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Torre Abbey
Type:Abbey/Priory
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Opening Dates and Times
| 2026 Opening (28 Jan 2026 - 18 Dec 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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
- Excellent568
- Very Good251
- Average40
- Poor13
- Terrible12
Recent Reviews:
- AlexTheJockWigston, United KingdomNot really a 'must see' whilst in Torquay
13/10/2025My wife and I, both of us senior citizens, were down from Leicester staying in Torquay for a few days and we decided to visit the abbey as it was a short walk away from our hotel. We arrived around... Read full review - Busker999Tonbridge, United KingdomGood local art gallery and abbey
25/01/2026Free entry due to the exhibition of local photographers. Lovely old monastery that has been supported by the local council. It mostly an art gallery both local and more national painters and... Read full review - Alimoore51Woking, United KingdomThankyou for the free entry this week………….if only the cafe had been open
01/02/2026Thankyou so much for giving us the opportunity to see the lovely gardens and beautiful building here what a treat for it to be free admission this week . Thankyou so much,what would have made even... Read full review
Related Events
20/01/2026 - 15/03/2026
if words were seedsFor his exhibition if words were seeds, land artist JAPPA has created seven new artworks that span the Abbey's historical outdoor and indoor garden spaces.
These new, site-specific works, use only materials foraged in and around the Abbey and are created using, leaves, stone, wood, mud, chalk,…- more info
20/01/2026 - 15/03/2026
inDISPOSABLEinDISPOSABLE is a public art project working with marginalised, nomadic and street attached individuals. Using the conceptual and literal lens of photography, this project aims to change the public's perception of this community and to better understand their day-to-day experiences. 21 disposable…- more info
06/03/2026 - 05/09/2026
Art on Your Doorstep at Torre AbbeyArt on Your Doorstep: National Gallery Masterpieces Coming to Torquay
Torre Abbey is proud to announce its participation in The National Gallery: Art on Your Doorstep, a new national touring project bringing iconic artworks from the National Gallery’s collection directly to communities across the…- more info
14/03/2026 - 29/03/2026
Art in the BarnThe Torbay Guild of Artists are returning to the Spanish Barn, Torre Abbey, for their ‘Art in The Barn’ 2026 Spring Exhibition.
Running from the 14th March - 29th March, the Exhibition features the work of Guild members, with a wide range of original paintings, prints, ceramics, and glassware all…- more info
27/03/2026 - 31/05/2026
Colour-ing in the BayAbout the Exhibition
Colour-ing in the Bay celebrates the vibrant, evolving artwork of local artist Zoe Curley, whose distinctive line‑work draws inspiration from Torbay’s coastline, wildlife, landmarks and people.
This uplifting exhibition invites you to explore how the Colour-ing in the Bay…- more info
28/03/2026 - 22/06/2026
Finding Balance - an exhibition by artist, JPR StitchWe live in a busy world, with noise and distractions at every turn, but occasionally, we need to take time to stop, reflect, rebalance, taking a moment to find calm.
JPR Stitch (aka. Dr Jack Roberts) is an artist known for his unique approach to stitching and embroidery where he creates bright,…- more info
09/05/2026 - 09/05/2026
11/07/2026 - 11/07/2026
Family ART Drop In DaysFREE Family ART Drop In Days at Torre Abbey
These seasonal, fun, drop-in days are designed for families to come along and get creative.
Hosted by Cabbage Tree Studio CIC, sessions are guided by painter Claire Jo Harmer. With over 20 years teaching experience Claire is on hand to give support and…- more info
12/06/2026 - 13/06/2026
Romeo & Juliet - The Duke's Theatre CompanyTwo hearts. One fate. A timeless love reborn.
The Duke’s Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a bold reimagining of the iconic tragedy directed by Joseph Pitcher. Pitcher’s acclaimed credits include Gypsy (UK Theatre Award for Best Musical Production) and My Fair Lady at The…- more info
11/09/2026 - 20/09/2026
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
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
16/09/2026 - 16/09/2026
A Century of Agatha Christie on Screen: Unseen!The always-popular Dr Mark Aldridge returns to the Festival this year with another fascinating talk for us. This time he is focusing on Agatha Christie on Screen, so be prepared for some exciting and very special insights!
Trace the story of Agatha Christie on screen not only through the famous…- more info
16/09/2026 - 16/09/2026
Amber Butchart: The Forensic Fashion of Agatha ChristieThe Agatha Christie Festival is delighted to welcome Amber Butchart for the first time. Amber is often seen on television in shows such as Great British Sewing Bee sharing her extensive knowledge on the history of fashion. For many Christie fans, it is the costumes and fashions in the TV and film…- more info
16/09/2026 - 16/09/2026
John Mallowan: Agatha the PhotographerTo conclude the opening day of the Literary Festival, we are thrilled to be able to introduce a talk by John Mallowan on one of Agatha Christie’s many, but lesser known, talents: photography.
Agatha was an integral part of her husband Max’s archaeological dig team. The job titles that could be…- more info
16/09/2026 - 16/09/2026
Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel: Lucy Foley interviewed by David BrawnThe Agatha Christie Festival is delighted to open its Literary Festival by welcoming back bestselling author, Lucy Foley, who has written the new Miss Marple novel Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel.
