Top Things to do in Torridge
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What to do and see in Torridge, England: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Torridge, United Kingdom including Dragon Archery Centre, Tarka Pottery, Torrington Cycle Hire, Lundy Island, Cobbaton Combat Collection, The Gnome Reserve & Wild Flower Garden, Hartland Quay, Hartland Abbey & Gardens, Docton Mill Gardens & Tea Rooms, Tapeley Park Gardens.
Restaurants in Torridge
1. Dragon Archery Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 258 reviews
Dragon Archery is North Devon's premier archery activity. We are advanced booking only, so call today to book your adventure.
Reviewed By beardpuller - Wallingford, United Kingdom
We can't praise Andy and his boys enough. They have a fantastic set up in a beautiful location. They provide quality equipment and have obviously put a lot of thought into how to make the experience fun and entertaining. The tuition is excellent and we both improved our skills considerably. Dragon Archery is fantastic value for money and we would love to go back one day.
2. Tarka Pottery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 180 reviews
TARKA POTTERY North Devon An exciting and inspiring clay experience studio where there is always something creative happening. Just a 5 minute drive from RHS Rosemoor Gardens and Dartington Crystal in Great Torrington. Try a Potter's Wheel Experience, book a potter' wheel lesson, join a workshop or sign up for weekly pottery classes. You can also paint pottery, a relaxing activity at any time. Our approach is relaxed and informal, with an emphasis on having fun and being creative with clay in a friendly, enjoyable way. Activities suitable for families, adults, children, clients with carers and equally a great day out for individuals, groups and good for couples too. Birthday and hen parties offered all year round. We’re surrounded by beautiful countryside and animals, with stunning views, Get in touch to book or to find out more. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Reviewed By 301ks - Dore, United Kingdom
Booked as an activity for two teenagers. Great family experience all had great Fun and laughs at the varying degrees of success creating pots. Brilliant tuition from Lynn who explained what we were doing extremely well. Spent another hour decorating and glazing the pots. All very Covid safe with distancing in place. Highly recommend
3. Torrington Cycle Hire
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By AlisonBea33
Torrington cycle hire is conveniently located next to the Tarka trail with free parking in the old station car park. We hired two bikes for our children for the afternoon by just calling in. The owners/staff were all friendly and helpful and we were quickly issued a couple of bikes with helmets and puncture kit. Price was reasonable and we had a lovely afternoon walking the trail towards Bideford whilst the children cycled. Would highly recommend.
4. Lundy Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 498 reviews
Located off the coast of Devon, this granite outcrop lies between England and America and is famed for its marine reserve.
Reviewed By macstan1 - Stradbroke, United Kingdom
Our friends suggested that we might like a couple of nights on Lundy Island, to seek out some puffins and incorporate it with my birthday. I decided it would be safer for me to travel to the top of the island by land rover and my husband and friends would walk. It is a very steep climb and I made the right decision as it would have ruined my time there, as I’m ok on flattish ground. But at least I was first at the inn and opened a tab, so when the others arrived they had a lovely cold lager to greet them, so I didn’t feel so bad about my ride up. As it was very hot, and we did some exploring, as our cottage would not be ready for about 4 hours. I love it there, the coast line is stunning and we did spot 3 seals in the water below but a long way off. The air is so fresh and all you can hear are the birds and animals, very little else. A place that is good for your soul. Our cottage was a 50s style, basic but clean. But quite quirky in its own way - must add it has a brilliant shower, small but really good. The staff are friendly and always seem to have a smile. Please remember there is no TV, or radio unless you took your own but I don’t know if it would work. And very little internet- and to be honest for a little while it really is quite nice. But we did without and it really wasn’t a problem. And we did get to see the Puffins, lots of them. It was wonderful. You need a good pair of walking shoes/boots and good binoculars and take a picnic if you can,but leave nothing behind. It’s unspoilt let’s keep it that way. We were very lucky with the weather, hot the first day but overcast on the second and I was grateful for that, as walking in the sun isn’t really for me. Even enjoyed the mist late that evening when leaving the inn to go home. But woke up to yet another glorious day. Even the boat trips both ways were perfect and to finish our couple of days off we saw Dave the single dolphin on the way back to Ilfracombe. (Apparently he has been kicked out of the pod, for some reason) so goes it alone. But wonderful to see him in his right habitat. All in all, a great visit, and we will go back one day - when fitter I hope ????????
5. Cobbaton Combat Collection
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By UsOnOurTravels
This collection of wartime equipment, paraphernalia, vehicles, artillery, weapons, clothing etc is staggering. Well presented and so much to see you’ll need two trips around. We enjoyed it and our two 11yo boys did too. As with many venues, it’s the people that make it, The Cobbaton Combat Collection is well staffed with knowledgeable informative and friendly staff who are clearly all enthusiasts. There’s a HUGE selection of military based items and clothing for sale in the shop, which doesn’t feel like a shop. The Nafi Van was well stocked and the service was excellent - the pasties were delicious.
