to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
With its award-winning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and a jam-packed calendar of events, the English Riviera is the ultimate destination for a summer to remember. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a family planner, or someone looking to unwind by the sea, there’s something for everyone across the English Riviera this summer.
Unmissable Events and Experiences
Kents Cavern Cave Cinema (30 July – 29 August) returns this summer, offering classic family films in one of the most unique settings imaginable - deep within the ancient caves of this prehistoric site. It’s a magical underground cinema experience ideal for all ages.
On 30 August, steam fans won’t want to miss the Reunion of the Paddle Steamers Waverley and Kingswear Castle. This special event celebrates the heritage of paddle steamers, offering nostalgic river journeys along the stunning South Devon coastline.
The Paignton Festival (26 July – 3 August) is back with a vibrant mix of music, family entertainment, and community spirit. Expect a lively atmosphere filled with activities, performances, and all the charm of a traditional seaside summer.
All summer long, Torre Abbey hosts the popular Mechanical Marvels exhibition, showcasing quirky and curious creations that fascinate visitors of all ages. The Torre Abbey Annual Summer Fair on 30 August is also a seasonal highlight, with stalls, crafts, music, and fun for the whole family.
Family Days Out
The English Riviera is home to some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, many of which have recently been re-awarded Blue Flag status. From paddleboarding in Torquay, kayaking at Goodrington Sands, to rock-pooling along Babbacombe’s shoreline, there’s a beach activity for every interest and age group.
For high-octane thrills, Torquay Watersports offers exhilarating RIB rides along the coast. Experience the English Riviera like never before, from sea-level views to the splash and speed of adventure on the water. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, Torquay Watersports also offers 60 or 90 minute Coastal Boat Tours, perfect for those who want to soak up the scenery within the stunning UNESCO Global Geopark and spot local wildlife.
A visit to Paignton Zoo offers the chance to encounter over 2,000 animals in a lush, expansive setting, with Animal Experiences including Junior or Adult Zookeeper for a Day, Feed the Giraffes and the Giant Tortoise Experience. It’s an unforgettable family adventure that combines fun with important conservation messages.
At Occombe Farm, a unique all-weather family attraction, you’ll find indoor and outdoor adventure play, animal encounters, and an animal paddocks trail. With every visit supporting the vital conservation work of Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust.
In Brixham harbour, families can board the Golden Hind Ship Museum, a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s iconic ship. Step back in time and explore life on the high seas in one of Brixham’s most popular attractions. While you’re in Brixham, why not take the opportunity to visit the Brixham Heritage Museum with free entry. A fascinating stop for the whole family, the museum showcases the town’s rich fishing heritage through an impressive collection of maritime models, local archaeological discoveries, and artefacts linked to the historic Napoleonic fort at Berry Head.
The English Riviera is also rich in literary and historical heritage. Greenway House, once the beloved holiday home of Agatha Christie, invites visitors to stroll through riverside gardens and follow in the footsteps of the Queen of Crime herself. Meanwhile, Coleton Fishacre is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, with special programming to mark a century of Art Deco elegance and coastal beauty. Both properties are also family-friendly and offer a Summer of Play throughout the season, with hands-on activities filled with fun challenges and problem-solving games for all ages to enjoy.
At Babbacombe Model Village, visitors can discover a world in miniature, brought to life this summer with enchanting evening illuminations. It’s an experience that delights both the young and the young at heart.
Live Entertainment
The English Riviera’s six theatres offer a wide range of live entertainment throughout the summer. From musicals and comedies to children’s theatre and contemporary drama, there’s something on stage for everyone.
Find the full listings and bookings for theatres here.
Ready to Plan your Perfect Holiday?
When it comes to places to stay, the English Riviera offers something to suit every taste and budget. From stylish seaside hotels, family-friendly resorts, or cosy guesthouses, you'll find a wide range of options in stunning coastal locations. Explore the official English Riviera website to discover the full selection and find the perfect place for your stay.
Whether you’re planning a short seaside escape or a longer summer retreat, the English Riviera makes it easy to find your perfect home away from home.
Related
Grab your popcorn and head underground to the most atmospheric pop up cinema around! We are pleased to announce this years programme. Cave Cinema is an award-winning event, which takes place at Kents Cavern every Summer. Over July & August we screen cult classics, family favourites and spine-chilling horrors underground in our spectacular prehistoric setting. With a fully stocked bar, and a cafe serving incredible Pizzas and snacks, our venue has everything you need to make your visit memorable. Films start at 18:30 and 21:00 Wednesday-Friday, and doors open 15 minutes beforehand. Free on-site parking is a special perk for our cinema guests.
