Torre Abbey
Torre Abbey
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Welcoming visitors for over 800 years . . . Torre Abbey is Torbay's most historic building, a scheduled ancient monument dating back to 1196 and set within 18 acres of garden and parkland. It’s also a multi-award-winning visitor attraction housing an impressive art collection boasting over 600 incredible works of art from the 18th century to the present day. Meanwhile, our 800 Years Gallery uses state-of-the-art technology to tell the abbey’s fascinating story through videos, talking portraits and interactive displays. This Torbay Council-owned museum and gardens is also a centre for creativity and culture, offering events and workshops as well as hosting world-class exhibitions alongside creative work from the cream of local talent. We also pride ourselves on being family friendly with a range of activities available for youngsters, both inside the historic buildings and outside in our gardens. Both our gift shop and café can be visited without buying a ticket.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
859 reviews
Excellent
557
Very good
245
Average
37
Poor
11
Terrible
9
Monika W
8 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Torre Abbey is an amazing place.
Huge and inspiring and tells its history through Henry VIII ‘s dissolution of the Monasteries up to the present day.
We had a great time and the animated audio- visuals were compelling.
The gardens and Palm house were very well kept.
A lovely place for a picnic lunch.
Huge and inspiring and tells its history through Henry VIII ‘s dissolution of the Monasteries up to the present day.
We had a great time and the animated audio- visuals were compelling.
The gardens and Palm house were very well kept.
A lovely place for a picnic lunch.
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tina n
Paignton, UK100 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Although we have lived In Paignton for the past 6 years this was our first visit, the only damper on it was the Tea Room, which wasn't that good.
We had visited the original Caffe some years ago when we were staying with family and we had a lovely Lunch .
We had visited the original Caffe some years ago when we were staying with family and we had a lovely Lunch .
Written 4 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry E
4 contributions
Aug 2023
Very interesting place,me and my family really enjoyed it,well worth the money would recommend.Even my 4 year old grandson liked it.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RobfromTorquay
Torquay, UK37 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
An outstanding attraction presented with imagination and flair. It highlights the history of our country by linking it with episodes from Torquay’s past. The growth and subsequent suppression of the monasteries. The wars with Spain and France. Religious upheavals. History is brought vividly to life. Some stunning art work as well. And even Paddington Bear made an appearance - albeit for one summer only. The Spanish Barn has become a charming and unique cafe - though it would benefit from a wider choice of food and drink. And the garden and the greenhouse provide a stunning backdrop. Thanks to all staff for a warm welcome. They clearly all love the place but particular thanks go to head gardener Ali whose knowledge and enthusiasm are impressive
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex B
Willenhall, UK115 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
This is a good historical venue to pass a couple of hours. There is quite a lot more to see than you first think. The abbey is full of good historical displays and explains the history throughout the years. The gardens are very colourful and beautiful to explore too.
Written 29 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz D
3 contributions
Jul 2023
A real delight which is tucked away just a few minutes from the seafront. Buildings are packed full of history as well as lovely gardens and greenhouse. Great way to pass a morning or afternoon. Highly recommended
Written 21 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Surinder K
3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
There wa a lot to see at the Abbey including the gardens, abbey ruins, tropical plants in the greenhous, exhibition on the history of the abbey, as well as exhibitions on art and on Paddington bear! There's was a lovely peaceful atmosphere at the Abbey and you could easily spend a few hours there.
We had to get a train so didn't manage to get round all of it. The abbey exhibition was very engaging as there was video clips of the different characters involved in the history of the abbey.
The abbey is very near to the seafront and easy to get to. There's a cafe in the Spainish Barn which didn't have big choice of food and what we had tasted good (tea & cake) . It looked like there was ongoing restoration so maybe in the future there'll be more choice in the menu.
There's a kiosk serving panini's and other hot food in the grounds which seem to be separate from the museum.
We had to get a train so didn't manage to get round all of it. The abbey exhibition was very engaging as there was video clips of the different characters involved in the history of the abbey.
The abbey is very near to the seafront and easy to get to. There's a cafe in the Spainish Barn which didn't have big choice of food and what we had tasted good (tea & cake) . It looked like there was ongoing restoration so maybe in the future there'll be more choice in the menu.
There's a kiosk serving panini's and other hot food in the grounds which seem to be separate from the museum.
Written 9 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jacobkings
Maidstone, UK211 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We have been going on holiday to Torquay for many years now, but never visited Torre Abbey before. We visited for the first time this year and we had a fantastic time! Loads to see both inside and outside in the gardens. The gardens were beautiful, there is a large greenhouse with lots of exotic plants, and loads of other lovely plants in the gardens. Also, am arid greenhouse with cacti in. There are also plants for sale too!
Inside, there are many rooms to see, lots of artwork and also the brilliant Paddington exhibition too.
The staff are all very nice and helpful too, the medieval undercrofts are a must see too!
Will definitely visit again, a really brilliant day out that was very reasonably priced.
