Torre Abbey the treasure we seem to take for granted

This week, I was invited out to view the latest works programme and summer exhibition at Torre Abbey, on the seafront in Torquay.
It is a remarkable building, with so much history and one that is so easily overlooked as you drive down the promenade, one almost takes it for granted, my tour even included a trip to the rooftops – wow what a view! If you haven’t been to Torre Abbey before, I recommend a visit to explore for yourself, there is something for everyone, with the unexpected around every corner.
Torre Abbey stands as a testament to the region's rich history and cultural heritage. This local medieval monastery, turned museum and gardens, offers a captivating journey through time.
Torre Abbey is, in fact, Torbay's most historic building, an ancient scheduled monument dating back to 1196. It has now become a centre for creativity and culture, with world class exhibitions, celebrations of local artists and community projects, and a jam-packed calendar of yearly events to keep both residents and visitors busy.
Torre Abbey is undoubtedly a great asset for local residents. The beautiful gardens surrounding the Abbey provide a serene space to relax or take a stroll. There is an onsite café to grab a coffee during a dog walk or to catch up with friends, whilst the frequent and ever-changing events and exhibitions provide an avenue for you to immerse yourselves in the local arts and culture scene.
During the current work programme, the café has been moved to the Spanish Barn. This means that you can get to use the facilities free of charge, grab a coffee, a bite to eat and have a glimpse into some of that 12th century history.
The Abbey specialises in children’s interactive workshops tailored to families and schools which develop and engage our future generations in history, creative arts, the outdoors and the art discovery. Furthermore, Torre Abbey holds historical significance, reminding us of Torbay’s rich heritage, whilst its collection and galleries provide insights into the area's past.
Every year the Abbey runs a great events programme. It offers a wide variety of activities that includes Paddington: The Story of a Bear exhibition - which is currently on loan from the British Library to Open Air Theatre productions, Children’s Teddy Bear picnics and its inaugural Summer Fair.
The Abbey also hosts the International Agatha Christie Festival activities in September, Halloween tours at the House and a Winter Fest craft fair every Christmas. With yearly events on offer, its well-priced 1196 annual membership at £23 a year presents an affordable community attraction to frequently visit.
If you have visited the Abbey or have walked through its grounds lately, you will have noticed the scaffolding at the front of the building. At present, the Abbey is in its third restoration phase and has been working with specialists to conserve and repair multiple parts of our historic building. For the first time in Torre Abbey’s restoration phases, it will remain open while the works are carried out.
This exciting and vital project will conserve and repair the south-west and south-east ranges of the main mansion, the C14th Mohun Gatehouse, Courtyard 4, including its tower and the north end of the Chapel.
The Torre Abbey Restoration Project has been made possible with a grant from the Museum Estate Development Fund using public funds by Arts Council England. This is alongside a grant from the Cultural Assets Fund (CAF); a £20 million government funding stream to protect treasured heritage assets in England from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic administered by the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF). The council have also match-funded, as well as funds from the Friends of Torre Abbey (FOTA).
Torre Abbey truly is a treasure trove of history and culture that can be enjoyed and adored by our community and if you do pay it a visit this summer, I am sure you will have a great experience.
Cllr David Thomas
Leader of Torbay Council