Mark A.
Google
Cockington is a lovely quiet place, that's off the beaten track and is a very different feeling to almost everywhere else in Torbay.
The scenery is beautiful as well the quaint old buildings being a view into the past. There are numerous craft based businesses (glass blowing, metal foundry, bespoke lights, gin makers).
There is a nice cafe within the historic building, with internal and external seating so on sunny days you can get a drink or meal and enjoy it whilst looking towards the cricket pitch and pavillion and some absolutely huge pine trees.
There is plenty of parking, but we walked from the seafront via the countryside path, which was easy going and flat, but does take half an hour or so to get to the village of Cockington. On route we spotted various insect wildlife, having a stream running parallel to the path, means plentyful numbers of dragonfly and similar species, plus various species of butterfly.
I would say this is a place aimed mainly at adults and older children, although they are trying to cater for younger children with a temporary dinosaur trail. The playground was somewhat dull and with many items not working or out of use.
The walled rose garden smells devine and is well maintained, unfortunately whilst we were there a wedding party came in to have their photos, so we moved out of the way so they could do that in peace. I image it would be a nice place to sit in the quiet for a while otherwise.
Cockington is a full day out, and other than buying a drink or ice-cream is free, it's well worth a visit.