08/01/2024
Wonderful wintery view from the front of the abbey this morning ๐
Torre Abbey
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- Torre Abbey
Award winning museum of history, art, gardens and events venue in the heart of the English Riviera Est.
(98)
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 exhibitions, events and activities across visual arts, history and live performance. Our stunning wall
ed 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.
07/01/2024
This year take the windows of opportunity that come your way! ๐ช
06/01/2024
As we start the new year we wanted to ask is there anything that you would like to see again or do you have any new ideas for Torre Abbey this year?
Last year alongside our exhibitions we also held;
๐ฐ A Sandcastle Competition
๐งธ Teddy Bear Picnic's
๐ญ Outdoor Theatre
๐ช Summer Fair
๐ Halloween
โ๏ธ Winter Fest
๐
Father Christmas
๐ Wreath Making Workshops
๐ต Carol Concert
The season of giving is not yet over... Please give us your feedback ๐
05/01/2024
When the Abbey's closed to visitors but you catch this in the corner of your eye!
Halloween has been and gone thank you! No more scares please ๐ป
This wonderfully painted manakin by Emma Fay was part of the autumn exhibition Remedies, Reasons and Resilience. Pre warning for those who jump easily this piece now stands guard near our lift.
03/01/2024
Torre Abbey is closed until Tuesday 16th January.
During this time our team will be performing meticulous cleans and preservation work on our fantastic collection along side additional touch ups, deep cleans and maintenance of the general building.
๐๏ธ ๐ชฃ ๐งฝ
02/01/2024
This incredible painting by Frederick Daniel Hardy (1827โ1911) titled 'An Anxious Time' perfectly depicts how I have been today whilst staring out the Torre Abbey office window looking at Storm Henk. โ๏ธ
We hope you have all stayed safe today!
01/01/2024
And so it begins, a new year is here, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written!
We wish you all the best for 2024 and look forward to seeing you along the way!
๐๏ธ The painting is of Lady Frances Layland-Barratt (1864โ1953) who lived at the Manor House on the slopes above Hesketh Crescent, Torquay. She was a great supporter of the old Torquay Hospital, and assisted the campaign for its replacement.
๐งโ๐จ Painted by Prinsep, a versatile artist and playwright, who was influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites. Born in Calcutta, he lived in Paris and London.
31/12/2023
๐ Happy New Year from Torre Abbey! ๐ฅณ
As we bid farewell to 2023, we can't help but reflect on the incredible memories and moments we've shared with all of you. From exploring our historic halls, witnessing outstanding exhibitions to celebrating sensational seasonal events (Summer Fair, Halloween, Winter Fest) and attending wonderful workshops, our journey together has been amazing. ๐ซ
We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has visited, supported, and celebrated Torre Abbey throughout the year. Your unwavering love for art, culture, and local heritage has made our mission even more rewarding.
As always a new year holds endless possibilities, and we're excited to embark on this new adventure with you all! ๐
Cheers to a brilliant Year! Here's to an even better one to come! ๐ฅโจ
#2024
29/12/2023
Fantastic photos of a Hummingbird Hawkmoth taken in our gardens.๐ฆ
๐ธ Photo Credit: Chris Proctor
28/12/2023
Weddings at Torre Abbey ๐ ๐ค
https://www.torre-abbey.org.uk/media/1621/20021_ta_weddings_brochure.pdf
With the festive period being the most popular time for wedding proposals, we'd thought you ought to know that we offer 4 fantastic wedding venue options from ceremonies to full day wedding experiences.
DM us to arrange you tour!
27/12/2023
Back by popular demand.....
๐ Spot the Squirrels ๐ฟ๏ธ
26/12/2023
We hope you had a wonderful Christmas Day!
Here's a few more of our fabulous wreaths made by those attending our workshops last week!
We'd love to see pictures of them hanging on your doors !
25/12/2023
The fondest memories are made gathered around the table! ๐ฝ๏ธ
Wishing you all a festive season filled with love, laughter, and holiday cheer!
From all of us at Torre Abbey, we hope your Christmas is merry and bright. ๐โ๏ธ๐
Merry Christmas you all! ๐โค๏ธโจ
24/12/2023
Have you finished all your wrapping yet? ๐
Tonight's the last night to get it done, you can do it! ๐ช
Our Torre Abbey team have been busy this week wrapping and packing some of our collection. We have also packed and protected our altar in readiness for the internal chapel scaffolding, which will enable investigative work to take place.
23/12/2023
Festive Throw back to our Abbey Advent windows created in 2020. ๐
A new window was revealed each night. ๐ช
Shall we bring this back next year?
22/12/2023
๐ Torre Abbey is now closed for the Christmas holidays and the first two weeks of January, to allow for maintenance and a deep clean.
Thank you to all who passed through our doors this year.
