Torre Abbey

Torre Abbey Award winning museum of history, art, gardens and events venue in the heart of the English Riviera. Est.
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Proud partner of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark - One of Earths Extraordinary Places. in 1196, Torre Abbey is a museum of history and art housed in an Ancient Scheduled Monument on the beautiful South Devon coast. Based in Torquay on the English Riviera, this family-friendly Torbay Council owned museum and gardens is a centre for creativity and culture with a seasonal programme of exhib

itions, events and activities across visual arts, history and live performance. Our stunning walled gardens and palm house are a haven of tranquillity and wonderful to visit throughout the year. Join our 1196 Club for unlimited entry throughout the year and invites to exclusive events.

🎨 Could you capture Torre Abbey in just four hours?Join us for a weekend of outdoor creativity as the historic grounds o...
02/09/2026

🎨 Could you capture Torre Abbey in just four hours?

Join us for a weekend of outdoor creativity as the historic grounds of Torre Abbey host Torbay's first open-air painting competition.

Open to artists of all ages, abilities and mediums, the challenge is simple: create a brand-new artwork inspired by Torre Abbey and its surroundings within a strict four-hour window.

🖌️ Open to all mediums 🏆 Cash prizes to be won 🎨 Categories including themed awards and Under 18s 🌿 Paint on location in the heart of the English Riviera

Whether you're an experienced artist or looking to challenge yourself, we'd love to see what you create.

🎟️ FREE Entry to Torre Abbey - Sunday 6 September

👉 Full details and entry information: https://orlo.uk/MJDHq

⚠️ Final week!Art on Your Doorstep closes on Sunday 6 September. Don't miss your chance to explore 30 life-sized Nationa...
01/09/2026

⚠️ Final week!

Art on Your Doorstep closes on Sunday 6 September. Don't miss your chance to explore 30 life-sized National Gallery masterpieces displayed along Torquay's stunning seafront.

Whether you've followed the whole trail or are yet to discover it, now is the perfect time to experience this free outdoor exhibition before it leaves Torbay.

📸 Tag us in your favourite artwork photos below! 👇

🎨 The Great Torre Abbey Paint Out !Join us for a weekend celebrating creativity, community, and the stunning Torbay coas...
31/08/2026

🎨 The Great Torre Abbey Paint Out !

Join us for a weekend celebrating creativity, community, and the stunning Torbay coastline.

On Saturday 5 September, follow the Artist Trail between Torre Abbey and Torquay Pavilion, where ten professional artists will be painting live and capturing some of the Bay's most iconic views.

On Sunday 6 September, take part in our Mass Paint Out on Torre Abbey's Upper Meadow or enter Torbay's first Plein Air Art Competition, with cash prizes, professional judges and youth categories.

Whether you're an experienced artist, an aspiring creative, or simply looking for a great day out, there's something for everyone.

📅 5-6 September
📍 Torre Abbey & Torquay Seafront

Find out more: https://orlo.uk/81wEN

Weekend Highlights

🎨 Artist Trail
Saturday 5 September | 10:30am-4pm
Watch ten professional artists at work between Torre Abbey and Torquay Pavilion.


🖌️ Mass Paint Out
Sunday 6 September | 10am-4pm
A fun, community painting event on Torre Abbey's Upper Meadow. Suitable for all ages and abilities.

🏆 Plein Air Art Competition
Sunday 6 September | 10am-5pm
Put your skills to the test in Torbay's first outdoor painting competition. Cash prizes, professional judges and youth categories.

🎟️ FREE ENTRY to Torre Abbey on Sunday - 6 September

Presented by Torre Abbey, Torquay Pavilion Creative Engagement Group and Artizan Collective.

📖✨ Every Wednesday morning, our wonderful volunteer Julie helps our custodians audit objects from Torre Abbey's collecti...
30/08/2026

📖✨ Every Wednesday morning, our wonderful volunteer Julie helps our custodians audit objects from Torre Abbey's collection.

While reviewing items in storage with our custodians, the team came across this remarkable little booklet, gifted to Mrs Cary by Elisa S O'Ferrall in 1834.

Filled with sketches, paintings and notes on the history of Torre Abbey, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the Abbey's past and the people connected to it.

