dedicated wedding planner
- Garden/grounds available for photography
- Groups Accepted
- Late licence for evening receptions
- Lawn area for marquee
- Licenced for civil marriages
- Marriage / Reception Room decoration
- Sea views available for photography
- Special rates for small/midweek weddings
View Less
Torre Abbey
Also at
Agatha Christie Mile, TorquayDrift 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.
Torre Abbey, TorquaySet within 18 acres of parkland and gardens with spectacular views of the sea, Torre Abbey is the perfect romantic celebration to hold your wedding celebration.
Torre Abbey Cafe, TorquayThe cafe serves teas, coffees, delicious cakes and sandwiches. Open 6 days a week on a seasonal basis (May - November). Dog's very welcome.
Torre Abbey Meadows, TorquayAbbey 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 its attractive pond with fountain and water rock…
Map & Directions
Road Directions
Torre Abbey is 10 minutes drive from most areas of Torquay, 20 minutes from Paignton and 50 minutes from Plymouth and Exeter. From Exeter and the east:From Exeter and the east, follow signs for Torquay A380, then Torquay Seafront A3022. You will arrive at a 5 roads junction with the gates to the Abbey ahead of you. There is no parking in the grounds but you can take 2nd exit, Chestnut Avenue for parking at the front of the Riviera International Centre OR sharp right, Walnut Road for Torre Valley car park. Both are just 2 minutes walk from the Abbey and are pay and display. From Babbacombe, Paignton and other areas of Torbay:Follow the seafront and turn into Rathmore Road, immediately next to the Grand Hotel. Follow this road with the station on you left and you will reach the five roads junction – sharp left for Walnut Road, Torre Valley car park and straight across for Chestnut Avenue, Riviera Centre car park.
What's Nearby
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