We reopen Tuesday 16 January 2024 at 10:00am.
We look forward to seeing you all in the New Year!
21/12/2023
Our Father and Mother Christmas set up was so special this year, we have kept it up in the under croft as part of our festive decorations! ๐
๐คถ
It was magical to have them at the Abbey, we wish them both good luck for their very busy weekend ahead.. Ho Ho Ho!๐ฆ ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ท ๐
20/12/2023
๐ Wreath Making Workshop!๐ฟ
It was lovely to see so many enjoying the activity yesterday, using greenery from our very own gardens to make wonderfully festive wreaths!
The groups enthusiasm and warmth... helped to heat up a very cold Spanish barn! ๐ฅถ
๐ ๐ โค๏ธ
19/12/2023
No matter the weather outside our Glass House always manages to brighten our day! ๐ด
If you need a tropical uplift its the perfect place to hide from the rain and cold ๐ฆ๏ธ
18/12/2023
โจ Our Christmas Carol Concert was truly magical! โจ
๐ We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in making this event a tremendous success and all of those who attended.
๐ถ Thank you to our wonderful 'Torre Abbey Singers', who filled the air with their angelic voices and brought the joy of the season to life!
๐ We were honestly overwhelmed with the community coming together, filling the spacing barn, with over 250 people in attendance. Your enthusiastic presence and support truly made the evening special.
๐ Also a huge thanks to Signature Blue - Shepherd Huts for suppling their wonderful portable toilets free of charge!
๐ To mirror the final song.. We wish you a Merry Christmas!
17/12/2023
Restoration project partners Corbel taking some of our top floor window frames in order to restore parts of the window frame and replace cracked panes.
๐ช ๐ ๏ธ ๐ท๐ผโโ๏ธ
16/12/2023
The stage is set, โค๏ธ
Join us tonight, for a celebration of the festive season. and help us to fill the Spanish Barn with holiday spirit โจ
Our Torre Abbey singers will deliver 2x 40 minute performances covering classic Christmas carols and festive songs
โค๏ธ FREE to Attend
๐
Saturday 16 December
โฐ 6:00 - 7:30pm
๐ Torre Abbey, Spanish Barn
โ Hot Drinks and festive treats on offer
๐งฃ Warp up warm!
15/12/2023
Torre Abbey will open at 12:30 tomorrow, as our staff will be working later in order to support our Christmas Carols concert.
Don't forget to join us!
Our Torre Abbey singers will deliver 2x 40 minute performances covering classic Christmas carols and festive songs, with some sing along options too. ๐ต
โค๏ธ FREE to Attend
๐
Saturday 16 December
โฐ 6:00 - 7:30pm
๐ Torre Abbey, Spanish Barn
โ Hot Drinks and festive treats on offer
So, whether you're a seasoned caroller or just love getting into the Christmas spirit, we will welcome you with open arms!
13/12/2023
Scaffolding Success โ
Our first scaffolding tours were conducted today and it was a real treat to show those who attended a behind the scene view of the important restoration and conservation work being undertaking by our talented partners.
We hope to offer more tours in the new year!
๐ทโโ๏ธ
13/12/2023
We had a wonderfully festive time yesterday Willow Star Making with Vik Westaway Art
โญ ๐ โญ
12/12/2023
I was joined during my lunch break yesterday by a very curious group.
๐ How many squirrels can you spot?? ๐ฟ๏ธ
11/12/2023
๐งฑ More photos from our current Gate House restoration work. The embrasures are being put back on the parapet.
Learn more about the works going see our restoration project webpage here โคต๏ธ
https://www.torre-abbey.org.uk/about/restoration-project/
Or if you want to get up close and person there are 3 spaces left on our Scaffolding tour this Wednesday.
๐ทโโ๏ธ https://www.torre-abbey.org.uk/whats-on/scaffolding-tour-restoration-project-behind-the-scenes/
10/12/2023
๐ Need a present idea?
How about our 1196 Membership.
Our giftshop now has 1196 membership vouchers that can be purchased and gifted.
The 1196 Club is ยฃ23.50 per adult or ยฃ33 per couple.
Members can enjoyโฆ
โ Unlimited free admission to the Abbey, gardens and all exhibitions
โSpecial 1196 Club events, private views, talks, tours and free entry to Winterfest.
โ10% discount in our shop, cafรฉ and offers on selected workshops/events
โRegular e-newsletters from the Abbey
https://www.torre-abbey.org.uk/more/1196-club/
09/12/2023
๐ซ When there's a tea, there's hope ๐ต - Sir Arthur Pinero
What a delightful Afternoon Tea and Tour we had on Thursday!
Thank you to Terracotta Catering & Event Services for the spectacular spread and all those who attended.
