Exhibitions

Did you know that Torquay is home to the earliest evidence of modern human life in Britain? Or have you ever wondered how Brixham’s fishermen used to make their ropes? You can discover these, and other fascinating gems of knowledge, at the varied range of permanent and visiting exhibitions across the English Riviera. 

Art exhibitions and trails

The coast and countryside of Torbay and the South West have long been a source of inspiration for artists. From bold seascapes to sculptures, you’ll find art exhibitions taking place across the local area. Many of our historic buildings, like Cockington Court and Greenway, play host to exhibitions throughout the year. And every year you can catch the best local artists displaying at the Devon Art Society Spring and Summer Exhibitions at St Anne’s Hall in Babbacombe.

At Torre Abbey you’ll find a series of excellent permanent galleries with works of art capturing the beauty of the sea and surrounding countryside. The Abbey also holds frequent guest exhibitions inside, as well as sculpture exhibitions on the garden lawns.

For history buffs

Torbay has a rich history, and an excellent selection of museums to tell the stories. Torquay Museum is a treasure trove of curios from Torquay and around the world. You’ll unearth the fascinating permanent collection ranging from fossilised reptile footprints to an ornate paddle from Papua New Guinea. And the museum also has a busy programme of temporary exhibitions, allowing you to discover something new on every visit.

Brixham Heritage Museum looks back at the lives of residents over the years. Here you’ll find varied exhibitions tracing the history of this bustling Devon town. Find out about the role played by Berry Head in the Napoleonic War. And learn all about the fishing trade and why it has always been so important to Brixham.

Bringing exhibitions to life

Step into the family-run Bygones, St Marychurch, Torquay and you step back in time to visit the Britain of the past. There are three floors of collections where you can walk along a Victorian street, see a genuine Anderson shelter and other militaria, or browse through the shopping arcade of fifties memorabilia. Many of the exhibitions are hands on – you can play the vintage amusement arcade games and you can press buttons to bring the fabulous model railway to life. 

Arts and crafts exhibitions at Cockington

Cockington Court has a reputation as an arts and crafts hub. As well as the collections in the craft studios, you’ll find regular exhibitions are put on in the Kitchen Gallery and the Tea Room Gallery. And when you’re in need of refreshment, you’ll never be far from a tea shop serving up a delicious Devon cream tea.

Agatha Christie in Torbay

Agatha Christie is one of Torbay’s most well-loved former residents. As well as finding information on her life at Torquay Museum, you can visit her former home Greenway House. Now run by the National Trust, you’ll find special exhibitions as well as a permanent collection charting her time in Torbay and the influence it had on her writing.

Search our list of exhibitions and dig a little deeper into the rich art, culture and history of Torbay, the South West, and beyond.