Welcome to Torre Abbey Historic House
Torre Abbey is the oldest building in Torquay. It has a story spanning 800 years and was once the most important Abbey of its kind in England, the brothers who lived here then were known as the White Canons.

Following a massive three-year restoration project visitors can now explore the most ancient and hallowed parts of the building where some stunning finds have been unearthed.

The Torre Abbey chapel may be hired for private services, such as christenings, funerals, renewal of marriage vows, blessings following civil weddings and marriages.

Set aside at least up to 3 hours for your visit. There is so much to see: Historic rooms, including the beautiful dining room and family chapel art galleries containing a stunning collection of pictures, silver, glass and Torquay pottery.

The most complete medieval Abbey ruins in Devon and Cornwall, including the 'Spanish Barn' of Armada fame.

• The Agatha Christie memorial room
• Colourful gardens and palm house
• 'Quest' leaflet for families and antique hunt for collectors
• Refreshments for up to 50 people in the Victorian Kitchen

During medieval times, the canons used part of the gardens as a cemetery and the remainder to grow herbs, vegetables and medicinal plants. They also planted extensive orchards, which lay to the east of the Abbey. In the 19th century the Carys kept an orchard and also a flower garden to supply cut flowers for the house.

A wooden palm house was added and this was replaced in 1969 with the existing structure. At nearly 50 years old it had exceeded its expected life span but has now been fully restored. The restoration work meant cutting back the original plant collection but a star feature that has survived intact is a Nolina, Elephant's foot palm. Kew Gardens have supplied a number of new palms to enable the gardening team to reinstate this impressive collection.

The garden also features an New Zealand border, a fine specimen Chinese Yellow Wood tree and one of a pair of Mulberry trees planted in 1827 to mark the marriage of Henry George Cary to Emily Shedden.

The peaceful gardens that surround the Abbey today were laid out by Torbay Council and the council is delighted that Four Seasons has agreed to run an education facility and oversee the renovation of the gardens. During the restoration work the students have been gaining an opportunity for valuable learning experiences and the council has been able to maximise the improvements to the garden within the limited funding available.