Cockington Court

Cockington Court is a manor house within Cockington Country Park on the edge of Torquay. The building dates from the 16th century with later additions, and now serves as a craft centre and visitor hub for the surrounding park. Working studios occupy rooms within the Court, allowing visitors to see craftspeople at work and buy their products. The combination of historic building, active workshops and parkland setting makes Cockington Court a destination for both craft interest and country park walks.

The craft studios

Around a dozen studios operate within Cockington Court, housing practitioners of various crafts including glassblowing, pottery, woodworking, jewellery making, textile arts and painting. Studios are genuine working spaces rather than demonstrations, so what you see depends on when you visit and what work is being undertaken that day. Some crafts are more visible than others; glassblowing, for example, provides clear viewing of the process, while other crafts may involve quieter, less dramatic work.

Each studio also functions as a retail space where makers sell their finished work. Prices reflect handmade production rather than mass manufacture. Opening times vary by studio, as they depend on individual craftspeople’s schedules. The Court reception or website lists which studios are open on any given day.

The building and gardens

Cockington Court itself has rooms open to visitors, showing some period features and providing information about the building’s history. The house served as the manor for Cockington estate through several centuries, though interior furnishings are not preserved as a museum-style display. The focus is on current use as a craft centre rather than historical recreation.

Formal gardens surround the Court, with herbaceous borders, lawns and specimen trees. These are maintained by volunteers and provide a setting for the building rather than functioning as a separate attraction. The gardens lead into the wider Cockington Country Park, with paths through woodland and open parkland. The historic Cockington village lies nearby, a preserved collection of thatched cottages now housing tea rooms and shops.

Visiting and facilities

Cockington Court and its studios open most days, though individual studio hours vary. Entry to the Court and gardens is free. Check the website for current studio opening times. A cafe in the Court serves drinks and light meals, with outdoor seating in the courtyard and gardens. Toilets are available. The site hosts events and markets on some weekends, which can increase visitor numbers.

Parking at Cockington Court is limited and managed by Torbay Council with charges applying. The approach through Cockington village uses narrow roads unsuited to large vehicles. Alternative access is possible on foot or by bus from Torquay, about a mile away across the park. The terrain between Torquay and Cockington involves gradients, though paths are generally well maintained.

Most areas of the Court and gardens are accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, though some craft studios are on upper floors reached only by stairs. The parkland beyond has paths of varying quality, with some suitable for wheelchairs and others rougher. Dogs are allowed in the parkland but not inside Cockington Court or its courtyard garden.