Post written by: Erin Walcon & Polly Ferguson-Carruthers
Part of being a locally-embedded grassroots organisation is that we live and work here. As well as being Co-Directors, we are also Doorstep parents – so we know well the feeling of having a precious spare hour to yourself while the kids are in their drama session.
After a decade of dropping off and picking our own kids up from weekly drama sessions, we’ve generated a list of recommended favourite spots that we think other parents would love too. We thought we’d take a minute and talk about our favourite spots in Torquay, all within a 10 min walk of the St Mags Hall, where our Little Doorstep and Saturday Drama groups take place. We’re so lucky that our parents can access and use the spacious St Mags car park during the Saturday morning drama sessions. It creates a great base from which to explore. Below are a few of our tried-and-tested favourites!
1. The Noble Tree
This locally-owned coffee shop up in Torre is a local’s secret (haha sorry, the secret’s out). You can walk up there in under 2 mins if you just head straight from St Mags up into Torre. The coffee is excellent, the vibe is warm and chilled-out, and it’s a perfect spot to hide from the rain, read a book, bring your knitting, or meet a friend for a coffee date and a gossip. It’s a long-time Doorstep parent haunt so you’ll probably stumble across other parents in there. They do breakfast – and takeaways. We can highly recommend the brownies.
2. Torquay Library
This may seem obvious, but it’s definitely worth a mention. Libraries are the best thing ever – free books, a quiet space to breathe, regular free children’s activities, music sessions, free internet access, friendly staff who know answers to all kinds of questions. Located just down the hill from St Mags (again, about a 2 min easy walk), Torquay Library opens at 10am on Saturdays. This makes it perfect for a visit with a little one right after Little Doorstep. Their Children’s Section is wonderful – full of picturebooks, young adult lit, early reader books. This along with Saturday Drama and the Noble Tree makes a perfect combo for a Saturday morning – hit up the library, leave with a full canvas tote bag, grab a coffee, and have drama session – perfect. If you don’t have a library card already, you can get one so easily and quickly – it takes 5 mins.
3. Upton Play Park
This green haven is definitely worth an explore if you haven’t yet. The children’s wooden play structure which was put in by the active & wonderful Friends of Upton Park is SO lovely, and it sits alongside beautiful rows of mature shady beech trees, several easy-to-access basketball courts, and lots of room to run, bike, skateboard, play, walk the dog, and sit in the sun. It’s a favourite request spot of our kids – and a great way to run off some steam.
4. Itsa Boba
This little shop is located directly opposite the church hall so it’s super easy to drop in. It’s a family-run local business where they provide a selection of delicious drinks, from milk teas to fruit teas. Delicious!
5. Play Cafe
This popular spot is well known amongst families in Torquay for good reason. Located about 1 minute walk up from our St Mags Hall, it is a soft play extravaganza inside, with multiple levels and loads of room for kids to run and play. Perfect for a younger sibling whilst an older brother or sister is at Saturday Drama. And they do toast and tea for the parents too.
6. Charity Shops
The top of town in Torquay is a treasure-trail of excellent charity shops. There are loads of them! From British Heart Foundation to YMCA, there’s an eclectic array of options – and they’re all worth a visit. The length of a Saturday Drama session is the perfect amount of time for a quick pop into town and a visit to these treasure troves. You never know what you’ll find.
7. Cary Park
This does take a little tiny drive in the car, but it was a favourite Saturday morning request of my youngest, so I wanted to include it. If you pop in your car and head up to St Marychurch (5 mins up the hill), you’ll find yourself in the leafy calm of Cary Park. It’s a great playground, and the local ice cream van often makes a visit in the summer months, so you can also sometimes grab an ice cream too! St Marychurch precinct is close nearby, with lots of lovely small independent shops – highly recommend.