Torbay has a wealth of attractions in addition to being perfectly located to visit many of Devon's other places of interest. This list is not exhaustive by any means, but highlights the most popular places and ones we have enjoyed! Click on the link to visit any attraction's own or reference web site. Also try www.torquay.com for local details.
Paignton Zoo is one of the country's top animal parks. With an active conservation and development program, this zoo offers a fantastic day out for the whole family. The zoo is on the outskirts of Paignton and a 15 minute drive from our accommodation.
  
Livings Coasts is a brand new aquatic visitor attraction, developed by Paignton Zoo. This attraction focuses on the conservation of coastal and marine life around the globe. Visitors will discover how each habitat and its species are being affected by human activity. It is intended to feature mammals and birds; Sea-Otters, Fur Seals, Auks, Sea Ducks and Penguins. This excellent attraction is just above Torquay harbour at Beacon Quay and is a 10-15 minute stroll from the apartments..
  
Plymouth National Marine Aquarium hosts Europe's deepest tank. At 10.5m deep the tank holds 2.5 million litres of warm seawater. Housing sharks and moray eels the aquarium is an attractive and stunning piece of architecture. With many other supporting attractions the aquarium is a great day out now having received over 1.5 million visitors. Close to the Barbican in Plymouth, allow 45 minutes to drive there.
 
Dart Valley Steam Railway has been in operation for many years, taking thousands of happy visitors between Paignton and Kingswear. With excellent views on the way and stops at Goodrington and Churston, this lovely way of traveling can be combined with a short ferry ride over to Dartmouth, the quaint and historic naval town. Paignton station is a 10 minute drive from our accommodation.
  
Cockington is a true medieval village noted in the Domesday Book. This thatched village is one of the most photographed places in England. The entire village is thatched (even the toilets are thatched) and boasts picture postcard cottages, horse & carriage rides, a court, tea rooms, a thatched pub all surrounded by lakes and woods.
  
Agatha Christie's home in Greenway is a perennial attraction, although limited to 40,000 people per year it is open 37 weeks, 4 days a week. The estate overlooks the River Dart encompasses over 300 acres of which 30 is open to the public. This famous crime writer bought the estate in 1938, she was born in Torquay in 1890 and died in 1976, she frequently used South Devon as the setting for her stories
 
Coleton Fishacre also known as "A garden by the sea" is a National Trust property which was built in the 1920's for the famous D'Oyley Carte Family who built the Savoy Theatre & hotel ands also known for their theatrical connections. It was this family that developed these stunning gardens, which also boasts breath-taking views of the coastline. The gardens descend to Pudcombe cove and the coast path. The house and gardens can be found on the road between Churston (midway between Paignton & Brixham) and Kingswear, nestled in the hills.
  
Other National Trust Gardens; Devon boasts many wonderful gardens beautifully preserved and maintained by the National Trust. the following are a number of them: Killerton in the Clyst and Culm Valleys is home the National Trusts finest costume collection. Castle Drogo designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens is a series of formal borders and terraces with galleries around the sunken centre. These gardens are on the way to Dartmoor at Drewsteignton on a spur overlooking the Teign Valley. Also with commanding views over Dartmoor the castle combines a medieval aspect with the comforts of the 20th century. Knightshayes is one of finest gardens designed by the celebrated landscaper Edward Kemp. With a striking Victorian Gothic house combining medieval romanticism and lavish decoration and 50 acres of beautiful gardens this is a truly wonderful place to visit. Buckland Abbey is an Elizabethan garden recently opened and planted has features based on 18th century historical sources which includes a circular pond, granite steps and topiary bushes. Overbecks just south of Salcombe has magnificent estuary views and has an exotic six acre sub-tropical garden. Started in early nineteen hundreds with terracing and planting of bananas and magnolia campellii it is a smaller but interesting property. Arlington Court was largely created in the mid-nineteenth century, by Sir Bruce Chichester and has a symmetrical design extending across three levels of grass terracing. The gardens have ponds, fountains and Monkey Puzzle trees. Please visit the National Trust site for more information.
  
The Coastal Path Walk stretches for several hundred miles, but the section around Torbay follows the 22 miles of coastline and 19 beaches and coves. Stretching from the South Side of Brixham to Maidencombe the path can be picked up right in front of our Hesketh Apartments. The path provides excellent and varied walking with spectacular sea views.
  
The Riverside Mill is the home of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen, open 7 days a week this is the west's leading gallery for craftsmen. With a cafe, courtyard seating and gallery with a stunning riverside location this is an ideal stop off on a Dartmoor trip. With themed exhibitions and rotations of display, work from over 230 leading designers/artists/makers can be viewed at any one time. Just the job for gifts to take home. The mill can be found in Bovey Tracey. Tel: 01626 83223
 
Kents Cavern is one of the most ancient sites in Great Britain, home to the first Britons 700,000 years ago. Discovered in the last century, come and see where wild animals and later man's ancient ancestors lived and died. An ideal event for rainy days! Right on the doorstep of all our accommodation!
  
Oldway Mansion was built to be the home of the Singer family, famous for their sewing machines. Isaac Singer who commissioned it died with it unfinished in 1875. His son finished it with artisans sent to the Palace of Versailles for design ideas. This is reflected in the ornate ceilings and grand staircase. In the first world war it was a hospital, in the 1920's it was a country club, the home of the RAF in 1940 and latterly Torbay Council offices. Oldway Mansion can be found on the way into Paignton town centre on the Torquay Road. Tel: 01803 201201
 
The House of Marbles is a working glass and games factory set in a historic pottery. visitors can watch glass blowing and firing in the listed kilns. There are three fascinating marble runs, plus a museum piece, together with a factory seconds shop, gift and coffee shop, with licensed restaurant. The House of Marbles is in Bovey Tracey on Pottery Road. Tel: 01626 835285
 
Dartmoor National Park is world famous and one of Devon and the UK's wilder places. Famous for its ponies, granite Tors, wonderful nature trails and walks, Dartmoor is a great day out. Visit the high moors for fresh air and views, then sample some of the quaint moorland villages. Dartmoor has no sea access, so a short drive in-land is necessary. Allow 30-40 minutes to reach the perimeter of Dartmoor.
  
Dartmoor Puffing Billy Track This is an excellent introduction to moors walking. Providing panoramic views across the southern moor toward the South Hams, on a clear day the sea glistens in the distance. An ideal walk and suitable for cyclists the walk rises to 1500ft. The walk starts 1.5 miles outside Ivybridge on the B3213. Puffing Billy is actually the disused Redlake tramway which served the clay industry.
  
Dartmoor Miniature Pony & Animal Farm has over 150 animals including the miniature ponies and donkeys together with pigs, goats, lambs, rabbits and birds. With lakes, picnic areas, cafe and courtyard shops and gallery this a great attraction for the whole family
  
Babbacombe Model Village is an outstanding attraction and one that has kept children (and adults) enthralled for hours. Minute detail and an extensive attraction make this one of the best model villages you will ever see! Just a 3-4 minute drive from both Hesketh Crescent Apartments and The Cottage.
  
Woodlands Leisure Park is a kids dream. All weather fun is guaranteed with 3 water coasters a toboggan run, 16 playzones and a falconry centre. A large and extensive leisure park that all the children will enjoy. Located outside Totnes at Blackawton the attraction is well signposted. Tel: 01803 712598
 
Quaywest "Wet & Wild" leisure park is popular venue for the children. The water is heated to 80F so its always warm. It includes: a fun pool, submarine play zone, swimming pool,tube slides,body slides,free fall slide, triple drop slide and tube slides. Located at Goodrington, it is easy to get to and there is plenty of parking.