If you’re looking for cost-effective things to do this year, Torquay will not disappoint. As a local marketing agency based in Exeter, Plymouth and Torbay, we love it here and we’re not afraid to shout it from the rooftops.
Our sunny seaside town has had many names over the years from Torrequay, Torkay, Torkey, Tor Quay and is now finally the Torquay we know and love. Boasting over 10 beaches from sandy to shingle, as well as loads more, we have put together our top five things to do in Torquay.
Penguins, Puffins & Paninis at Living Coasts
Living Coasts is the perfect place to pick up a penguin! Just not literally. Visit the aviary with over 300 swooping birds. Children and adults alike will enjoy the aquarium where they can view our clever octopus and majestic rays. Admire the adorable otters and experience feeding time at Seal Cove. There is even a soft play area with a new augmented reality interactive sandpit. Once you have explored Living Coasts you can enjoy the best fish and chips on the bay in the Terrace Café which boasts panoramic views across the Torbay coastline.
Price: adults £13.65; children £10.30; Children under 3 go FREE!
Ride Back in history with Babbacombe Cliff Railway
Babbacombe Cliff Railway – if you’re ok with heights then it’s worth taking a ride in Torquay’s pride and joy. Originally built back in 1926 but renovated back in 2003, this funicular railway is bound to be hit with all ages, from train-loving children to pensioners. Enjoy the panoramic sea views and save a steep walk down to the beach. This railway track is nearly 720 feet long and the cars descend at up to 500 feet per minute. On average, they carry a whopping 100,000 people per year!
New 2019 Pricing: adults: from £2 and children from £1.60
Thatcher Point: an iconic view
Thatcher point provides the best view of the iconic Thatcher rock. Easy on the pocket, with a ticket price of £0 it’s a must visit piece of Devon coastline. Plus, it couldn’t be easier to find as we have even provided you with the Google maps link to help you find it. Share your photos with us using the hashtag #BigwaveThatcher on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Price: free!
Clotted cream and crafts at Cockington Court
Cockington Court in Torquay is a must visit, this destination combines history with the present day. Being only one mile from the seafront it’s a perfect summer picnic location, plus there’s lots to see and do. Cockington Court boasts over 20 skilled and contemporary artists and craft makers in the studios. See the glass blowers create incredible works of art and taste the chocolate created by their chocolatier. Once you’ve seen the sights there should be time to sit down and enjoy a Devonshire cream tea, the correct way (cream before jam) in their grade II listed manor house. Plus, this attraction has free entry (only pay for parking) and it’s even dog-friendly.
Price: free!
Be a giant for the day at Babbacombe Model Village
Babbacombe Model Village has over 13 thousand mini inhabitants and 413 miniature buildings and additions such as hot air balloons, canals, Paignton Zoo exhibit and so many more. It even launched a new cinema show in March 2019 called ‘The Lost World 4D’. The evening is a great time to visit and you can admire the night-time illuminations where thousands of miniature lights enable you to see what is happening inside many of the models. If you keep your ticket and obtain a photo pass from the gift shop you can come back within 7 days for free allowing you to visit in the day and the night.
Price: adult £11.95; senior (over 65) £10.95; child (3 to 14) £9.95
English Riviera wheel
Just think of the London Eye on a smaller scale. The English Riviera wheel is located in the stunning Pavilion Gardens, overlooking Torquay Habour. The wheel offers a reaches heights of 60 metres. That’s almost the same height as double-decker buses stacked one on top of another! A trip around the wheel takes approximately 12-minutes, enough time to take in diverse sights from across Torbay. Fun, thrills, geography and history – all rolled into one. The English Riviera wheel is open daily between April and October from 10:00 to 20:00.
Prices: adult: £6; concessions: (Students / Senior Citizens) £5; child (under 1.4 metres) £4; Family Ticket: £18