Cockington is 450-acre country park on the outskirts of Torquay, managed by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust. Cockington has received the prestigious Keep Britain Tidy, Green Flag Award, an accolade which it has retained 24 times since its launch, one of only 5 sites in the whole of the UK to do so. The Green Flag Award is given for high environmental standards, being beautifully maintained and having excellent visitor facilities.
Explore a beautiful mix of open parkland, rural countryside and sustainable woodland through a network of path and bridleways, perfect for walkers and cyclists. As well as the world-famous chocolate box village of thatched cottages, you'll also discover cream tea shops, a stunning pub, three ornamental lakes, the historic Game Keeper's Lodge, and a quaint church.
A good place to start any visit is at the Visitor Centre in the village, offers information about the park, its history, wildlife and the work of the Trust, as well as a selection of gifts and sundries. This is also the perfect place to find out all about the latest events taking place across the park.
K&H Cockington Carriages provide horse and carriage rides around the beautiful settings of Cockington, while the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust have also created a Tremendous Tree Trail, which can be downloaded from their website for free. See if you can find the tallest tree in Torbay or the only known specimen of Jamaican Fiddlewood in Europe!
Cockington Court itself is an historic manor house, stunning views over the former deer park and cricket pitch. It boasts over twenty craft studios, tea rooms, walled art garden, Tudor rose garden, contemporary art gallery and a popular children’s play area. As you wander around the Stable Yard and Sea Change Studios, you can enjoy the glass blowers creating unique masterpieces, the blacksmith masterfully working away in his forge and sample delicious treats created by the resident chocolatier.
Cockington Court is also a very popular wedding venue, with people tying the knot both in the ceremony rooms in the manor house or the church itself. The beautiful Norman church of St. George and St. Mary is open to visitors daily and well worth a visit. The Ark Play Area can be found behind the studios and was designed to disabled-friendly and includes a wheelchair seesaw, slides, a singing stone and a seesaw pump and fountain, a turning stone and pumps
Cockington Court, managed by the Torbay Development Agency also organises a packed programme or events, including art exhibitions, open air theatre and Easter, Halloween and Christmas events. The famous Cockington Fayre takes place at the start of August, with stalls, entertainment and fun and games, while Cockington Apple Day is another popular event celebrating the harvesting of the fruit in October, with entertainment for all the family. Oh, and cider for the adults!
From April till October, there are food and craft markets on the last Sunday of every month, while Christmas weekends take place in December, featuring pop-up activities, music, a Christmas trail, unique handmade gifts and the chance to meet Santa. Meanwhile The Drum Inn is a charming country pub, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, with beautiful gardens and picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.
It's a lovely one mile walk up to Cockington from Torquay seafront, strolling through the water meadows and boardwalk.
New events are added all the time, so please keep an eye on our main events page for the latest updates.
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