Torquay Museum

Torquay Museum


Learn about natural history, local traditions and Torquay’s most famous daughter, Agatha Christie, at this family-friendly attraction in a Victorian-era building.

Torquay Museum is one of the most engaging attractions in the coastal resort town of Torquay. Designed to offer interactive learning and entertainment for children and adults alike, its exhibitions and permanent collections cover thousands of years of history. Come here to view ancient fossils, see a fantastic collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and learn all about the life of world-famous crime writer Agatha Christie.

The museum was founded in the mid-19th century by the Torquay Natural History society. It would move several times before making its way to its current home, for which the foundation stone was laid in 1874. The splendid building, a Venetian-Gothic masterpiece designed by architect William Harvey Jr., retains many of its most impressive features to this day. Notice the wonderful lantern-style glass roof, which fills the Upper Gallery with light.

Visit today and you will see how far the museum’s collections have expanded beyond their natural history roots. While taxidermy and preserved insects, plants, rocks and shells still feature heavily, you will now see more exhibits dealing with human history. Look for the human fossil said to be the oldest one in northwest Europe. Feel right at home in a faithful reconstruction of a Devon farmhouse from the 1800s and see an ancient Egyptian child’s sarcophagus.

One of the most charming areas of the museum is the Agatha Christie gallery, which is dedicated to the famous crime writer who was born in Torquay. View handwritten notes, clothing and other personal belongings of Christie herself. Learn all about her fascinating life and see historic first editions of her novels.

Most fun of all is the reconstruction of the study and lounge of Hercule Poirot, the Belgian detective who remains Agatha Christie’s most famous character. Feel as if you have stepped into one of Christie’s novels as you marvel at the attention to detail in this exhibit, which features props used in the TV adaptations of the books.

Check what is on at Torquay Museum before you visit, as the temporary exhibitions change regularly. Note that opening hours vary seasonally, and there is an entrance fee.

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Things to do near Torquay Museum

At Torquay Museum, visitors can enjoy fascinating exhibits showcasing local history and culture. Engage in fun activities and explore gallery displays that offer a deeper understanding of the area. The museum serves as an excellent day trip destination, providing opportunities for more adventures nearby, including golf and theatre experiences. Whether you're delving into the past or enjoying the vibrant local scene, there's something for everyone at Torquay Museum.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Torquay Museum, visit local shops and markets. If you're up for a drive, explore Princesshay and Guildhall Shopping Centre, both offering a mix of business and entertainment vibes, located 11.2km away. Pixieland, a charming store, is 10.6km away.

Recreation

At Torquay United FC, immerse yourself in the local sports culture with exhilarating matches just 1.6km from the museum. Enjoy the scenic views and fresh air at Torquay Golf Club, located 1.2km away, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors. For family fun, visit Jungle Journey Adventure Golf, only 497m away, offering an adventurous mini-golf experience.

Adventure

Splashdown Quaywest, a thrilling waterpark located 1.9km from Torquay Museum, offers family-friendly rides and attractions for an exhilarating day out. For stunning coastal views, explore the S W Coast Path, also 1.9km away, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic ride on the Babbacombe Cliff Railway, situated 621m from the museum.

Nightlife

Enjoy a delightful evening at the Princess Theatre, just 311m from the museum, for a mix of culture and entertainment. Alternatively, visit the Little Theatre, located 249m away, for more fantastic performances. For some family fun, head to Battlefield Live Torbay, 3.1km away, for an adventure-filled night.

Find the best attractions near Torquay Museum

When visiting Torquay Museum, you'll find a wealth of attractions nearby, including beautiful beaches, a bustling marina, and nature reserves. This destination caters to those seeking cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. Be sure to explore the museum itself, which has received excellent reviews, and enjoy the diverse activities available in Torquay for a memorable visit.

  • Babbacombe Beach: A picturesque stretch of sand, Babbacombe Beach offers a tranquil escape with its charming beach vibes. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore or relax on the sandy beach, just 621m from Torquay Museum.
  • Inner Harbour: Located a mere 186m from the museum, Inner Harbour boasts stunning scenery and delightful beach vibes. It's the perfect spot to watch the boats bobbing gently on the water while soaking up the coastal atmosphere.
  • Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens: A delightful miniature display located 621m away, this enchanting attraction is perfect for families. Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens while admiring intricate model scenes that capture the charm of British life.

Best time to go to Torquay Museum

The best time to visit Torquay Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Torquay Museum falls in July and August. August has moderately high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Torquay Museum falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.7°F (9.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
October55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November50.5°F (10.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
December47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Torquay Museum

For a budget-friendly visit to Torquay Museum, consider travelling during the cheaper months of January to February and November, avoiding the peak season from July to September. Mondays are the most affordable days to book accommodation, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to find the best hotel deals that fit your budget and preferences, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to look for ticket deals to maximise your experience without overspending!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Torquay Museum are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Torquay Museum is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Torquay Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation at the Torquay Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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