Inside, there are many rooms to see, lots of artwork and also the brilliant Paddington exhibition too.
The staff are all very nice and helpful too, the medieval undercrofts are a must see too!
Will definitely visit again, a really brilliant day out that was very reasonably priced.
Written 8 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leo Heinl
11 contributions
Jun 2023
We were married in the Medieval Undercroft at Torre Abbey in early June 2023. It was the most beautiful venue filled with a serene sense of peace. We easily fitted just over 60 guests in the Undercroft. We provided all the decorations, mainly seat covers and subtle lighting.
Phil Dixon was our main contact for the wedding, and We cannot say how grateful we are to him and his team. For 15 months Phil was involved with our planning and always replied quickly and helped us shape our perfect day. Phil always went above and beyond to make us feel special.
The gardens at the Abbey are beautiful and the wedding photos will always be a wonderful memory of our special day.
Phil Dixon was our main contact for the wedding, and We cannot say how grateful we are to him and his team. For 15 months Phil was involved with our planning and always replied quickly and helped us shape our perfect day. Phil always went above and beyond to make us feel special.
The gardens at the Abbey are beautiful and the wedding photos will always be a wonderful memory of our special day.
Written 17 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela W
5 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
An extremely interesting and well-presented piece of local history, well suited to an outing with children, in that there were lots of lively and entertaining "hands-on" opportunities. Free entry to Art Fund members, but good value at £10.50 entry for adults. The building and gardens are full of interest and the tearoom provided a nice lunch. We enjoyed our outing and will go again.
Written 26 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ssanders1982
South Ockendon, UK2 contributions
Hi, is photography allowed in your galleries please? My daughter has an essay to write on an art gallery and the artists that are exhibited there and would like to do this on Torre Abbey. Thanks
Louise T
Salisbury, UK121 contributions
Coming for a weekend in October, when is the best time to visit please?
Hi. Torre Abbey is open from 10am till 5pm daily, last entry at 3.30pm. We are closed on Monday and Tuesdays. Afternoons tend to be a bit quieter.
Tubby210561
Redhill, UK3 contributions
are there any discounts avaialable?
Torre Abbey isn't offering any discounts at the moment, but if you are local, you might want to consider an 1196 Club Membership. This gives you unlimited entry for a year, from just £18 per adult.
BerthaGretton
5 contributions
Do we have to book a time slot to visit at present?
October 2020
matthewnewbury
Torquay, UK
Hello. Yes you need to book a timed slot, which you can do on the website. The booking section is in the top right of the website. We are open on Tuesday, Wedensday, Friday and Saturday. Up to six people in a group can visit at a time.
Blue badge parking is it free
David P
Leicester, UK
Disabled people can still afford parking charges
Carpark forblue badge and if it free thank you
www.focusweddings.net
Plymouth, UK302 contributions
They are very friendly and you can ask at the door, however i think you can park directly next to the door from memory without a problem. The car park is down the end and you pay but they do have an area directly outside as i said and I am sure its not a problem to park if you ask anyway.
Beryl W
1 contribution
What is there to see for the cost
matthewnewbury
Torquay, UK
Hi. There's 800 year's of history and four floors and gardens to explore. The top floor is an interactive museum, with talking exhibits, video screens and other clever hi-tech ways of bringing history alive. You then have two floors of art to explore, including local views, a brilliant seaside section, maritime exhibits and views of Dartmoor.
In other areas of the house there's dressing up activities for children, a great time capsule exhibit, a chapel and sculpture exhibits. Finally there's a café, a gift shop and amazing gardens to explore. a ticket in valid for two days, if you don't get enough time to see everything.
Children and teenagers up to the age of 19 go free. It's £8 for adults, £7 for concessions, although as someone mentioned above, if you are local, it's well worth getting an annual 1196 Club membership. They are £16 each (or £30 for a couple) which allows unlimited entry to both the house and gardens.
Beryl W
1 contribution
How much is the admission
matthewnewbury
Torquay, UK
Hi. it's £8 adults, £7 for seniors, free for children and teenagers up to 19 years-old. Carers go free. An annual 1196 Club Membership is £16 for unlimited entry (£30 for a couple). You can also go in the gardens only for £2.50, but you would be missing out on a truly great museum and gallery.
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Claim your listingTORRE ABBEY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Torre Abbey
- Torre Abbey is open:
- Tue - Sun 10:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near Torre Abbey:
- (0.15 mi) The Berburry Hotel
- (0.15 mi) Crimdon Dene Guest House
- (0.16 mi) Glendower Bed and Breakfast
- (0.13 mi) Gainsboro Guest House
- (0.16 mi) Buckingham Lodge Guest House
- Restaurants near Torre Abbey:
- (0.08 mi) Mr. Cook
- (0.10 mi) Aqua Lounge
- (0.23 mi) The Blue Walnut Cafe Bar & Cinema
- (0.19 mi) Aztec Bistro
- (0.19 mi) Alberts Bar