Top 10 Places to see in Torbay
This post is a list of my recommended places to go in Torbay. Like any Top 10 list, it’s subjective, and everybody’s list will be different. Having lived here for more than twenty-five years, I’ve covered all these places in my blogs on Torbay, and have provided links to them for a more in-depth look at what’s on offer at each place.
If there are any places that you think I should have included, and maybe some that you think I shouldn’t have, please let me know. Places are constantly changing for one reason or another, and it’s not easy to keep abreast of everything.
The list that I’ve compiled runs in a descending order that coincides with my preferences, but I wouldn’t take too much notice of that, as everyone’s opinion will vary. Having said that, the places on this list should find favour with most people. I hope you agree, and don’t forget to send me a comment on what you think.
Oldway was once the home of a member of the Singer (sewing machine) family. It’s had a chequered history of late, but a group of volunteers are trying to turn its fortunes around. It’s early days yet, but they hope to open the house to the public again, but the gardens are open for everyone to see. It can best be described as Paignton’s hidden gem.
9. Broadsands to Elberry Cove
This easy walk is a delightful way to bimble along next to the sea for anyone who can’t, or doesn’t want to walk too far.
8. Torre Abbey
If Oldway Mansion is Paignton’s gem, then Torre Abbey is Torquay’s equivalent. The Abbey suffered under the dissolution, but is still the most historically important building in Torbay.
7.Torquay Harbour to Meadfoot Beach
This walk from just behind Torquay Harbour is a pleasant surprise for many people. It’s not difficult, and it’s not far, but it is very rewarding.
6. Babbacombe
This part of Torquay has a more genteel side to it than Torquay Harbour, and there are a number of things to do to keep you occupied as well.
5. Cockington
Cockington is a picturesque village not far from Torquay sea front. It also includes a country park, and quite different from the hustle and bustle of the town centre.
4. Kent’s Cavern
Torbay has a fascinating geological background, and Kent’s Cavern is the best place to come to see what it’s all about.
3. Berry Head
One of the protective arms of Torbay, this an easy way to enjoy the views around and along the coastline without having to walk too far. Dolphins and porpoises can often be seen and there is also the largest colony of guillemots on the south coast.
2. Brixham Fish Market
A guided tour of the fish market at one of England’s largest fishing ports is a great way to see what goes on at the early morning fish auction.
1. Paignton to Kingswear Steam Railway and the Round Robin
The steam train to Kingswear is just one part of the Round Robin, a journey which also includes the ferry across to Dartmouth, a boat trip up the River Dart to Totnes, and an open-top bus ride back to Paignton. It’s a great day out and should be on every visitor’s list – and why it’s made it to No 1 on mine.
Originally posted 2021-07-09 10:43:12.
Being born in Torquay almost 80 years ago I stumbled over your blog by accident ~and even doubly interested ‘cos I’m called M***olm
having lived the last 40 years in the Black Forest I get so homesick☹️ and it was good to see your photos and persuasive descriptions…keep up the good work😊
It’s good to hear from you Malcolm. Thank you for stumbling across my website and I do hope it brings back some memories for you. I’m always happy to interact, so if there’s anything you want to discuss, be it German or English, then feel free to contact me via the relevant pages 🙂
good to hear from you malc….I see you mention Grimspound…if you look across the valley you see Headland Warren, this farm is where my mother was born…her father was a tin miner in the golden dagger mine..she used to walk over the moor to school in Postbridge in winter with a lantern and candle, and her great fear was the wind would come and blow the candle out…probably 1917..she later married in Postbridge…and died 2010 at 97…keep wandering🙂
How interesting! I love bits of information like this as it adds people to the places. Living on Dartmoor didn’t seem to do your mother any harm either if she lived to 97. Thanks for the comment Malcolm. I really appreciate it.
I recognised quite afew places here cos of YOUR wonderful posts.
Thanks Shey. I reckon you know Torbay almost as well as I do now 🙂
Lol. I won’t forget it in ahurry, telling you that.
And I won’t forget you 🙂
Aww.
☺️
Great idea to create a summary page like this Malcolm, and a reminder of all the tempting Torbay places you’ve shared in the past 🙂
Thank you Sarah. I plan on creating more Top 10s. There’s just the small matter of writing up all the posts firsts, and it doesn’t help that I flit from place to place 🙂
Lots to see and do in Torbay then, Malc, and a good idea to put them all in one post. I really do love the look of Kent’s Cavern, and that incredibly inviting coastline. This post will serve as a great guide for visitors. 😀
That’s the general idea Alli, and there are other Top 10s I would like to do. Whether anybody will read them is another thing altogether 🙂
I’d always rather read your website guides than use a general tourism one. Your posts are much more entertaining and informative. 🙂
Ah! Thank you for that Alli. That’s cheered me up after watching England lose on penalties again.
Ah, good timing then. Yes, it was a bit of a disappointment, but the ensuing tweeted abuse was more so. At least we got into the final, and there’s always next time. 😀
I’m seriously thinking of leaving Facebook alone for a while. Apart from the abuse those poor lads got I found myself falling foul of the Fb police yesterday.
Believe it or not, on one of the local groups a couple of days ago, somebody wanted some info on Torbay and I posted a link to this blog – and guess what? the post was removed, because it didn’t meet Facebook’s community guidelines. It’s ok to verbally abuse people online though it seems. Where’s that sombrero? 🙂
Oh, I know Malc, it’s hugely hypocritical. Stuart has had the same problem just trying to set himself up a facebook page as a freelancer. It’s madness. But you know I’m anti Fb and most social media anyway, for these reasons and many more, so I can understand why you’d feel frustrated. We’re definitely wearing the same sombrero on this! 🙂
A great guide. Berry Head and Brixham I know reasonably well, but the rest I’ve not visited.
That means there are 8 reasons to visit Torbay now then 🙂
😁
Top 10 places in Torbay and not a single pub ;-HIC!
You obviously haven’t followed the links then 🙂 🙂
I love this post Malc. Thank you so much for sharing.💜
I’m glad you enjoyed it Luisa. Obviously it’s meant to help anyone who comes to the Bay and not sure where to start
🙏💜🙏
Bimble was a new words for me. When I looked it up I also discovered it is an app.https://bimble.com/ The app for great little places. I like your list.
I didn’t even realise it was in the dictionary 🙂 Thanks for your support. It’s greatly appreciated.