Torre Abbey Historic House and Gardens

The King’s Drive, Torquay United Kingdom TQ2 5JE

Forces Discount: Torre Abbey is offering 2 for 1 on admissions tickets with proof of military ID.

Torre Abbey Historic House and gardens contain a wealth of treasures. The 819 year old Grade I listed building has a story ranging from medieval and Tudor times to Georgian and Victorian eras. The building has witnessed, survived and even played a role in some epic moments including nationally important historic events. It is one of the best buildings in the England to tell the story of 800 years of Catholicism between 1196 and 1930. This stunningly restored building is fascinating and uses a mix of traditional and modern technology. From talking statures to interactive displays, history is cleverly brought to life. Stories of the house include 397 Spanish Armada sailors being imprisoned in the Abbey’s Tithe barn when their ship was captured by Francis Drake in nearby waters. It also played a part in the Napoleonic Wars. As the wars culminated, Napoleon arrived in Torbay as a prisoner aboard the HMS Bellerephon in 1815. Nelson, another memorable historic figure, was a visitor to the Abbey and dined with the Cary aristocrat family that owned the house from 1662 to 1930. With one of the largest fine art collection in the South West of England, the Abbey is also home to a numbers works by William Blake and the Pre-Raphaelites, Edward Burne-Jones and William Holman Hunt. Once you have finished perusing the many exhibits inside the house, the tranquil garden with a wealth of exotic plants, beckons. Home to a beautiful palm house and an Agatha Christie poison plant garden, it is the perfect setting in which to relax, stroll or picnic.