
Torre Abbey Gardens and Meadows
Explore a 12th-century abbey, art collections, and 7-acre gardens including a unique poison garden.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

Torre Abbey Gardens and Meadows
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a 12th-century abbey, art collections, and 7-acre gardens including a unique poison garden.
"Absolutely loved our visit to Torre Abbey! The whole place has such a unique mix of history, art, and odd charm."

⏳ Allow ample time
You can easily spend a few hours exploring the abbey and its extensive gardens. Don't rush!
🌿 Discover the Poison Garden
This unique garden is a highlight, offering a fascinating and slightly eerie experience.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Poison Garden
Torre Abbey Gardens
A uniquely eerie and fascinating garden filled with deadly plants. A must-see for its surprising and educational displays.
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Art and Antiques Collection
Torre Abbey Interior
Explore a curated mix of historic and contemporary art, plus fascinating antiques, spread across multiple floors.

The Palm House
Torre Abbey Gardens
A beautiful glasshouse within the gardens, offering a tropical escape and a vibrant display of plant life.

Historic Abbey Architecture
Torre Abbey Interior
Wander through a 12th-century medieval abbey, discovering its rich history and architectural details.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Embrace the Gardens and History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Allow ample time
You can easily spend a few hours exploring the abbey and its extensive gardens. Don't rush!
🌿 Discover the Poison Garden
This unique garden is a highlight, offering a fascinating and slightly eerie experience.
☕ Enjoy the onsite cafe
Grab a coffee or light bite at the cafe, which also sells lovely handmade pieces and plants.
♿ Accessible facilities
The site has a cafe, toilets, and a lift, making it accessible for most visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow ample time
You can easily spend a few hours exploring the abbey and its extensive gardens. Don't rush!
🌿 Discover the Poison Garden
This unique garden is a highlight, offering a fascinating and slightly eerie experience.
☕ Enjoy the onsite cafe
Grab a coffee or light bite at the cafe, which also sells lovely handmade pieces and plants.
♿ Accessible facilities
The site has a cafe, toilets, and a lift, making it accessible for most visitors.
📸 Capture the beauty
The gardens offer stunning scenery, especially when flowers are in bloom.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Torre Abbey as a 'hidden gem' in Torquay, highlighting its unique blend of history, art, and captivating gardens. The Poison Garden and the curated art collections are frequently mentioned as standout features. While generally well-received, some may find the historical depth requires a dedicated interest to fully appreciate.
"Hidden gem in Torquay, I was looking up things to do near by our hotel (premier inn on the seafront) and this was basically right next door so decided to visit.
Beautiful building with an interesting history and so many interesting art pieces and places to explore. Was pretty reasonably priced to get in, especially considering how much there was to explore.
Giftshop was also lovely with some lovely handmade pieces and plants available to buy that they grew on site :)"
Gemma Turley
"Hidden gem in Torquay — don’t miss it!
Absolutely loved our visit to Torre Abbey! The whole place has such a unique mix of history, art, and odd charm.
The poison garden was a total highlight — eerie, fascinating, and full of surprises. You don’t often see that in historic sites. We ended up spending way longer there than expected, reading all the signs and spotting deadly plants!
The art gallery upstairs was another treat — a great mix of historic and contemporary pieces, all beautifully displayed. It feels like a proper cultural space, not just an afterthought.
Friendly staff, peaceful atmosphere, and lots of quiet corners to explore. Highly recommend if you’re in Torquay and want something that’s not just beaches and fish & chips."
gargantyua
"Good place to spend a couple of hours. Enjoyed the history, the Abbey story , art exhibition and Georgian dining room. Take note of the gates as you enter with the swans on top , you'll learn about these inside. Cafe , toilets and lift on the premises so accessible to all. Oh and beautiful gardens to sit and relax in."
Warren Heath
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Torre Abbey Gardens is conveniently located near the seafront in Torquay, often described as being right next door to Premier Inn on the seafront.
It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby, and is also within walking distance from the town center.Yes, there are parking facilities available near Torre Abbey Gardens, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Specific details on parking locations and costs can be found on local Torquay tourism websites.
