Spend A Day In Torquay

There’s plenty to keep you entertained in Torquay, whether you’re looking for fantastic days out with the family, dog-friendly walks or some culture, Torquay has it all!

FOR FAMILIES

Families flock to Torquay where there is plenty to do. From attractions to beaches, you’re sure to find something to keep the kids entertained.

THINGS TO DO

For a family day out, you can’t beat Torquay for its range of things to do! Explore a quaint and quirky representation of England at Babbacombe Model Village and discover many fun characters and animated features - from trains to moving vehicles and even a fire-breathing dragon. Whatever the weather, head to Waves Leisure Pool for fun for all the family including a wave machine, flume, water activity centre and heated to a lovely 30 degrees. Or try your hand at crazy golf with Jungle Journey Adventure Golf, wind your way through the jungle using your golf skill as you encounter tigers, gorillas, chimps and snakes among many other jungle creatures.

PLACES TO EAT

If you’re looking for places to eat whilst the kids can let off some steam then you’re spoilt for choice in Torquay! Try the Aqua Lounge, located in the Riviera International Centre. Its a contemporary cafe bar offering a varied menu and pirate-themed soft play feature for children. Thyme Out offers locally sourced ingredients at a reasonable price in a relaxed atmosphere, with a children’s play area. For al fresco dining, head to the Aztec Bistro terrace, which receives the best of the day’s sunshine. Close to the outdoor play park, you can enjoy lunch or an evening meal, whilst keeping an eye on the kids.

LOOK OUT FOR

Rock walk: stretch your legs with a wander up Rock Walk. Found just next to the seafront, near Princess Pier, Rock Walk offers stunning views over the Bay, and if you’re heading up there after dark, it comes alive with fantastic lights!

Wildlife: Torquay is full of wildlife and wild places. What can you spot during your stay? Keep your eyes peeled for cormorants, guillemots, seals, porpoises, dolphins and many more!

Spanish Barn: Let the kids run around on Torre Abbey Meadows – a large open green located right next to the seafront. Whilst you’re there, can you spot the Spanish Barn? The barn was built in the 1200s. There are many different stories about why it is called the “Spanish Barn” and the events that happened here, but the one that gets repeated most is that the barn held prisoners from the Spanish Armada.

FOR ADULTS

Whether you’re looking to get out on the water, go to the theatre or experience a little bit of culture, Torquay has plenty to do.

THINGS TO DO

Torquay has a rich history, from stone age people to monasteries. Kents Cavern is one of Europe’s top Stone Age caves, and the place where the UK’s oldest human fossil was found. Explore this extensive labyrinth of spectacular and easily accessible caverns with a tour guide who will tell you all about the people and animals who once lived there. Afterwards, why not head to Torre Abbey, an ancient scheduled monument dating back to 1196 where world class exhibitions are shown side-by-side with creative work from local emerging talents. Or Travel back through 400 million years of time at Torquay Museum – a hands-on family-friendly visitor attraction, with lots to see and do for children and adults alike.

Get on the water and have some fun with Torquay Watersports an exhilarating RIB ride or more leisurely RIB Seafari, the choice is yours! Hire a paddle board or kayak from Wesup and experience the wonderfully sheltered cove of Torre Abbey Sands. Or sit back and relax aboard a Boat Trip perfect way to experience the English Riviera from one of its best vantage points - the sea!

In the evening, make sure to check out what shows are on at Torquay’s magnificent three theatres, The Princess Theatre, The Little Theatre or Babbacombe Theatre.

PLACES TO EAT

Tucked away on Torquay Harbour is fine dining at its best with the multi-award winning, Michelin star restaurant, The Elephant. Around the corner, in the hubbub of the harbour is Twenty1 which offers a fantastic array of cocktails, tapas, and full menu with unrivalled views of the harbour. On Abbey Sands, you’re spoilt for choice on places to eat. Try Bistrot Pierre for great value French cooking and seasonal menus.

LOOK OUT FOR

There’s plenty of things to look out for in Torquay, why not join a walking or sightseeing tour to take it all in? English Riviera Sightseeing Tours is an open-top bus sightseeing tour - It's the perfect way to relax and leave the driving to the local experts while you enjoy a trip around the Bay. Get those legs moving with English Riviera Walking Tours! Choose from a range of off-the-shelf walking tours including Agatha Christie’s Favourite Places, Beauty of the Bay, Torbay at War or opt for a tailormade tour. Take a trip to Babbacombe Downs, the highest cliff top promenade in England and on a clear day you can see right across to Portland Bill in Dorset. It's the perfect place to relax and gaze out to sea.

DOG FRIENDLY

Torquay is a wonderfully dog-friendly town, with plenty of year round dog-friendly beaches, eateries that cater for your pampered pooch and lots of interesting hidden gems to be found on your meanders with your mutt.

THINGS TO DO

Take a trip to the beach with a difference! The dog-friendly Babbacombe Cliff Railway shuttles guests up and down the cliffside to the blue flag Oddicombe Beach. Built in 1926, the Cliff Railway offers stunning views and a memorable trip to the beach for everyone. Go for a coastal walk at Thatcher Point. The large open green leads down to the sea which provides close-up views of the small, guillemot-inhabited island called Thatcher Rock with breath-taking views over the Bay – and a great place for picnics! The island is one of Torquay’s most well-known landmarks and is made up of Devonian limestone over 350 million years old.

PLACES TO EAT

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat with your pooch, head to Below Decks on the harbour. This dog-friendly restaurant offers spectacular views and fantastically fresh seafood. WeSUP Coffee House is a lifestyle hub, with great coffee, delicious brunch and positive people. Plus they love dogs! Visto Lounge on Abbey Sands offers a fantastic range of food and drink, in an informal atmosphere and welcomes all pooches.

LOOK OUT FOR

Bishop’s Walk Rock Carvings: if you’re talking your pup for a wander, you’ll want to try Bishop’s Walk. This cliff top walk provides stunning views over the Bay and an atmospheric walk through the trees. Whilst walking keep your eyes peeled for the words carved in the rock by the Bishop of Exeter in the 1800s.

Princess Pier: a walk along Torquay seafront and you’ll spot the famous Princess Pier, but did you know this was a favourite spot for Agatha Christie? She and her friends regularly roller skated down the pier.