History where it actually happened… come and explore a building that has witnessed events spanning 800 years with a pivotal role in the history of Torbay.
Teachers can choose to book a general free-flow visit with optional worksheets, a private guided tour of the Abbey or a hands-on Taleblazer’s workshop.
If you would prefer to explore Torre Abbey independently, then an Educational Group Membership will allow any group from your school to visit for free, as many times as you would like, for a year.*
What we can offer
Torre Abbey is an archaeological site of national importance. Founded in 1196, it became the wealthiest English monastery of the order of Premonstratensian canons. The extent of its survival makes Torre Abbey the best-preserved medieval abbey in Devon and Cornwall.
After King Henry VIII closed the monastery in 1539, two of its former ranges were adapted for use as a private house. From 1662, this house became the home of the Cary family, who lived here for nearly 300 years. Now, our 800 Years Gallery uses state-of-the-art technology to tell the abbey’s fascinating story through videos, talking portraits and interactive displays.
Our buildings, gardens, grounds and location within the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark makes us the perfect space to go even further back in time, where learners can explore Torbay’s exceptional local geology and natural environment.
With over 600 incredible works of art from the 18th century to the present day, the Abbey’s art collection makes Torre Abbey the perfect day out for an informative educational experience outside the classroom.
We have a fabulous purpose-built classroom too; the ‘Learning Lab’ can host formal learning or messy creative activities for any age group, and can act as a base for your visit. Throughout the year we also offer out several spaces for school exhibitions; we can work with you to bring your exciting art projects to life.
Our Workshops
We have partnered with Taleblazers who are passionate about using the power of storytelling to inspire children as they walk in the footsteps of the people who made history. Forget virtual reality – we provide the real thing to make your teaching come alive.
Teacher’s Kit
Our Teachers’ Kit has been designed to support pre and follow-up learning to our Taleblazers’ trips or self-led school visits to the site and is free with any school trip or Educational Group Membership.
These resources link Torre Abbey with your classroom studies, focussing on first hand evidence while providing clear links with learning outcomes. We are currently offering trips linked to the Medieval and Tudor time periods and our themed packs include an introduction to the general history of the Abbey; all the information needed to prepare pupils for a visit.
Taleblazers’ Trips at Torre Abbey
The Spanish Armada comes to Torbay: With a focus on the causes and consequences of the 16th Century war with Spain and specifically the Armada of 1588, we follow the first skirmishes of the war, the taking of the Nuestra Senora del Rosario and the subsequent imprisonment of almost 400 Spanish sailors in the barn at Torre Abbey.
Medieval Mayhem: Based on events that took place at Torre Abbey in 1351, students will be introduced to the early history of Torre Abbey. We will learn what life as a White Cannon was like and how that life differed greatly to the lives of the common folk of Torbay.
Come and visit
We would love the opportunity to show you what a wonderful resource Torre Abbey could be to your teaching, if you’d like to visit free of charge to see what we can offer before booking one of our school trips then please contact us to arrange a time that suits you.
Who to contact
Learning and Community Engagement Coordinator
T: 01803 293593
E: torreabbeyenquiries@torbay.gov.uk
Our Prices
* We try to keep our charges affordable as we know the challenges schools face. We offer an Educational Group Membership for schools for just £30 a year, which allows free self-guided visits (subject to availability and booking) to Torre Abbey’s House and Gardens.
