Torquay Museum
Torquay Museum
4
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Travel back through 400 million years of time at Torquay Museum - a hands-on family-friendly visitor attraction, with lots to see and do for children and adults alike. A wide variety of exhibitions are hosted throughout the year by the Museum, from child-friendly summer blockbusters to fascinating exhibitions about South Devon's amazing archaeology, geology and people. Detect your way through Britain's only Agatha Christie gallery at Torquay Museum, come face-to-face with North-West Europe's oldest human fossil and explore Ancient Egypt, including the coffin of a 2,500 year old mummified boy. Then follow the incredible journeys made by Torquay's famous explorers, from the frozen wastes of the Antarctic to the depths of the Brazilian rainforest.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
487 reviews
Excellent
237
Very good
142
Average
70
Poor
24
Terrible
14
Philjml
London, UK82 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Pleasantly surprised for a local museum how well presented, informative & interesting it was. Fasinating history about Torquay, Devon through the ages, couple with the story of Agatha Christies life, added to a good few hours well spent. Some interactive games and activities for children help make the education more fun. Well worth a visit to support an important part of Devons history
Written 23 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gemma
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Family
Museum is ok. Took my 4 year old in Feb half term and she enjoyed aspects of the exhibits - particularly the explore backpack children can borrow and bring back at the end. Free return for 12 months is a bonus.
Staffing and cafe have issues. There has been no one at the 'desk' in the shop both times I have visited and I've had to seek someone out to pay / assist. Witnessed another customer request some additional paper for the crayon rubbing station upstairs and from the staffs initial reaction you'd have thought she was asking for a backrub - completely baffled them.
Cafe - other reviews are accurate in terms of coffee - despite having a proper coffee machine the coffee was awful. At 12pm my daughter was really keen to eat lunch in there so I waited at the counter. When someone eventually appeared I was told I should have rung the bell - I hadn't seen it so apologised. The cafe was very quiet at this point.
There was no clear indication of what was on offer beside cakes so I asked if there was a menu. Staffs reply was oh we haven't put them out today. So I then asked what was available. Staff begrudgingly told me a few things so I confirmed with my daughter and ordered and paid.
Food came quickly but was disappointing. Panini well over done and a jacket potato with small portion of beans and cheese for my daughter. No attempt at making food look at all appetizing and when food was brought over she looked at my daughter and sighed in what I'd describe as a rude tone 'how is she going to manage that' whilst looking doubtfully at my daughter (def rude and not playful). My daughter is a school attending, very well behaved girl and can eat at a table and use cutlery better than some adults so I didn't appreciate this comment. I swiftly took the food from her and we ate. I thought about complaining but by this time the cafe was busier and we were both hungry. There were no children's menu options (that I was made aware of) and therefore my daughters jacket potato was charged at adult price.
All of the above would have been ok if there had been a welcoming member of staff, or some attempt at engaging my daughter. We felt awkward and unwelcome. I think in half term holidays, it should probably be expected that children will attend the museum and therefore eat in the cafe. With that in mind, staff should probably approach customers with a more pleasant attitude.
I appreciate that some staff will be volunteers, cafe environments can be stressful at lunch times etc. But I felt really let down.
I am likely to return to the museum but will avoid the cafe in the near future.
Staffing and cafe have issues. There has been no one at the 'desk' in the shop both times I have visited and I've had to seek someone out to pay / assist. Witnessed another customer request some additional paper for the crayon rubbing station upstairs and from the staffs initial reaction you'd have thought she was asking for a backrub - completely baffled them.
Cafe - other reviews are accurate in terms of coffee - despite having a proper coffee machine the coffee was awful. At 12pm my daughter was really keen to eat lunch in there so I waited at the counter. When someone eventually appeared I was told I should have rung the bell - I hadn't seen it so apologised. The cafe was very quiet at this point.
There was no clear indication of what was on offer beside cakes so I asked if there was a menu. Staffs reply was oh we haven't put them out today. So I then asked what was available. Staff begrudgingly told me a few things so I confirmed with my daughter and ordered and paid.
