Torquay - Harbour & Corbyn Head

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Torquay Harbour & Corbyn Head, with Detectives tackling a fishy case after legendary seafood chef Ernest Cooke is found dead, his family's priceless secret recipe goes missing, and your team must follow the clues to recover it and catch the culprit.

The investigation covers approximately 2 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll start outside The English Riviera Information Centre in the Inner Harbour, Vaughan Parade, next to the Harbour (TQ2 5JG), then go through the town and follow the Promenade along the seafront, returning to the Pavilion, Vaughan Road (TQ2 5EQ). The route includes parks, the harbour, Princess Gardens, the theatre and pier area, Torre Abbey, Corbyn Head and the Pavilion area.

This Trail is wheelchair and pushchair accessible. There are steps near the park and to reach the headland, but alternative routes are available around both: at the park, you can either tiptoe up the steps into the park and follow the path alongside the wall, or head back to the main gates to avoid the steps; near Corbyn Head, you can continue along the road to reach the headland by the roadside entrance instead of going up the slope.

The route follows the promenade, goes down a slope, crosses a pedestrian bridge and a dual carriageway, and passes narrow gardens running parallel to the road. Take care on roads and at crossings, including the pedestrian bridge, the dual carriageway, the traffic lights and the road by the Pavilion. The route also runs beside the sea wall and along the harbour and seafront, so keep Mini Detectives close near the water.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation outside The English Riviera Information Centre, Vaughan Parade, next to the Harbour (TQ2 5JG), using ///table.villa.scale. Park the squad car at Harbour car park (TQ1 1DD), using ///shops.survey.score. If busy, Fleet Walk Shopping Centre parking (TQ2 5EA) is just as close to the start point.

By public transport: Make your way to the English Riviera Information Centre in the Inner Harbour, then gather your Detectives outside on Vaughan Parade to begin the case.

Need the Loo?

There are several chances for a comfort break during the investigation. Find toilets near the theatre, at the marina, at Corbyn Head and in the park. Public toilets are also passed along the seafront after the theatre area.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

For canine companions, plan for a busy coastal investigation with town streets, parks, promenade walking, harbour and seafront sections, road crossings, steps with alternatives, a slope and stretches beside the sea wall. 🐾

Keep four-legged Detectives close around traffic, the pedestrian bridge, the dual carriageway, the road by the Pavilion and anywhere near the harbour or seafront.

Food & Drink Stops

Cracking a seafood chef's secret-recipe case can work up an appetite. Refreshments or snacks are available at the start and around Clue 17. There is also a cafe passed on the slipway near Corbyn Head, and a row of cafes near the theatre/pier area.

This Trail is great for picnics too. Pack a picnic to enjoy almost anywhere, with the abbey, Corbyn Head and the seafront all making good spots for a pause in proceedings.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Princess Gardens

Princess Gardens make a classic Victorian pause along the route. Opened in 1894, they were built in grand style with ornate fountains, rich flower beds and ornamental shelters, plus palm trees imported from New Zealand - perfect for a breather once the evidence trail reaches the seafront.

Torre Abbey

Torre Abbey is the oldest building in Torquay, dating from 1196. It has 122 rooms over 20 different levels, with 265 steps, and became the home of the Cary family in 1662 before being purchased by the local Council in 1930 for use as an art gallery. A proper historic heavyweight for Detectives who like their clues with a side helping of centuries-old intrigue.

Corbyn Head

The route reaches the headland at Corbyn Head, where you can enjoy the views and stop for a rest before heading back along Torbay Road. It's a strong spot to pause the case, regroup the suspects and let everyone enjoy the sea air.

The Pavilion

The Pavilion opened in 1912 as a grand Edwardian concert hall. Its last concert was in 1976; it later became a shopping complex housing a market and terrace cafe, and in October 2024 the Council regained ownership and it is now being restored. Keep your eyes peeled around this characterful landmark as the investigation returns towards the harbour area.