Living Coasts is a unique, world class aquatic visitor attraction, focusing on the conservation of coastal and marine life around the globe. It has been developed by Paignton Zoo, with financial support from the South West Regional Development Agency and the European Regional Development fund.

Take a fantastic journey around the coastlines of the world without leaving Torquay! Living Coasts features a range of fascinating coastal creatures from loud and loveable penguins to playful fur seals, colourful puffins to waders and sea ducks - they're all at home in this amazing new environment.

There are sandy beaches, rugged cliff-faces and a tranquil estuary. A huge meshed aviary allows the birds to fly free over your head, while special windows give stunning views of the birds and seals underwater.

Then relax in the water-side café with its stunning views across Tor Bay, where you can enjoy morning coffee, lunch or a real Devon cream tea - all with the best view in South Devon. Living Coasts also has a well-stocked shop in the style of a colonial harbour, with gifts and souvenirs for everyone.

Admission Prices

Adult £5.70 Child (3-15 yrs) £4.00 Children under 3 Free Senior citizens & students £4.40 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) £17.50

Opening Times

Last entries will be one hour before Living Coasts closes.

Feeding Times 10:15 Auks (feed only) 11:30 Penguins/free flyers 12:00 Seals 12:30 Auks 12:45 Waders/sea ducks 13:45 Auks (feed only) 14:15 Seals 14:45 Penguins/free flyers 15.15 Auks 15:30 Waders/sea ducks 16:00 Penguins (at the underwater window)

Whilst we make every effort to keep to these times, they are subject to change at short notice.

How to Find Us

By car:
Living Coasts is situated right on Torquay Harbourside on Beacon Quay, Torquay. Once in Torquay follow the A379 and brown tourist signs. Living Coasts does not have its own car park, but there is ample public car parking near by. Please note: the nearest car park with no height restriction is the Meadfoot Road car park. For more information about the Fleet Walk Shopping Centre Car Park please call 01803 200508.

By train:
The nearest stations are Torquay and Paignton. Onward travel will be by bus.

By bus:

Stagecoach and First Western National run bus services to The Strand in Torquay which is only a few minutes walk from Living Coasts. A new seasonal bus service has been launched that will run from Chelston direct to Living Coasts. The new bus, Number 63, will run Monday to Fridays from 9am to 5pm. Please call Chelston Leisure Services for further information on 01803 690220. Visitors travelling by bus are entitled to a 10% discount on production of a valid bus ticket (not valid with any other discounted offer).

By boat:
Paignton Pleasure Cruises run a service from Paignton direct to Beacon Quay. For further information please telephone 01803 529147. Stuart Line Cruises run boat trips to and from Exmouth Quay, for further information please telephone 01395 222144. Brixham Belle Cruises run a regular service from Brixham Harbour, please call their booking line on 01803 528555.