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Parks and Leisure

Although the English Riviera is rightly renowned for its fabulous coastline, it also has some beautiful and quite fascinating parks and gardens. Some have hidden secrets to explore. Try the Agatha Christie Potent Plants Garden at 800-year-old Torre Abbey in Torquay, the stunning country park at quintessentially English Cockington village, the remnants of Britain’s wartime years at Brixham’s Battery Gardens and the wonderfully prehistoric Geoplay Park on Paignton Green.

Torquay’s illustrious history as the playground for British and foreign royals and the aristocracy from the late 18th century created a fashionable resort. This played its part in the many traditional parks and gardens you’ll see here. The English Riviera’s sheltered location and mild climate encouraged the planting of many exotic species including the famous Torbay palm.

Torquay Parks & Gardens

In Torquay, Princess Gardens located on the seafront has exotic palms, beautiful flowerbeds and lawns and was opened in 1894. On the sea cliffs behind are the spectacular Royal Terrace Gardens, known locally as Rock Walk with amazing views of the beach and the bay. It’s a network of delightful paths with subtropical Mediterranean planting throughout and a magnificent new illuminated staircase. Very special too is the Agatha Christie Potent Plants Garden at 800-year-old Torre Abbey on the seafront. Here you’ll find planting inspired by the murky world of poisons, antidotes and remedies featured in the famous writer’s novels. Don’t miss the Italian Gardens, which form part of Abbey Park and Meadows. Here you’ll find a charming pond with fountain and water rock garden. Lovely King’s Gardens are adjacent to Abbey Gardens and beautifully lit up with coloured spotlights at night.

Babbacombe & St Marychurch Parks and Gardens

Babbacombe and St Marychurch are blessed with the stunning Babbacombe Downs, a delightful promenade and gardens with jaw-dropping views across Lyme Bay. Tessier Gardens are a short stroll away and are peaceful and idyllic with a fascinating ‘Sun Temple’ a scented garden and fernery area.

Paignton Parks and Gardens

Goodrington’s Youngs Park is a natural habitat for swans, geese and wild birds and is perfect for family picnics with children of all ages plus the family dog. Enjoy the Boating Lake (where model boat enthusiasts are often launching their treasures) and enjoy some delightful walks in the parkland and up into the terraced Rock Walk Gardens, which are lit up at dusk. Roundham Head at the top of the cliff here has beautiful parkland with spectacular views out to sea all round – see if you can spot the charming Spitfire Garden. For children, don’t miss the wonderful Geoplay Park on Paignton’s lovely Green where families can discover the English Riviera’s amazing history and learn why it is an important UNESCO accredited Global Geopark.

Brixham Parks and Gardens

Brixham’s evocative Battery Gardens are a pleasant stroll past Brixham’s Fish Market and along the waterfront at Oxen Cove – mount the steps at the far end into the 14-acre gardens. This tranquil spot became an Emergency Coastal Battery during World War II. It’s an attractive park with splendid views of the bay. Around the grounds you can also see: The Battery Observation Post (the nerve centre which housed high precision rage finders), a Pill Box, the remains of a 37mm Anti Aircraft Gun Position, the Altmark (a shelter that was the site of the Battery Guardhouse and two prison cells) and a Duty Cookhouse. Don’t miss the free Brixham Battery Heritage Centre, which is open on Sunday, Monday and Friday afternoons. Also in Brixham is Bonsey Gardens, a small formal garden, planted with annual bedding, roses, palms & herbaceous borders, which offers spectacular views of Brixham’s harbour and marina and the whole of the bay. The perfect photo opportunity!

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Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Occombe Valley Woods

Address

Preston Down Road, Preston, PAIGNTON, Devon, TQ3 1RN

Telephone
01803 520022

info@countryside-trust.org.uk

PAIGNTON

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

The walk through Occombe Valley Woods includes pathways that are mostly gently sloping, although sometimes it does get steeper and does include some steps. This is a great place to take dogs, especially during hot summer days.
A dedicated local…

Type

Type:

Parkland/Woodland Garden

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Tessier Gardens

Address

Lindridge Road, Babbacombe, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3SE

Telephone
01803 207797

greeninfrastructure@swisco.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Hidden away between Babbacombe and St. Marychurch, Tessier Gardens is a small and delightful park that was given to the town in 1933 by Mrs H.A Tessier 'for the use of adults only'.

Type

Type:

Garden

More Details

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Web Site
Italian Gardens - Abbey Park

Address

The Kings Drive, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JE

Torquay

Don’t miss the Italian Gardens, which form part of Abbey Park and Meadows. Here you’ll find a charming pond with fountain and water rock garden.

Type

Type:

Garden

More Details
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
Thatcher Point

Address

Ilsham Marine Drive, TORQUAY, Devon, TQ1 2HU

Telephone
01803 207797

TORQUAY

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Thatcher Point is a phenomenal green space with a stunning view of the Thatcher Rock and out to sea. People visit Thatcher Point to take in the sea views and view Thatcher Rock itself, to go fishing off the coast, or to simply walk along the South…

Type

Type:

Viewpoint
Establishment Features

Dog Friendly
More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Royal Terrace Gardens

Address

Seafront, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JG

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Landscaped gardens on the side of the cliff face on Torquay's seafront with stunning views out to sea. Newly restored in 2010, the highlight is a magnificent illuminated staircase that ascends the cliff.

Type

Type:

Garden

More Details
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2025

Babbacombe Downs

Address

Babbacombe, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3LF

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2025

Beautiful Babbacombe Downs has the highest cliff top promenade in England, and on a clear day you can see right across to Portland Bill in Dorset.

Type

Type:

Viewpoint

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Dates
Potent Plants Garden - Torre Abbey

Address

Torre Abbey, The Kings Drive, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JE

Telephone
01803 293593

torreabbeyenquiries@torbay.gov.uk

Torquay

Dates

Do not touch! is the warning for all visitors to the Potent Plants Garden at Torre Abbey. Discover a world of poisons, antidotes and remedies in the serene setting of the Abbey grounds.

Type

Type:

Garden
Children & Infants

Facilities for children
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted

Key Features

Groups

Establishment Features

Cater for groups
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Manscombe Woods

Address

TORQUAY, Devon, TQ2 6UF

TORQUAY

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Manscombe Woods are the woodlands next to Cockington Country Park. Begin your walk at the idyllic Cockington village with traditional thatched roofs. Wander round the Cockington Estate with large, manicured gardens, stroll around the three lakes…

Type

Type:

Parkland/Woodland Garden

More Details
Roundham Head

Address

Cliff Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6DH

Paignton

Roundham Head, Paignton, Devon is at the top of the cliff with beautiful parkland and spectacular views out to sea all round – see if you can spot the charming Spitfire Garden.
Suggested Walk - Roundham Head - 0.9 miles (1.4 km) - North Quay,…

Type

Type:

Historic Garden

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