๐ง ๐ฐ ๐ฅช
08/12/2023
๐ข Last call to join Vik Westaway Art next week for a Willow Star Making Workshop โญ
Learn how to make your very own willow star to decorate your home or garden. ๐
Tools, materials and festive refreshments included....and of course festive songs to keep those spirits high!
Held in the Spanish Barn so wrap up warm!
๐๏ธ 12 December
โฐ 10:00 - 12:30
https://www.torre-abbey.org.uk/whats-on/willow-star-making-workshop/
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 |
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Videos
Fantastic video from one of our visitors braving our The Abbey After Dark event last night! Happy Halloween to you all!
The Abbey After Dark! Easily Scared? ... Look away now! ๐ป We asked our suppliers Future Technical Solutions for a sample of the scary projections being used this week. They sent us this ๐ค Even we are scared! ๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ฑ All of our 5:30pm - 7:00pm slots are SOLD OUT but there's still space in the gardens (7:15 - 8:30pm) when its really dark and more spooky - reccomended for your older Halloween enthusiasts (aged 8+) https://www.torre-abbey.org.uk/whats-on/halloween-the-abbey-after-dark/ ID: This video shows black and white visual projections of scary halloween images - a ghoast family, a drumming skelton, a creepy monster, crawling bugs, skelton arms reaching out of holes and a witch flying over the moon. The wording is in black text on a grey background reads - "FTS Films, based on true events, on the scariest night of the year, The Spooky Gardens of Torre Abbey After Dark." Video created by FTS.
Sorry its late! Summer Fair Riddle Trail - Prize Draw Drum Roll ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐Winners๐ ๐ฅClare Berry - Paddington Bear teddy and an Annual Family Pass ๐ฅ - Laura Bateman - An Annual Family Pass Winners will be emailed.
Magical Mornings
Autumn Sunshine in the gardens ๐งก โ๏ธ ๐ Hear the birds sing as the plants sway, and take time to unwind in our gardens today.
Torre Abbey Restoration Project
Listen to Hol from Oakford Archaeology to learn more about our recent finding and the uncovered window in our gatehouse. Isn't history fascinating! ๐ฎ
440 Theatre closing the show - Macbeth & Romero and Juliet; Comedy Double Bill
We are still laughing after 440 Theatre's production this month! Here's the troop closing the show after their Macbeth performance. ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ ๐ซ โ๏ธ
We spotted a little friend in the garden this morning ๐ฆ
Twelfth Night - Dukes Theatre Company
Wow we can't wait!! Do not miss your chance to experience a timeless tale in the enchanting setting of Torre Abbey's garden. Book your tickets now and join us for an evening of Shakespearean magic you'll never forget. Twelfth Night - The Dukeโs Theatre Company #theate #outdoortheatre #shakespeare #devon #myriviera
Explore Torre Abbey
And Action ๐ฅ Take a tour and explore Torre Abbey, Torquay's hidden treasure ๐ #TorreAbbey #Myriviera #devon #Torquay #holiday #explore # museum
Around the Bay in 80 seconds
Torre Abbey are part of the English Riviera Attractions group, 18 local attractions working together to promote the English Riviera. ๐ด Check out our latest collaboration to celebrate 'Days Out' in the English Riviera. There is so much to do! #Englishriviera #myriviera #torreabbey #devon
Sensing The Unseen Pt 2
Time is running out to see Sensing the Unseen. Only two weeks left to visit and discover a new way of looking at art!
Sensing the Unseen at Torre Abbey Pt 1
If you haven't been to Sensing the Unseen yet, what are you waiting for? Open Tuesday to Sunday until the 19th February.
Sensing the Unseen
Now is the perfect time to visit our Sensing the Unseen exhibition on loan from the National Gallery. Taking place in the sunning Spanish Barn, Time Out called it "A Christmas miracle!" Find out more and book tickets ๐ https://orlo.uk/xnkh2
Sensing the Unseen
This Christmas, you are invited to step into the nativity scene created by sixteenth-century Flemish artist Jan Gossaert in impressive 4D, through soundscapes, spoken word and hi-resolution digital imagery. Designed and produced by the National Gallery in London, the innovative and ground-breaking exhibition will be installed in the historic and atmospheric setting of the Spanish Barn. This is the only venue in the southwest that the exhibition is currently visiting. Timed slots (six people at a time) are included into your ticket to the Abbey or ยฃ4.50 for 1196 Club Members. https://orlo.uk/ZynmV #englishriviera #torbayculture
People are really loving the Sensing the Unseen exhibition in the Spanish Barn at the moment. On loan from the National Gallery, it allows you to explore a magical Christmas nativity scene in impressive 4D, through soundscapes, spoken word and hi-resolution digital imagery. Find out more and book tickets ๐ https://www.torre-abbey.org.uk/whats-on/sensing-the-unseen-step-into-gossaert-s-adoration-exhibition/
