Sun, Sand, and History: Tor Abbey Sands & Gardens
For the classic “holiday” feeling, look no further than Tor Abbey Sands. This is Torquay’s main beach—a long, golden stretch of sand that is remarkably safe for swimming thanks to its sheltered position. But the beach is only half the story. Directly across the road lies Tor Abbey, a scheduled ancient monument that has seen over 800 years of history.
The Best of Both Worlds: You can spend your morning paddleboarding on the calm waters of the Bay and your afternoon exploring the Abbey’s lush gardens. The gardens are particularly famous for their “Potent Plants” section, inspired by the poisons used in Agatha Christie’s novels. The seafront promenade is also home to “Abbey Sands,” a modern development of restaurants and bars with elevated terraces. It is the best place in town to enjoy a glass of local wine while watching the moon rise over the water.
- Top Tip: If you have kids, the “Jungle Path” in the Abbey gardens is a fantastic mini-adventure through exotic plants and palm trees.
- Location: The King’s Drive, Torquay, TQ2 5JE.
- Contact: 01803 293593 | torabbey@torbay.gov.uk
- Website: torabbey.org.uk
