Torquay and South Devon
A Trip Through Time: Exploring Castles, Mansions & Gardent
Bradley Manor
Unspoilt medieval manor house set in vast woodlands and meadows. Wander through rooms that are untouched by time, then unwind in the tranquil gardens. Only open Tuesday to Thursday
Bradley | Devon | National TrustBicton Park Botanical Gardens
At Bicton you can enjoy over 64 acres of beautiful gardens with their soft sweeping lawns, elegant water features, fragrant English borders and formal gardens, plus a breadth of activities, interests and facilities for the enjoyment of all the family. These include Bicton woodland railway, palm house and historic glasshouses, countryside museum, garden centre, restaurant and gift shop.
Home - Bicton Botanical Gardens (bictongardens.co.uk)Buckfast Abbey
Located at the centre of a picturesque valley on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. The community here lives a life of prayer, work and study according to the rule of St Benedict and is still inhabited by monks. You can tour the well-preserved abbey and gardens, gift shop and cafe. The monks are happy to talk to visitors and make a habit of selling their famous Buckfast Tonic Wine.
Buckfast Abbey – Home to a community of benedictine monksColeton Fishacre
The one and only 1920s country retreat of the D'Oyly Carte family. Wonderful Arts and Crafts exterior with an amazing Art Deco interior. Go back in time and visit the servants quarters. Stroll down to the gardens and enjoy the sea views.
Coleton Fishacre | Devon |National TrustCompton Castle
Another National Trust site. This dramatic fortified manor house with a modest formal garden. It is open Tuesday to Thursday and worth a visit
Compton Castle | Devon | National TrustDartington Hall Gardens
With around 880 acres of verdant forests, abundant wildlife and clear flowing rivers, the Dartington estate offers the perfect backdrop to your choice of walks of all lengths and difficulties. It is Free to enter, but a voluntary donation of is appreciated.
Walking around the DartingtonHall estateOverbeck's
A hidden paradise of sub-tropical gardens and the small seaside home of inventor and scientist Otto Overbeck. The house is full of surprising collections.
Overbeck's Garden | Devon | National TrustOldway Mansion
Oldway Mansion is a large extravagant house built by the Singer (as in sewing machines) family. Currently closed awaiting development into a hotel and spa, its gardens are still worth a wander round and maybe you will like to take one of our packed lunches with you?.
Oldway Mansion — Torquay - A Local GuideSaltram House
A house full of treasures, stories and intrigue. The garden is full of splendour allyear round, plus a park that cyclists, walkers and even our four legged friends love.
Saltram | Devon | National TrustRoyal Terrace Gardens
The Royal Terrace Gardens, known locally as Rock Walk are situated beneath the towering cliff of Waldon Hill, which overlooks the sea front and is one of the Wonders of Torquay.
Rock Walk is a network of paths with mediterranean planting throughout. You are greeted to magnificent views of the princess theatre, the Harbour and as far away as Berry Head.
Royal Terrace Gardens - Torbay CouncilTotnes Castle
Watching over the scenic River Dart, Totnes Castle stands high above the town of Totnes in Devon. The castle was built 900 years ago during the Norman Conquest, almost certainly by one of William the Conqueror's commanders. It is a motte-and-bailey castle with a stone keep, giving sweeping views across Dartmoor.
Totnes Castle | English Heritage (english-heritage.org.uk)Towns Nearby to Visit
Babbacombe & St Maryschurch
Small villages with independent shops, a wide range of tea rooms, many restaurant’s, stunning sea views and a number of interesting attractions. Try Hanbury’s chips, the model village is a must, and maybe a quick visit to Bygones and a quick descent to Oddicombe beach on the cliff railway. (7 mins drive)
Brixham
A colourful & bustling fishing port with a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hind. Sample the catch of the day at the countless restaurants and seafood stalls. Brixham Heritage Museum and the real pirates can be found wandering around the harbour in full regalia. (21 mins drive / take a ferry)
Cockington
Take a walk back in time through narrow streets lined with thatched houses, a forge, a water mill and cricket pitch. Visit Cockington Court craft centre and church. If the weather is good, it's a nice circular walk. Ideal for a Devon cream tea. (6 mins drive / 20 min walk)
Dartmouth
Drive or even better, take the steam train and ferry. The ancient narrow streets house boutique shops, art galleries and delicatessens. Try Bayards Cove for lunch. Trips up the Dart River and Dartmouth Castle are also worth the effort. (44 mins drive / take a steam train)
Newton Abbot
Traditional town centre with lots of shops including independent retailers. Trago Mills is nearby if you're into bargain shopping, this is the place to go. (16 mins drive)
Salcombe
A Trendy town which is great for shopping. There are many coffee shops and bistros. Best to park outside town and walk in. Original Jack Wills shop was opened here. Home to the famous Salcombe Ice Cream. (50 mins drive)
Torquay
A pleasant walk down through Torre Abbey Gardens takes you to the palm tree lined sea front promenade with a Mediterranean style harbour: The English Riviera. There are many things to see and do in Torquay. Sit and watch the people stroll by on the promenade and dream of sailing off into the sunset in one of the amzing boats in the harbour. (5 mins drive / 20 min walk)
Paignton
A typical seaside town with a long sandy beach and traditional British seaside pier. Large multiplex cinema for rainy days. Paignton Zoo is worth a visit. This is where you hop on the steam train. (13 mins drive / take a ferry)
Entertainment
Princess Theatre
A short 15/20 minute walk away on the seafront. Watch amazing artists, groups, comedians and professional touring shows. Book a Pre theatre dinner at Pier Point or Le Bistro Pierre.
Princess Theatre, Torquay Box Office | Buy Tickets Online | ATG TicketsBabbacombe Theatre
Situated on the top of the cliff at Babbacombe. It is home to a whole range of shows throughout the year including their famous variety shows during the season on certain nights of the week.
Welcome to the Babbacombe Theatre on the English Riviera | Babbacombe Theatre (babbacombe-theatre.com)Palace Theatre
Situated in Paignton with free parking after 6pm. Many different acts and shows.
The Palace Theatre Paignton - Call 01803 665800 for tickets or book onlineCinemas
There are two local cinemas –Merlin Cinema on Union Street or a smaller one on Abbey Road in Torquay and a multiplex on the seafront in Paignton.
Vue Torbay Cinema | Torbay Cinema Film Listings & Times | Vue (myvue.com) And Merlin Cinemas - HomepageDiscover more about this popular and intriguing writer by following the Agatha ChristieMile that leads to places she knew and loved: along the busy harbour and stretching along the palm-lined seafront and promenades. It highlights various places she visited or wrote about, and tells you more about her life. For more Agatha Stories visit:
Little Theatre
Home to the TOADS Theatre Group Based in a converted church. They have a varied programme featuring classics, thrillers and comedies. Proper acting!
TOADS Theatre Company - Home (toadslittletheatre.co.uk)Kents Cavern
Alternately, you could visit Kents Cavern the caves which inspired Agatha's interest in archaeology and on which she based one of her plays.
Torquay Museum
Although Torquay is famed for it's warm and moderate temperature, If we do have a rainy afternoon whilst you are here, you could visit Torquay Museum which houses an interesting display on our local hero Agatha Christie amongst other ever changing displays.
Greenway House
If you're an Agatha fan, or even if you've never even read one of her books, you will still find details of her life very intriguing and you must enjoy a day out at Greenway, which is the holiday home she bought and where she spent many happy years living. It's now owned by the National Trust and we highly recommend a visit.
