Things To Do
Explore Torbay - something for everyone!
There are always things to do in and around the Bay! Read on to learn more about what we think are the best places to visit during your stay. We love to help people get the most out of their trip so please feel free to ask us for advice either before or during
Breathtaking
Coastline
Discover the stunning natural beauty of Torbay. With 20 breathtaking beaches spanning 22 miles of magnificent coastline, there’s something for everyone! Take a stroll along the stunning Southwest Coastal Path, and explore all the wonderful sights and sounds of Torbay.
Vibrant
Towns
Experience the best of the English Riviera! With three unique towns – Torquay, Paignton and Brixham – you can explore a world of possibilities. From the bustling atmosphere of a fishing town to a shopping spree, or a day of classic seaside activities. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here!
Rich
History
Take a step back in time and uncover the secrets of the past at Torre Abbey, just 500m from The Chesterfield. Explore the many historical sites, captivating museums and discover the amazing stories, artefacts and treasures that lay hidden in Torbay.
Ample
Activities
Enjoy the wonders of Torbay! With its family–friendly parks and pools, thrilling jet skis and captivating marine safaris, there‘s something for everyone to enjoy. From heart–pumping action to tranquil relaxation, let Torbay entertain you!
Breathtaking Coastline
Nothing beats the feeling of sand beneath your toes and the sound of waves rolling in. That‘s why we chose to settle in Torbay; the coastline and its beautiful beaches are a source of endless fun and adventure for our family. We want to share our favorite beaches and coastal walks with you, so come explore the gorgeous coastline of Torbay with us!
Keep in mind that the size and accessibility of these beaches varies depending on the tide, so we‘re more than happy to provide you with information on the tides and sheltered areas if the weather gets a bit windy. Read on to discover the beauty of Torbay…
Torre Abbey Sands
The beach (almost) on our doorstep! You can be out of your room and in the sea in 10 minutes if you walk down Belgrave Road to Torre Abbey Sands. This gently sloping sandy beach is excellent for swimming and consistently wins Blue Flag awards for water quality. With views over the southern end of the Bay, and the bustling marina nearby, it is a great spot to relax and soak in the sun. The beach is also backed by a range of classy restaurants and bars; giving you great options for food and drink.
Preston and Paignton sands
This fantastic sandy strip runs for 2km along Preston and Paignton. If you are visiting with children then these beaches are a must, as they offer a very gentle slope into sheltered clean waters making them perfect for a good splash or a long soak in the sea. With numerous cafes and beach huts selling seaside favourites, as well as Paignton Pier and the Geoplay Park to enjoy, you can easily spend a full day enjoying this wonderful beach.
Goodrington
This is one of the most popular locations in the Bay with the fantastic sandy beach having ample amenities to ensure that your day out is carefree. Goodrington boasts the top quality Cantina restaurant and the popular bumper boats, which bring joy to both young and old. If you are up for a thrill then you can visit Splashdown, the UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark where you can zoom down a wide range of slides!
Fairy Cove
Just south of Paignton Sands, beyond the harbour, is the less well-known Fairy Cove. If you want to avoid the crowds, but still be close to town, this is a great choice. Not only does it offer more seclusion but it is also the perfect place to go rock pooling on a low tide. We spend many happy hours finding crabs, fish and starfish in the welcoming pools! If you enjoy snorkelling then this is also the spot for you; it is regularly listed as one of the best snorkelling sites in the country.
Oddicombe Beach
If you are looking for far reaching views and crystal clear waters then Oddicombe is a great choice. Positioned to the North of the Bay, this beach provides views along the coast of South Devon and all the way to Dorset. The mixed sand and pebble beach backs onto a dramatic wooded cliff vista with plenty of footpaths to explore. A short walk from the beach is the quaint Cary Arms pub- the perfect place to soak in the view and refresh yourself. If you don’t fancy the steep footpath down to the beach you can treat yourself to a ride on the cliff railway which has been in operation since 1926!
Elberry Cove
This is another great option if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the main tourist beaches in the bay. Elberry cove is a picturesque, cobble beach nestled in a beautiful section of the bays coastline and is a 10 minute walk from Broadsands. Whilst there are no facilities on this beach you can be sure to get your own space to enjoy the magnificent views of both the North of the Bay and the breakwater at Brixham.
Man Sands
Feeling up for an adventure and want to see one of the best beaches in the area? Then Mann Sands is the choice for you! You will need a car to reach the car park, which is approximately 2 km from the beach but the trip is worth it for both the walk down and the equally stunning beach which awaits you. With soft sand exposed at low tides along with caves and waterfalls to explore you really do feel like you have reached somewhere special.
Vibrant towns
Torquay
Discover the historic grandeur and vibrant atmosphere of Torquay. Marvel at the iconic palm trees, bustling marina and explore the Blue Flag sandy beaches. Take a wildlife cruise for a relaxing day on the water or get your adrenaline pumping on a thrilling Raptor ride. Get up close to the prehistoric caves at Kents Cavern or catch a show at either the Princess or Babbacombe Theatre. With so many different activities and eateries, you’ll never be short of fun things to do and places to visit in Torquay. Make your next holiday or short break away one to remember in this stunning seaside town!
Paignton
Paignton offers an unforgettable seaside experience! With its colourful beach huts, arcades and family–friendly activities, you‘ll find the charm of a traditional seaside holiday. Take a trip to the beautiful, sandy beaches, and explore the area with the Dartmouth Steam Railway, Paignton Zoo, and the UK‘s largest outdoor waterpark, Splashdown! With so much to do and see, Paignton is the perfect place to make lasting memories.
