Looking for free days out in Torbay? The St Marychurch Heritage Trail is a free, self-guided historic walk through one of Torquay’s oldest communities.
The trail brings together local landmarks, remarkable people and stories that have shaped St Marychurch. It has 15 stops, covers approximately one mile (1.6 km) and normally takes 60–90 minutes. You can walk it at your own pace, pause for refreshments in the precinct and return whenever you like.
A free historic walk in Torquay
Begin beside the Welcome to Historic St Marychurch sign in Fore Street. From there, the route takes you to the Old Town Hall, Tudor Chambers and the former Post Office, Hampton Court, the Chilcote Memorial and the former Royal Petitor Marble Works. It continues through stories connected with Molloy’s, the Dolphin Inn, St Mary the Virgin and other village landmarks before finishing near the Model Village.
Each stop includes a short local history, genuine photographs and directions to the next location. The online guide is designed for use on a mobile phone, so walkers can follow it while exploring the village.
Why it makes a good free day out
- The heritage trail and online guide are completely free.
- It is a manageable route for visitors, local residents, couples and families who enjoy discovering real local stories.
- You can start at any time and spend as long as you wish at each stop.
- The pedestrian precinct offers independent shops, cafés and places to take a break.
- The walk combines social history, architecture, churches, memorials and the changing life of the village.
Plan your visit
Start: Welcome to St Marychurch, Fore Street
Distance: About 1 mile / 1.6 km
Time: Around 60–90 minutes
Cost: Free
Format: Self-guided using your phone
St Marychurch is served by local buses and has parking in and around the village. Surfaces, gradients and road crossings vary along the route, so please take care and choose the sections that suit your needs.
Bygones and the Babbacombe Model Village are close to the route, but admission to these attractions is optional and is not required to complete the free heritage trail.
Discover a different side of Torbay
Torbay’s beaches and seafronts are well known, but its villages hold equally fascinating stories. St Marychurch has survived dramatic change, including the devastating bombing of 1943, while retaining a strong identity and a lively community. The trail offers an inexpensive way to slow down, look more closely and understand the people and places behind the streets you see today.
Open the full St Marychurch Heritage Trail, route guide and all 15 stops.
For more ideas during your visit, see what’s on in St Marychurch and our visitor information.
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