Torquay Museum

Torquay Museum The Museum at the heart of Torbay English Riviera Global Geopark full of fascinating stories. Registered Charity No. 1025390.

Founded in 1845 Torquay Museum is Devon’s oldest established Museum. We have an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions, children's activities and events and an education service for schools. We are at the heart of the Torbay English Riviera Global Geopark. Our permanent exhibitions tell the fascinating story of Torbay's natural and cultural heritage. The Time Ark tells the story of our plane

t and the moments when earth-shattering changes took place, such as the great mountain building of the Carboniferous period and the huge swings in climate that took place in the Pleistocene, from tropical to arctic conditions and back. See amazing artefacts and fossils from Torquay's famous Kent's Cavern prehistoric caves, where our ancestors made their home as long as half a million years ago - Neanderthal tools, woolly mammoth teeth, cave bear skulls and the jawbone of what is thought to be the oldest human in north west Europe. Follow the incredible journeys made by Torquay's famous explorers, from the frozen wastes of the Antarctic to the depths of the Brazilian rain forest and come face-to-face with wonderful artifacts from ancient Egypt, including Devon's only Mummy. Why not visit our lovely café serving home cooked local produce. Our shop stocks an excellent range of quality gifts, cards and books, including an extensive stock of secondhand and new books by Agatha Christie.

WHAT A BRILLIANT WAY TO FINISH FRIENDLY FACES 2026!We had SO much fun on Friday with our new TGGS and Churston Ferrers s...
06/09/2026

WHAT A BRILLIANT WAY TO FINISH FRIENDLY FACES 2026!

We had SO much fun on Friday with our new TGGS and Churston Ferrers starters!

One of our favourite moments came right at the end, when we spotted groups of children stopping to exchange mobile numbers before they left. 🥰 From arriving not really knowing one another to swapping numbers just 90 minutes later - that’s exactly what Friendly Faces is all about!

To everyone who joined us across this year’s sessions, we hope walking through those school gates feels just a little easier now that there are some familiar faces waiting on the other side.

A huge GOOD LUCK to all our Friendly Faces as you start your new schools!

OBJECT OF THE WEEK: Bone NeedleThis needle, on display in our Ancestors gallery, shows us that these hunter-gatherers co...
04/09/2026

OBJECT OF THE WEEK: Bone Needle

This needle, on display in our Ancestors gallery, shows us that these hunter-gatherers could create remarkably fine clothing, perhaps even waterproof, to keep themselves warm and dry during very cold conditions.

🎒 TGGS & CHURSTON TOMORROW!Imagine arriving for your first day and already spotting a face you recognise. There’s still ...
03/09/2026

🎒 TGGS & CHURSTON TOMORROW!

Imagine arriving for your first day and already spotting a face you recognise.

There’s still time to join us for Friendly Faces at Torquay Museum tomorrow — 90 relaxed minutes to meet new classmates, have some fun and take some of the nerves out of that BIG first day.

🎟️ Just £2.50
📍 Torquay Museum

Know a TGGS or Churston starter? Please send this to their grown-up! ❤️

Last chance to book 👇
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/friendly-faces-2026-torquay-museum-tickets-1990861954699?utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0j47i653&fbclid=IwY2xjawUGMfJwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMEcxTmVueWJwNDNhRm1NdnpzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEehwHrPW9OquBbaLu5ojlxGTGT0ctQoiyEyQWoQk8CerJWWXBRme1GZUHFlxA_aem_bqKq_GNAwWBdNr53HZkCog

🚨 STARTING TGGS OR CHURSTON NEXT WEEK?There’s still time to give your child a Friendly Face for that all-important first...
01/09/2026

🚨 STARTING TGGS OR CHURSTON NEXT WEEK?

There’s still time to give your child a Friendly Face for that all-important first day.

After Friday’s session, one parent described children arriving worried and pale-faced… and leaving happy, laughing and having fun together. ❤️

This Friday, 4th September, it’s the turn of TGGS & Churston!

📌 TGGS - Cross, Beal & Jackson
9.30–11am

📌 TGGS -Wilkinson, Robertson & Omanyo
11.15am–12.45pm

📌 Churston Ferrers Grammar School
1.15–2.45pm

Just 90 minutes to meet some new classmates, break the ice and make starting a brand-new school feel that little bit less daunting.

🎟️ Only £2.50 per child
📍 Torquay Museum

If you’ve been meaning to book, this is your reminder! 👇
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/friendly-faces-2026-torquay-museum-tickets-1990861954699?utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0j47i653&fbclid=IwY2xjawUDcflwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMUV3QXVpTlNZSEhJdWI3Q1RzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe8mZYMuGoqX6TnM4sSIKz68M0WfBiMDhnpQDRO82apV6SeVWx9tzjwx7jca4_aem_pJz4Z-fnyzaJlosGudwN8g

And if you know a family starting TGGS or Churston, please send this to them - you might just make their first day a whole lot easier. 💙

WHAT A DIFFERENCE 90 MINUTES CAN MAKE…Yesterday was our first Friendly Faces 2026 session and these photos and videos sa...
29/08/2026

WHAT A DIFFERENCE 90 MINUTES CAN MAKE…

Yesterday was our first Friendly Faces 2026 session and these photos and videos say it all! ❤️

One parent summed it up beautifully: the children went in worried, with pale faces… and came out happy, laughing and having fun together.