Isn't it lovely? ❤️

📜 Thursday Guided Tours are Back!From Canons to Carys, step into 800 years of history and discover the remarkable storie...
29/08/2026

📜 Thursday Guided Tours are Back!

From Canons to Carys, step into 800 years of history and discover the remarkable stories that have shaped Torre Abbey.

Join our expert house guide, John Melsher, every Thursday for a fascinating journey through the Abbey's past, from its origins as a medieval monastery to the gallery and museum you see today.

🕰️ Tour times: • 10:30am • 12:00pm • 1:30pm • 3:00pm

✅ Included with Abbey admission

🖼️ Have you completed the trail yet?From Van Gogh's Sunflowers to Monet's Water-Lily Pond, Art on Your Doorstep has brou...
28/08/2026

🖼️ Have you completed the trail yet?

From Van Gogh's Sunflowers to Monet's Water-Lily Pond, Art on Your Doorstep has brought 30 National Gallery masterpieces to Torquay's waterfront.

The exhibition closes on Sunday 6 September, so now's the time to take one last stroll and discover world-famous art in the heart of the English Riviera.

✨ Free to enjoy
📍 Torre Abbey to Torquay Harbour
📅 Ends 6 September

🌸 Nature Craft Drop-In: Letter Writing & Paper Making 🌸Step back in time for a creative morning inspired by nature, stor...
27/08/2026

🌸 Nature Craft Drop-In: Letter Writing & Paper Making 🌸

Step back in time for a creative morning inspired by nature, storytelling and the art of handwritten correspondence.

Using petals, leaves and botanical treasures gathered from the Abbey gardens, you'll create your very own handmade paper. While your paper dries, take inspiration from our summer exhibition Stay a While Longer… and discover the beauty of writing with quill and ink.

🕥 10:30am to 1pm
📍 Torre Abbey Learning Lab
📅 1 September
💷 £2.50 suggested donation
🎨 Suitable for all ages

Simply drop in any time before 12:30pm and have a go.

🌿 No booking required

🌸

Our colour-hunting adventure continues, and this time we're celebrating the vibrant shades of orange 🧡
26/08/2026

Our colour-hunting adventure continues, and this time we're celebrating the vibrant shades of orange 🧡

🎨 The Great Torre Abbey Paint Out !Join us for a weekend celebrating creativity, community, and the stunning Torbay coas...
24/08/2026

🎨 The Great Torre Abbey Paint Out !

Join us for a weekend celebrating creativity, community, and the stunning Torbay coastline.

On Saturday 5 September, follow the Artist Trail between Torre Abbey and Torquay Pavilion, where ten professional artists will be painting live and capturing some of the Bay's most iconic views.

On Sunday 6 September, take part in our Mass Paint Out on Torre Abbey's Upper Meadow or enter Torbay's first Plein Air Art Competition, with cash prizes, professional judges and youth categories.

Whether you're an experienced artist, an aspiring creative, or simply looking for a great day out, there's something for everyone.

📅 5-6 September
📍 Torre Abbey & Torquay Seafront

Find out more: https://orlo.uk/TKQjB

Weekend Highlights

🎨 Artist Trail
Saturday 5 September | 10:30am-4pm
Watch ten professional artists at work between Torre Abbey and Torquay Pavilion.


🖌️ Mass Paint Out
Sunday 6 September | 10am-4pm
A fun, community painting event on Torre Abbey's Upper Meadow. Suitable for all ages and abilities.

🏆 Plein Air Art Competition
Sunday 6 September | 10am-5pm
Put your skills to the test in Torbay's first outdoor painting competition. Cash prizes, professional judges and youth categories.

Presented by Torre Abbey, Torquay Pavilion Creative Engagement Group and Artizan Collective.

Wow, wow, wow! ✨ Thank you to everyone who made our Summer Fair so special! ❤️ We want to say a huge thank you to our st...
24/08/2026

Wow, wow, wow! ✨

Thank you to everyone who made our Summer Fair so special! ❤️

We want to say a huge thank you to our staff, traders, exhibitors, caterers, and entertainers for making the day possible. And thank you to everyone who joined us. The atmosphere, community spirit, and fantastic weather made it a day to remember.

With around 5,000 visitors joining us throughout the day, we hope you enjoyed it just as much as we did. Remember, Torre Abbey is here for everyone, and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon!

Address

The King's Drive
Torquay
TQ25JE

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+441803293593

Website

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