Torquay might be best known for its palm-fringed promenade and classic seaside charm, but there’s more to this coastal town than just buckets and spades. Hidden behind the cheerful beach huts and ice cream vans is a genuinely fascinating museum scene, full of surprises. Whether you’re after ancient artefacts or true crime intrigue, Torquay museum visits offer more than a rainy-day activity.
In this blog, we’ll explore the town’s two standout attractions: the long-established Torquay Museum, and its edgier counterpart, the Torquay crime museum, also known as The Real Crime Museum. From tickets and opening times to must-see exhibitions, here’s everything you need to know before your visit.
Torquay Museum: History, Collections, and Highlights
The oldest museum in Devon, Torquay Museum has been educating and fascinating visitors since 1844. Housed in a striking Victorian building just off Babbacombe Road, it’s home to an impressive mix of archaeology, natural history, and local culture, all under one roof.
Inside, you’ll find artefacts dating back to prehistoric times, with standout exhibits including an Egyptian mummy, artefacts from Devon’s Stone Age caves, and an entire gallery dedicated to Agatha Christie, who was born in the town. In fact, it’s the only museum in the country to have a gallery solely devoted to the Queen of Crime. Expect original props, costumes, and rare books — a must for Christie fans.
Other favourites include the Explorer’s Gallery, with its full-sized replica of a 17th-century ship cabin, and exhibits celebrating Torquay’s geology, wildlife, and Victorian heyday.
Inside the Real Crime Museum: A Different Kind of History
Just a short stroll away on the harbour front is the crime museum Torquay, officially called The Real Crime Museum. This one’s not for the faint of heart. Set in the old underground bunkers used in WWII, it’s dimly lit and packed with curiosities. Leaning into the grittier side of history, it explores real-life crime stories from the UK and around the world.
Inside, you’ll find exhibits on gangsters, serial killers, bank robberies, police memorabilia, historical weapons, prison artefacts, and even a replica prison cell from HMP Dorchester. The experience is self-guided, allowing you to explore at your own pace. And yes, some rooms come with warning signs for younger or more sensitive visitors.
It’s not a traditional museum by any stretch, but it’s certainly a memorable one. If you’re into true crime documentaries or find yourself captivated by Netflix’s darker series, this might just be your favourite stop in Torquay.
Ticket Information and Opening Times
Planning ahead? Here’s what you need to know:
Torquay Museum tickets and opening times:
- Opening Hours: 10am–4:45pm (last admission at 4pm), Wednesday to Sunday (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
- Tickets: Adults £10, Children (5–17) £5, Under 5s free, 1 Adult + Children £15, 2 Adults + Children £25
- Entry is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, so you can return as many times as you like within a year with that one ticket — a great deal if you’re local or staying in town.
- Official website
Torquay Crime Museum details:
- Opening Hours: Typically 10am–5pm daily, though hours may vary in winter
- Tickets: Adults £8.95, Children (10–15) £5.95, OAP and Students £6.95, Under 10s free.
- The museum recommends advance booking during school holidays, as space is limited
- Official website
Always double-check each venue’s official website before visiting, as opening times can shift seasonally.
Events, Exhibitions and Interactive Activities
Before planning your trip, you’ll be pleased to know that Torquay Museum is busy throughout the year with engaging events and exhibitions. Their temporary exhibitions rotate regularly, featuring everything from geology-themed art to local history displays.
For those who enjoy a good discussion, the Conversazione series takes place from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm every Tuesday until the 26th of August, 2025. Hosted by the Torquay Museum Society, these free, informal short lectures and talks cover topics from local heritage to science. What a great way to deepen your understanding of the region!
Families are also well catered for. Summer Science Ninjas, running on the 27th of July, and the 3rd, 10th and 17th of August, 2025, deliver hands-on science sessions that are as fun as they are educational. Additionally, The Michelangelo Trail takes you on a self-guided gallery tour uncovering hidden LGBTQ+ histories in the collections.
The Torquay Crime Museum doesn’t run structured events in quite the same way, but the content itself is designed to be immersive. You’ll find recreated crime scenes, original newspaper clippings, and an escape-room style atmosphere. Interactive displays encourage visitors to ‘solve’ crimes or analyse evidence.
Family-Friendly Tips and Recommendations
If you’re travelling with little ones, start with Torquay Museum. Its exhibitions are broad enough to keep different ages engaged. Think dinosaurs, Egyptian secrets, and pirate ships. There’s a small café on site, plus a gift shop with pocket-money-friendly souvenirs. It’s also pushchair-friendly, with lifts and baby-changing facilities.
The Torquay Crime Museum, on the other hand, is more suitable for older teens and adults. While not overtly graphic, some exhibits do deal with violent crimes and might not be appropriate for sensitive viewers. It’s best treated as a grown-up outing.
If you’re looking to extend your museum-hopping day, there are plenty more fun things to do in Torquay. Why not spend the evening watching a play at the Torquay Theatre?
Come and Visit Torquay’s Museums
Whether you’re drawn to ancient artefacts or fascinated by criminal psychology, Torquay museum experiences deliver a surprising amount of variety. With the family-friendly exhibits of Torquay Museum and the dark intrigue of the Torquay crime museum, the town offers a cultural hit that balances education with entertainment.
So next time you’re in South Devon, take a break from the beach and step inside these unexpected treasures. You’ll come away with stories, curiosities, and maybe even a new obsession with Agatha Christie or true crime.
And if you’re planning to make a proper break of it, why not stay in style? Fresh Escapes – Luxury Homestays offers a selection of beautiful, handpicked properties in Torquay and across Devon — ideal for those who want to pair cultural discovery with coastal comfort. After all, every memorable holiday starts with a place you can’t wait to come home to.
