Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Torquay, England

May 2, 2022 Weston Hennigan

Mild ocean breezes, sandy beaches and swaying Torbay Palms give the small English town of Torquay a distinctively Mediterranean feel. More than just a beach spot, Torquay boasts an enormous coastal aviary and the famous Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves. Agatha Christie spent most of her life here, and the city is now home to multiple film companies. With such a rich literary history, Torquay may be the perfect place to finish writing that novel or screenplay, or just to relax with a good mystery.
Restaurants in Torquay

1. Rock Solid Coasteering

Excellent
99%
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5.0 based on 502 reviews

Rock Solid Coasteering

Rock Solid Coasteering will kit you up and give you the confidence to do things you thought would be impossible. The places you go will blow your mind - dramatic cliffs, spooky sea caves, prehistoric woods. Check out the online gallery. Coasteering this location is not to be missed!

2. K & H Cockington Carriages

Excellent
95%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
2%
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5.0 based on 118 reviews

K & H Cockington Carriages

Horse and carriage rides around the beautiful historic settings of Cockington.

3. The Lorrens Ladies Spa

Guestland Road, Torquay TQ1 3NN England +44 1803 329994 [email protected] http://www.lorrensladiesspa.co.uk
Excellent
93%
Good
5%
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5.0 based on 286 reviews

The Lorrens Ladies Spa

The Lorrens Ladies Spa is a luxury ladies-only Day Spa and Residential Health Spa offering high quality but affordable Day Spa packages and all-inclusive Health Spa Breaks. Perfect for individuals and for groups, we offer quality treatments, care and personal attention. Relaxation and Pampering Spa Breaks Spa Days and Treatments Slimming and Weight-loss Stays Special Occasions Groups, Hen Parties and exclusive Private Hire

Reviewed By donnahM576CM - West Byfleet, United Kingdom

This is my 20th year of visiting the Lorrens! This is testament to how fabulous the place is. Even with these trying times of Coronavirus I knew I would be in no safer place than the Lorrens and if anyone could make it as safe as possible it would be Suzanne and Steve. Suzanne and Steve are great hosts, nothing is too much trouble for them and they strive to make your stay the best. There is plenty of great food and you rarely are hungry. Steve always does a great bespoke workout with you in the gym, taking care to know if you have any injuries etc. The therapists are super young ladies, some who have been there for years and it’s so nice going back catching up with them. If you like walking then there are some great coastal walks with great views. I could extol the virtues of the Lorrens all day and if I could I would go for a week at least every three months! It is paradise for me and I know so many ladies who visit, like me every year, feel the same. But don’t take my word for it, make a booking and go for yourself and hopefully you will see and feel what I do. As I said earlier, even in these times of Coronavirus you couldn’t wish for a safer environment to relax and have time for you. See you next time Suzanne and Steve!

4. Wine@7

7 Beacon Terrace 1st Floor, Torquay TQ1 2BH England +44 1803 295055 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/no7winebar/timeline
Excellent
85%
Good
15%
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5.0 based on 26 reviews

Wine@7

5. Kents Cavern

89/91 Ilsham Road, Torquay TQ1 2JF England +44 1803 215136 [email protected] http://www.kents-cavern.co.uk/
Excellent
67%
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4.5 based on 3,180 reviews

Kents Cavern

Kents Cavern, a UNESCO site, is Britain's Oldest known prehistoric home. You are led by a guide through a labyrinth of undergound natural passages used by humankind for thousands of years. Neanderthals and the very first Britons occupied the caves. Here Victorian explorers combined geological time and fossil remains to reveal the antiquity of humanity. Open daily for guided tours. See natural caverns, amazing formations, remains of mammoth, woolly rhino, sabre-toothed cats. These is an Ice Age woodland trail quest, shop and restaurant with views over the Ilsham Valley. Located in Torquay, birth place of Agatha Christie, the caves are part of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, 1.5kms from Torquay Harbour, close to the South West Coast Path. The caves inspired writers like Agatha Christie, Beatrix Potter and more recently folk-horror writer Adam Nevill. Perfect on any day all year. Pre-booking online essential to visit this UNESCO geological and cultural heritage site.

Reviewed By karene247 - Newton Aycliffe, United Kingdom

We enjoyed a fabulous family morning at Kents Cavern. Cave tour was well lit and informative, Stoneage school was interactive and lots of fun, the woodland trail had tasks to complete such as building a den and the seasonal outdoor activities included making a sabre tooth necklace for £1. The kids had a great time and my son went on to complete a KS2 report for his teacher with top marks! Thank you ???????? Top Tip: there was a children’s play park and picturesque beach across the road with parking.

