Things to do in Torquay

Let’s start with those bucket and spade days. Torquay’s most popular beach is Torre Abbey Sands, recognised by The Good Beach Guide, a Blue Flag and a Seaside Award (2020). With the bars and restaurants of the Abbey Sands development just the other side of the road, this lengthy beach has plenty of space for family fun and those all-important amenities just minutes away.

If you like a little beach with a sense of adventure, head to Anstey’s Cove between Torquay and the suburb of Babbacombe. This Good Beach Guide and Seaside Award winner (2020) sits at the bottom of a steep sloping pathway but if you don’t mind the walk you’ll be rewarded with spectacular coastal views. Pop to the beach café for snacks, hire yourself a kayak or just settle down on one of the sun loungers. This laidback little beach is perfect for escaping the crowds of summer.

Just a mile’s wander from Torquay harbour, Meadfoot Beach is one of the bay’s most characterful spots for some time on the sand. Kids will love searching the rock pools that appear when the tide goes out, and there’s a beach café for those all-important ice creams on a hot day.

Family days out in Torquay are all about making memories and new experiences. Sometimes, the oldies are the best, and Babbacombe Model Village has been delighting families for generations. This miniature world is set in 4 acres of gardens, and it’s dotted with hundreds of witty scenes. For a peek into Torquay’s prehistoric past, Kents Cavern is one of Europe’s most impressive Stone Age caves. Join one of the guided tours to take in the dramatic cave formations that date back 2 million years. The caves are accessible, but it’s a good idea to take a jumper even on a sunny day as they tend to be chilly!

Just the other side of the bay, Paignton Zoo attracts visitors from all over the region. With 2000 animals in 80 acres of grounds, this sprawling zoo makes for a fun family day out. Paignton Zoo is part of Wild Planet Trust and works on conservation projects for key species from around the world. You’ll come face to face with giraffes, baboons, crocodiles, zebras, and many other weird and wonderful animals. Paignton Zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas Day, so it’s a great day out at any time of year.

Set on the shimmering South Devon coast, Torquay sits within easy reach of some fantastic days out for all ages. Just a short drive away, Dartmoor National Park is a unique landscape home to rugged open moorland and charming little villages. The perfect place to let the kids run around and explore on a warm day, Dartmoor is also home to the infamous Dartmoor ponies.

Everybody loves a steam train, and the Dartmouth Steam Railway winds its way through some of the region’s most beautiful countryside. Why not take the train from Paignton to Kingswear and get the passenger ferry across the river Dart to Dartmouth?

As the birthplace of Agatha Christie, Torquay attracts fans of the crime writer from all over the world. Greenway House and Garden, Agatha’s family retreat, lies nestled above the river Dart in the sleepy village of Galmpton. This National Trust attraction was described by Agatha herself as “the loveliest place in the world” and its home to woodland walks, gardens, sweeping river views and seasonal activities for younger visitors. Just remember to book your visit in advance.