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Torre Abbey Gardens and Meadows

4.5
·1k reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Welcome to Torre Abbey

Torre Abbey Gardens and Meadows

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(1k reviews)

"Absolutely loved our visit to Torre Abbey! The whole place has such a unique mix of history, art, and odd charm."

Vertical photo
TIP

⏳ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Poison Garden

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.

Art and Antiques Collection

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

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

Historic Abbey Architecture

Torre Abbey Interior

Wander through a 12th-century medieval abbey, discovering its rich history and architectural details.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Tranquility

To avoid the busiest times, aim for weekdays outside of school holidays. Early mornings or late afternoons offer a more peaceful experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the historic abbey and its serene gardens without the crowds.

Embrace the Gardens and History

Torre Abbey is more than just a historic building; its 7-acre gardens, including a unique poison garden, are a major draw. Allocate ample time to explore both the art and antiques within the abbey and the diverse flora outside.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, tranquil atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, but busier
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Anyone in the Torquay area wanna finish our little project? It’s at Torre Abbey Sands 😂 #teddyevascents #torreabbeysands
@teddyevascents
2K likes • 61.2K views

⏳ Allow ample time

You can easily spend a few hours exploring the abbey and its extensive gardens. Don't rush! Reddit

🌿 Discover the Poison Garden

This unique garden is a highlight, offering a fascinating and slightly eerie experience. Reddit

Torquay Beach 🏖️ #torquaybeach #torquaybeach👙🌊🏝 #fyp #torreabbeysands #placestovisituk #uksummer #travelvibes #ukbeaches #ukbeach #ukseaside #devonbeaches #torquay #leicester #luton #birmingham #manchester #bradford #london #uk
@properbritishhumour
1.6K likes • 121.8K views
Abbey Meadows and Gardens in Torquay #gardens #Torquay #Torbay #seafront #beautiful #England #foryou #viral #tiktok
@naturebeautylifes
660 likes • 7.1K views

☕ Enjoy the onsite cafe

Grab a coffee or light bite at the cafe, which also sells lovely handmade pieces and plants. Reddit

♿ Accessible facilities

The site has a cafe, toilets, and a lift, making it accessible for most visitors. Reddit

Very quick visit! But really loved Torre Abbey #torreabbey #abbey #monastery #torquay #torbay #devon #westcountry #12thcentury #medieval #historicsite
@goblinsian
448 likes • 5.5K views

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! Reddit

🌿 Discover the Poison Garden

This unique garden is a highlight, offering a fascinating and slightly eerie experience. Reddit

☕ Enjoy the onsite cafe

Grab a coffee or light bite at the cafe, which also sells lovely handmade pieces and plants. Reddit

♿ Accessible facilities

The site has a cafe, toilets, and a lift, making it accessible for most visitors. Reddit

📸 Capture the beauty

The gardens offer stunning scenery, especially when flowers are in bloom. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

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

Unique Poison Garden
Impressive art collection
Beautiful historic abbey

What People Dislike

Can be busy during peak times

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. Reddit It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby, and is also within walking distance from the town center. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to Torre Abbey is reasonably priced, especially considering the amount to explore. Reddit Look out for potential discounts, such as 10% off for visitors staying at TLH hotels. Reddit

Yes, some local hotels offer discounts for their guests. For example, TLH hotels provide a 10% discount for visitors. Reddit 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. Reddit+1

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit+2 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. TikTok

Most visitors find that a couple of hours is a good amount of time to explore the abbey and its gardens. Reddit However, if you're a keen gardener or history enthusiast, you could easily spend half a day or more. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Torre Abbey offers a unique outing for families. While the historical aspects might appeal more to older children and adults, the expansive gardens provide plenty of space for younger ones to explore and burn off energy. TikTok The Poison Garden can be a captivating, albeit cautionary, experience for curious minds, sparking conversations about nature's dangers. Reddit The onsite cafe offers a convenient spot for snacks and refreshments, and the general atmosphere is welcoming. Consider focusing on the gardens and the more visually engaging parts of the abbey to keep younger children engaged.

🏛️ History Buffs

For those fascinated by the past, Torre Abbey is a treasure trove. Its 12th-century origins as a monastery provide a deep dive into medieval life and religious history. TikTok Explore the original architecture, learn about the dissolution of the monasteries, and discover how the building evolved over centuries. Reddit The extensive information provided within the abbey and the well-preserved structures offer a comprehensive historical experience. Don't miss the details like the swan gates, which have their own story to tell. Reddit

🌿 Garden Enthusiasts

Torre Abbey's 7-acre gardens are a significant draw for plant lovers. The Poison Garden is a unique highlight, offering a fascinating collection of toxic flora. Reddit Beyond this, the Palm House provides a tropical escape, and the general gardens are praised for their stunning scenery and fragrant flowers, even on overcast days. Reddit It's a delightful place to wander, discover different plant species, and enjoy a peaceful horticultural experience. The opportunity to purchase plants grown on-site adds a special touch. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Journey Through Time: The History of Torre Abbey

Torre Abbey boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in the 12th century as a Premonstratensian monastery. For centuries, it was a significant religious and economic center. The abbey has witnessed periods of prosperity, dissolution under Henry VIII, and subsequent transformations into a private residence. This layered history is evident in its architecture, from medieval stonework to later Georgian additions. Exploring the abbey allows visitors to step back in time and imagine life within its walls across different eras. TikTok

Visitors often remark on the 'interesting history' and the 'Abbey story' being a highlight. Reddit The site provides ample information, including details about the gates with swan motifs that you'll learn about inside. Reddit This blend of historical narrative and tangible remnants makes Torre Abbey a compelling destination for history buffs.

Exploring the Enchanting Gardens

The 7-acre gardens of Torre Abbey are a significant attraction, offering a diverse range of horticultural delights. Beyond the general beauty of colorful and fragrant flowers, the gardens feature a unique Poison Garden. This section is a standout, described as 'eerie, fascinating, and full of surprises,' and visitors often spend longer than expected here, reading the informative signs about deadly plants. Reddit The gardens also include a charming Palm House, providing a touch of the tropics within the English Riviera. TikTok

Even on a grey day, the gardens are delightful, with stunning scenery and vibrant blooms. Reddit 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. Reddit

Art and Antiques: A Cultural Feast

Torre Abbey houses an impressive collection of art and antiques, curated across several floors of the historic building. The gallery features a 'great mix of historic and contemporary pieces, all beautifully displayed,' creating a 'proper cultural space.' Reddit Each art piece is described as 'perfectly curated and looked stunning.' Reddit

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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