Things to do in Torquay
Situated a pleasant 30-mile drive from our Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, Torquay has been a seaside resort since the 18th century and was home to the thriller writer Agatha Christie. From cavernous mysteries to balmy beaches, Torquay is the jewel of the English Riviera.
If you're looking for the top places to visit in Torquay, we’ve got it covered with some delightful highlights to explore.
1. Babbacombe Model Village
Feel like a giant in this stunning display of the modelmaker’s art. You’ll find tiny architectural icons aplenty here, including Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, Bath’s Georgian Crescent, thatched villages, a celebrity mansion, and a tiny working railway, complete with suspension bridges.
The scenes are beautifully detailed and perfect for those Instagram moments. There’s a new animated mythical kingdom too, plus crazy golf and picturesque gardens to wander. Well-behaved dogs on the lead are welcome in the outdoor displays.
2. Torquay's Dinosaur World
Step back into the Jurassic era, meet life-sized dinos, and even unearth some fossils at this family-friendly interactive exhibit.
See life-sized replicas of plant-eating Triceratops and the fearsome Dimetrodon. Dare you stick your head into the fossil T-Rex skull? Kids can take an explorer quiz, check out the massive prehistoric spiders, or pick up a fantastic souvenir in the gift shop.
3. Kents Cavern
Did you know Torquay has its own prehistoric cavern? Remarkably, stone age remnants have been unearthed in this network of fascinating caverns just a mile from the city centre. Excavated in the Victorian era, Kents Cavern transports you to chilly havens created by geological processes 2.5 million years ago.
With a cave of inscriptions, exhibits of stone age tools, a water gallery and plenty of stalagmites and stalactites, this is an atmospheric must-see for the curious of all ages.
4. Torquay Museum
With 400-million years of history to uncover, it’s no surprise that Torquay Museum has plenty to experience. The museum is unusually hands-on, a firm favourite with junior explorers, and regularly hosts touring exhibits ranging from Egyptology to insect life.
There’s an Agatha Christie gallery too, which offers a fascinating insight into the town’s most famous writer and her inspiration. There are rare books, movie and TV memorabilia and there are regular talks and film screenings about the crime writer and her creations.
5. Cockington Country Park
This beautiful oasis, not far from Torquay, offers more than the usual country house and grounds attraction. Perfect for picnics, strolls, and horse-drawn carriage rides, Cockington includes a wonderful gallery of local arts and crafts, plus artists’ studios and workshops on site.
Watch glassblowers in action, enjoy the rose garden, take a carriage ride, and have a Devon cream tea in the charming cafe. Whether you’re into nature, history or art, there’s lots to explore at Cockington and you could easily devote a day to this attraction.
6. Babbacombe Theatre
This 1930s concert hall once hosted the legends of variety, and now programmes a range of popular shows including musicals, comedy, magicians, and concerts.
From Pink Floyd tributes to Christmas pantos, there’s plenty going on throughout the year, but do book ahead to avoid disappointment.
7. Torquay Harbour & Beacon Cove
Iconic and idyllic, Torquay Harbour is perfect for a morning or sunset stroll. Watch boats bobbing, enjoy waterfront dining, or just soak in the serene views of this bustling harbour and marina.
Window shop for yachts or wander down to the nearby Beacon Cove for a quiet place to read your book, paddle in the surf or catch some rays. The self-guided Agatha Christie mile starts at Beacon Cove too, and plaques along the route explain aspects of her life and work.
8. Bygones
Time travel Torquay-style! Bygones recreates a Victorian street, with wartime memorabilia, period shops, and even a classic British pub (don’t expect a penny pint, however!) There’s also a full-sized 27-ton steam engine and a period station café at which to refuel in 1940s style.
Bygones manages to be educational, entertaining, and a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
9. Torre Abbey
After the bustle of a seaside town, you might want to escape to something a little bit more tranquil. Torre Abbey is perfect in that respect. Established in 1196, it is one of the oldest buildings in Torquay and is set in 18 acres of peaceful parkland.
