Things to do in/near Torquay (Torbay)

mummyyummy_2

In Early July. Looking for attractions for adults & kids, nice places to go or avoid, good places to eat, things to do etc.. Whats in the area etc... Thanks

sickparrot

Paington Zoo, Brixham is a nice little harbour town, Boat trip to Dartmouth, Steam train to Dartmouth, House of Marbles spring to mind.

zolablue25

If you've got a car then drive to Totnes and get the steam train to Buckfastleigh and go to the otter/butterfly centre and Buckfast Abbey. A lot of people like Totnes itself, it is a little bit different.

Cockington park in Torquay is a pleasant stop. Pleasure boat trips in and around the bay. The beach (weather permitting!).

National Aquarium in Plymouth (40 mins drive).
Living Coasts in Torquay (personally I find this a tad expensive for what it is, but others like it. Better value if you purchase a joint ticket with Paignton Zoo).

Torre Abbey. Dartmouth Castle. Totnes Castle (ruins), Berry Pomeroy Castle (ruins).

mummyyummy_2

Are there any fun fairs/theme parks nearby? Thank you

PasturesNew

Kents Cavern is worth a visit, as is Trago Mills (big cheap stuff place) which I think also has a kids' park of sorts http://www.trago.co.uk/family-fun-park-14-w.asp at Newton Abbot.

Half day boat trips from Torquay Harbour can be good.

Woodlands, closer to Dartmouth, is a theme park, or Crealy near Exeter.

judy2357

There is loads to do in this area, you and the kids will love it. I cant actually think of anything bad, dont think anyone has mentioned Goodrington and Quaywest, http://quaywest.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk/ which i think is very popular.

http://www.englishriviera.co.uk/things-to-do/goodrington-sands-paignton-p404323

Its a real traditional beach, havent been for a while but last time i was there - candyfloss, fish n chips, pub on the front, beach huts, boating lake and is very safe for kids. There always used to be Punch and Judy but cant actually guarantee this now. Have fun!!

bizzybee

There's the Model Village in St Marychurch and then you can walk along the road and see why you should never buy at an auction without doing your research!

zolablue25

bizzybee wrote: »

There's the Model Village in St Marychurch and then you can walk along the road and see why you should never buy at an auction without doing your research!

Funnily enough this place was on the local news this morning as permission is being sought from the council to demolish the rest of it as too many people are putting themselves at risk to have a gawk at it.

Further to an earlier post, I believe that Crealy may take Tescos clubcard vouchers. They certainly used to so might be worth checking. It should be pointed out that neither Crealy nor Woodlands are Alton Towers, but are a fun day out none-the-less. Both have their own websites and so might be worth researching prior to forking out for tickets in case it doesn't fit with your particular family requirements. One word of warning on Woodlands - it is very hilly! OK if you are physically able but if not I wouldn't want to push a wheelchair round. Crealy on the other hand is pretty flat. At least, pretty flat for Devon.

pollywiggle

I agree with the earlier posts about Trago Mills, Totnes (lovely little town), Dartmouth (another lovely town - park & ride, don't try & park in the centre) & the steam train.
Would also recommend (depending on kids ages) Pennywell Farm http://www.pennywellfarm.co.uk/, Woodlands Family Theme Park http://www.woodlandspark.com/, Blackpool Sands http://www.blackpoolsands.co.uk/, Slapton, Brixham & Stoke Gabriel (a bit hidden away but a lovely cafe & waterside).
It's a lovely area & you'll find plenty to do.

Kandboys

Babbacombe Model Village is an absolute must see. We go to the Torbay area every year and we have to go here every time.

https://www.babbacombemodelvillage.co.uk/

The zoo is very good too plus there is a big park area on Paignton seafront now. Also a large waterpark near Paignton

http://quaywest.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk/

p00hsticks

sickparrot wrote: »

...Boat trip to Dartmouth, Steam train to Dartmouth, House of Marbles spring to mind.

When we went a few years back, the Dartmouth steam train company had a number of combination and 'round robin' type trips that would let you get (for example) bus from Torquay to Paignton, steam train to Dartmouth, boat trip up river and then vintage bus back to Torquay.

I'd also second the House of Marbles (free!), Buckfastleigh (otters, butterfly sanctuary and another steam train), Babbacombe model village (where you are allowed a free return visit in the next seven days if you get your ticket validated on your first visit) and Brixham (whcih we got to via a boat trip across the bay from Torquay).

I completely failed to see the attraction of Trago Mills though - to me it was just like an oversized 99p store / Poundstretcher / outlet store and the sort of place I go on holiday to get away from. But each to their own - life would be boring if we all liked the same things.