Along the Riviera’s 22 miles of coastline are 19 beaches and coves, choose from wide open stretches of sand with beach facilities and water sports, or visit one of the many smaller or secluded coves.
Torquay’s International harbour is the focus of life in the town, surrounded by a palm lined promenade and seafront gardens, it really does offer that Mediterranean feel.
Torquay and indeed most of the Riviera has a wide selection of Parks and open green spaces, offering everything from bowls, golf, tennis, football, kite flying etc. as well as various fun days and festivals throughout the season.
Torquay is renowned for offering a multitude of leisure activities from horse riding, go karts, paint ball to the famous Riviera pool and leisure centre, 10-pin bowling, cinema and theatres. For information on Babbacombe Theatre, please click here or for the Princess Theatre please click here.
Torquay itself offers a wide range of both national and local retail outlets, punctuated with excellent restaurants, cafes and bars.
Outside of Torquay itself there are many diverse and interesting places to visit from the adjoining resorts of Paignton and Brixham to the historic seaside port of Dartmouth. Cities such as The cathedral city of Exeter and further a field the award wining Eden Centre.
Paignton is one of Britain's top zoos. The 80 acres of naturalistic landscaped grounds are home to some of the planet's rarest and most amazing animals. See gorillas, elephants, lions, tigers and rhinos, including rare baby black rhino Zuri and the Crocodile Swamp, enter if you dare!
Shop, restaurant, indoor and outdoor play areas, miniature train, free bird show, Discovery Centre. The zoo (a registered charity) has a long history of education, scientific research and practical conservation, working with other zoos and environmental groups in countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
Plymouth National Marine Aquarium
The aquarium experience comprises of a total of 50 live exhibits including 3 massive tanks. Over 4000 animals from 400 species are displayed in realistic habitats from local shorelines to coral reefs. In addition, the technological zone, Exploreocean focuses on ocean exploration and sustainability through innovative, interactive exhibits.
Kent's Cavern
Kent's Cavern is one of the most ancient sites in Great Britain. Discovered in the last century, come and see where wild animals and later man's ancient ancestors lived and died.
Torre Abbey
Step through the ancient doors of Torre Abbey and uncover the story of one of the southwest’s most fascinating restoration projects. Be among the first to explore the newly-restored ancient undercrofts of the Abbey, built in 1196 for the "White Canons", named for their distinctive white habits.
The austere lives of the canons were in contrast to their great wealth, gained from taxes or 'tithes' in the form of grain and other produce from the Abbey's vast lands. The Tithe Barn became known as the Spanish Barn after it served as a prison for 400 sailors captured from the Spanish Armada.
Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor National Park, the name itself is suggestive enough to indicate that it is a store house of gardens. Dartmoor is home to many wild, rare and exclusive species of flowers and plants. Dartmoor is a nature reserve for many extinct varieties. Apart from enjoying the delightful sight of greenery, you can also learn about these plants, learn tips and techniques of creating and maintaining gardens or get inspirational ideas to landscape your own garden.
All lovers of Nature must see Rose moor Gardens located in Great Torrington. This is an all weather garden spread over a massive area of 40 acres, with it's lovely flowers and beautiful landscape makes this a relaxing experience! Dartmoor is home to innumerable gardens that you can enjoy, to name a few, Lady Anne's Rose Garden, fruit and vegetable garden, Queen Mother's Rose Garden, Lake and cottage Garden, there is so much variety and each one of them unique and mesmerizing in their own way.
Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway
Dart Valley Steam Railway has been in operation for many years, taking thousands of happy visitors between Paignton and Kingswear. With excellent views on the way and stops at Goodrington and Churston, this lovely way of travelling can be combined with a short ferry ride over to Dartmouth, the quaint and historic naval town.
Dartmouth
Dartmouth is one of the most beautiful towns in England and is surrounded by many small villages such as Kingswear, Dittisham and Blackawton, and pretty coastal villages like Stoke Fleming, Strete, Slapton, Torcross, Beesands, Beeson and Stokenham.
You will find charming timeless villages by the rivers in the valleys and more by the coast that have some of the cleanest beaches in Britain, you can get leaflets for how to explore the area by public transport, by bicycle and on foot are available at the tourist office. Dartmouth is a prospering town situated on the River Dart in Devon's South Hams with its narrow streets, overhanging medieval houses and old harbours, a shelter for yachtsmen and tourists alike.
Dartmouth offers fine restaurants, galleries, marinas, antique shops and good places to stay, you can experience the unique history of seafaring by exploring streets such as Jawbones, Flagon Steps, Damnation Alley, Undercliff, Kings Quay, Old Rope Walk and Waterpool Lane. Here you can see unusual, old-fashioned buildings and an old Ship in the Dock, the Windjammer and the Floating Bridge are some of the best places to eat, drink or sleep.
Cockington Village
Cockington Court is the centre of a 450 acre rural idyll, only one mile from the centre of Torquay.
Dating from the 16th century, Cockington is now home to the Cockington Court Craft Studios. Open 7 days a week, Cockington is free to enter and visitors can meet the craftspeople and buy crafts direct from the maker. Visit the Cockington Court café and restaurant with delicious cream teas and lunches. Cockington also provides a picturesque venue for weddings and civil ceremonies.
Adjacent to Cockington Court is a historic Norman church, and alongside a stunning Rose Garden. Close by is the Organic Kitchen Garden and children’s play area, specially designed for able-boded and disabled children.
Visit Cockington village, buy Devon gifts and view one of the oldest properties, the 14th century Forge, now home of the miniature horseshoe. Enjoy the cream teas which epitomize Cockington.
Cockington is managed by conservation charity, Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, which organize events throughout the year, including Apple Day, open air theatre, wildlife walks and children’s activities. Visit www.countryside-trust.org.uk to find out more. Join the Trust as a member from £25 to enjoy free parking at Cockington.