There’s more to the abbey than its history, however. There’s an impressive fine art collection including Pre-Raphaelite treasures, an interactive exhibit of the abbey’s 800-year-old story and heated glasshouses containing exotic tropical plants.
You’ll need half a day to see everything that the abbey and its surroundings have to offer.
10. Princess Pier
A trip to an English seaside town isn’t complete without a walk along the pier, and Torquay’s Princess Pier doesn’t disappoint. Built in 1890, it’s an unspoilt gem. Unlike many modern piers, you won't find any lively attractions here, so it's a great spot for quiet exploration.
An evening stroll here promises golden sunsets and the soft murmur of waves. Whether you come for a romantic rendezvous or a spot of contemplation, the pier is a lovely place to wander.
11. Meadfoot Beach
For those who enjoy getting their feet into the wet sand, Meadfoot Beach is the ideal getaway. Picturesque, and in a quiet area, Meadfoot Beach is great for sunbathing, exploring the stunning rocks that wash up during low tide, and swimming.
It's also an excellent location for snorkelling thanks to its clear and invigorating waters. For those less ready for deep water exploration, a simple walk along the beach with the high cliffs on either side is in order.
12. The Foundry
After a day taking in Torquay’s wonderful natural sights, you might feel you’ve earned a good night out! With a huge dance floor and acoustic music, The Foundry often hosts local artists and touring groups putting on live shows.
Special events, VIP services, and an ever-changing line-up of performers make every experience at the Foundry unique. There’s room for about 1000 people here, and the venue fills up often. For music, dancing, and cocktails, make a trip to The Foundry on an evening in Torquay.
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Important information
New holiday homes from £34,995 – UPDATED 16 May 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a new 2-bedroom Willerby Ellerton holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 16 May 2025, price is available at Berwick, Burnham On Sea, Caister-On-Sea, Cala Gran, Cardigan View, Devon Cliffs, Greenacres, Hopton, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seton Sands. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995 – UPDATED 16 May 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting,connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 16 May 2025, price is available at Berwick, Burnham On Sea, Caister-On-Sea, Cala Gran, Cardigan View, Devon Cliffs, Greenacres, Hopton, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seton Sands. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
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‘Make no site fee payments until 2032 when using Let2offset’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments until 2032 when using Let2offset” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. An example of how “Make no site fee payments until 2032 when using Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Seton Sands with a monthly site fee of £667.08 (includes purchasing discount of £17.08) and monthly letting income of £673.17. The monthly difference equates to £23.17, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and inflation. The monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures. Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
Owner’s 'Appy Meal Deal for £7.99
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Only available to Owners staying on park
Any pie, fishcake or large sausage, small chips, any side and a soft drink
Upgrade to regular cod or haddock^ for £3
Owners can use their discount on top of this offer
Only available in Cook’s venues and not from our Cook’s vans. Offer includes any pie: Minced Beef and Onion, Chicken and Mushroom, Steak or Cheese and Onion, fish cake or large sausage (choose from plain or battered) and a portion of small chips, any side and a soft drink. Sides include curry sauce, gravy, beans or mushy peas. Drinks include any soft drinks can or bottled water (excludes Coca Cola). ^Some of our Cook’s do not serve haddock - in this case, an upgrade to cod will be the only option of fish to purchase. Dishes cannot be changed or swapped for alternatives. Non-inclusive of upgrades or add-ons. Discount is applied if all dishes and drinks are purchased together, and this must be in the same transaction. Available daily, subject to venue opening hours. *Some of our Cook’s do not open for lunch trading. Offer is only available when ordering via QR code, app or website and for collection only. Offer is only available to Owners who are staying on park. Owners can use their owner discount on top of this offer. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time, without notice. Offer is valid March 2025 - November 2025. Prices include VAT. This offer can be used in conjunction with all other offers. Offer not available in any on-park franchises. Haven Holidays is a trading name of Bourne Leisure Limited. Registered office: 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Registered in England and Wales, no 0401166