Seven parks in Torbay have recently earned a Green Flag Award, as some of the very best parks and green spaces in the country. 

The Green Flag Award Scheme recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces which meet the environmental charity’s standards of beauty, facilities and maintenance.  

The parks which have earned the award are. 

• Babbacombe Downs 
• Clennon Lakes 
• Princess Gardens (including Royal Terrace Gardens) 
• Mary’s Park 
• Stoodley Knowle Meadows 
• Tessier Gardens 
• Cockington Country Park (managed by Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust)

SWISCo, who manage six of the award-winning parks and open spaces on behalf of us, work all year round with a dedicated team of community volunteers and Friends of Groups. Together they actively maintain, improve and enhance Torbay’s green spaces that are enjoyed for both recreation and exercise.

The seven parks that have been awarded a Green Flag are each unique in what they offer.  

Babbacombe Downs, stretching along the cliff top, overlooking the blue reaches of Babbacombe Bay, features colourful flower beds all year round. 

Clennon Lakes includes four ponds, nature walks and wildlife, including swans, ducks, kingfishers, and herons. 

Princess Gardens is a Grade II Listed heritage garden with flowerbeds and a water fountain. The gardens host many events throughout the year. 

St. Mary’s Park features bowling greens, wildflowers, tennis courts and a children's play area. In Higher Brixham, the park enjoys clear views of the surrounding areas. 

Stoodley Knowle Meadows contains a children’s play area, a seasonal café, and acres of planted wildflowers, through the Friends of Stoodley Knowle. 

Tessier Gardens is a small adult only park with a Sun Temple, a Dementia Friendly Sensory Garden, and a range of plants and wildlife. 

Cockington Country Park contains 450 acres, with three ornamental lakes, woods and gardens, an historic Manor House, cottages, and an 11th-century church.

Councillor Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place, said; “It is fantastic that Torbay has achieved this prestigious Green Flag Award for seven of its parks and open spaces.  

“I’d like to thank all the brilliant staff that work for SWISCo, volunteers, residents and Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust who take the time to either restore or maintain our natural environment so they can be enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages.  

“At this time of year, especially when the sun is shining, it is wonderful to see the gardens in bloom, spaces being enjoyed and pollinating insects thriving.” 

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved on achieving a Green Flag Award. 

“These are vital green spaces for communities in Torbay to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and it provides important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.”