Discover Torquay: Culture, History and Coast

When searching for a hotel in Torquay, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay. Historic collections, Agatha Christie connections, theatre programmes and the coast offer different options for planning your days.

Cultural history in museums and historic spaces

A Scheduled Ancient Monument, Torre Abbey dates back to 1196. Its historic rooms house more than 600 works of art, dating from the 18th century to the present day. The collection combines a historic setting with a span of time reaching into contemporary art.

Torquay Museum presents 400 million years of Torbay’s history. Bygones has a different focus: its interactive exhibitions showcase more than 2,000 original artefacts from times gone by. The venues also differ in how they present their collections: the museum covers a long sweep of Torbay’s history, while Bygones puts interactive exhibitions and original objects at the centre.

Agatha Christie: garden, festival and walking trail

Agatha Christie’s connection to Torquay takes several forms. In the gardens of Torre Abbey, the Potent Plants Garden celebrates her achievements throughout the year. Torquay also hosts the International Agatha Christie Festival every September. If attending the festival is a key reason for your trip, check the specific programme dates in advance.

The self-guided “Agatha Christie Mile… and More” walking trail highlights 14 places connected with Christie’s time in Torquay. It offers a way to explore the subject through several locations, while the festival provides a recurring event in September. The garden, walking trail and event give you different ways to shape your visit around your interests.

Coast, nature and excursions

Kents Cavern is designated both a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The two designations highlight different aspects: the area’s historic monument status and its scientific significance. The 22-mile coastline around the bay that includes Torquay forms part of the South West Coast Path. Conditions and access may vary along individual stretches of coast.

Regular passenger ferries connect Torquay with Paignton, Brixham and Dartmouth. Operating days and timetables may vary, so check them before travelling. Fishing trips and wildlife safaris by boat are also available from Torquay. As operators and timetables can change, check the latest options if you are planning one of these excursions.

Arts, crafts and theatre

At Cockington Court, you can discover artists and craftspeople at work in their studios. The Princess Theatre offers a year-round programme of West End musicals, live music, comedy, ballet, opera and family entertainment. The options range from a glimpse into studio work to a variety of stage performances. If you want to see a particular show, check its date before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Broadhempston, Woody Bay, Shirwell, Cheriton Bishop, Modbury, Braunton, Southleigh, North Molton

For the broader travel overview: Devon.