It is fifty years since Agatha Christie's last Miss Marple novel, Sleeping Murder, was published, so…- more info
17/09/2026 - 17/09/2026
Agatha Christie and Roger Ackroyd: The Ultimate Murder GameTHIS EVENT IS PART OF THE AGATHA CHRISTIE FESTIVAL
Opening our Roger Ackroyd Day is, fittingly, renowned and respected Christie expert, Dr John Curran.
If Agatha Christie had never written another word after The Murder of Roger Ackroyd she would still be remembered and admired today. John Curran…- more info
17/09/2026 - 17/09/2026
Martin Edwards: Agatha and the Detection ClubContinuing our celebration of 100 years since the publication of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd we are thrilled to welcome Martin Edwards, award-winning author and current President of the Detection Club - a post once held by Agatha Christie!
Agatha wasn't a natural 'joiner' but she was a founder…- more info
17/09/2026 - 17/09/2026
Robert Thorogood and Ben Miller: A Caribbean MysteryOur Roger Ackroyd Day concludes with this fabulous and very exciting event. The Agatha Christie Festival is delighted to welcome actor and author Ben Miller and welcome back bestselling author and creator of Death in Paradise, Robert Thorogood.
Since DI Richard Poole solved his first case on the…- more info
17/09/2026 - 17/09/2026
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd – The Centenary of a MasterpieceOur celebration of the 100-year legacy of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, continues with a talk by good friend of the Festival, David Morris. In a richly illustrated talk, David, of CollectingChristie.com, traces the novel's extraordinary journey from its original publication in 1926, when its bold…- more info
17/09/2026 - 17/09/2026
The Mysterious Case of Roger StylesOur Roger Ackroyd celebration continues with a fascinating talk by the ever-popular Gray Robert Brown, one half of the hit podcast, The Swinging Christies.
WHO IS ROGER STYLES? The most notorious spy of the twentieth century is on the run. He has dwindling allies, amassing enemies, and minimal…- more info
18/09/2026 - 18/09/2026
Agatha Christie’s Greatest NarratorContinuing our celebration of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, is this very special panel event hosted by Festival friend Kemper Donovan. Discussing which of Agatha's numerous and varied narrators is going to be awarded the title of The Greatest is Christie expert Dr Jamie Bernthal-Hooker, theatre…- more info
18/09/2026 - 18/09/2026
Christie in Metal and Paper: Numismatic and Philatelic Commemorations of the Queen of CrimeJeff Rock is a staunch supporter of the Festival so we are thrilled that he has kindly agreed to give a talk for us this year.
The talk takes a look at the coins, tokens, medals, paper money, and stamps issued to honour Agatha Christie, mostly in the half-century since her death. Like Christie's…- more info
18/09/2026 - 18/09/2026
The Golden Age of DetectionTo open the Friday of our Literary Festival, the Agatha Christie Festival is delighted to welcome renowned historian Dr Angela Buckley.
In the early decades of the twentieth century, groundbreaking advances in forensic science led to some of the most notorious killers being brought to justice.…- more info
19/09/2026 - 19/09/2026
A Gameshow is Announced!With so many crime and murder mystery experts gathered in Torquay for the Festival, we thought it was time to put their little grey cells to the ultimate test...
Join us for our first ever gameshow evening, a night of sharp minds, quick wits and criminally good fun.
We begin with Criminal…- more info
19/09/2026 - 19/09/2026
Miss Marple and Sleeping Murder: A Celebration Panel EventTo celebrate both the 50th anniversary of the publication of Sleeping Murder and the sheer brilliance of Miss Marple, the Agatha Christie Festival have brought together three equally brilliant women for our celebratory panel event.
Professor Michelle Kazmer, Rachel Trethewey, author of Mothers of…- more info
19/09/2026 - 19/09/2026
Tina Hodgkinson: Agatha Christie's LondonThe Agatha Christie Festival are delighted to welcome back Festival friend Tina Hodgkinson to talk about her new book Agatha Christie's London: A Historical Guide to the Queen of Crime's Capital.
Agatha Christie's connections with London go back to her childhood when she would visit on extended…- more info
20/09/2026 - 20/09/2026
The Agatha Christie Mile 1920s Costumed PromenadeOur first 1920s Costumed Promenade at last year's Festival proved so popular that we repeated it for our Spring Gathering in April. It is now becoming a 'must do' event as part of the whole Agatha Christie Festival experience.
Kick off the final day of the Agatha Christie Festival in true…- more info
20/09/2026 - 20/09/2026
The Tea and Scandal Garden PartyJoin us for the grand finale of this year’s Agatha Christie Festival, a delightful garden party set within the stunning grounds of Torre Abbey.
Spend a leisurely afternoon at a sociable soirée filled with live period music, sparkling conversation, and fascinating talks from a host of…- 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
Do not touch! is the warning for all visitors to the Potent Plants Garden at Torre Abbey.…
0.05 miles awayDon’t miss the Italian Gardens, which form part of Abbey Park and Meadows. Here you’ll…
0.06 miles awayOne Of Torquay's Longest Standing Gyms With Experienced Instructors And Extensive…
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There is something for everyone in our impressive leisure pool. Whether it’s our Swim…
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0.14 miles awayTorre Abbey Sands Beach is a beautiful, long sandy beach that runs along the seafront in…
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