Food came quickly but was disappointing. Panini well over done and a jacket potato with small portion of beans and cheese for my daughter. No attempt at making food look at all appetizing and when food was brought over she looked at my daughter and sighed in what I'd describe as a rude tone 'how is she going to manage that' whilst looking doubtfully at my daughter (def rude and not playful). My daughter is a school attending, very well behaved girl and can eat at a table and use cutlery better than some adults so I didn't appreciate this comment. I swiftly took the food from her and we ate. I thought about complaining but by this time the cafe was busier and we were both hungry. There were no children's menu options (that I was made aware of) and therefore my daughters jacket potato was charged at adult price.
All of the above would have been ok if there had been a welcoming member of staff, or some attempt at engaging my daughter. We felt awkward and unwelcome. I think in half term holidays, it should probably be expected that children will attend the museum and therefore eat in the cafe. With that in mind, staff should probably approach customers with a more pleasant attitude.
I appreciate that some staff will be volunteers, cafe environments can be stressful at lunch times etc. But I felt really let down.
I am likely to return to the museum but will avoid the cafe in the near future.
Written 14 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SharonLwrites
Tempe, AZ9 contributions
Sep 2022
A must for any Agatha Christie fan with a large room dedicated to her, including the set of Hercule's apartment from the David Sachet series. In addition, the museum has wonderful exhibits for children and adults alike on natural history.
Written 10 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stella
28 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
Fantastic museum, a lot of interesting stuff to see; particularly enjoyed the Agatha Christie exhibits and the section on explorers.
As for the café; worst experience in years ( and I go to a lot of cafes).Coffee was hot enough to burn my tongue and tasteless and the man working there touched me deliberately on the way past. Not on.
I daresay Devon is different.
As for the café; worst experience in years ( and I go to a lot of cafes).Coffee was hot enough to burn my tongue and tasteless and the man working there touched me deliberately on the way past. Not on.
I daresay Devon is different.
Written 25 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mary S
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Family
Town museums are often hidden gems, and Torquay museum didn't disappoint. With a range of exhibits from across genres and time periods, there was enough for everyone to enjoy from the youngest of our group at age 8, through the teenagers and adults. Lots of interaction and practical activities and audio visual presentations, we felt we hadn't seen it all when we left after a few hours. But the highlight was Pengelly's cafe where nothing was too much trouble and the staff were really chatty and lively, especially Barbara who knocked up a batch of cheese scones while we waited as the cafe had run out. Can't thank them enough for an inexpensive day out on a wet and windy day in Torquay.
Written 29 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cat C
Berkshire412 contributions
Sep 2022
We made the visit primarily because of the musical instruments exhibition. Just fascinating in itself and well worth the entrance fee.
The museum is well planned out and all the exhibits are clearly labelled and easy to read. As in most of the historical buildings in Torquay the floors are of the most beautiful wood and just gleaming.
The cafe had closed for the afternoon when we arrived at 2.30pm so that was disappointing as we had looked forward to tea and cakes there and reception were a bit lack lustre and not very welcoming, but we still enjoyed our visit.
The museum is well planned out and all the exhibits are clearly labelled and easy to read. As in most of the historical buildings in Torquay the floors are of the most beautiful wood and just gleaming.
The cafe had closed for the afternoon when we arrived at 2.30pm so that was disappointing as we had looked forward to tea and cakes there and reception were a bit lack lustre and not very welcoming, but we still enjoyed our visit.
Written 26 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FamilyHammy
Europe6 contributions
Sep 2022
Felt mildly nauseated from the coffee I drank in the Pengelly's Cafe. Firstly, from the taste of my americano, the blend of coffee was not great. Secondly, asking for non-dairy, I had to have a handful of little (unenvironment) plastic sachets of oat milk called 'Moostix' - struggling for several minutes to open them one after another - to add to said coffee to get it to become vaguely 'milky'.
