Short answer: Babbacombe Downs is free, level, and the highest promenade in England — the best Boxing Day walk in Torbay. Cockington Country Park is free parkland. Torquay has more indoor options than anywhere else in Devon, though most close on the day.
The seafront, Babbacombe Downs and Cockington, all free. Torquay is a proper town rather than a seasonal resort, so Boxing Day here feels quiet rather than shut.
The highest promenade in England, free to walk, level the whole way, with a view along the coast that is at its best in clear winter air. The obvious choice if the party includes anyone who cannot manage steps.
Free parkland, thatched cottages and lanes a few minutes from the seafront — sheltered, which matters if the wind is coming off the bay.
Meadfoot, east of the harbour, which is impossible to park at on a summer morning and empty on Boxing Day.
Ring before you set off. Boxing Day hours are decided late, change year to year, and are the single thing most likely to be wrong online. A two-minute call beats a wasted drive.
Kents Cavern, the model village and the zoo all close for Christmas Day and usually Boxing Day too. Torquay's great advantage is its indoor attractions, and this is the one day of the year that advantage disappears.
Meadfoot fills by nine on a hot morning and will be empty on Boxing Day. The harbour end is level and central.
If you want to eat out, book now rather than in December. The places that do serve on Boxing Day fill weeks ahead, and the ones that do not take bookings have queues instead.
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