Torre Abbey

Since its foundation in 1196, Torre Abbey has witnessed, survived and even played a role in some epic moments of history. It's one of the best buildings in the country for the story of Catholicism.

A historic house brought to life with a clever mix of authentic artefacts with hi-tech interpretation. From talking portraits and statues to interactive displays and one of the largest fine art collections in the South West, there really is something for everyone. 

Tranquil walled gardens with a wealth of exotic plants are a haven of beauty and pleasure, the perfect setting in which to relax, stroll or picnic. Explorer backpacks help families discover the gardens' hidden gems.

Torre Abbey's recent restoration has fully re-interpreted its collections on display. 

Nine art based galleries boast paintings by Holman Hunt and Burne-Jones and fabulous topographical works of Torquay through time. Two social history based galleries one of which superbly interprets 800 years of Torbay and Torre Abbey. A Time Machine, a talking statue, a transforming model - this gallery has something for everyone. Finally take your time to explore our period rooms, talking plates tell the story of Nelson's visit.

Educational Visits

With more that 800 years of history, Torre Abbey offers school group the chance to enter some fascinating periods of local history, from the lives of the medieval Canons to the glamorous lifestyle of the many generations of the Cary family.

Period costumes, art discovery trails, interactive historical galleries, history detectives, brass rubbing and excavations are just some of the activities on offer for school groups.

School visits cost £3.00 per child.  Teachers are free of charge. Coaches may drop off in the Abbey grounds.  Coach parking is behind Torquay Coach Station (off Hennapyn Road).

Find out more about our Resource Packs HERE.

Outdoor Learning

Here, in the beautiful gardens at Torre Abbey, we provide a safe and secure environment to give pupils of all ages the opportunity to connect with and experience the natural world.  Learning outside the classroom has proven benefits for children of all ages and all abilities, including raising standards and improving personal, social and emotional development. 

We also offer sensory “explorer” trails and activities that encourage exploration and close observation of the natural world in a more informal way as well as Explorer trails which are downloadable from our website. These are suitable for younger children and groups with special needs.

PLEASE INFORM US OF ANY ALLERGIES OR SPECIAL NEEDS WHEN YOU ENQUIRE, AND AGAIN WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR BOOKING.

Early Years/Foundation

Bringing Nursery Rhymes to Life - Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush

This activity encourages direct contact with the outdoors, using a range of familiar nursery rhymes to create a multi-sensory, hands-on  experience for young children. This activity is full of action and fun and helps them to understand the world they inhabit.

Children will make their way to our real mulberry bush - actually a two hundred year old mulberry tree! -  to dance, sing and act out the words of ‘Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush’ before going on a ‘Bear Hunt’ round the garden, Torre Abbey style - through long grass, over walls, around deserts and into jungles! They then make their own fragrant  “Ring-a Ring-a Roses” bag of scents to take home, using herbs from the garden.

Curriculum Topic – Understanding the World

Key Stage 2 (upper and lower)

A Plant-tastic Adventure (Adaptation and Habitats)

Jungle, desert, tundra, grassland and swamps: who would believe that so many different habitats could be found right on your doorstep? Torre Abbey Gardens brings science to life through the exploration of a fantastic variety of plants in the gardens and glasshouses. 

Children will learn about how different types of plant have evolved and adapted to their very different, often extreme, environments and consider how and why they differ, i.e leaves, roots, colour, etc. 

They will record their investigations using observational drawings and consolidate their learning with a game to round off the session.

Curriculum Subjects: geography and science 

Upper KS 2 & KS 3

Domesday Scenario (1hr 45 mins)

The Earth is dying and humankind is in danger of extinction. If you were the last survivors and could travel through space to a new planet what plants would you take with you to populate your new home? (For this activity we are assuming that the atmosphere is the same as that found on Planet Earth).

This activity encourages pupils to explore the environmental challenges of human existence and to examine and prioritise the factors necessary for successful human survival through practical exploration of the garden and its plants, group discussion and verbal presentations.

Prior knowledge: pupils will need some knowledge of climate change and natural disasters

Curriculum Subjects: geography and science 

Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 (adapted according to age of children)

Practical Workshop 

Using the facilities at Torre Abbey pupils can sow their own seeds, learn how to take cuttings, and create simple scientific experiments to determine requirements for healthy growth. 

Curriculum Topic – Science