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English Riviera Attractions

Devon’s English Riviera has possibly the highest concentration of top quality attractions of any British resort including renowned underground caverns, a magnificent model village, a steam train, a world-class zoo, an historic funicular railway, an 800 year old Abbey, a huge waterpark, a historic pier, Agatha Christie’s famous riverside residence and much more.

So Much to Discover

Amongst the English Riviera’s huge number of family attractions are: Babbacombe Model Village with its 4 acres of award winning gardens, hundreds of model scenes, vehicles and people; Bygones with its authentic life-size Victorian street and 3 floors of pure nostalgia; Waves Leisure Pool with its lovely warm water and activities for all ages and Torquay Land Train which will whisk you around town and to the delightful Cockington village with its craft studios and country park. Historic Paignton Pier offers fun and games galore and kids will love the superb, free Geoplay Park on Paignton Green. You can also try 10-pin bowling, crazy golf, go-karts, amusement arcades and lots more.

Animals and Wildlife

There are plenty of attractions to appeal to the most ardent animal and wildlife lover. Paignton Zoo is a world-class wildlife conservation park set in beautiful and extensive botanical gardens with large lakes and all your favourite animals including lions, tigers and giraffes plus many more unusual species. Managed by Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, Occombe Farm is great fun to visit with their Ruby Red cattle and sheep as well as walking the 2km woodland nature trail bursting with wildlife and with a bird hide to spot nesting birds.

Cockington is a wonderful sight to behold in this quintessentially English village, a stone’s throw from Torquay. As you wander through the 400 acre grounds at Cockington, you'll spot plenty of native wildlife too. Guarding the southern edge of Devon’s English Riviera, Berry Head National Nature Reserve, is a famous hotspot for thousands of local and migrating guillemots and dolphin pods.

Ride the Rails

A ‘must-do’ is the hugely popular steam train that runs from Paignton to Kingswear and Dartmouth along the stunning English Riviera coastline. With fantastic views and a traditional interior, you'll be overwhelmed with nostalgia. During winter, make sure to watch for the Train of Lights - a fantastic illumination display and a great day out for the whole family.

Why not take a trip to the beach in style? The historic Babbacombe Cliff Railway takes you down to Oddicombe Beach - and back to save your legs! A memorable experience with stunning views, it is a definite must when you visit the English Riviera.

Back to the Stone Age

Walk in the footsteps of your prehistoric ancestors and head back to the stone age at Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves. On your visit you'll learn about the English Riviera during the Ice Age and what makes this area such a special place as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark. Keep an eye out for Kents Cavern's special events where you can sing Carols in the Caves, meet Santa, and much more in this unique venue.

Pirates and Smugglers

Brixham’s history is filled with pirates and smugglers, and all ages will love the full size replica of the Golden Hind, a splendid galleon that takes pride of place in the beautiful Inner Harbour. Every year, there’s a huge Pirate Festival where the record for how many pirates gather in one place is broken each year.

History and Heritage

Enjoy a day out at Greenway, Agatha Christie’s famous riverside residence (now National Trust) at nearby Galmpton. You can travel via the steam train to fully immerse yourself in the Golden Age lifestyle. The English Riviera has many fantastic museums. In Brixham, browse the galleries at Brixham Heritage Museum or head to Torquay and visit Torquay Museum to view the permanent Agatha Christie Gallery. A must-visit is 800-year-old Torre Abbey on the seafront in Torquay with its galleries and gardens including a medieval children’s garden, tropical glasshouses and a full events programme.

Make a Splash

For the thrill-seekers a trip to Splashdown Quaywest is a fantastic day out! With 8 flume rides overlooking the beautiful Goodrington Sands, swimming pool area and plenty of space to soak up the sun, you'll feel as though you've been transported to another world.

For those who prefer their water activities inside, head to Waves Leisure Pool in Torquay. The pool features a unique sloping floor, wave machine, flume and water activity centre. The sloping access makes it super safe so even the youngest children can enjoy the water and not feel out of their depth. Heated to a lovely 30 degrees, it is warm and welcoming!

Cycling

Torbay Velopark offers safe family cycling with bike, helmet and baby trailer hire on offer. There are also many local cycling routes around the area; cycle maps are available. For the adventure lovers, a trip to the custom-built off-road bike track at Scadson Woods Bike Park will satisfy thrill seekers.

Whatever you choose to do on Devon’s English Riviera you’ll have made some wonderful family memories to take home with you.

English Riviera

Attractions

Featured

Excursions, Day Trips & Tours

The English Riviera is a designated UNESCO Global Geopark in South Devon. It is one of only eight in the UK and 140 in the world. A geopark is an area of globally recognised unique geological interest with fascinating landscape, coastlines and places.
Boat Trips & Ferries

Devon’s beautiful English Riviera is set within a sheltered bay with stunning coastal scenery. The rich geological landscape is so unique that it has received international recognition and is a designated UNESCO Global Geopark, one of only 8 in the UK and 140 in the world.
Animals & Wildlife

If you love animals and wildlife then Devon’s English Riviera has a host of attractions just for you. There are lots of places to explore that will create wonderful memories to take home.
History & Heritage

The beautiful English Riviera has a fascinating history and is a very exciting location for the heritage enthusiast.
Art & Culture

Beyond the wilds and beauty of Tor Bay’s iconic coastline lies a vibrant arts and culture scene of unique museums, diverse theatres and creative festivals.
Beaches

The South Devon coastline offers an ever-changing feast of sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, secluded coves, historic viaducts, elevated cliff tops, rockpools and wooded areas. And Devon’s famous English Riviera, a designated UNESCO Global Geopark, is the perfect base to experience it all.