6. The Gnome Reserve & Wild Flower Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 493 reviews
Temporarily closed - We are a seasonal business open 21st March - 31st October. We are open 10am - last admission 5pm
Reviewed By markwH2639SS - Barnstaple, United Kingdom
This was an unplanned visit - we saw the sign and just followed it. Brilliant couple of hours looking around the gnome exhibits and the wildflower garden. Recommended for all ages
7. Hartland Quay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 359 reviews
Reviewed By 301lisa33 - Coventry, United Kingdom
This area no longer has a quay to speak of. But it is a really interesting location with viewpoints and slipway, pub and hotel. It is accessed via a toll road (£2) down the cliff, which includes a charge for parking. It is possible to park at the top of the cliff and walk down, although the toll is probably still payable. There are interesting rock pools to explore at low tide but the cliffs have really dramatic rock formations too
8. Hartland Abbey & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 340 reviews
Only one mile from Hartland Quay, Hartland Abbey lies across a narrow, sheltered valley which winds its way to the spectacular Atlantic Coast. Within a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ visitors may wander around the beautiful gardens and grounds which lead to the rocky cove. Peacocks and guinea fowl roam at will, whilst donkeys and Black Welsh Mountain sheep graze the Old Deer Park.Hartland Abbey is the lived-in family home of the Stucley family. Although it was built in the 12th century, remaining as a monastery for 400 years and passing through the female line three times, it has never been sold. Consequently, it contains collections of pictures, furniture and porcelain which have accumulated over many generations. The story of the Abbey mirrors local and national history at every turn. It has a friendly and lived-in atmosphere, so often absent in many of our nation’s historic houses, a point continually remarked upon by those who visit us.
Reviewed By 207maxiner
I Had so wanted to visit the garden as featured in the wild garden book, although i wouldn't class it as Wild, but stunning, immaculate lawns and borders, flowers in full bloom and just one gardener. There was so much to see, bog garden, shubbery, exhibition......and walk along a track, overhanging tree's allowing dappled sunshine to stream through, fields of all black sheep, a small folly set amongst the woodland...continuing to reveal a wide view of wild sea and rugged coast, to the right another path over towards Clovelly and to the left towards Hartland Quay.......i couldn't resist just a mile and half of steep cliff giving coast line views well worthy of the climb! i didnt have much time left to get back before the Abbey closes at 5pm, still just enough time for a Crab Salad in the Abbey Courtyard, Ordered safely through the front Abbey Window in these Covid times it was the best visit to escape and restore. I will revisit.
9. Docton Mill Gardens & Tea Rooms
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 375 reviews
Reviewed By Jayneb23 - Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
What a beautiful spot. We walked to the Mill, ready for a gorgeous lunch. Cornish Brie salad - wow, with soft ciabatta and a Devonshire crab ciabatta roll accompanied by a small salad garnish. We then visited the gardens. It was a really drizzly, damp day in early March - we didn’t see the gardens at their best. It’s not a huge area to walk around so £4:50 per adult is possibly a little steep. Talking of steep - you do need to be steady on your feet and agile to tackle Badger Bank and some of the steps. And with the drizzle, everything was SO slippery underfoot. Having seen the gardens, we returned to the tea room for cream tea & a slice of coffee & walnut cake. The scones were warm and soft, delicious with jam and cream. Good coffee too. All the staff we encountered were extremely friendly and chatty. John, the owner told us all about the history of the mill and the workings of the wheel. The tea room itself is pretty small but full of walkers and visitors which was encouraging considering the weather. It was cosy with a log fire which we used to dry off our damp gear. Would love to see the gardens in full bloom later in the year. Well worth a visit for a bite to eat and a stroll in idyllic surroundings.
10. Tapeley Park Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 198 reviews
Tapeley invites you to do something different today… Tapeley Park gardens is one of North Devon’s best kept secrets. Explore the unique gardens and enchanted woods with centuries’ old trees and lake that’s home to dragonflies and kingfishers. Play croquet on the lawn, stroll to the labyrinth for one of North Devon’s finest coastal views, learn about Tapeley’s history and sustainability projects or just find a quiet corner to sit and listen to the birdsong…
Reviewed By rchd1 - Tring, United Kingdom
We had a lovely afternoon visiting the gardens, despite some sporadic showers. The display about the history of the house and family was very interesting. There's lots to read! The gardens are lovely to walk around and sit in. There is a range of interesting flowers to look at. The kitchen garden was similarly interesting. The artichokes were memorable. The walk to the lake is fairly steep and a bit slippy in places without good grip shoes. If it had been dry, this would have been less of an issue. But it's worth the effort with interesting information about the birds and trees on route. The water lillies weren't quite in flower, but must be lovely when out as there are so many. We sat and had tea in the cafe, which is pleasant. They do decaf tea and oat milk if required. Overall, we'd highly recommend a visit. Apparently, only pre-booked groups can visit the house. They are missing a trick here as we would have stayed longer and paid to visit the house.
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