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About this place
The War Memorial in Princess Gardens in Torquay is a stone cenotaph standing in a seafront park on the English Riviera, in Devon. It honours those who died in war and is one of the town's main places of remembrance. Since 1994 it has been a Grade II listed structure on the National Heritage List for England.
Who designed it, and when was it built?
The memorial dates from 1920 and was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield (1856-1942), an architect responsible for many First World War memorials across Britain. Its restrained, classical form reflects his usual approach. Historic England listed it on 3 May 1994, while the surrounding park has its own separate Grade II entry as a registered historic garden.
Where exactly is it?
The cenotaph stands in Princess Gardens beside Torquay's harbour front, in the Tormohun ward. The park was laid out in 1892-94 to a design by Major Garrett, the borough engineer and surveyor, and was extended south of Princess Parade around 1930. The site sits at roughly 50.461 N, 3.528 W, a short stroll from the promenade and the marina.
What will you see?
The memorial itself is the focus: a carved stone monument with inscriptions, framed by the park's lawns and planting. Beyond it you can see Tor Bay and the waterfront. In 2025 the council had the cenotaph refreshed ahead of Remembrance weekend, with stonework repairs, metalwork conservation and regilding carried out by specialist contractors.
How do you get there?
It lies right on the seafront, so walking from the town centre or the harbour is easiest. The ground is flat and the walk is short. The historic Torquay Pavilion stands nearby and makes a handy landmark.
When should you visit?
The gardens are open all year. The most atmospheric time is Remembrance Sunday in November, when commemorations take place at the memorial. In summer the park is at its greenest and the bayside walk is most pleasant.
Frequently asked questions
Is the memorial a listed monument? Yes. It has held Grade II status since 3 May 1994.
Who designed it? Sir Reginald Blomfield, in 1920.
Is there an entry fee? No. Princess Gardens is a public seafront park and the memorial can be visited free of charge.
How long should I allow? Seeing the memorial takes 10-15 minutes. It combines well with a stroll through the gardens and along the promenade.
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