OUR TOP ATTRACTIONS

Scroll down to discover our top attractions around the English Riviera.

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Dates

From:

18 Apr 2026to7 Sept 2026
Splashdown Quaywest

Address

Goodrington Sands, Paignton, DEVON, TQ4 6LN

Telephone
+44 01803 555550

quaywest@splashdownwaterparks.co.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

18 Apr 2026to7 Sept 2026

The largest outdoor waterpark is BIGGER than ever! Enjoy new additions 3Fall, a thrilling 3-lane headfirst slide, and explore Shipwreck Island, an aquaplay paradise for kids under 12!
Get ready for an unforgettable day at the largest outdoor…

Type

Type:

Adventure Park/Playground
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted - Group discounts available for groups 10+ For best rates book at least 24 hours in advance. Online booking facility or call 01803 555550

Key Features

Groups
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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Scadson Woods

Address

Preston, PAIGNTON, Devon, TQ3 1RN

Telephone
01803 520022

info@countryside-trust.org.uk

PAIGNTON

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Scadson Woods is a picturesque woodland situated between Occombe and Cockington. It is rife with wildlife including badgers, rabbits and even roe deer have been spotted here! With over 13 acres of woodlands, you can explore until your feet are sore!…

Type

Type:

Parkland/Woodland Garden

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Apr 2026to31 Oct 2026

Paignton Pleasure Cruises and Ferry

Address

PAIGNTON, Devon, TQ4 6AG

Telephone
01803 529147

info@paigntonpleasurecruises.co.uk

PAIGNTON

Dates

From:

1 Apr 2026to31 Oct 2026

For over 60 years the Lane family and their crew have operated pleasure and fishing boats in Torbay and on the River Dart.
Paignton Pleasure Cruises and Ferries aim to give all a memorable experience on the water with a wealth of knowledge about…

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Giraffe Experience - Paignton Zoo

Address

Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU

Telephone
01803 697500

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Get up close with the giraffes and help out with their feeding time. You’ll have the chance to chat with one of Paignton Zoo's knowledgeable keepers and learn all about each individual giraffe from the people that know them the best!

Type

Type:

Unique Experience

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Lupton House

Address

Churston Ferrers, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 0LD

Telephone
01803 845800

janet@discoverlupton.com

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Lupton Trust was formed by a group of local people to breathe life back into Lupton House – an old empty school, gardens and woods in Brixham. By pooling the communities’ enthusiasm, skills, expertise and knowledge to deliver a space for the…

Type

Type:

Historic House/Palace

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Royal Lyceum

Address

29 Abbey Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5NQ

admin@unleashedtheatrecompany.com

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Unleashed @ The Royal Lyceum
In late 2021 Unleashed were presented with the exciting opportunity to purchase a property located in the heart of Torquay, where many of those who need their help the most are. Situated on Abbey Road, Central Cinema is…

Type

Type:

Theatre

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Apr 2026to31 Oct 2026

Boat Trips - Brixham

Address

Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8AW

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Apr 2026to31 Oct 2026

A boat trip is the perfect way to experience the English Riviera from one of its best vantage points - the sea! Whether you're looking for a sight-seeing trip, fishing excursion or simply to cross the bay on a ferry, you'll find it all here.

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

More Details
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Watcombe Woods

Address

Watcombe Beach Road, TORQUAY, Devon, TQ1 4SH

Telephone
01803 520022

info@countryside-trust.org.uk

TORQUAY

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

These are mature woods with steep hills. They are quite dense and may not be suitable for those who are less mobile.
Start your walk at Watcombe Beach car park. A steep path will lead down to Watcombe Beach, an idyllic sandy beach, sheltered by red…

Type

Type:

Parkland/Woodland Garden

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Breakwater Beach

Address

Brixham, Devon, TQ5 9AF

Telephone
01803 857593

harbour.authority@torbay.gov.uk

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Close to the mouth of Brixham harbour is Breakwater Beach, one of the cleanest beaches on the
English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay. Not only is it a Blue Flag beach, but it has a Combined Seaside (resort) Award
and been recommended by the…

Type

Type:

Beach
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
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Web Site

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The official tourism website for the English Riviera

This Official Tourism Website is managed by the English Riviera BID Company Ltd.

Company number 10237792

Registered address 5 Vaughan Parade, Torquay, Devon, England, TQ2 5JG.

Telephone 01803 211211 enquiries@englishrivierabid.co.uk

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English Riviera Attractions

So Much to Discover

Animals and Wildlife

Ride the Rails

Back to the Stone Age

Pirates and Smugglers

History and Heritage

Make a Splash

Cycling

Featured

OUR TOP ATTRACTIONS

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