On Wednesday 19 May, Torre Abbey is set to safely open its doors to visitors once again. To celebrate opening, the Abbey will launch a new exhibition ‘Chasing Rainbows’ created by local artists who have taken their inspiration from frontline service workers, after the rainbow became a powerful emblem in 2020.

This celebration of colour is represented in all mediums and will be on display until Sunday 27 June. The exhibition is included in the entrance fee to Torre Abbey.

Visitors will also find plenty of colour in the award-winning gardens, re-opening on the same day. Staff and volunteers have worked over lockdown to ensure the walled medieval gardens look their very best as we head towards summer. 

Torre Abbey will now be open from Wednesday to Sunday to allow additional time for cleaning and, as people would expect, things will look and feel a little different when visiting.

Procedures which proved very successful when the Abbey re-opened last summer are back, with the safety of visitors and staff at the forefront. All visitors are required to pre-book, with each timed slot admitting up to six people or two households. Friendly volunteers at the welcome desk will explain how to have a safe and enjoyable visit to the house and gardens, and the Abbey QR codes will be on display for visitors to check in with their app.

Face coverings are required by law to enjoy inside the Abbey unless exempt, but not needed to explore the gardens. Once again, a one-way system around the main house will be in place, along with hand sanitisation stations throughout.

Free to visit without purchasing museum entry, the gift shop will also be open during Abbey opening hours, selling unique gifts unlikely to be found on the high street. The shop sells everything from locally produced wine, beers gins, preserves, confectionery, books and artworks to traditional toys, gardening accessories, cards and books.

Torre Abbey has been working with TCAN (Torbay Connecting Actively with Nature) and the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark to create a series of free audio walks that start and finish at the Abbey. They each have a different theme including Agatha Christie, Blue Plaques, Maritime History, Beaches, Architecture and Trees. Young people at Sound Communities will be recording the podcasts, with a new one released every week over the summer.

Councillor Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture said “It is with great excitement we prepare to re-open Torre Abbey safely to visitors. Torre Abbey is a much-loved gem of the Bay, and the fantastic staff and volunteers look forward to greeting familiar faces and new visitors.  We expect to be a very popular attraction as restrictions ease, so I urge people to plan ahead and book now to avoid disappointment.”

The café is currently closed with a re-opening planned for in the summer.

More details about all upcoming exhibitions and events and information on how to book. 

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