Top 10 Museums in English Riviera, England

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.

Brixham Heritage Museum was delighted to be awarded a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence for 2015, the third year running, thank you all for making this possible! We were also joint winners of the Family Friendly Museum Award in 2013,despite nationwide competition. We offer a choice of activities which are suitable for a variety of ages, and we hold many 'special days' both within and outside of our Museum. There are opportunities to become amateur archaeologists, no matter how young, and many other "hands-on" experiences are found on both floor levels inside the building.For all visitors there are a variety of displays ranging from the prehistoric to the 1950s, with particular emphasis on the maritime industry of the area. We also offer Family History Research for all areas, and hold regular talks and social activities. For further information please view our website.

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.

The Golden Hind in Brixham Harbour, is one of only two full sized replicas in the world of 16th century explorer and privateer Sir Francis Drake's famous ship. The Ship has been a feature of picturesque Brixham harbour for over fifty years, entertaining and educating thousands of visitors during this time - as well as being featured on many tv programmes and films. The Ship is open come rain or shine and is an all weather attraction with many indoor displays as well as wide open decks and on-board activities.

WW11 Coastal Battery.Museum and Grounds Free Entry open Monday Friday and Sunday afternoons 2-4pm plus special open days..

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.

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.