Torquay in Devon is a really fun town for all of the family with a great mix of places to see and visit. We have pulled together our top 10 things to do in Torquay with kids based on our visits there. Here’s our best things to do in Torquay with kids – a mix of culture and fun (and check out our Rainy day activities labelled below too):
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Waves Leisure Pool
If the weather takes a turn or the children just need to burn off some energy then Waves Leisure Pool is a great place for all the family.
The water is heated to 30 degrees and there’s loads of fun chutes and play equipment as well as lifeguards on duty. Not to mention the waves that happen every hour.
It’s a great, fun pool to visit.
Rainy day activity
The English Riviera Wheel
For a really unique vantage point over Torquay harbour, the English Riviera Wheel is a trip kids will love to take.
Set in the beautiful Pavilion Gardens a trip on the wheel takes around 12 minutes and the gondolas are enclosed so safe and also work whatever the weather (although views will obviously be better when it isn’t raining).
Book online for 20% off.
Bygones – things to do in Torquay with kids
Bygones is one of those places you could lose yourselves in for hours.
There are three floors exploring history through different ages – Victorians, Railways, Fifties.
There are real curiosities of the time to discover, interactive displays to enjoy and plenty of nostalgia.
This is a really fun way to experience history.
Rainy day activity
Torquay’s Dinosaur World (things to do in Torquay with kids)
Right in the heart of the town Torquay’s Dinosaur World is a really fun and interactive display of dinosaurs and fossils.
You can see life-sized dinosaurs and there’s a craft room to get creative in too.
See the world of dinosaurs come alive in front of your eyes.
Rainy day activity
Torre Abbey
When some time for some culture and history calls you can’t do worse than visiting Torre Abbey. This thousand-year old building is today a museum of history and art and an awe-inspiring place to visit.
This is the best preserved medieval monastery in Devon and Cornwall and is beautiful to look at.
They also have lots of fun, seasonal activities on the go throughout the year which kids will love alongside the year round trails and workshops specifically for families.
Rainy day activity
Babbacombe Cliff Railway
We absolutely love Babbacombe Cliff Railway. It’s a trip back in time on this funicular as it’s been running since 1926 and is the perfect way to get to beautiful Oddicombe Beach (and back).
The line runs daily (although if you’re visiting in winter double-check as it does close for some maintenance work). It’s just a fun way to travel as well as a working glimpse in to yesteryear.
Princess Pier – things to do in Torquay with kids
Princess Pier in the centre of Torquay was built in 1890 and is the perfect place to stop for a while with a bag of fudge or some fish and chips.
On sunny days you can take banana boat rides from the end of the pier, or boat trips to nearby Paignton, Brixham and Greenway.
Relive the youth of Agatha Christie who grew up in the town and would love going rollerskating on the pier with her friends.
Beaches
Torquay’s beaches are beautiful and a great way to spend a morning or afternoon.
On sunny days enjoy an ice cream by the sea and in winter enjoy rockpooling.
Some of our favourites were Meadfoot Beach, Oddicombe Beach and Ansteys Cove.
Torquay Museum (things to do in Torquay with kids)
Torquay Museum is a beautiful museum packed full of history. There’s a special gallery dedicated to Agatha Christie meaning you can visit the pier and then the museum to see photos of Christie roller skating along it.
There’s a shop, a tea room and lots of regular activities to take part in too.
Rainy day activity
We hope you’ve enjoyed our suggestions, do let us know if they come in useful for you or if you have anywhere else to suggest we should be visiting.
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