Brixham
Explore the charming cobbled streets of Brixham, a vibrant fishing harbour that boasts a kaleidoscope of pastel-coloured fishermen’s houses. Enjoy a delicious ice cream while taking in the bustling harbour and breakwater. Venture up to the spectacular Berry Head nature reserve for breathtaking views. Reach Brixham by foot along the Southwest coastal path, by bus, car, or take the ferry from Torquay Marina for a wonderful day out!
Totnes
Enjoy the quirky charm of Totnes, nestled in the heart of South Devon! With its fiercely independent high street and bohemian atmosphere, a visit to this enchanting town is sure to be a memorable one. If you‘re lucky enough to visit on a Friday or Saturday, you‘ll be able to experience the lively market, overflowing with local goods and products unique to the area. Take a stroll up the River Dart and explore the stunning estate of Dartington Hall, complete with lush gardens and breathtaking scenery.
Dartmouth
Located on the mouth of the River Dart, Dartmouth‘s inviting riverfront is the perfect place to soak up the high life. Stroll through the town centre and explore the unique arts and crafts that make for a delightful shopping and sightseeing experience. Take a short walk to Dartmouth Castle and be amazed by its rich history and stunning views. Immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this delightful town and have a day out you won’t forget!
Torre Abbey
Step back in time at the historic Torre Abbey, situated just a 5-minute walk away from the Chesterfield! This ancient monastery, which was founded almost a thousand years ago, will provide you with an enthralling insight into the area’s history and lifestyle. You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate the interactive displays and fascinating artifacts housed in the museum. Stroll through the Abbey’s lush gardens and glass houses for a truly unforgettable experience for all ages.
Cockington Park
Welcome to the picturesque village of Cockington! Wander through hundreds of acres of lush gardens and woodlands and discover the impressive Cockington Court. The park offers some excellent pubs and cafes alongside a range of small shops selling artisan goods- many of which are made on site. Cockington is a true gem that is not to be missed!
Kents Caverns
If you want to delve back thousands rather than hundreds of years, then Kents Caverns is a real treat. The utterly spectacular naturally formed cave system is the earliest known home to prehistoric man and animals. The caverns offer tours through the caves led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. The caverns offer a fantastic experience whatever the weather outside.
Daymark/Brownstone Battery
Taking a walk to the Daymark and the Brownstone Battery you can combine a historic adventure with a walk taking in some of the best views in the area. The Daymark was built in the 1860’s to serve as a marker for vessels navigating the treacherously rocky South Devon coast. Around 1km further along the coastal path you can explore the WWII Brownstone Battery installed in the cliffs to protect the entrance the Dartmouth and Kingswear below. There are a number of options for circular walks, all of which take in marvellous views of the coast.
Berry Head
Boasting a Napoleonic Fort, Britain’s shortest Lighthouse and commanding views in all directions and a site of special Geologic Interest Berry Head makes for a fantastic trip. The head can be accessed either by car or on foot from Brixham and has a lot to explore. It also offers the perfect position to spot pods of Dolphins cruising into the bay!
Agatha Christie walking trail
Being the birthplace of the ‘Queen of Crime’, Agatha Christie, there are numerous sites of interest related to the author across Torbay. The English Riviera tourist board have designed a walking tour incorporating many of these sites, details of which can be found here.
Ample Activities
Ferry trips
There is no better way to travel and get a unique view of the area than from the sea. Form Paignton and Torquay you are spoilt for choice on ferry trips, you can reach Brixham, Dartmouth and Exmouth often at a price little more than driving and parkin at these locations. All the ferry cruises offer entertaining and informative commentary allowing you to learn about the area as you travel.
Paignton Zoo
You can easily spend a full day getting to know the animals at Paignton Zoo. Set in 80 acres of well maintained grounds the zoo boasts a collection of over 2,000 animals from around the world. Sections of the zoo are separated into biomes so you get a great idea of how the animals might live in the wild. If you wanted to take the day to the next level you could try one of their animal experiences, getting really close up to the animals!
Raptor rides
If a sedate trip in a ferry does not float your boat (du-dum) then how about an exhilarating ride in one of the UK’s fastest passenger Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB). The trips offer white knuckle rides showing off the boats acceleration and manoeuvrability. During the trip stops are made to take in some of the beauty spots around the Northern half of the bay.
Waves pool
If the weather turns or you have had enough of the sand then there is no need for the fun to stop. The Waves swimming pool offers a family orientated pool with a powerful wave machine, flume and toddler splash area. Note that during busy periods booking is essential as spaces in the pool are limited.
Reach Outdoors
If you want a unique coastal experience to remember then get in touch with Reach Outdoors – they offer a brilliant range of experiences including paddleboard/kayak lessons, coasteering and multiday expeditions. All the activities are led by fully qualified and friendly guides and all the equipment is supplied – you just need to turn up and have fun!
Steam train
Take in the scenery in style travelling on the steam train from Paignton to Kingswear. Running along a glorious section of the coast the train crosses a rail bridge designed by Brunel and carries on to the picturesque village of Kingswear from where you can return or continue your adventure over the river Dart to Dartmouth.
Splashdown Quaywest
Splashdown is the UK’s biggest outdoors waterpark with water flumes ranging from the (relatively!) sedate to the outright terrifying. The park is open from Easter to late September and being outdoors we recommend that you take along a wetsuit in all but the warmest weather. A bonus of the park is that it is located at the ever-popular Goodrington beach and the ticket allows return entry throughout the day, allowing you to enjoy the beach and the park at your own pace.
Paignton Pier
Get the full British seaside trip experience at Paignton Pier! You can try your luck at the games be dazzled by the lights and sounds of the amusements and treat yourself to some award wining fish and chips…perhaps followed by some delicious candy floss. Once you are full of holiday cheer then you can enjoy a film at the multiscreen cinema or run off the kid’s energy in the expansive Geoplay park.