The Western Lady has been operating a fine ferry service between Brixham & Torquay for over 75 years.
The 30 minute ferry ride across the Bay to Brixham and returning to Torquay is a stress-free delightful way to view Torbay from the sea, especially when the sun is shining!
Hello shipmates! For over 60 years the Lane family and their crew have operated pleasure and fishing boats in Torbay and on the River Dart.
Paignton Pleasure Cruises and Ferries aim to give all a memorable experience on the water with a wealth of knowledge about the bay, its coves, landmarks, history and wildlife. We are glad to pass on this interesting information about Torbay to all our passengers, young and old.
We can accommodate various requirements utilising our comprehensive fleet of boats and vessels. From Ferries, Fishing Trips, Parties, Events, Cruises, Wildlife Spotting, Filming, Surveys, School Trips, Towage and Salvage. Whatever the reason for hiring one of our boats we can accommodate you, your friends and colleagues. We also run regular ferries across Torbay on the hour from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
The Princess Theatre is South Devon’s largest regional theatre, showcasing the best West End and touring productions from across the UK. The theatre offers a wide and varied programme all year round, including first class comedy, musicals, dance, music and children’s shows. The Princess Theatre is less than ten minute's walk from Kethla House.
Less than five minutes' walk from Kethla House - imagine the silent prayers of the Abbey's medieval "White Canons". Picture the opulent lifestyle of the Cary family who transformed the Abbey into a fine country home. Visit Torre Abbey and step back in time to explore the lives of all who lived here for over 820 at the heart of the English Riviera. Enjoy our impressive permanent art collection and lively programme of contemporary arts events. Visit our beautiful gardens, and whatever the weather, you can be transported to exotic climes in our Palm and Cactus Houses. There is even the odd mysteries to be solved!
With over 2,000 animals across 80 acres you're in for a really wild time at Paignton Zoo. Located in Devon, Paignton Zoo is one of the South West's most exciting visitor attractions. It's a place to roam, discover and get in touch with your inner animal. Get up close to some of the animal wonders of the world across our specially designed habitats - from the savannah to the wetlands and the tropical forest. Run wild in our play areas or hop aboard our unique Jungle Express train to get even closer to the action. We're also registered charity and part of a worldwide network of zoos which cares for and breeds rare species thanks to visitors who help fund the work. Come rain or shine Paignton Zoo is a fun filled day out for all the family, and you'll need all day to see it all.
The only attraction in Devon that lets you enjoy the delights of Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Dartmouth and the River Dart, Kingswear and Totnes on your day out!
Dartmouth Steam Railway steam trains travel seven miles along the South Devon coast and into the Dart Valley to the beautiful village of Kingswear which sits opposite the pretty Port of Dartmouth. Dartmouth River Boats operate on the River Dart offering scheduled services on selected dates to the historic town of Totnes (nine miles upriver) and c.55min circular river cruises operate daily.
Our famous Round Robin is an award-winning full day excursion - a steam train journey, ferry crossing, river cruise and bus ride. This ticket is a favourite with all ages where you can just sit back and enjoy the scenery. There are many different options available each day so you can choose the itinerary that suits you best, spending time exploring the towns along the way.
At the country home of the D'Oyly Carte family you can travel back in time to the Jazz Age.
This most evocative of country homes was built in the Arts & Crafts style, and is imbued with Art Deco elegance. A light, joyful atmosphere fills the rooms, and music plays, echoing the family's Gilbert and Sullivan connections. You can get an insight into 1920s life 'upstairs and downstairs' from the glamorous Saloon and the airy servants' rooms.
In the RHS accredited garden viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea, paths weave through glades past tranquil ponds, and tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand thrive in the moist and sheltered valley.
