Torbay parks ranked among UK’s best with Green Flag Awards

Seven parks across Torbay have been recognised among the best in the country after receiving Green Flag Awards for 2025.

The national award, run by the charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises well-managed green spaces that meet high standards of maintenance, facilities, biodiversity and community involvement.

The winning parks are:

• Babbacombe Downs
• Clennon Lakes
• Princess Gardens (including Royal Terrace Gardens)
• St Mary’s Park
• Stoodley Knowle Meadows
• Tessier Gardens
• Cockington Country Park (managed by Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust)

The awards come in the same year that Torbay’s beaches received seven Blue Flags, which highlight high environmental and safety standards for bathing waters.

Six of the seven Green Flag sites are managed by SWISCo on behalf of Torbay Council, supported by volunteers and local ‘Friends of’ groups.

Three of the parks — Princess Gardens, Royal Terrace Gardens, and Tessier Gardens — also received Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, in recognition of their historical significance and conservation work.

Each park has its own character:

• Babbacombe Downs offers coastal views and floral displays from its clifftop promenade.
• Clennon Lakes features ponds, nature trails and wetland bird habitats.
• Princess Gardens is a Grade II listed garden known for its fountains and community events.
• St Mary’s Park includes tennis courts, bowling greens, wildflower areas and a children’s play zone.
• Stoodley Knowle Meadows has a community café, play area, and areas of wild planting.
• Tessier Gardens is an adult-only space with a Sun Temple and Dementia Friendly Sensory Garden.
• Cockington Country Park spans 450 acres, with lakes, woodland, a manor house, and a medieval church.

Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “Congratulations to everyone in Torbay who has worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.

“Crucially, these are vital green spaces for communities in Torbay to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise. 

“It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”