If you are visiting Torbay and the English Riviera and fancy a break from the norm, we have put together a list of surprising and unusual things to do on your holiday. We’ve included everything from family adventures like coasteering, cycling and coasteering to more adult fun like a wine safari or “raptor rides”. If you are looking for quirky and unique experiences in South Devon, we’ve got you covered.

1. Ski in Torquay!

Did you know that the first ever dry ski slope was opened in Torquay in 1963 at what was then Pontin’s Barton Hall? A particularly snowy winter saw many people try skiing for the first time which led to a demand for an all-year-round facility. Since then more than 100 slopes have been built across the UK, but Torquay Alpine Club remains the oldest surviving dry ski slope in the world. The slope surface is made up of thousands of plastic bristles that allow people to practice their skiing, while the club also offers snowboarding, ringos (snow tubing) and lessons before you head out for some après ski shenanigans.  

2. The South West's only outdoor closed-road circuit

Based at Torbay Leisure Centre in Paignton, the Torbay Velopark is the only outdoor closed-road circuit in Devon and Cornwall and is ideal for both amateur and professional cycling enthusiasts. The whole track is 1.5km long, while there is also a new pump track designed for BMX and mountain bikes, as well as skates, skateboards and scooters. With a continuous loop of banked turns, rollers and jumps, it’s wheely good fun for all the family.

3. Become a Zoo Keeper for a day

Experience some real animal magic with Paignton Zoo’s unique Zoo Keeper for a Day experience. You’ll start early in the morning before any of the visitors arrive and get to experience the attraction in a completely different light. You’ll then spend the day with an experienced guide visiting a number of departments that could include primates, birds, ‘hoof stock,’ reptiles and invertebrate species. Tasks may include cleaning, feeding and caring for the animals, while the experience includes a breakfast bap, hot drink and a souvenir t-shirt. 

4. Torbay's natural playground

Coasteering is a hugely fun activity that treats the remarkable coastline of Torbay as a natural adventure playground. It’s about climbing rocks, exploring caves, scrambling around the shore, rock hopping and cliff jumping. Led by experienced guides from Reach Outdoors, you will have a lot of fun discovering the beautiful shoreline and its unique wildlife, whilst enjoying some exhilarating but safe challenges along the way. With wetsuits and helmets provided, open sessions run from April to October, with private groups accommodated all year round.   

5. The UK's fastest RIB Ride

While there are many boat trips and ferry services operating around the Bay, for something truly different, try the UK's fastest RIB ride “Raptor” with Torbay Water Sports. This 12-metre RIB offers you a thrilling 30-minute adventure with astonishing acceleration. With regular stops to enjoy the beauty of the Bay too - keep an eye out for bluefin tuna, dolphins, porpoises and seals.

6. Britain's Oldest Home

While Kents Cavern in Wellswood is a fantastic prehistoric cave and a fascinating attraction in its own right, they also organise some rather unusual events and activities you are unlikely to see anywhere else. Keep an eye out for Yoga in the Caves, Dungeons and Dragons in a Cave and even Cave Cinema, offering an underground programme of classic films in a truly unique setting. Throughout the year they also offer seasonal events, including Carols in the Caves, Easter Egglow (with huge light-up Easter eggs to find) and A (very) Batty Half Term at Halloween. 

7. Experience an escape room

For a really different experience whilst in the Bay, why not try an escape room? Ideal for a family or group of friends, HQ Escape Rooms in Torquay offers two different themed experiences. Sherlocked is a story based around the travels of author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes. In 1920 he gave a talk in Torquay Town Hall and your mission is to find keys, crack codes and solve puzzles to stop a valuable item falling into the hands of an arch-enemy. 

8. Catch & Cook on England's Seafood Coast

Join Fun Fish Trips for a Catch and Cook experience where you will be able to enjoy a two-and-a-half-hour evening cruise around the beautiful waters of Brixham. Along the way, your task is to use the fishing equipment provided to catch your supper. You will then learn how to prepare it on board and cook on the barbecue, before enjoying it in a fresh roll with salad. Without a doubt the freshest fish you will ever taste and caught by your own fair hand. 

9. Relax with a Vineyard Safari

Sandridge Barton, the home of Sharpham Wine, has been producing multi-award-winning wines on the banks of the River Dart for over 40 years. You can visit the stunning vineyard where you can indulge in a number of tasting opportunities including the brand-new Vineyard Safari. You'll head up to the vineyard in a seated trailer, before being given the opportunity to walk through the vines and then return to the winery to see the production equipment. Most importantly, it includes a sample tasting of four highly quaffable wines and finishes with some local cheese and charcuterie.

10. Nostalgic Steam Train Adventure

The Dartmouth Steam Railway is a local heritage railway that runs between Paignton and Kingswear where you can connect onto a passenger ferry to Dartmouth. Why not treat to train lover in your life (or even yourself) to the unique Footplate Experience, where you will be able to join the driver and experience incredible views from the open locomotive. You'll pass over three of Brunel's viaducts, through the darkness of Greenway Tunnel and then alongside the River Dart. You'll learn all about the various jobs involved and possibly even get to sound the whistle!