This is how non-dairy works at this cafe, despite the ever-growing popularity of alternatives to cow's milk in coffee. The result was a foul-tasting cuppa. If in doubt (and before inflicting on the public!) please sample Moostix for yourself. Better still, catch up with the 21st century and offer 'proper' non-dairy alternatives (from now widely familiar catering cartons).
Moreover, how many of your food offerings are without milk or egg? Please remember, many of us are doing our non-dairy and vegan bit for the sake of the planet and not as a food fad/ to be awkward.
This is how non-dairy works at this cafe, despite the ever-growing popularity of alternatives to cow's milk in coffee. The result was a foul-tasting cuppa. If in doubt (and before inflicting on the public!) please sample Moostix for yourself. Better still, catch up with the 21st century and offer 'proper' non-dairy alternatives (from now widely familiar catering cartons).
Moreover, how many of your food offerings are without milk or egg? Please remember, many of us are doing our non-dairy and vegan bit for the sake of the planet and not as a food fad/ to be awkward.
Written 6 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Claire
Derbyshire, UK10 contributions
Aug 2022
This museum has a really good exhibit for Agatha Christie fans. Would be brilliant on a rainy day as quite a few exhibits to see. I would recommend visiting the caves prior to visits as the history ties in with some of the exhibits being found in the caves. Only takes an hour or so to go round and slightly overpriced.
Written 6 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ben W
Leeds, UK100 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Visited as a family of 4, 2 adults, 16 year old and 11 year old boys.
Was ok but expected more.
Might be of more interest for others but wouldn’t be rushing back
Did t pay the extra £4 per person for the Titanic exhibit so can’t comment on that
Was ok but expected more.
Might be of more interest for others but wouldn’t be rushing back
Did t pay the extra £4 per person for the Titanic exhibit so can’t comment on that
Written 28 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tricia S
13 contributions
Jun 2022
Came for the Agatha Christie exhibit, which even showcases some of the furniture used in Hercule Poirot's London apartment. Also enjoyed the pirates exhibit and local history information.
Written 20 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
paulinelow45
Erskine, UK
is there a lift
claireplym2828
Plymouth, UK20 contributions
Hi. I did not notice one on my visit but on their website they state they have ramps and lifts to the galleries making everything accessible.
paulinelow45
Erskine, UK
is there a lift
Ro d
Durham, UK22 contributions
There is a lift that will take you to most of the museum. The smaller room (where there was an instillation on the lost city of Z when I went) may not be lift accessible as it's on a half floor between ground and first and I don't recall seeing a separate lift there.
Nice186259
Torquay, UK13 contributions
Hi. I was looking at taking our grandson for a visit to your museum and looking at your entrance price can see why is value for money but not if you just want to visit the once.
Torquay_Museum
Torquay, UK
Hi, thanks for your message. A discount voucher for 15% off can be obtained from the Tourist Office in the English Riviera Passport booklet. We also offer a discounted rate for senior citizens, low income people, NHS workers, Torbay council workers and the Emergency services. Unfortunately Torquay Museum is a charity and has to charge (we receive no funding from central government) to keep the doors open. If you have difficulty in obtaining the discount voucher let me know and I arrange this for you. This will still entitle you to entry for a year as we have a program of changing exhibitions all year round. We hope to see you soon with your grandson.
TORQUAY MUSEUM - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Torquay Museum
- Torquay Museum is open:
- Tue - Thu 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Sat - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Torquay Museum:
- (0.03 km) Harbour Heights Guest House
- (0.04 km) Tusker Lodge Guest House
- (0.04 km) Driftwood, Torquay
- (0.05 km) Ravenswood
- (0.06 km) Torquay Heights Luxury Apartments
- Restaurants near Torquay Museum:
- (0.01 km) The Museum Cafe
- (0.19 km) Jun Jaow Thai Restaurant
- (0.19 km) Smokey Joes Torquay
- (0.23 km) Ephesus Torquay
- (0.29 km) Ollies