10 Best Things to Do in Torquay

Torquay Harbour is flanked by 2 piers, known as Princess Pier and Haldon Pier, which create a picturesque setting for visitors. The tourist-friendly promenade along the harbour is lined with sea-facing cafés, restaurants and bars. There are also numerous souvenir shops and boutiques, perfect for picking up mementos of your visit.

Water sports and boat excursions are popular summer activities around Torquay Harbour. The Torquay Marina Lift Bridge is another highlight, offering beautiful views of the ocean and serving as a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a photo opportunity.

The Agatha Christie Mile consists of 12 landmarks along the seafront promenade on Torbay Road, some of which contain clues that spell out the name of a book character.

The English Riviera Visitor Information Centre is where you can pick up a booklet detailing all the locales to visit during your walk, such as The Grand Hotel, Princess Pier and Gardens and Imperial Hotel. Look out for the bronze bust of the late author, which was sculpted by Carol Van Den Boom-Cairns in 1990.

Torquay Museum was founded in 1844, making it one of the oldest museums in Devon. Exhibits here include natural history, ancient Egypt, prominent explorers and world culture. One of its most popular display is the mummified remains of a young boy, which date back to 600BC.

Britain’s only permanent exhibit devoted to Torquay-born author Agatha Christie is found within Torquay Museum. Here, you can see many photographs, handwritten notes, clothes and first editions of her novels. You can enjoy unlimited entry for the whole year on 1 ticket.

Beacon Cove is a quiet pebble beach at the base of Beacon Hill, known for its tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty. It’s widely known as one of the landmarks of the Agatha Christie Mile, attracting fans of the celebrated author. During Agatha Christie's time, Beacon Cove served as an exclusive women's bathing spot, a place where Christie herself would visit with her daughter.

Unlike other beaches in Torquay, Beacon Cove has a sheltered promenade that offers plenty of beachside activities throughout the year.

Kents Cavern is a well-preserved grotto system located 1.3 miles (2.1 km) northeast of Torquay Harbour. Here you can see impressive stalagmite and stalactite formations that are over 400 million years old, as well as prehistoric tools and fossilised remains of animals dating back to the last ice age. Guided tours are available every day between 10.30 am and 4 pm.

Kents Cavern hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, catering to diverse interests. Horror enthusiasts will appreciate the late-night screenings of classic horror movies, providing a spine-chilling experience in a unique setting. During the festive season, the Santa in the Caves event offers a magical holiday experience for the whole family.

The Fleet Walk shopping centre, situated in the heart of Torquay, is one of the city’s largest shopping venues. There are over 50 retail outlets ranging from fashion and beauty products to sports equipment and toys. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of dining options, including popular fast food and coffee chains such as Domino's Pizza.

The mall's spacious and well-designed walkway guides you directly to Torquay Harbour, where you can find more places to shop and dine during your visit.

The English Riviera Wheel is located right on Torquay’s famous harbour and offers some of the best views of the area. Totally silent, this striking structure rises over 100 ft (30 metres) above the town’s lush Princess Gardens.

Riding the wheel offers a unique perspective on Torquay and its surroundings, while those with less of a head for heights can enjoy a delicious hot drink in the adjacent cafe. For children and adults alike, this 12-minute ride on the English Riviera Wheel provides an unforgettable, quintessential Torquay experience, especially around sunset.

The eccentric Babbacombe Model Village is a star attraction of the area and should bring out the inner child in even the most serious grown-up. Showcasing hundreds of intricately hand-crafted model scenes, vehicles and people, the Model Village beautifully captures a nostalgic and playful version of Britain, complete with some well-known landmarks.

One of Torquay's star attractions, this miniature village is built with flair, imagination and a lot of humour. Little ones will feel like giants while exploring tiny streets, and afterwards they can enjoy a round of miniature golf.

The Princess Theatre is a 1960s concert hall where a wide array of performances, including musicals, pantomimes, concerts and dance shows, take place throughout the year. This iconic venue has hosted internationally-acclaimed productions such as Chicago, Starlight Express, Rocky Horror and Cats, drawing theatre enthusiasts from far and wide.

The Princess Theatre is also known for offering stand-up comedy shows by Jasper Carrott, Jim Davidson, Joe Pasquale, Roy Chubby Brown and others. Located along Torquay seafront, Princess Theatre is a 5-minute walk from the Fleet Walk shopping centre.

The Foundry nightclub occupies a multi-venue building along the bustling Torquay seafront. It's one of the town’s most popular nightclubs and has one of the best audio and lighting setups. The music varies depending on the DJ for the night, but usually focuses on bass-heavy EDM, Drum'n'Bass and house.

Expect the dance floor to be packed with people who come to let loose, but there's a 2nd floor if you'd rather chill out with a drink and enjoy the music.