This relaxed and atmospheric house is set in the 1950s, when Agatha and her family would spend summers and Christmases here with friends, relaxing by the river, playing croquet and clock golf, and reading her latest mystery to their guests. The family were great collectors, and the house is filled with an important and varied collection of ceramics, Tunbridgeware, silver, and books, including first editions of her novels. It is also home to archaeological artefacts acquired in the Middle East where Agatha accompanied her husband, archaeologist Max Mallowan on excavations. In the library a frieze was painted in 1944 when the house was requisitioned by the US Coastguards as part of the preparations for D-Day.
The Georgian house you see today was built in the late 18th century for a successful sea merchant, but there has been a house on this site for over 400 years. In the 16th century a Tudor mansion called Greenway Court was built for the Gilbert family who were leading soldiers and seafarers, who also received patents to establish colonies in Ireland, Newfoundland and Maine.
In the garden a large and romantic woodland drifts down the hillside towards the Dart estuary. The walled gardens are home to a restored peach house and vinery, as well as an allotment cared for by local school children. A visit to Greenway isn't complete without seeing the Boathouse, scene of the crime in 'Dead Man’s Folly', and the battery complete with cannon.
Many villages lay claim to being "picturesque", but the village of Cockington is the real deal. Take a walk back in time along Cockington's narrow lanes, lined with thatched houses with their colour washed walls of stone and cobb, You'll experience a quiet charm that is a quintessentially English with its manor house, cricket ground, thatched pub, cream teas and craft shops.
Kents Cavern is one of the most important Stone Age cave sites in Europe, making it Britain's premier prehistoric cave.For thousands of years the cave was home to ancient humans, sheltering from extreme weather, making fires, shaping stone tools and hunting wild Ice Age predators.You will be taken back to these ancient times as you walk through the extensive labyrinth of caverns surrounded by spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations.The caves are open every day for guided tours, led by entertaining guides, concluding in an underground exhibition chamber.Outside there is plenty to entertain the family with a Stone Age woodland trail, indoor kids-archaeological dig area and hands-on cave art areas.The attraction has a superb gift shop, excellent restaurant and relaxing gardens.These beautiful caves have many awards for quality tourism, they are a protected national monument and a major visitor centre for the UNESCO endorsed English Riviera Global Geopark.
A valuable asset to the English Riviera the Babbacombe Theatre in Torquay, is renowned for wowing audiences with their highly acclaimed family variety shows, performed with professional casts, throughout the year. ‘Fabulous’ is the word most used in reviews on TripAdvisor, Google and the venues social media pages for their annual seasonal shows. For details about all the shows programmed at one of Devon’s top theatres (as rated by TripAdvisor), please refer to the venues website. The theatre has access for wheelchair users with an accessible toilet, wheelchair spaces & Loop System.
Sea Kayak Torbay is a specialist adventure operator in Geology and Wildlife tours throughout the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark. Backed by more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, Kieran is now heading up a team of coaches to develop a new era of Watersports in Babbacombe Bay, Torquay, Devon. We still deliver mobile tours to other sheltered locations in the Bay, but we know those of you new and returning, will also fall in love with Babbacombe. Whether you’re looking to learn a new paddle sport or just planning an unforgettable family day out, we’ve got something for everyone.
Splashdown Waterpark at Quaywest is perfectly situated right next to Goodrington beach near Paignton. With twisting tyre rides, slippery waterslides, it is the essential addition to your seaside day out, summer staycation or family holiday.
Feel like a giant as you step through the small entrance and the vast miniature world opens up before you. Explore 4 acres of award-winning gardens showcasing hundreds of uniquely hand-crafted model scenes, vehicles & people.
The Model Village portrays a generic version of Britain through the decades with some well-known landmarks. There's many hidden puns, fun scenes and lots of humour for all to enjoy.
Adults will also appreciate the work and craftsmanship that goes into making and maintaining the models, each costing thousands of pounds to create, ensuring the high quality standards our visitors expect. Children enjoy finding spotter sheet characters and all the quirky fun scenes.
Will give you a real insight into the history of the English Riviera - both modern & prehistoric. It also holds the country's only permanent Agatha Christie Gallery.