Though the Living Coasts aquarium officially closed in 2020, its striking location at Beacon Quay still draws visitors. The waterfront promenade remains open, and the coastal scenery is spectacular, with sweeping views across Tor Bay. It’s a peaceful area for a stroll, and nearby cafés offer spots to relax while watching the boats.
In the same area, you’ll find the historic harborside with local vendors, art galleries, and frequent open-air markets. It’s an easy place to lose an afternoon, soaking in the maritime atmosphere and observing the ebb and flow of this busy seaside town.
2. Torquay MuseumJust a short walk from the town centre, Torquay Museum offers an engaging mix of natural history, local heritage, and Agatha Christie-themed exhibitions. The museum showcases over 150 years of collecting, with highlights including an ancient Egyptian mummy and the life and works of the town’s most famous literary figure.
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00–16:00, the museum charges around £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for children. It’s an ideal stop for families, especially on rainy days, and provides a deeper context to the town’s cultural legacy.
3. Kents Cern Prehistoric CesA fascinating site just under 2 km from the town centre, Kents Cern features a network of ancient limestone ces that were once home to early humans. Guided tours lead you through well-lit chambers filled with stalactites, fossils, and Stone Age tools.
Open daily from 10:00, last tours run at 15:00 or 16:00 depending on season. Tickets are £14.50 for adults, £12.50 for seniors, and £12 for children. The site also includes woodland trails and a café, making it an all-round family-friendly experience.
4. Babbacombe Model VillageLocated just northeast of the town in Babbacombe, this delightful miniature world spans 4 acres, featuring intricately designed buildings, gardens, and even functioning trains. It’s a quirky but much-loved attraction that’s been entertaining visitors for generations.
The model village is open daily, with opening times varying by season (generally 10:00–17:00 in summer). Tickets are around £14.50 for adults and £12.50 for children. Evening illuminations in the summer months offer a particularly enchanting visit.
5. Babbacombe Cliff Railway & DownsThe historic Babbacombe Cliff Railway offers a scenic and convenient way to reach Oddicombe Beach from the top of the cliff. It’s a working funicular railway dating back to 1926, offering charming vintage rides and great views over the bay.
A return ticket costs around £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for children. Nearby, Babbacombe Downs provides one of the best coastal viewpoints in Devon, with walking paths and benches to admire the panoramic scenery.
6. Bygones Victorian MuseumLocated on Fore Street in Babbacombe, Bygones offers a nostalgic step back into Victorian life. Full-size replicas of period streets, shops, and rooms are packed with original artefacts. There’s also a WWI trench and a model railway exhibition upstairs.
Open daily from 10:00–16:00, entry is £13.50 for adults, £11.50 for seniors, and £9.50 for children. It’s a hidden gem that offers more than expected from the outside, appealing to all ages with its layered and immersive displays.
7. Torre Abbey and GardensA historic monastery turned stately home and art gallery, Torre Abbey is one of Torquay’s premier heritage sites. Visitors can explore medieval ruins, the abbey’s furnished rooms, and rotating art exhibitions. The surrounding gardens include a recreated apothecary’s garden and a glasshouse.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, typically 10:00–17:00 in summer (shorter hours off-season). Entry is £9 for adults and £4 for children. The venue also hosts outdoor theatre in summer and community art events throughout the year.
8. Cockington Country Park and VillageJust 2 km inland, the picturesque village of Cockington is set within 450 acres of landscaped parkland. The manor house, craft studios, and lakeside walks make it a lovely day trip from Torquay. Horse-drawn carriage rides and local tearooms add to the charm.
Access to the park and village is free, though parking charges apply. It’s a peaceful and timeless place where you can slow down and enjoy a quintessentially English setting just minutes from the beach.
9. Meadfoot BeachLess crowded than Torquay’s main beaches, Meadfoot offers a more relaxed seaside experience. It’s popular with locals for swimming, kayaking, and quiet sunbathing. There’s a café at one end and great views towards Thatcher Rock and beyond.
There’s no entry fee and it’s open year-round. While there’s limited sand, the shingle beach is clean and ideal for those looking to escape the busier stretches of coastline.
10. Princess TheatreLocated on the seafront promenade, Princess Theatre is Torquay’s main venue for live entertainment. Its schedule includes touring musicals, tribute acts, comedians, and seasonal pantomimes. The setting is beautiful, especially with a pre-show sunset.
Ticket prices vary widely depending on the show, but many range between £20–£40. There’s a seafront bar with balcony seating for interval drinks, and the theatre is open for performances most evenings throughout the year.