Torquay was the birthplace of Agatha Christie, and it's not hard to imagine the town as the setting for one of the author's mysteries. Its traditional charms may get you feeling nostalgic for the glory days of the British seaside, however, but Torquay was the most popular holiday destination of 2021, proving that it appeals to holidaymakers just as much today as it did back in its heyday, when it became one of the most fashionable resorts of the 19th century. There are still plenty of things to do in Torquay, too, whether you're interested in the area's history and culture, or just want to soak up the atmosphere of this little slice of the continent, on the south coast of England. Read on for some suggestions...
Hop aboard the English Riviera Wheel
Perhaps a good place to start your tour of Torquay is in the air, high above the town. The English Riviera Wheel sends you soaring on a 12 minute journey which gives you ample time to take in all Torquay has to offer. It's the perfect start to your trip, and a romantic way to enjoy the view.
Stroll across the Millennium Bridge and explore the harbour
The Millennium Bridge connects Torquay's two piers, and offers a unique perspective on the bustling little harbour. This entire area is filled with the sights and sounds of the seaside, and a stroll along the promenade will provide you with dozens of different shopping and dining options. This is one of the reason's the town is so often compared to those on the continent: outdoor dining, plus the view of the harbour give you the feeling of being abroad, without leaving England.
Tour Kents Cavern, and take a step back in time
Kents Cavern is a network of prehistoric caves located just over a mile from Torquay Harbour. One of the best places in the UK to see stalagmites and stalagtites, there's also a woodland trail where you can learn about dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals, plus a Stone Age zone where you can uncover your own artefacts and master some of the skills you might have needed to survive in these very different times. When you visit the cavern, you'll be stepping in the famous footsteps of people like King George V, Beatrix Potter and Agatha Christie: the latter of whom even referenced the cavern in one of her early novels.
Explore a model village
Babbacombe Model Village has been a Torquay attraction since 1963, and covers around 4 acres of the Babbacombe area of the town. There are 426 tiny buildings to admire, and the miniature landscaped gardens have been voted Torquay's most beautiful gardens. The evening illuminations see the village light in a myriad of colours, and the miniature world includes replicas of famous landmarks such as Stonehenge and London's Shard, and the place is filled with quirky touches like a fire-breathing dragon and a scene from Eastenders.
More things to do in Torquay
- See what you can find at the Grand Flea Market, which takes place in Torquay Town Hall every Thursday morning from 9am - 1pm.
- Go bouldering at Torquay’s very first climbing gym.
- AMG Bowling considers itself to be the UK’s best bowling alley: you trip to Torquay is the perfect opportunity to find out if they’re right.
- Skiing might not be something you’d associate with the south coast of England, but the dry slopes of Torquay Alpine Ski Club can provide hours of fun, plus the opportunity to improve your technique.
Things to do in Torquay in the rain
Although the south of England is generally the warmest place in the UK, that doesn't mean it's always dry, and when planning a trip to Torquay, it's always best to plan ahead for inclement weather. Luckily the town has a good selection of indoor attractions: read on for some things to do in Torquay in the rain.
Hit the mall
Prettier than your average shopping mall, Fleet Walk leads right down to the harbour, and has an upmarket feel that blends in well with the surrounding streets. You'll find a wide selection of high street stores, restaurants and independent retailers here, making it a good way to while away a rainy afternoon: or even the entire day.
Visit the oldest museum in Devon
Founded in 1844, Torquay Museum offers a truly eclectic mix of exhibits, ranging from the mummified remains of a young boy from 600BC, to over 400 artefacts from ancient Egypt. There's also an entire exhibit devoted to Torquay's most famous daughter, the author Agatha Christie, whose private correspondence, along with photos and other personal possessions, are on display here.
