Tessier Gardens in 360º

Enjoy a 360 virtual tour of Tessier Gardens a tranquil and peaceful place to visit when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle.

Location/Facts History Things To Do Where To Eat & Drink Getting Around Getting There Helpful Tips Weather Sunrise & Sunset Tide Times Nearby Destinations

I’d driven past Tessier Gardens many times without even noticing it was here for many years and even when I had, it was a while before I found the time to check it out. As it turns out this is a bit of a small secluded oasis of a hidden gem. If you’re looking for a place to recharge your batteries, take a break from working in the hustle and bustle of the precinct, or just to simply read a book without interruption. Then this is definitely a place to come to escape with your thoughts. There’s lots of beautiful flowers around, but it would be best to come in the spring or summer to see them at full bloom. There’s also plenty of wildlife to watch with a pond, tame squirrels and lots of birds around to keep you entertained.

Location/Facts

Tessier Gardens is located between Babbacombe and St Marychurch in Torquay, Devon, UK.

Gardens are open morning to dusk, gates are locked at night.
Adults only, children under the age of 18 are strictly not permitted in the park
No dogs allowed.
Tessier Gardens have won many awards including the RHS Green Flag.
In 1975, the Rotary Club established a small Sensory Garden and in 2007 the garden was awarded the first of its Civic Trust Green Flags.
With its opportunities to use sight, touch with names of the plants etched in Braille on copper plates, smells to evoke plant memories and its safe environment. Tessier Gardens are blind and Dementia Friendly.
The gardens are tidied every Sunday 10am-12pm.

History

The Tessier family originally came from France and were of Huguenot descent. As French Protestants, to avoid official persecution, they were forced to flee from their homeland. The Tessier’s were London jewellers and successive generations of the family all followed in the same footsteps. Mr Herbert Tessier relocated with his wife to Babbacombe in 1903.

Mr & Mrs Tessier opened their garden for charitable events, the last party was held for the Primrose league. Children were dressed as the primrose buds and dancing around. There were some apples stolen and cucumber frames damaged. This was to mark the end of the garden parties.

In 1933, Mrs Amy Tessier donated the gardens to Torquay Borough Council with the proviso that it should be a relaxing place to provide quiet for adults only. In recognition of her generosity the Sun Temple, with a plaque recording her gift, was erected that same year. Mrs Tessier Died in 1940 and Mr Tessier in 1942, aged 82.

Nearby Things To Do

Where To Eat & Drink

Angels Cafe
Babbacombe Inn
Big Bakes Bakery, St. Mary Church (Amazing cupcakes)
The Buccaneer
Cary Arms (sit with a beer in the sun just a short walk to a blue flag beach)
Crown & Sceptre
Driftwood Cafe
Hanburys (award winning fish n chips)
Royal Hotel

Getting Around

Getting around is easy as it’s all on the level, wheelchair friendly and there are a few benches scattered through the grounds.

Getting There

Lindridge Rd, Torquay TQ1 3SD.

Car, Lindridge Road is a small cul-de-sac thats residents only, so you’re unable to park here. You may find some free parking along Higher Downs, Babbacombe Downs or park in the pay & display Hampton Avenue public car park a 2 minutes walk away.
Bus, The number 12 runs past and runs between Paignton, Torquay, Brixham and Newton Abbot. After 7PM ask for a Nightrider £2 until end of service. The Gold busses are fitted with wifi and usb charging ports for each seat. Friday & Saturdays the number 12 runs all night long (24 hours) for £3 return.
Walk, There are 3 pedestrian entrances – from Lindridge Road, Furrough Cross and Manor Road.