What to do in Torquay

Activities, attractions and tours

A marina at dusk with boats docked and buildings in the background.
A garden with a fountain, red flowers, and tall trees.
A beach with red cliffs, a coastal path, and houses in the background.
A marina with numerous boats docked, a church, and residential buildings in the background.
A large Ferris wheel, a waterfront promenade, and residential buildings on a hillside.

Things to do

Torquay: The extraordinary life of Agatha Christie tour

Torquay: The extraordinary life of Agatha Christie tour

฿885
per adult
Torquay: The extraordinary life of Agatha Christie tour
The Fawlty Tours walking experience

The Fawlty Tours walking experience

฿663
per adult
The Fawlty Tours walking experience
Walking Tour of Exmouth in East Devon

Walking Tour of Exmouth in East Devon

฿885
per adult
Walking Tour of Exmouth in East Devon
30-Minute Raptor RIB Ride Activity in Torquay

30 Minute Raptor RIB Ride Activity in Torquay

฿2,034
per adult
30 Minute Raptor RIB Ride Activity in Torquay
The Exmouth Wooden Duck & Pottery Painting Experience

The Exmouth Wooden Duck & Pottery Painting Experience

฿221
per adult
The Exmouth Wooden Duck & Pottery Painting Experience
Totnes: Evening Ghost Walk with Paranormal Investigation

Totnes: Evening Ghost Walk with Paranormal Investigation

฿1,054
per adult
Totnes: Evening Ghost Walk with Paranormal Investigation
Torquay: The Fawlty Tours Experience - Guided Walk

Torquay: The Fawlty Tours Experience - Guided Walk

฿663
per adult
Torquay: The Fawlty Tours Experience - Guided Walk
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Top places to visit

1. Princess Theatre

Attending a show at the Princess Theatre is a favorite activity for many regular visitors to the seafront resort town of Torquay. Expect to see everything from famous musicals to live music acts to stand-up comedy shows and even burlesque. Choose from shows targeted at a wide variety of audiences, and find something to please all age groups.
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A modern building labeled "Princess Theatre" with a Ferris wheel in the background.

2. Babbacombe Beach

Relax and soak up the sun on the shingle sands of Babbacombe Beach. Take the 1920s Babbacombe Cliff Railway to the top of the cliffs and walk along the highest promenade in England. Fish from the breakwater, take a sailboat out on the waves or scuba dive beneath them.
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A kayaker in a small orange kayak on calm water, with a rocky coastline and distant buildings on a hill.

3. Meadfoot Beach

Meadfoot Beach is located a little further away from the action at Torquay Harbour than some of the area’s other beaches. This means it is often slightly more peaceful, especially if you visit during a weekday. Bring the whole family along for a day of relaxation and fun, try your hand at water sports, and take the time to enjoy a pleasant walk inspired by a famous crime writer.
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A coastal beach with a stone staircase, clear water, and distant rocky outcrops.

4. Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens

Explore the miniature world of Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens that recreates buildings with a wide variety of architectural styles, along with famous British landmarks such as the Shard and Stonehenge. Find the tiny residents, from the animated ‘Arry to the fire-breathing dragon on the castle. Wander through the award-winning gardens or catch a 4-D film in the special effects cinema.
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A model town with buildings, a street, and greenery.

5. Inner Harbour

The Inner Harbour is the area of Torquay Harbour where yacht-owners looking for long-term berth moor their boats. Set against the pretty backdrop of the strip, with its lovely historic buildings, the Inner Harbour looks like it could have come straight off a postcard. Go for a walk here to enjoy the sights and sounds of the harbor, then take the time to explore the other attractions in the area.
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A bridge with people walking, a marina with boats, and buildings in the background.

6. Torre Abbey

Learn about the history of Torre Abbey and the roles it has played throughout English history. See historic paintings by famous artists, with collections ranging from battle scenes and marine landscapes to images of the pre-industrial British countryside and historical portraits. Wander the beautiful gardens and admire a wide variety of exotic plants.
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A garden with a gravel path, a bench, and a greenhouse.

7. Torre Abbey Sands

Relax with other vacationers on Torre Abbey Sands, Torquay’s main beach. Try windsurfing on the waves or rent watercraft such as paddleboats and kayaks. Enjoy the surrounding parkland or take a short walk to one of Torquay’s other attractions.
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A beach with a Princess Theatre and a Ferris wheel in the background.

8. Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves

Explore the rusty red tunnels and caves at Kents Cavern. See cave paintings and fossils of Ice Age animals. View an exhibit on the Kents Cavern jawbone, which is 41,000 years old. Take children on a woodland trail quest and let them play in an archeological dig area, then relax with a Devonshire cream tea in the café.
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A cave with stalactites and stalagmites, a wooden walkway, and metal railings.

What to do in Torquay

Stay near popular Torquay attractions

A modern building labeled "Princess Theatre" with a Ferris wheel in the background.

Princess Theatre

8.4/10 (158 reviews)
This historic seaside theatre has hosted legends from The Beatles to West End musicals since 1961. Arrive early to enjoy the café and bar before settling into one of 1,491 comfortable seats with excellent stage views.
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Where to stay in Torquay

Find the best Torquay areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Torquay
Learn more about Torquay
A waterfront with a Ferris wheel, boats, and a bridge.

Torquay City Centre

Torquay City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for its great bars, beautiful seaside views and captivating waterfront views. You might also want to check out attractions like Princess Theatre or Torquay Marina while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

A model town with various buildings, a green field, and a hill with two people observing.

Babbacombe

Unique features of Babbacombe include the seaside views and restaurants. Make a stop by Torquay United FC or Babbacombe Cliff Railway while you're exploring the area.

Cockington Village

While Cockington Village may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Cockington Country Park and Torre Abbey.

St Marychurch

If you're spending some time in St Marychurch, Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens and South West Coast Path Section 43 Trailhead are top sights worth seeing.

Day trip destinations from Torquay

A pier extending into the water with buildings on it, a sunset in the background, and waves on the shore.

Paignton

Frequently asked questions

Is Torquay worth visiting?
Torquay has a unique mix of culture, local charm and attractions. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or local cuisine, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Torquay?
Paignton Beach and Babbacombe Beach are two good places to start your holiday adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and retail options in Torquay while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Torquay?
Don't go home without checking out Paignton Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Torquay.
Is three days enough to stay in Torquay?
Three days in Torquay is enough to enjoy the city's main highlights. Many travellers spend three days on average. Paignton Beach, Babbacombe Beach and Paignton Zoo are highly rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Exeter.
Is Torquay a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Torquay, including Paignton Beach and Babbacombe Beach, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.48 kilometres from central Torquay is Torquay City Centre and Babbacombe is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Torquay with kids?
Planning what to do in Torquay with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or little ones, there's no shortage of family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone busy here.
What to do in Torquay for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Torquay, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Abbey Park Golf, Tennis & Bowls Centre.
Are there free things to do in Torquay?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Torquay is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. Paignton Beach is one spot that doesn't charge an admission fee.