Babbacombe Model Village
Hampton Avenue
Babbacombe
Devon
TQ1 3LA
United Kingdom

Tel: 01803 315315

Babbacombe is a quaint and endearingly popular attraction located just outside Torquay. As the name suggests, the displays here are open-air miniatures of some of the UK’s most famous sights and locations, with humorous touches throughout. The attention to detail is impressive, and the village looks particularly pretty later in the day, when the dioramas are lit up.

Bygones Victorian Museum
Fore Street
St. Marychurch
Devon
TQ1 4PR
United Kingdom

Tel: 01803 326108

Bygones Victorian Museum introduces visitors to how life would have been like during the 19th century, when Torbay first peaked as a holiday destination. It includes a life size replica of a Victorian shopping street. The displays extend to the 20th century, including examples of an air raid shelter from WWI. There is also a huge model railway to be seen here.

Cockington Country Park
Cockington
Torquay
Devon
TQ2 6XA
United Kingdom

Tel: 01803 606035

Cockington is a small village which has occupied the outskirts of Torquay for centuries. Cockington Country Park encompasses a historic manor house dating to the 1600s and its hundreds of acres of grounds. The park is fun to explore, and includes The Ark play area for children and the opportunity to watch artisans display how traditional wares are created.

Dartmoor National Park
C/o Dartmoor National Park Authority
Parke
Bovey Tracey
Newton Abbot
Devon
TQ13 9JQ
United Kingdom

Tel: 01822 890414

Dartmoor National Park is one of the few remaining wildernesses remaining in the South of England. Bleak, brooding and beautiful, it contains stunning scenery and unique attractions. Its borders can be reached only a few miles inland of Torbay, or west of Exeter. It is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, characterised by bleak and beautiful moorland, rugged windswept tors and dramatic scenery.

See our feature on the Dartmoor National Park

Dartmouth Steam Railway & Riverboat Company
Queen’s Park Station
Torbay Road
Paignton
Devon
TQ4 6AF
United Kingdom

Tel: 01822 890414

Dartmouth Steam Railway & Riverboat Company is a great way to explore the South Devon countryside using traditional transport. The train travels between Paignton and Dartmouth, stopping at several pretty locations along the way, while the riverboats traverse the River Dart up to Totnes.

Golden Hind Museum Ship
The Quay
Brixham
Devon
TQ5 8AW
United Kingdom

Tel: 01803 856223

The Torbay town of Brixham is home to a full-sized reproduction of Sir Francis Drake’s famous vessel, The Golden Hind. Aboard the original vessel he circumnavigated the globe between 1577 and 1580. This replica ship, which sits in a prominent position in Brixham harbour, allows visitors to catch a glimpse of how life was like at sea in the 16th Century, and to learn more about Drake himself.

Kents Cavern
Ilsham Road
Torquay
Devon
TQ1 2JF
United Kingdom

Tel: 01803 215136

Kents Cavern is one of Europe’s most significant examples of Palaeolithic caves, and contains one of Britain’s earliest recorded dwellings. The Cavern has been attracting visitors for centuries, and is full of intriguing geological features. With guided tours and special events, including Ghost Tours, Kents Cavern offers a great day out for the family at any time of year.

Paignton Zoo
Totnes Road
Dulverton
Devon
TQ4 7EU
United Kingdom

Tel: 01803 697500

Paignton Zoo is widely regarded as one of the best examples of a zoological and botanical gardens in the UK and beyond. Its ideals are firmly rooted in the realms of conservation and education. As a result, Paignton Zoo contains a huge array of animal and plant species, all housed in natural environments. It makes a superb family day out.

Torre Abbey Historic House
The King’s Drive
Torquay
Devon
TQ2 5JE
United Kingdom

Tel: 01803 293593

Torre Abbey is one of Torquay’s oldest and most historically interesting buildings. Dating from 1196, the monastery has led a varied and often turbulent life. It’s played a number of roles, from a humble monastery to being the official Mayor’s residence. In addition to the restored abbey, visitors can also enjoy the fine collection of artwork, the splendid gardens and a regular programme of special exhibitions.