The abbey was founded as a daughter house of Welbeck Abbey in Nottinghamshire.
The site contains the remains of a medieval tithe barn, used to store agricultural produce paid as tax to the church.
Archaeological excavations revealed a 13th-century 'penance stone' used for ceremonial discipline.
The gardens include a 'Potent Plants' border, showcasing species used historically for both medicine and poison.
The Cary family maintained a private Catholic chapel within the house during centuries when the faith faced severe legal restrictions.
The abbey ruins feature a rare surviving medieval bread oven.
It houses the largest collection of works by the artist William Scrots outside of national museums.
The site acts as a major hub for local plant conservation, particularly for exotic succulents.
Torre Abbey is the best-preserved medieval monastery in Devon and Cornwall, founded in 1196 by Premonstratensian canons. The site encompasses extensive ruins, a historic manor house, and seven acres of diverse gardens. Its collection features over 600 pieces of art, including significant works by the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Visitors can tour the medieval guest hall, cloisters, and the 12th-century gatehouse. The grounds host a renowned formal garden, a dedicated cactus house, and a modern conservatory. The site served as a family home for the Cary family for nearly 500 years, from 1662 until 1930. Exhibitions often focus on maritime history, local archaeology, and the abbey’s religious heritage. It currently operates as an accredited museum and cultural venue for Torquay.
The view of the Abbey ruins framed through the archway of the 12th-century Spanish Barn.
Check the event calendar online before visiting, as the site frequently hosts rotating art exhibitions and seasonal outdoor theater.
Allow extra time to walk through the sensory gardens, which are specifically designed to be accessible and fragrant.
Take advantage of the audio-visual displays in the manor house to understand the transition from monastery to private home.
Do not mistake the modern town buildings surrounding the site for part of the historic abbey complex; stick to the signposted museum routes.
Closed on Mondays during the winter season.
