Things to do in Torquay, England: The Best Museums

Welcoming visitors for over 800 years . . . Torre Abbey is Torbay's most historic building, a scheduled ancient monument dating back to 1196 and set within 18 acres of garden and parkland. It’s also a multi-award-winning visitor attraction housing an impressive art collection boasting over 600 incredible works of art from the 18th century to the present day. Meanwhile, our 800 Years Gallery uses state-of-the-art technology to tell the abbey’s fascinating story through videos, talking portraits and interactive displays. This Torbay Council-owned museum and gardens is also a centre for creativity and culture, offering events and workshops as well as hosting world-class exhibitions alongside creative work from the cream of local talent. We also pride ourselves on being family friendly with a range of activities available for youngsters, both inside the historic buildings and outside in our gardens. Visit our website for the latest information about our COVID19 safety measures.

Fine art gallery promoting Devon artists, running 3-4 week mixed exhibitions. Music and poetry nights, art classes, and cafe. Torbay's premier art hub.

Bygones is three floors of pure nostalgia for ALL AGES! Whether it be History, Railwayana or Militaria, you will reminisce! Wander back in time, visit our authentic life-size Victorian Street, see the Blacksmith hard at work, smell the treats of the Sweetshop, listen to the hustle and bustle of Victorian life. Imagine yourself in the nursery, kitchen, parlour or even the dentist! As you meander up to the top floor, hop on the 27-ton steam engine en route! Arrive in the 20th Century, take a break in our Station Café for a range of cakes and refreshments. Marvel over our completely refurbished model railway themed around English villages in WWI and WWII. Consider your ancestors in a WWI trench or taking cover in a WWII Anderson Shelter. Don’t miss the 1950’s and 60’s shopping arcade filled with post-war packaging and household items.

Travel back through 400 million years of time at Torquay Museum - a hands-on family-friendly visitor attraction, with lots to see and do for children and adults alike. A wide variety of exhibitions are hosted throughout the year by the Museum, from child-friendly summer blockbusters to fascinating exhibitions about South Devon's amazing archaeology, geology and people. Detect your way through Britain's only Agatha Christie gallery at Torquay Museum, come face-to-face with North-West Europe's oldest human fossil and explore Ancient Egypt, including the coffin of a 2,500 year old mummified boy. Then follow the incredible journeys made by Torquay's famous explorers, from the frozen wastes of the Antarctic to the depths of the Brazilian rainforest.

Just a mile from Torquay seafront only minutes by foot by car, bike and the 62 bus, historic Cockington Court is nestled within 460 acres of stunning grounds. If driving drive up past the Drum you will find our closest visitor car park at the back of the Court. Our Court car park has plenty of disabled parking and it is free to blue badge holders. The Court is managed by TDA(Torbay Development Agency)and has undergone a stunning restoration project with additional new build to offer over 22 contemporary craft and studios and creative spaces. It is the leading S.W creative hub There is an exciting Visitor Welcome point and retail contemporary Gallery in the Grade 11 listed manor house which showcases all resident studio makers craft work and also exhibits external local craft makers. Visitors are encouraged to visit the galleries, sculpture garden, cafe and craft studios where visitors can meet makers at work. It is also the Torbay's leading wedding venue of choice.