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, a bespoke workshop or a hands-on Taleblazers 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.
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.
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 beautiful 18-acre garden, with its impressive Palm House and Arid House, offers exciting opportunities for educational workshops relating to science, art, creative writing, history and geography.
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.
We also offer bespoke curriculum-linked workshops to support your teaching and learning. Talk to our Education team to discuss your requirements.
Our Teachers’ Kit has been designed to support pre and follow-up learning 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.
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 Canon was like and how that life differed greatly to the lives of the common folk of Torbay.
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.
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.
£2.50 per child. Plus £30 Annual Educational Group Membership.
£3.75 per child. Plus £30 Annual Educational Group Membership.
£10 per child (Minimum of 30)
For bespoke visits, please contact our Education Team for a quote.