And that’s exactly what Friendly Faces is all about. Starting secondary school is a BIG step, but walking through those gates already recognising a few faces can make that first day feel very different.

🎒 WE DO IT ALL AGAIN NEXT FRIDAY, 4th SEPTEMBER!

📌 Torquay Girls’ Grammar School
Cross, Beal & Jackson — 9.30–11am

📌 Torquay Girls’ Grammar School
Wilkinson, Robertson & Omanyo — 11.15am–12.45pm

📌 Churston Ferrers Grammar School
1.15–2.45pm

If your child is starting at one of these schools, give them the chance to meet some of their new classmates before that first day.

🎟️ Just £2.50 per child
📍 Torquay Museum

Take a look at yesterday’s fun 👇 and book their place for Friday.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/friendly-faces-2026-torquay-museum-tickets-1990861954699?utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0j47i653&fbclid=IwY2xjawT_rcBwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMFpHbTRKdUVhbk14ajNsaVNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeAuWqRp01xEGgET7hD1yM1esBm6uM_5NlzTtQBIcvAKyy_s_nBATLFAbo0c4_aem_ZLjD1PQoSopx13cyTGXjrA

Sometimes a Friendly Face is all it takes. 😊

Please SHARE with anyone you know who has a child starting at TGGS or Churston next week.

OBJECT OF THE WEEK: Hazel NutsThese hazel nuts, on display in our Ancestors gallery, were excavated in 1883 in a peat be...
28/08/2026

OBJECT OF THE WEEK: Hazel Nuts

These hazel nuts, on display in our Ancestors gallery, were excavated in 1883 in a peat bed in Torquay. Hazel nuts were a valuable food source for hunter-gatherers. They were easy to store, high in nutrition and the empty shells could be used a fuel for fires.

📌Torquay Boys Grammar School, St Cuthbert Mayne, Torquay Academy, and The Spires College tomorrow! Last chance to give y...
27/08/2026

📌Torquay Boys Grammar School, St Cuthbert Mayne, Torquay Academy, and The Spires College tomorrow!

Last chance to give your new Year 7 a Friendly Face before September.

Book now -
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/friendly-faces-2026-torquay-museum-tickets-1990861954699?utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0j47i653&fbclid=IwY2xjawT2gfpwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMElDWm85bkhQNEc2cVhwNVBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeTuieN4va_IF7LAz8_ziKOxAfpJvbA03jm4jkcXOULXjnZlqLF4j2C1Zdjzw_aem_VVV2e-yB0MsDs9kFlqK_Lg

As it’s National Dog Day and the summer holidays are still in full swing, we thought we’d combine the two with this deli...
26/08/2026

As it’s National Dog Day and the summer holidays are still in full swing, we thought we’d combine the two with this delightful photograph from our collections. Here, elegantly dressed Victorian ladies and a gentleman relax on Oddicombe Beach, Torquay, accompanied by their charming canine companion. A wonderfully stylish seaside scene from days gone by.

A new edition of Agatha Christie’s ‘They Came to Baghdad’ is now available in our gift shop. We also have the brand new ...
25/08/2026

A new edition of Agatha Christie’s ‘They Came to Baghdad’ is now available in our gift shop. We also have the brand new 2027 Agatha Christie calendars in stock!

🎒 Do you know ONE family with a child starting Yr7? Please send this to them.In a few short days your child will be gett...
23/08/2026

🎒 Do you know ONE family with a child starting Yr7? Please send this to them.

In a few short days your child will be getting ready for their first days at secondary school.
New school. New routines. New teachers. And a LOT of new faces.
But what if a few of those faces weren’t new anymore? 😊

Friendly Faces at Torquay Museum gives children starting Yr7 the chance to meet some of their new classmates before that first day - through games, fun and absolutely no pressure.

Sometimes simply recognising someone across the room can make a big school feel a whole lot smaller.

📅 Friday 28th August & Friday 4th September (check session times in the link)
📍 Torquay Museum
🎟️ £2.50 per child

Starting Yr7? Come and find some Friendly Faces. 👇
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/friendly-faces-2026-torquay-museum-tickets-1990861954699?utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0j47i653&fbclid=IwY2xjawT2ijBwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMElDWm85bkhQNEc2cVhwNVBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeX1IOo6xwGPSPkE2ItGopfB56oOuEAuITmwEcUJesgupk4wqqxkbiLecU0fY_aem_3ths8ecsP6GDytrUbx7fPA

And please share with any Yr6 into Yr7 families you know. 💙

Address

529 Babbacombe Road
Torquay
TQ11HG

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4:45pm
Wednesday 10am - 4:45pm
Thursday 10am - 4:45pm
Friday 10am - 4:45pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+441803293975

Website

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