6. Babbacombe Cliff Railway

Excellent
70%
Good
25%
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4.5 based on 457 reviews

Babbacombe Cliff Railway

Built in 1926 this fabulous, funicular railway has transported hundreds of thousands of people up and down the cliffs from Babbacombe to Oddicombe. Popular with holidaymakers and locals a trip to the English Riviera is not complete without a visit to this lovely railway. Down on Oddicombe Beach there is a gorgeous, hidden away beach with seasonal watersports and a great bar/bistro/café. Perfect family beach.

7. Cockington Country Park

Cockington Lane, Torquay TQ2 6XA England +44 1803 520022 [email protected] http://www.countryside-trust.org.uk/explore/cockington/
Excellent
65%
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4.5 based on 2,583 reviews

Cockington Country Park

Cockington Country Park surrounds the picture postcard Cockington Village which lies just off the seafront near Torquay. The Country Park is free to walk around and features beautiful formal gardens, lakes and woodlands which can be enjoyed via a network of paths. Cockington Court and Cafe are nearby, along with a collection of craft studios where you can browse the creations of local artists and crafts people. The Cockington Country Park is cared for by local charity the Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust, who's volunteers operate a Visitor Centre in the village. Car parking is chargeable, although Trust members can park for free in the Trust's car park. Visit our website for more details. The park is open from dawn until dusk.

Reviewed By S5224RAdaveg - English Riviera, United Kingdom

It's always a bit of a surprise going into Cockington straight from Torquay! From hustle and bustle to tranquility. Give yourself a good about of time to look around the park with its lakes and arboretum, its little hidden nooks and crannies, cottages and hideaway. And take time to see the court with its history, displays, gallery and Seven Dials Cafe (associated with Agatha Christy) The church next to the court, which still has its services and weddings etc, shouldn't be missed. Its celebrating it's 950 anniversary 2020 with many events to look out for (don't miss the Hymns and Pimms) Cockington park also boasts a whole hive of arts and crafts nestled in the old stables and new Seachange Centre; from chocolate to glass blowing, blacksmith to mosaic artists, cakes to bouquets. Have fun!

8. Babbacombe

Torquay England +44 1803 326108 http://www.babbacombe.com/Site_4/HOME.html
Excellent
64%
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4.5 based on 1,356 reviews

Babbacombe

Reviewed By 713ireneb - Doncaster, United Kingdom

Beautiful place ,breathtaking views don’t get all the way down to babbacombe beach on foot , Coming up not for the faint hearted , enjoy the view from Babbacombe downs or use the cliff rail to get down on the prettier Oddicombe combe beach Not much parking in front of the hotels on a busy day , plenty of space to park at the babbacombe model village car park and a 3 minutes walk and you are at babbacombe downs Plenty of water sports at Oddicombe beach Lovely time with the family , nice cafe and a shower at last on a beach in Devon !

9. Anstey's Cove

Anstey's Cove Rd, Torquay TQ1 3YY England http://www.torbay.gov.uk/index/yourbay/beaches/torquaybeaches/ansteyscove.htm
Excellent
57%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
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4.5 based on 87 reviews

Anstey's Cove

Reviewed By Travelwell_always123 - England, United Kingdom

This is a beautiful little spot hidden away from the main tourist area of Torquay. There is a car park easily accessible across the road from the bay, and there is a walkway of steps down to the cove. The natural beauty of the area is quite special and there is also a wonderful little cafe at the bottom by the shore that serves breakfast and drinks. There is also a small but very good gift shop for those little souvenirs. Ideal for families with children as there are waterside activities available and perfect for couples who want to just take in the views and have some private time together. Worth a visit on your trip to Torquay. We will certainly visit again when we are here next.

10. Hole in the wall pub Torquay

6 Park Lane, Torquay TQ1 2AU England +44 1803 200755 http://www.holeinthewalltorquay.co.uk
Excellent
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4.5 based on 182 reviews

Hole in the wall pub Torquay

Reviewed By wayneBigDave - Willenhall, United Kingdom

My absolute favourite pub in Torquay. Very lively friendly pub with low ceilings, lovely staff, gorgeous food and lots of character. My family always make a bee-line for this place, although it's best to book a table, as it is very popular. If you like proper beer, I highly recommend the Butcombe Gold. Gorgeous. The food is always amazing, good sized menu, and always a specials board on the go, the prices are very good, for excellent quality food.

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