Attractions
Things to do in Torbay!
To help plan your visit to Torbay, we have listed some of the amazing local attractions below.
Kents Cavern
Kents Cavern is by far Britain’s most important prehistoric cave used by ancient humans for the last 500,000 years including Neanderthals and early modern humans.
The caves are open every day for guide tours, 7 days a week with natural caverns, amazing natural formations, remains of mammoth, woolly rhino, saber-toothed cats, an Ice Age woodland trail quest, nice shop and cafe with views over the Ilsham Valley. The closest hotel to the attraction is the Gleneagles, inspiration for TV’s Fawlty Towers.
We are 2km from Torquay Harbour and only 15 mins walk from the South West Coast Path and local beaches, well-known to previous visitors like Agatha Christie, Beatrix Potter, George V, Alfred Wallace and Charles Darwin. Perfect for a rainy or sunny day by the seas, winter or summer.
Paignton Zoo
Located in Devon, Paignton Zoo is one of the South West’s most exciting visitor attractions. It’s a place to roam, discover and get in touch with your inner animal.
Get up close to some of the animal wonders of the world across our specially designed habitats – from the savannah to the wetlands and the tropical forest. Run wild in our play areas or hop aboard our unique Jungle Express train to get even closer to the action.
We’re also a registered charity and part of a worldwide network of zoos that cares for and breeds rare species thanks to visitors who help fund the work.
Come rain or shine Paignton Zoo is a fun-filled day out for all the family, and you’ll need all day to see it all.
Buckfast Abbey
Since time immemorial, deer have been drawn to graze in the sheltered meadows which line the banks of the river Dart in this Devonshire valley and quench their thirst in the cooling waters which flow here from high up on the moors and down towards the sea.
For nearly a thousand years, people have been drawn here, too. They have come to search for God. For God who is everywhere, certainly, but as they happened upon this place, they sensed that its beauty, its silence and tranquillity, its community of people who were similarly searching, made it a place where God might easily be found.
Pennywell Farm
Pennywell Farm is a multi-award-winning attraction, the largest farm attraction in the South West. There is a different hands-on activity, show or display every half hour and four farm rides included in the admission price. Pennywell is also the home of the world-famous Pennywell Miniature Pigs. There is a licensed restaurant, acres of free parking and free dog kennels provided for four-legged visitors. Open Feb – Oct and during December for Nativity Plays and visits to Father Christmas.
Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies
A friendly south Devon attraction, ideal for a family day out.
We are a small, friendly and very different visit for all the family. Run by a small dedicated team we aim to make your visit educational and fun. You can enjoy and learn about our tropical butterflies in the specially designed habitat of which you become part. You not only see the butterflies but feel the rainforest atmosphere that they enjoy as you see their amazing life cycle unfold.
Splashdown Waterpark
Situated on the gorgeous seafront at Goodrington Sands, we boast some of the English Riviera’s most spectacular views! Splashdown Quaywest is the UK’s BIGGEST outdoor waterpark, and we couldn’t think of anywhere better for it!
Paignton Pier
Savour the sights, sounds and smells of Paignton Pier!
No visit to the resort is complete without a stroll along the iconic and magnificent Paignton Pier – one of just a handful of traditional seaside piers still delighting holidaymakers around the country.
Award-winning Paignton Pier, reaching out majestically from the centre of Paignton seafront, is an unmissable destination for fun, food and relaxation. The Pier is a magnet for young visitors who enjoy a jaw-dropping choice of rides, games – including the latest video games – and amusements for all ages.
And for older visitors it provides a unique chance to stretch the legs, grab some fresh sea air, relax and take in unrivalled views of Torquay to the north and Brixham to the south.
Entry is FREE, the Pier is close to the town centre and there’s plenty to do undercover if the weather isn’t kind. Voted one of Devon’s top attractions… Whatever else you do during your trip – don’t miss Paignton Pier!
Dart Rock Climbing Centre
Established in 2009, Dart Rock is one of the South West’s leading indoor climbing facilities. Dart Rock has over 800sqm of roped climbing and 300sqm of bouldering, 11m high walls, auto-belays, an artificial cave system and abseil station there is something for every level of climber.
Babbacombe Cliff Railway
Surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery to be found in the UK, the Cliff Railway provides a vital and non-exhausting way for locals and holiday makers alike to soak up the peaceful atmosphere and take in the amazing views as they travel to and from the water’s edge.
Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens
Since the village opened in 1963 the park has continued to expand the number of features on display. The village portrays English life and culture over the last 6 decades and is sure to bring to life those childhood memories!
Feel like a giant at the model village as you explore 4 acres of award-winning gardens showcasing hundreds of model scenes, vehicles & people.
Woodlands Theme Park
Woodlands Family Theme Park is the largest family theme park in Devon, a fun-filled family day out for everyone. From little kids to kid-ults there’s something for anyone and everyone! With one of the largest and best indoor play areas in the South West, amazing water rides, a zoo farm and much more, there’s fun to be had rain or shine. A great value family day out and with up to 20% off when you buy tickets online, it makes your day even better!
We have different family events on throughout the year for you and all the family to enjoy, from special prices, grottos and themed areas, so don’t delay and discover more!
Dartmouth Steam Railway
Based on the glorious South Devon coastline in South West England, enjoy your days out in Devon on our steam trains, boat trips and paddle steamer – the only attraction in Devon that lets you enjoy the delights of Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Dartmouth and the River Dart, Kingswear and Totnes on your day out!
Greenway House
At the beloved holiday home of the famous and much-loved author Agatha Christie and her family you can take a glimpse into their lives.
This relaxed and atmospheric house is set in the 1950s, when Agatha and her family would spend summers and Christmases here with friends, relaxing by the river, playing croquet and clock golf, and reading her latest mystery to their guests. The family were great collectors, and the house is filled with archaeology, Tunbridgeware, silver, botanical china and books.
In the garden a large and romantic woodland drifts down the hillside towards the sparkling Dart estuary. The walled gardens are home to a restored peach house and vinery, as well as an allotment cared for by local school children. A visit to Greenway isn’t complete without seeing the Boathouse, scene of the crime in ‘Dead Man’s Folly’, and the battery complete with cannon
Torre Abbey Museum
Established in 1196, Torre Abbey is a museum of history and art housed in an Ancient Scheduled Monument with beautiful and award-winning gardens. Based in Torquay on the stunning English Riviera, this family-friendly Torbay Council owned museum and gardens is a centre for creativity and culture – with a seasonal programme of exhibitions, events and activities across visual arts, history and live performance.
Torre Abbey’s award-winning garden is famed for exuberant plantings of herbaceous perennials, roses and dahlias, set in a tranquil landscape around the Abbey’s ruins. Rare shrubs and trees flourish in this Riviera climate and there are nods to the Abbey’s history dotted around this stunning garden. The Palm and Cactus Houses contain tropical and sub-tropical plants, including endangered palms from Kew Gardens, and bananas.
Children can explore the gardens with special trails and learning activities. There are regular talks and tours by our wonderful head gardener and other horticultural experts. A popular favourite is the Agatha Christie inspired ‘Potent Plants tour’!
Bygones
Wander back in time, starting towards the end of Queen Victoria’s reign. Visit our authentic life-size Victorian Street filled with all original items. See the Blacksmith hard at work making horseshoes. He is a valuable master of his trade, the equivalent of a highly skilled mechanic today. Smell the treats of the Sweetshop that would have been made fresh every morning on site. Listen to the hustle and bustle of everyday living, immerse yourself in Victorian life.
As you meander up to the top floor, hop on the 27-ton steam engine en route! See the wartime evacuees waiting on the platform with gas mask, minimal luggage in tow and knowing little of what to expect. Upstairs, take a break in our Station Café for a range of cakes, refreshments, High Teas and more.
Bygones is three floors of pure nostalgia for ALL the family.
We are dog-friendly throughout so please bring your four-legged friends with you!
Torquay’s Dinosaur World
Torquay’s Dinosaur World is a fun interactive indoor exhibition that brings the world of dinosaurs to life. See amazing full size & scaled dinosaurs, discover incredible fossils, learn about these awesome beasts, enjoy our fun Explorer Quiz and even sit on a deadly dinosaur.
Whether you are a little dinosaur fan, or even a big one, there’s something for everyone to get their teeth into!
The Shops at Dartington
Take a little time out from everyday life to explore The Shops at Dartington – a real haven of tranquility. With plenty of parking for cars and coaches, there’s something for everyone – from beautiful glassware and unique jewellery, through to crafts, kitchenware and delicious Devon treats from the Food Shop.
All open 9.30am-5.30pm Monday – Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday.