Absolutely! Torre Abbey Sands is Torquay's main beach and is located near the town center. The gardens and abbey are a pleasant walk along the promenade from the heart of Torquay.
Torquay has a good bus network, and many routes will stop near the seafront or town center, from where Torre Abbey is easily reachable. Check local bus timetables for the most convenient routes.
If you're staying at a hotel on the seafront, like Premier Inn, Torre Abbey is likely very close by, making it a simple walk to explore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Torre Abbey is reasonably priced, especially considering the amount to explore.
Look out for potential discounts, such as 10% off for visitors staying at TLH hotels.Yes, some local hotels offer discounts for their guests. For example, TLH hotels provide a 10% discount for visitors.
It's always worth checking with your accommodation or the Torre Abbey website for current offers.Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Torre Abbey website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season, can save you time and guarantee entry. Check the Torre Abbey website for their ticketing policy.
Typically, your admission ticket grants access to both the historic abbey interior, with its art and antiques, and the surrounding 7-acre gardens, including the unique poison garden.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Torre Abbey offers a rich experience with its 12th-century medieval abbey, art and antique collections, a unique poison garden, a palm house, and beautiful 7-acre gardens.
You can explore the history, admire the art, and enjoy the stunning flora.Yes, Torre Abbey can be a great place for families. The gardens offer space to explore, and the unique poison garden can be a fascinating, albeit cautionary, experience for older children.
Most visitors find that a couple of hours is a good amount of time to explore the abbey and its gardens.
However, if you're a keen gardener or history enthusiast, you could easily spend half a day or more.Information on guided tours is usually available on the Torre Abbey website. These can offer deeper insights into the history and collections.
The poison garden is a special section within Torre Abbey's grounds dedicated to plants that are toxic or have medicinal properties. It's known for being eerie and fascinating.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Torre Abbey has an onsite cafe where you can enjoy refreshments. It's also a place to buy lovely handmade pieces and plants grown on site.
The cafe typically offers a selection of light meals, snacks, and drinks. It's a pleasant spot to relax after exploring the abbey and gardens.
Being located near Torquay's seafront and town center, there are numerous restaurants and cafes within easy walking distance of Torre Abbey.
While picnicking might be possible in designated areas of the gardens, it's best to check Torre Abbey's specific policies regarding outside food and drink.
Most cafes nowadays offer vegetarian and often vegan options. It's advisable to check the cafe's menu or inquire upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of Torre Abbey, including the gardens and public spaces within the abbey. However, always check for specific restrictions, especially in art galleries.
The gardens, especially when in bloom, offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The historic architecture of the abbey itself, the palm house, and the unique poison garden are also very photogenic.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites and gardens to protect the environment and other visitors. It's highly unlikely to be permitted without special authorization.
Commercial photography or filming usually requires prior permission and may incur fees. Contact Torre Abbey directly for their policy on commercial shoots.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating a softer, more atmospheric feel, especially in the gardens.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
🌿 Garden Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The History of Torre Abbey
Visitors often remark on the 'interesting history' and the 'Abbey story' being a highlight. The site provides ample information, including details about the gates with swan motifs that you'll learn about inside. This blend of historical narrative and tangible remnants makes Torre Abbey a compelling destination for history buffs.
Exploring the Enchanting Gardens
Even on a grey day, the gardens are delightful, with stunning scenery and vibrant blooms. They provide a peaceful atmosphere and quiet corners to explore, making them a perfect complement to the historic abbey. The on-site cafe even sells plants grown in the gardens, connecting visitors further with the horticultural efforts.
Art and Antiques: A Cultural Feast
Visitors enjoy discovering these collections, which add another layer of depth to the visit. The blend of art, antiques, and the abbey's own historical artifacts creates a rich tapestry of culture and heritage. It's a space that feels both educational and aesthetically pleasing, offering something for various artistic tastes.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit