Changes to the operational management at Cockington Court will be coming into place from Friday 1 January 2027 while the council seeks a new operator that will build on the site's strengths and establish it as a thriving year-round destination.

This follows the council's announcement in September that it would be considering options for the future management of Cockington Court to help secure a positive, sustainable future for the site that enhances the experience for tenants and visitors and supports its long-term viability.

From Friday 1 January the Visitor Welcome Point will close and there will be no access to the gallery in the Manor House. This interim arrangement will be in place while the council seeks an imaginative operator for the site.  

The Seven Dials Café and craft studios will remain open as usual, and the changes will not impact public access to the surrounding parkland and gardens.

The use of Cockington Court as the primary council venue for wedding and other ceremonies in Torbay will also continue unchanged.

The council is working closely with tenants and stakeholders to ensure the appropriate arrangements are in place before any of the changes are implemented.

The council will now actively seek an operator with the expertise, capacity and vision to manage the site and establish it as a thriving year-round destination. This process is not about a change in council ownership of the site, but instead about securing a positive, sustainable future for Cockington Court.

The council intends to retain ownership of Cockington Court, regardless of the longer-term operating arrangement identified.

It will also continue to invest in promoting Cockington as a key visitor destination and explore opportunities for additional events and activities that enhance the visitor experience. This includes supporting new initiatives such as the popular Cockington parkrun which was introduced in September.

Councillor Chris Lewis, Torbay Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth, said:

"I would like to reassure our residents and visitors that we remain as committed as ever to securing a sustainable and positive future for Cockington Court.

"These changes are not about withdrawing support for the site but instead working, along with tenants and key stakeholders, to put the right foundations in place so that we can ensure its future as a thriving heritage, visitor and business destination in Torbay.

"Everything will be open as usual over the Christmas period including the café, craft and retail units. Whilst access the Visitor Welcome Point and gallery in the Manor House will be closed from January, there will still be plenty for visitors of all ages to enjoy on the wider Cockington estate. I'd encourage everyone to come along and explore what's on offer."

Any potential interested operators can see the Cockington Court particulars here.

Christmas at Cockington

Cockington Court will very much be open through the festive season.

Visitors will be able to explore the craft shop packed with festive gifts, meet Cockington’s talented makers in their studios and purchase their unique, handmade creations, enjoy a delicious array of food and drink from the Seven Dials café, or take a wintery walk through the surrounding parkland and gardens, discovering the many family-friendly trails.

If you’d like to find out more about Cockington Court and the surrounding estate, visit the Cockington Court website.

More information about Christmas opening times will be available on the Cockington Court website over the coming weeks.