Royal Terrace Gardens

The Royal Terrace Gardens, known locally as Rock Walk, are situated beneath the towering cliff of Waldon Hill, which overlooks the sea front, and is one of the Wonders of Torquay.

Rock Walk is a network of paths, bordered by luxuriant vegetation of a subtropical nature. Bamboo, Yucca and other exotic plants, shrubs and trees can be found in this well sheltered Devonshire jungle. By night, well placed illuminations combine with vegetation to create a romantic environment. Also from here, you are greeted to magnificent views of the Princess Gardens, the Harbour and as far away as Berry Head.

At one time the sea lapped right against the base of Waldon Hill. At the Palm Court end of Rock Walk is a drab looking grey stone building, which was built in 1840 and served as a tollhouse until 1862. Following this, it was the Head Gardener's home and became known as Gardeners Cottage. However, one long serving gardener, called Dyer. He lived there for such a long time that, it became known by all the locals as Dyer's Cottage. Today the building can still be seen, but due to previous instability of the rock face above it, has not been used for a number of years.

One small unknown fact, these gardens were formerly known as the Fisherman's Walk but that was long before the arrival of exotic flora and soft lights. It later was renamed 'Royal Terrace Gardens'

Historical proof that the sea has been held back to create new land is evidenced in the sad plight of the Boston based vessel, the "Wallace," which went aground in Torquay on 2nd January 1873. The site where the ship was wrecked was right beside the Torbay Hotel. A fire on board lasted two days and rendered the ship a total loss. A tall Venetian Mast stood for many years opposite the Torbay Hotel.

Also on this spot is a tribute to the great bravery of a Torquay man, Mr Cranmer March-Philips. In 1873 he dived gallantly into a tempestuous sea to rescue a drowning eight year old girl called Ellen Couch. Not a bad performance from an eighty year old gent!

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