Walk down an authentic Victorian street
Bygones Museum is a family-run attraction offering immersive history lessons including a life-sized Victorian street, a recreated World War 1 trench and a 50s and 60s shopping arcade. An absolute must for history lovers and anyone in search of a touch of nostalgia, Bygones is three floors of fascinating fun that brings the past to life in the most realistic way possible.
Meet the inhabitants of Dinosaur World
Torquay's Dinosaur World is an interactive exhibit which lets you get up close to life-sized model dinosaurs and even put your head into the jaws of a T-Rex skull: if you're brave enough! The perfect place to take your dinosaur obsessed offspring on a wet afternoon, there's also a gift shop where you can buy a dinosaur of your very own to bring home.
Make your own jewellery in a stately home by the sea
Cockington Court is a manor house and country park popular with walkers and nature lovers, and offering a range of activities in both the gardens and the craft studios at the house. One of the more unusual of these gives you the opportunity to learn the fine art of jewellery making in a full-day workshop which allows you to make your own ring or pendant to take home.
Free things to do in Torquay
Holidaying on a budget? Don't worry: it may be the English Riviera, but it needn't cost as much as a trip to the continent. Here are some ideas for free activities in Torquay:
Take in the sights at Cockington Country Park
The village of Cockington is just half a mile from Torquay, and is reckoned to be over 2,500 years old. It's a pretty place for a walk in itself, with its thatched cottages and historic streets, while Cockington Country Park offers the opportunity to stretch your legs in the beautiful formal gardens, or explore the lakes and woodlands which make up this ancient country estate.
Visit Torquay’s beaches
If you're visiting Devon, chances are you're hoping to spend some time at the beach, and Torquay has plenty to choose from:
- The town's main beach is called Torre Abbey Sands, which features golden sand with close proximity to town.
- Nearby Medfoot Beach, although quieter and rockier, is also popular with visitors, and is just half a mile from Torquay Harbour.
- Oddicombe Beach, meanwhile, is accessed via a very steep cliff path, but you do have the option of riding the Babbacombe Cliff Railway back to the top, which is an adventure in itself.
Walk the South West Coast Path
The UK's longest national trail, the South West Coast Path is 630 miles long, however the 22 mile stretch which covers the English Riviera is the only part you need to think about for now! This stretch of the coast is a designated UNESCO Global Geopark which passes places like Beacon's Cove and London Bridge: no, not the famous London landmark, but a striking cliff arch just off the coast of Torquay. Bring your walking shoes and camera, and pack a picnic so you can take some time to sit and enjoy the English coast at its most beautiful.
FAQs
Where can you swim in Torquay?
If the cold waters of the English Channel don't appeal to you, Waves Leisure Pool has a wave machine and water flume, and is heated to 30 degrees, making sure the water is always inviting, whatever the weather is like outside. Teignmouth Lido, meanwhile, is just 20 minutes from Torquay itself, and, although it's outdoor, it's also heated, although only to 25 degrees, so wetsuits are recommended during the chillier months of the year.
Where should you stop in Torquay?
As the most popular resort in the UK, you'll never have to worry about running out of places to stay in Torquay: in fact, the only questions you need to ask are what kind of accommodation you're looking for, and how much you want to pay.
- 25 Boutique B&B is a 5 star bed and breakfast with king-sized beds, Netflix in every room, and complimentary baked goods on arrival.
- If you're keen on sea views, The Osborne Hotel is one of the most exclusive in the area, with manicured gardens leading down to Meadfoot Beach.
Seaside dining, beach huts and pretty cottages are all available at the five star Cary Arms & Spa, which is the ultimate in English luxury.
What is Torquay famous for?
Beautiful beaches, picture-postcard views and above-average temperatures are all associated with Torquay, which is most famous for its position at the heart of the English Riviera. The number one holiday resort in the UK, it has everything you'd expect from the great British coast, plus a few surprises, such as the prehistoric caves and links to England's ancient past. Torquay was also the birthplace of author Agatha Christie, model Lily Cole, and the cinematographer Roger Deakins.
