Torquay Museum

Torquay Museum The Museum at the heart of Torbay English Riviera Global Geopark full of fascinating stories. Registered Charity No. 1025390.

Founded in 1845 Torquay Museum is Devon’s oldest established Museum. We have an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions, children's activities and events and an education service for schools. We are at the heart of the Torbay English Riviera Global Geopark. Our permanent exhibitions tell the fascinating story of Torbay's natural and cultural heritage. The Time Ark tells the story of our plane

t and the moments when earth-shattering changes took place, such as the great mountain building of the Carboniferous period and the huge swings in climate that took place in the Pleistocene, from tropical to arctic conditions and back. See amazing artefacts and fossils from Torquay's famous Kent's Cavern prehistoric caves, where our ancestors made their home as long as half a million years ago - Neanderthal tools, woolly mammoth teeth, cave bear skulls and the jawbone of what is thought to be the oldest human in north west Europe. Follow the incredible journeys made by Torquay's famous explorers, from the frozen wastes of the Antarctic to the depths of the Brazilian rain forest and come face-to-face with wonderful artifacts from ancient Egypt, including Devon's only Mummy. Why not visit our lovely café serving home cooked local produce. Our shop stocks an excellent range of quality gifts, cards and books, including an extensive stock of secondhand and new books by Agatha Christie.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE 90 MINUTES CAN MAKE…Yesterday was our first Friendly Faces 2026 session and these photos and videos sa...
29/08/2026

WHAT A DIFFERENCE 90 MINUTES CAN MAKE…

Yesterday was our first Friendly Faces 2026 session and these photos and videos say it all! ❤️

One parent summed it up beautifully: the children went in worried, with pale faces… and came out happy, laughing and having fun together.

And that’s exactly what Friendly Faces is all about. Starting secondary school is a BIG step, but walking through those gates already recognising a few faces can make that first day feel very different.

🎒 WE DO IT ALL AGAIN NEXT FRIDAY, 4th SEPTEMBER!

📌 Torquay Girls’ Grammar School
Cross, Beal & Jackson — 9.30–11am

📌 Torquay Girls’ Grammar School
Wilkinson, Robertson & Omanyo — 11.15am–12.45pm

📌 Churston Ferrers Grammar School
1.15–2.45pm

If your child is starting at one of these schools, give them the chance to meet some of their new classmates before that first day.

🎟️ Just £2.50 per child
📍 Torquay Museum

Take a look at yesterday’s fun 👇 and book their place for Friday.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/friendly-faces-2026-torquay-museum-tickets-1990861954699?utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0j47i653&fbclid=IwY2xjawT_rcBwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMFpHbTRKdUVhbk14ajNsaVNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeAuWqRp01xEGgET7hD1yM1esBm6uM_5NlzTtQBIcvAKyy_s_nBATLFAbo0c4_aem_ZLjD1PQoSopx13cyTGXjrA

Sometimes a Friendly Face is all it takes. 😊

Please SHARE with anyone you know who has a child starting at TGGS or Churston next week.

OBJECT OF THE WEEK: Hazel NutsThese hazel nuts, on display in our Ancestors gallery, were excavated in 1883 in a peat be...
28/08/2026

OBJECT OF THE WEEK: Hazel Nuts

These hazel nuts, on display in our Ancestors gallery, were excavated in 1883 in a peat bed in Torquay. Hazel nuts were a valuable food source for hunter-gatherers. They were easy to store, high in nutrition and the empty shells could be used a fuel for fires.

📌Torquay Boys Grammar School, St Cuthbert Mayne, Torquay Academy, and The Spires College tomorrow! Last chance to give y...
27/08/2026

📌Torquay Boys Grammar School, St Cuthbert Mayne, Torquay Academy, and The Spires College tomorrow!

Last chance to give your new Year 7 a Friendly Face before September.

Book now -
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/friendly-faces-2026-torquay-museum-tickets-1990861954699?utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0j47i653&fbclid=IwY2xjawT2gfpwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMElDWm85bkhQNEc2cVhwNVBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeTuieN4va_IF7LAz8_ziKOxAfpJvbA03jm4jkcXOULXjnZlqLF4j2C1Zdjzw_aem_VVV2e-yB0MsDs9kFlqK_Lg

As it’s National Dog Day and the summer holidays are still in full swing, we thought we’d combine the two with this deli...
26/08/2026

As it’s National Dog Day and the summer holidays are still in full swing, we thought we’d combine the two with this delightful photograph from our collections. Here, elegantly dressed Victorian ladies and a gentleman relax on Oddicombe Beach, Torquay, accompanied by their charming canine companion. A wonderfully stylish seaside scene from days gone by.

