What to See in Torquay

There are lots of great places to visit in Torquay with a variety of attractions and activities to appeal to the whole family. We have cherry picked a few favourites of The Grand to help you plan your holiday.

The Living Coasts.  Living Coasts, Torquay's Coastal Zoo, is a unique, world class aquatic visitor attraction, focusing on the conservation of coastal and marine life around the globe. It has been developed by Paignton Zoo, with financial support from the South West Regional Development Agency and the European Regional Development fund Living Coasts, a subsidiary of Paignton Zoo, opened to the public on 14 July, 2003.

It was conceived as an educational exhibit, focusing on marine mammals and birds. Exhibits include an enormous nylon netted aviary, a wading-bird enclosure, the cutest collection of penquins and a beach area (for marine mammal observation as opposed to public beach).

Website: www.livingcoasts.org.uk
Address: Beacon Quay, Torquay Devon TQ1 2BG
Telephone: +44 (0)1803 202470


Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is about much more than just displaying animals for its visitors' entertainment - it's devoted to preserving the world's natural heritage. The zoo has come a long way since it was first opened in 1923 by Herbert Whitely, a shy, eccentric millionaire.

Since the recent completion of its redevelopment plan, the park has become a haven for some of the world's most threatened and endangered animals. These include two critically endangered Black Rhino, both the Asian and African elephant, and the American Bison.  The Grand hotel has adopted the Zoo's baby black rhino, Zuri.


Opening: Daily
Cost: £8.25; children £6; family (2+2) £25.75
Hours: 10am-6pm (until dusk in winter)
Website: www.paigntonzoo.org
Address: Totnes Rd TQ4 7EU
Telephone: +44 (0) 1803 697500

Kents Cavern. Guided tours around the caves run regularly every day and take you on an incredible journey back 400 million years to when Kents Cavern Rock was formed at the bottom of a warm tropical sea.

You will discover how the cave and the spectacular formations formed over 2 million years. You will feel, smell and experience the cave just as our prehistory ancestors did as they sheltered in the cave, lighting fires and hiding from Mammoths, Hyenas, Cave Lions, Cave Bears and Saber-toothed cats during the Ice Age.

In 2008 the cave was awarded best large visitor attraction in South West England for the quality of our guided tours and visitor facilities.

The cave is privately owned and dispite being a protected national monument receives no public support or funding. The future of the cave is totally dependent on the income we receive from our visitors.

In Britain, Kents Cavern is by far the most important prehistoric cave dwelling and is known around the world for its record of prehistoric human occupation.

Access to the cave is by guided tour only
Adults ............................. £8.50
Children .......................... £6.50 (3 - 15yrs) Under 3 Free
Family Ticket ................... £29.00 (2 Adults + up to 3 Children)
Senior/Student ............... £7.50
Extra child with family ...... £5.50

Telephone
Visitor information and bookings: 01803 215136
Email:  caves@kents-cavern.co.uk    www.kents-cavern.co.uk




Babbacombe Model Village  Take time out from the hustle and bustle of every day life and feel on top of the world as you see it recreated in miniature. Thousands of miniature buildings, people and vehicles capture the essence of England's past, present and future. It's not just the humour, nor the animation - it has a life of its own. Come and see for yourself!

Website: www.babbacombemodelvillage.co.uk
Address: Hampton Avenue, Babbacombe Torquay, Devon TQ1 3LA
Telephone: +44 (0)1803 315315


Cockington Country Park  Just minutes away from the Grand Hotel is Torquay’s Hidden Valley. Cockington is a Doomesday Book traditional country estate, complete with manor house, church, formal gardens, village, water-wheel, woodlands, meadows and pasture. It is famous for its well-kept thatched cottages and pleasant environment, right on the edge of Torquay and only minutes away from the busy sea-front. It is also now becoming well-known as the home of quality craftsmanship with the rebirth of Cockington Court, the old manor house, as a Craft Centre. Here resident craftspeople produce high-quality craftwork from their studios. The Trust owns the freehold to the world-famous Cockington Village, including its thatched Forge and the Lutyens-designed Drum Inn.

From Scadson Woods, or from the seafront at Livermead, or even from the Ring Road, you can walk into Cockington and explore its 10 km/6 m long network of country footpaths and horse-riding routes.

It's a landscape full of surprises and views over Torbay, with wildlife and history to match. The Visitor Centre and Cockington Court have details of all the different activities to choose from such as guided walks and gardening courses. Much of the Cockington parkland is easily accessible in a wheelchair.

Website: www.countryside-trust.org.uk
Address: Cockington Court, Torquay Devon TQ2 6XA.
Telephone: +44 (0)1803 606035

Quaywest Water Park  Enjoy the WETTEST and WILDEST fun at the English Riviera's outdoor Waterpark. Choose from 8 different slides and flumes, to adults swimming pool and children's play area. Other attractions include Go-Karts, Amusements, Rides, Crazy Golf, Bumper Boats, Bars & Restaurants, Shops and Cafes.

Website: www.quaywest.co.uk
Address: Goodrington Sands, Paignton Devon TQ4 6LN
Telephone: +44 (0)1803 550034

 Palace Theatre, Palace Avenue, Paignton
A traditional Victorian Theatre, seating 403, situated in the heart of Paignton. The Palace is a true community theatre with a programme of local amateur entertainment and professional performances.

Website: www.torbay.gov.uk
Telephone: 07880 717003

Babbacombe Theatre, Babbacombe Downs, Torquay
A packed programme of traditional variety and lively shows with the longest running summer season in the UK. This is the stage that has launched many a variety career including Bruce Forsyth who says "The atmosphere in this place - you just can't beat it".

Website: www.babbacombe-theatre.com
Telephone: +44 (0)1803 322233

Princess Theatre, Torbay Road, Torquay
A large 1500 seat theatre with a year-long programme of professional large-scale productions. From West End musicals to concerts and a full summer season, the Princess offers something for everyone.

Website: www.princesstheatre.org.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)844 847 2315