About Friends of St Marychurch
Friends of St Marychurch is a community‑led group dedicated to supporting the people, places and local spirit of St Marychurch, Torquay. We bring together residents, traders, volunteers and community groups who care about the future of our village and want to play an active part in shaping it.
Our Goal
We exist to:
- Strengthen community connections
- Support local ideas and grassroots projects
- Share reliable information about what’s happening in St Marychurch
- Encourage collaboration between neighbours, traders and local organisations
Everything we do is rooted in the belief that St Marychurch thrives when the community works together.
Independent and Open to Everyone
Friends of St Marychurch is independent, non‑political and run by local people. Anyone who cares about the village is welcome to get involved — you don’t need to be a member of any group, and you don’t need to be on Facebook to take part.
A Hub for Local Life
This website acts as a central place for:
- Community updates
- Local events
- Opportunities to get involved
- Support for traders and small businesses
- Ideas that help make St Marychurch an even better place to live
Whether you’ve lived here all your life or you’re new to the area, you’re part of the story of St Marychurch — and we’re here to help you connect with the community around you.
Visitor Attractions in St Marychurch
St Marychurch is home to two of Torbay’s best-known visitor attractions, both located within easy walking distance of the village shopping precinct.
Model Village (St Marychurch)
Often referred to as Babbacombe Model Village, this much-loved attraction is located in St Marychurch, within easy walking distance of the village shopping precinct.
The Model Village features detailed miniature buildings, landscaped gardens and scenes of British life, and attracts visitors of all ages throughout the year.
Bygones Victorian Museum
Bygones Victorian Museum is a major St Marychurch attraction offering an immersive walk through Britain’s past, with recreated Victorian streets, shops, transport and everyday life from the Victorian era through to the mid-20th century.
Parking & the Village Precinct
Visitors to the Model Village and Bygones typically use Hampton Avenue Long Stay Car Park, located at the end of St Marychurch shopping precinct.
From here, visitors pass directly through the village, making St Marychurch a natural stop for food, shopping and local services.
