Spend one afternoon in Torquay (with the little ones)

I had a couple of hours to kill after visiting Canonteign Falls while Dan planned to watch Southend United play Torquay, so I had a little think of what I could do that would be okay for a 10 month old baby. After doing the same on a trip to King’s Lynn, I was sure I’d be able to think of something.

I decided to start in north of town as it’s closest to the football stadium. There is a model village in Torquay, so I thought that might offer some sensory stimulation to stave off a tantrum. But first, we had to have lunch. We picked a spot called Silver Goose Café where we had a sandwich with a salad garnish and a side of ready salted crisps, of course. They were kind enough to let us feed V with a lunch pot and snacks galore.

Babbacombe Model Village

Dan joined us in Babbacombe Model Village, a Torquay hotspot. You start at the top of a hill overlooking the whole attraction, and it blew my mind. The small, skinny entrance makes it seem as though the village will be a little – well – crappy, but it is absolutely not. I love the small touches in each scene, like a figure stuck on a roof, or one being chased by a bull. The water feature is gorgeous, with well tended greenery and foliage to decorate.

The interactive elements are bloody cool too. In one corner, there is a huge Game of Thrones style dragon, with an exciting surprise at the turn of a crank! The only downside for me was that there were quite a few wasps in late September.

After spending about forty five minutes walking around and seeing almost everything, I considered going to Bygones. It’s a life sized Victorian shopping street nearby, but thought it might not be an ideal place to bring a baby, especially one who couldn’t walk.

Torquay High Street

Instead, I took a short drive to the heart of the town centre and parked up in the multi-story Fleet Walk. Torquay’s shops and restaurants are right on the harbour and is packed on a Saturday afternoon! In all honesty, part of me was a little grumpy that I was pushing a baby on my own instead of drinking cocktails in the sunshine.

We wandered through Fleet Walk Shops, which offered a unique view across the bustling high street. Down at ground level, we nosed into a boutique baby clothes store, and a couple of gift shops, all situated in tall, 18th and 19th century buildings. V puked all over herself, and a very kind lady ran over with some tissues to save me from peril.

Ideally, I’d have spent a bit more time exploring the shops, but it’s something I’ll have to save for a childless visit.

Torquay Harbour

If V were a little older, I’d have probably taken her to Dinosaur World, or the Crime Museum. Instead, we took a walk along the harbour, taking in the sights and smells of the English Riviera.

There are hundreds of boats moored in the harbour which add to the classic English seaside aesthetic. Alongside is a stretch of green: gardens, a fountain, the war memorial. There is also the ‘English Riviera Wheel’, a large Ferris wheel, radiating Victorian charm and nostalgia.

Beyond the harbour is a large promenade which forms a stretch of the South West Coast Path, wide enough for masses to pass each other on their ambles. On the way is a small beach shop, selling ice creams and sweets that we had to stop in on our walk. We were aiming for the older part of Torquay, Torre Abbey museum and garden.

Torre Abbey

Torre Abbey is a 12th Century structure, comprising of two Grade 1 listed buildings. When we reached the museum, I found a spot on the green in front to sit down. I was knackered from pushing the pram, so decided to let V crawl around the grass rather than walk more inside the museum. Again, a shame to miss, but something to visit next time.

As well as Torre Abbey, which houses art and antiques, there is a leisure centre with a wave pool and flume for children, bookable tennis courts, and Adventure Golf in Abbey Park. You could probably spend hours just in that one area.

By no means is this an exhaustive list – you can only see so much on a whistle stop visit. But whether you’re riding the Ferris wheel or hitting the model village in Torquay with your little one, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time.

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