Torquay has so much to offer for families of all types. Whether your family are indoorsy or lovers of the great outdoors, a wide range of activities and attractions are right here on TLH’s doorstep! We’ve listed 20 of our favourite things to do in Torquay including free things to do days out and places of historical interest.
Great things to do in the Great Outdoors
South West Coast Path – The South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest National Trail and measures 630 miles in its entirety. Part of the route is the 2.5 miles from Torquay Harbour to Daddyhole Plain. It passes landmarks including Beacon Cove and the naturally-sculpted cliff arch known as ‘London Bridge’. Climb to 200ft above sea level and you’ll reach Daddyhole Plain, a wonderful vantage point allowing you to gaze across the town and out to sea.
Occombe Farm – This South Devon working organic farm in is open to the public and visits to the farm are free. Explore the gardens plus their fantastic 2km nature trail, bustling with wildlife and with beautiful views of the surrounding woodland. This farm has plenty for you to do, you can explore their wartime gardens and plod along a two-kilometer nature trail, where you can admire the surrounding Devonshire countryside. Make sure to wander through the vegetable garden or explore a wartime bunker that will excite both children and parents.
Cockington Court and Park – No visit to Torquay is complete without a visit to the thatched village of Cockington. Whatever time of year, it is the perfect setting for a walk. With its picture-postcard cottages, horse and carriage rides, a historic forge, a court and church, tea rooms, thatched pub and the lakes and woods, this really is a lovely place to visit and is so very quintessentially English.
Have Fun with History!
Kents Cavern – This award-winning home of ancient humans, this is one of the top prehistoric Stone Age caves in Europe. With an extensive labyrinth of spectacular caves, they really are an iconic site well worth a visit.
Torre Abbey – Within walking distance of TLH Leisure Resort, the Abbey was founded in 1196 and provided the medieval Premonstratensian monks with everything they needed to establish their monastery. Today, as a museum, you will find beautifully presented heritage rooms, galleries, art exhibitions, interactive displays, talking portraits and videos which bring the colourful history and art to life. Learn more about the rise and the fall of the Georgian Cary Family, who resided there for hundreds of years.
Torquay Museum – Come to Torquay Museum and enjoy all the fun and family activities on offer – exhibitions, activities, events, lectures, outdoor activities and more! Geological artefacts are in abundance with North-West Europe’s oldest human fossil and the sabre-toothed tigers he shared his Torquay home with 44,000 years ago. You can travel 400 million years into the past in this hands-on visitor attraction.
Some Great Local Attractions
Cliff Railway & Babbacombe – Built in 1926, the Babbacombe Cliff Railway has shuttled hundreds of thousands of people to and from Oddicombe Beach in over 84 years of service. Surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery to be found in the UK, the Cliff Railway provides a vital and non-exhausting way for everyone to soak up the peaceful atmosphere and take in the amazing views as they travel to and from the waters edge. This may not be something you would consider as one of your must-do activities but it does offer some fantastic coastal views.
Paignton Zoo – With over 2,500 animals across 80 acres of beautiful, spacious grounds, you are in for a really wild time at Paignton Zoo! Located in South Devon, it is one of the South West’s most exciting visitor attractions and one of Britain’s top zoos. It’s a place to roam, discover and get in touch with your inner animal. Discover all your favourite species, big and small, including gorillas, orang-utans, giraffes, lions, tigers, crocodiles, red pandas and rhinos, and be ready for a few surprises along the way too. Come rain or shine the Zoo is a fun filled day out for all of the family and you will need a whole day to explore everything it has to offer.
Babbacombe Model Village is famous for its miniature landscaped gardens, leading it to be branded as one of Europe’s Premier Model Villages and one of Torquay’s most beautiful gardens.Babbacombe Model Village on the english riviera is famous for its miniature landscaped gardens, leading it to be branded as one of Europe’s Premier Model Villages and one of Torquay’s most beautiful gardens.
Staying Indoors
If the weather is unpredictable, why not stay within the TLH Leisure Resort. As a guest, you have free use of the indoor and outdoor pools, plus Aztec Games offers a range of activities for all ages. Soft play for the younger guests, 10 pin bowling, snooker & pool or why not book in for an archery lesson. And don’t forget, we also have full entertainment programme available including Toby Club (3-9 year olds) and TeenZone for older children.
We also offer lots of family activities within our daily entertainment programme… quizzes, kurling and family aquafun! See our What’s on Boards around the resort for full details.
Fabulous and Free!
Surrounded by beaches and countryside, free activities are in abundance in Torquay. The beach always offers a free day out for the family. Build sandcastles, go rock-pooling or take the typically British paddle in the sea! With a level seafront and green spaces, Torquay is idea for the avid scooter user or cyclist. Or why not try Geocaching? A great free activity that you take part in anywhere around the world. Why not start with Torquay? GEOCACHING
There are a huge range of things to do in nearby and our Torquay hotels are the ideal base to visit these great places. We often have special offers to make your visit even more affordable, so why not visit our Special Offers Page and see if we can tempt you to come and stay with us in Torquay. SPECIAL OFFERS