10 Best Things to Do in Torquay

Torquay Harbour is flanked by 2 piers, called Princess Pier and Haldon Pier. The tourist-friendly promenade is lined with sea-facing cafés, restaurants, and bars, as well as souvenir shops and boutiques. Water sports and boat excursions are popular summer activities around Torquay Harbour, and the Millennium Bridge (which connects the piers) offers beautiful views of the ocean.

The Agatha Christie Mile consists of 10 landmarks along the seafront promenade on Torbay Road, 8 of which contain clues that spell out the name of a book character. The English Riviera Visitor Information Centre is where you can pick up a booklet detailing all the locales to visit during your walk, such as The Grand Hotel, Princess Pier and Gardens, and Imperial Hotel. Look out for the bronze bust of the late author, which was sculpted by Carol Van Den Boom-Cairns in 1990.

Torquay Museum was founded in 1844, making it one of the oldest museums in Devon. Exhibits here include natural history, ancient Egypt, prominent explorers, and world culture. One of its most popular display is the mummified remains of a young boy, which date back to 600BC. Britain’s only exhibit devoted to Torquay-born author Agatha Christie is found within Torquay Museum. Here, you can see many photographs, handwritten notes, clothes, and first editions of her novels. Tickets to Torquay Museum costs about £6.70 for adults and £4.10 for children, but you can enjoy unlimited entry for the whole year on 1 ticket.

Beacon Cove is a quiet pebble beach at the base of Beacon Hill. Consider the accommodation in Living Coasts for one night. It’s widely known as one of the 10 landmarks of the Agatha Christie Mile. Unlike other beaches in Torquay, Beacon Cove has a sheltered promenade that offers plenty of beachside activities throughout the year. If you’re travelling with little ones, the Living Coasts Torquay Aquarium is less than 5 minutes away on foot. 

Kents Cavern is a well-preserved grotto system located 1.3 miles northeast of Torquay Harbour. Here you can see impressive stalagmite and stalactite formations that are over 400 million years old, as well as prehistoric tools and fossilised remains of animals dating back to the last ice age. Guided tours are available every day between 10.30 am and 4 pm.

If you’re a fan of horror, Kents Cavern has an evening ghost tour which runs for about 45 minutes on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Note that this tour is only offered during the summer. It is recommended to choose your hotel accommodation situated close-by to Kents Cavern, if you're interested in taking the night tour.

The Fleet Walk Shopping Centre, located in central Torquay, is one of the city’s largest shopping venue. There are over 50 retail outlets ranging from fashion and beauty to sports equipment and toys, as well as fast food and coffee chains such as Starbucks and Dominos. The mall features a spacious walkway leading you to Torquay Harbour, where you can find more places to shop and dine during your visit.

The English Riviera Wheel is located right on Torquay’s famous harbour and offers some of the best views of the area. Totally silent, this striking structure rises over 100 ft above the town’s lush Princess Gardens.

Riding the wheel offers a unique perspective on Torquay and its surroundings, while those with less of a head for heights can enjoy a delicious hot drink in the adjacent cafe. For children and adults alike, this 12-minute ride on the English Riviera Wheel provides an unforgettable, quintessential Torquay experience – especially around sunset.

The Princess Theatre is a 1960s concert hall where musicals, pantomimes, concerts, and dance performances take place throughout the year. Among the many internationally-acclaimed productions that have taken place here are Chicago, Starlight Express, Rocky Horror, and Cats. It’s also known for offering stand-up comedy shows by Jasper Carrott, Jim Davidson, Joe Pasquale, Roy Chubby Brown, and others. Located along Torquay Seafront, Princess Theatre is a 5-minute walk of Fleet Walk Shopping Centre.

The Foundry Nightclub occupies a multi-venue building along the Torquay Seafront. It's one of the town’s busiest nightclubs and has one of the best audio and lighting setups. The music varies depending on the DJ for the night, but usually focuses on bass-heavy EDM, Drum'n'Bass and house. Expect the dance floor to be packed with people who come to let loose, but there's a 2nd floor if you'd rather chill out with a drink and enjoy the music.