The English Riviera is amazingly beautiful and one of the most naturally inspiring places to visit in England, with stunning coastal views, a mild and sunny climate and unique outdoor experiences that will simply take your breath away.
Discover 22 miles of coastline set around what residents and visitors fondly describe as ‘The Bay’ with award-winning sandy beaches and captivating rock formations forming part of our UNESCO Global Geopark. A network of winding footpaths along the dramatic coastline are part of the famous South West Coast Path, popular with ramblers, bird watchers, photographers and dog walkers alike.
The English Riviera is renowned for its iconic palm trees, Mediterranean micro-climate and continental-style waterfront promenades with restaurants and cafes providing stunning alfresco dining experiences. The mix of elegant Victorian architecture, quaint fisherman’s cottages and contemporary buildings create a colourful and relaxing atmosphere.
The English Riviera’s incredible natural setting is a haven of tranquillity and certainly one of Earth’s extraordinary places. With designated UNESCO Global Geopark status, the area is internationally recognised for its unique geological interest and is one of only seven global geoparks in the UK and 140 in the whole world!
Enjoy beautiful landscaped gardens and a wide expanse of woodlands, green spaces and attractive countryside with walking trails and paths to explore. Set within the picturesque 16th century thatched village of Cockington, there’s a 450-acre country park estate with a gamekeepers’ cottage, grand manor house and mediaeval lakes, perfect for days out with all the family.
Be amazed by the extraordinary natural landscape, the protected environment, the incredible local geology and the fascinating places, people and the cultural heritage of this outstanding area. The remarkable landscape has been used as the perfect backdrop for many film projects, TV programmes and international music videos including Metronomy’s nominated album, The English Riviera.
We have some unbelievable sunsets here with one of the most popular locations being at Berry Head National Nature Reserve, an awe-inspiring 200-foot cliff top promontory and one of the gateway sites to the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark. Berry Head is surrounded by water on all three sides and the area attracts some amazing wildlife. Sightings of pods of dolphins and humpback whales are a regular occurrence. Look out for the bats, colony of guillemots and varieties of seabirds.
There’s a year-round cultural programme of open-air and underground theatre, cinema and host of seasonal events set within fascinating historic venues. Some of the greatest writers of all time including the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie; Charles Darwin and Oscar Wilde have all been inspired here.
The English Riviera is surprisingly close and has something for everyone with leisurely pursuits aplenty on land and water including: Coasteering, Sailing, Paddle boarding, Scuba diving and Rock Pooling. Pleasure Cruises, Mackerel fishing and sightseeing trips around the bay give you a true flavour of this fascinating part of the West Country.
Consisting of three main towns: Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, the English Riviera is the perfect playground to explore whether on foot, with a ride on a steam train, open-top bus trip or even horse and carriage. With a great choice of award-winning campsites, caravan and holiday parks, the English Riviera is an exciting, must-see, year-round destination, with plenty to offer all ages and interests, any time of year.
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