A new edition of Agatha Christie’s ‘They Came to Baghdad’ is now available in our gift shop. We also have the brand new ...
25/08/2026

A new edition of Agatha Christie’s ‘They Came to Baghdad’ is now available in our gift shop. We also have the brand new 2027 Agatha Christie calendars in stock!

🎒 Do you know ONE family with a child starting Yr7? Please send this to them.In a few short days your child will be gett...
23/08/2026

🎒 Do you know ONE family with a child starting Yr7? Please send this to them.

In a few short days your child will be getting ready for their first days at secondary school.
New school. New routines. New teachers. And a LOT of new faces.
But what if a few of those faces weren’t new anymore? 😊

Friendly Faces at Torquay Museum gives children starting Yr7 the chance to meet some of their new classmates before that first day - through games, fun and absolutely no pressure.

Sometimes simply recognising someone across the room can make a big school feel a whole lot smaller.

📅 Friday 28th August & Friday 4th September (check session times in the link)
📍 Torquay Museum
🎟️ £2.50 per child

Starting Yr7? Come and find some Friendly Faces. 👇
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/friendly-faces-2026-torquay-museum-tickets-1990861954699?utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0j47i653&fbclid=IwY2xjawT2ijBwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMElDWm85bkhQNEc2cVhwNVBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeX1IOo6xwGPSPkE2ItGopfB56oOuEAuITmwEcUJesgupk4wqqxkbiLecU0fY_aem_3ths8ecsP6GDytrUbx7fPA

And please share with any Yr6 into Yr7 families you know. 💙

In the 1860s the Thomas family set up a tea shop on the beach at Anstey's Cove. It provided teas and other delights whic...
23/08/2026

In the 1860s the Thomas family set up a tea shop on the beach at Anstey's Cove. It provided teas and other delights which were advertised in Latin (for the amusement of their rich clientele) on the notice board. In this photo, dating from 1886, you can see two men and a charming dog standing below the notice board, which translated reads:

Picnics supplied with hot water and tea

At a nice little house down by the sea

Fresh crabs and lobsters every day

Salmon Peel, sometimes Red Mullet and Grey

The neatest of pleasure boats let out on hire

Fishing tackle as good as you can desire

Bathing machines for ladies are kept

With towels and gowns all quite correct

Thomas is the man who provides everything

And also teaches young people to swim

The sign in the photo is now in our in social history collection.

Visitor announcement! Due to unforeseen circumstances we have had to close the Museum early today. Normal opening hours ...
23/08/2026

Visitor announcement! Due to unforeseen circumstances we have had to close the Museum early today. Normal opening hours will resume on Tuesday. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

🚨 STARTING YR7 TBGS? PLEASE SHARE! 🚨Imagine walking through the gates on your very first day at secondary school… and sp...
22/08/2026

🚨 STARTING YR7 TBGS? PLEASE SHARE! 🚨

Imagine walking through the gates on your very first day at secondary school… and spotting someone you already know. 😊

That’s exactly why Friendly Faces exists!

If your child is starting Torquay Boys’ Grammar School this September, join us at Torquay Museum next Friday, 28th August for a relaxed, fun session with other children who’ll be starting TBGS too.

No pressure. No awkward introductions. Just games, laughter and the chance to turn a few unfamiliar faces into Friendly Faces before that BIG first day.

For a child feeling even slightly nervous about starting secondary school, it could make all the difference. 💙

🎒 TBGS Friendly Faces
📅 Friday 28th August (check out the times in the link)
📍 Torquay Museum
🎟️ Just £2.50 per child

Know a family with a child starting TBGS? Please TAG them or SHARE this post with them. We’d love as many new starters as possible to have this opportunity.

👇 Book your place below
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/friendly-faces-2026-torquay-museum-tickets-1990861954699?utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0j47i653&fbclid=IwY2xjawT2gfpwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMElDWm85bkhQNEc2cVhwNVBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeTuieN4va_IF7LAz8_ziKOxAfpJvbA03jm4jkcXOULXjnZlqLF4j2C1Zdjzw_aem_VVV2e-yB0MsDs9kFlqK_Lg

Jane Powell 11+ Tutoring and Exams

There is only one week to go to see our Torbay Tracks exhibition. 🚂To send this exhibition off in style we are having a ...
22/08/2026

There is only one week to go to see our Torbay Tracks exhibition. 🚂
To send this exhibition off in style we are having a sale on train themed toys and books in our gift shop! Only while stocks last.

Address

529 Babbacombe Road
Torquay
TQ11HG

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4:45pm
Wednesday 10am - 4:45pm
Thursday 10am - 4:45pm
Friday 10am - 4:45pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+441803293975

Website

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