Torre Abbey Torquay: Exploring One of Devon’s Best-Preserved Medieval Abbeys

Torre Abbey Torquay sits just inland from the seafront, a short walk from Torquay Station and Torre Abbey Sands. Despite that central location, it feels comfortably self-contained once you step through the gates. As Torbay’s oldest surviving building, it plays a major role among the historical sites Torquay is known for, combining a working museum, art gallery, and public gardens in one place.

Welcoming visitors for more than 800 years, Torre Abbey Torquay allows travellers to explore medieval spaces, see nationally significant artworks, and spend time outdoors without needing to plan a full day around it.

The fascinating history of Torre Abbey

Torre Abbey was founded in 1196 and quickly became the wealthiest English monastery of the Premonstratensian order. Its scale and level of survival make it the best-preserved medieval abbey Devon and Cornwall still have. It’s also a scheduled monument and recognised as an archaeological site of national importance.

Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, two ranges of the former abbey were converted into a private house. From 1662, the Cary family lived here for almost three centuries, shaping much of the building you see today. Their long occupation explains the mix of medieval stonework and later domestic adaptations throughout the site.

In 1930, Torre Abbey was acquired by the local council and adapted for public use as an art gallery and civic space. This transition marked the start of its modern role as a museum and cultural venue, which continues today with a strong focus on exhibitions, education, and public access.

What to see and do at Torre Abbey Torquay

A visit to Torre Abbey Torquay unfolds over four floors, beginning in the medieval undercrofts. These stone-vaulted spaces give a clear sense of how the abbey once functioned and set useful context before moving into later rooms.

From there, the 800 Years Gallery uses interactive displays, video, and talking portraits to trace the Abbey’s history. The technology is modern but well judged, adding clarity rather than distraction. Beyond this, the art galleries house both permanent and temporary displays, with works ranging from the 18th century to the present day.

Highlights from the permanent collection include paintings and drawings by William Holman Hunt, William Blake, and Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones. These sit alongside decorative arts and archaeological material uncovered during excavations on site, reinforcing Torre Abbey’s role as both a historic building and an active museum.

The gardens and natural surroundings at Torre Abbey

The Torre Abbey gardens cover 18 acres of landscaped grounds and are among the best-known green spaces in the town. Laid out around the abbey ruins, they combine formal 19th-century design with planting that suits Torquay’s mild coastal climate.

Herbaceous borders, roses, and dahlias dominate the central areas, while rarer shrubs and trees thrive in sheltered corners. The heated Palm and Cactus Houses contain tropical, sub-tropical, and desert plants, including endangered species linked to Kew Gardens. These glasshouses are popular year-round and easy to include even on shorter visits.

Children’s trails and learning activities are integrated throughout the grounds, and a medieval children’s garden introduces historical planting in a hands-on way. Paths are mostly level, with benches placed regularly, making the gardens accessible and easy to explore in your own time.

Current events and exhibitions at Torre Abbey

Torre Abbey Torquay maintains a lively programme of exhibitions and events that keeps the site feeling active and current. Long-running shows such as “inDISPOSABLE” and “if words were seeds” run until March 2026, bringing photography and land-based art into both interior spaces and the gardens.

Family ART Drop In Days appear several times a year (14 Feb, 9 May, 11 July) and are free to attend, offering informal creative sessions during school holidays. Seasonal exhibitions by local and regional artists run alongside larger touring shows, while live performances and theatre events add further variety.

Because exhibitions change regularly, checking what is on ahead of your visit can help shape how long you plan to stay.

How to plan your visit to Torre Abbey

Torre Abbey Torquay is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. It also opens on most bank holiday Mondays. Adult tickets cost £11.50, with reduced rates for children and families, and annual memberships offer good value for repeat visits.

The Abbey is easy to reach by train, bus, bike, or on foot. Torquay Station is less than five minutes away, and seasonal ferry services operate across the bay from nearby towns. Limited parking is available nearby, with drop-off points and Blue Badge parking within the grounds.

Much of the building and gardens are accessible via lifts, ramps, and level paths, and staff are happy to assist where needed. The Southern Welcome Tearoom operates seasonally, and dogs are welcome in the café, though not inside the museum or gardens unless they are assistance animals.

Visit Torre Abbey and stay nearby with Fresh Escapes

Torre Abbey Torquay offers a well-balanced mix of history, art, and outdoor space in a location that’s easy to reach and simple to enjoy. Its long timeline, strong permanent collection, and changing exhibitions give visitors plenty to explore without needing to rush. Among the historical sites Torquay offers, Torre Abbey is one of the easiest to combine with time by the sea or a walk along the promenade.

For anyone planning a stay in the area, Torre Abbey fits neatly alongside nearby highlights such as the seafront, Torquay marina, Torquay theatre, and other cultural venues in Torquay.

Booking accommodation with Fresh Escapes keeps everything within easy reach, making it simple to return for exhibitions, garden walks, or seasonal events during your stay.

Browse the Fresh Escapes collection now and find the perfect home away from home during your visit to Torre Abbey.