Waverley is truly unique, she is the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer and was famously gifted to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS) for £1 in 1974. Since 1975 Waverley has been operated on a not-for-profit basis to keep alive the glory of the famous Clyde steamers. Since those pioneering early days of Waverley’s preservation she has relied on many individuals and organisations to help keep her paddling, but by doing so millions have been able to enjoy the unique experience of travelling on a paddle steamer.
Paignton Festival is run by a small team of dedicated volunteers, who rely solely off donations from the public and local businesses and traders. Without financial support from them they would be unable to put on this successful event every year.
Cabaret Mechanical Marvels Exhibition at Torre Abbey Prepare to embark on an interactive journey into the wild and wonderful world of automata at the Cabaret Mechanical Marvels exhibition, opening at Torre Abbey on May 25th. This captivating showcase seamlessly weaves science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics into the enchanting universe of automata, celebrating mechanical artistry and innovation for visitors of all ages.
Explore the English Riviera Coastline with Torquay Watersports and see up close the incredible wildlife that also call it home. We will explore secluded coves, caves and islands as we hope to encounter cormorants, guillemots, seals, porpoise and dolphins. We have also seen basking sharks, blue fin tuna and sunfish on our trips.
VISIT PAIGNTON ZOO FOR AN INSPIRING DAY OUT… With thousands of astonishing animals amid 80 acres of glorious gardens, Paignton Zoo offers a fantastic day out in South Devon! Discover gorillas, orangutans, giraffes, tigers, red pandas, and rhinos as you explore specially designed habitats from savannah to tropical forest. Brave the wobbly bridge over Lemur Wood, marvel at our cheeky troop on Baboon Rock, and venture inside our immersive Crocodile Swamp exhibit. To refuel during the day, there are various food outlets around the site to grab a drink or snack, or you can enjoy a spot of lunch at the Island Restaurant in the heart of the zoo.
Occombe Farm – Indoor Play, Outdoor Adventure & Animal Encounters on the English Riviera Occombe Farm is a unique all-weather family attraction in Paignton, on the English Riviera. It’s where play, nature and animals come together for an unforgettable adventure – and every visit help support local conservation too! Our inspirational indoor Play Barn is where the outdoors comes inside! Designed for children aged 2–12yrs, the barn is split into exciting zones themed around Torbay’s natural landscapes – coast, countryside and woodland. There are cliff faces to scramble up, a giant shell to climb inside, slides to swoosh down, even a shipwreck to explore.
The Golden Hind at Brixham, Devon is a full sized replica of one of the most iconic ships from the age of exploration. The Ship has been a feature of picturesque Brixham harbour for over fifty years, entertaining and educating thousands of visitors during this time - as well as being featured on many television programmes and films. The Ship is open come rain or shine and is an all weather attraction with many indoor displays as well as wide open decks. A striking landmark in Brixham, Devon every visitor on board contributes to the restoration and maintenance of the Ship, ensuring that 'Brixham's Treasure' will continue to enhance Brixham's beautiful Quayside for future generations... The Ship is open from spring to autumn
An English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site. Housed in the old Brixham police station, Brixham Heritage Museum (free admission) provides an intriguing place to visit for all the family with a rich collection of exhibits.
Berry Head National Nature Reserve guards the southern half of Tor Bay. One of the main gateways to the English Riviera Global Geopark, it is an internationally-acclaimed heritage site, home to a fascinating variety of wildlife and history, with recently-restored Napoleonic War fortifications. Enjoy the stunning views and superb local food at the Guardhouse Cafe, visit the Visitor Centre, enjoy one of the many events, and walk the ramparts as the soldiers did 200 years ago. Berry Head is free to visit and open all year. Dogs: Welcome in the Nature Reserve and the Guardhouse Café on a lead
Agatha Christie described Greenway as “the loveliest place in the world”. It was here that she had her holiday home, on the banks of the River Dart. With a long history dating back to the 1490s, the house still retains features added by all generations of occupying families. Now cared for by the National Trust, the property offers visitors an extraordinary glimpse into the private life of the Queen of Crime and her family. Greenway is a magical place to explore, with its rich historical interior and the romantic mystery of its garden. Agatha Christie set two of her novels here, both of which feature on the Agatha Christie Literary Trail: Five Little Pigs and Dead Man’s Folly.
At the country home of the D’Oyly Carte family you can travel back in time to the Jazz Age. This most evocative of country homes was built in the Arts & Crafts style in the late 1920’s and is imbued with Art Deco elegance. A light, joyful atmosphere fills the rooms, and music plays, echoing the family’s Gilbert and Sullivan connections. You can get an insight into 1920s life ‘upstairs and downstairs’ from the glamorous Saloon to the airy servants’ rooms. In the RHS accredited garden viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea, and paths weave through glades past tranquil ponds, as tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand thrive in the moist and sheltered valley.
Feel like a giant as you step through the small entrance and the vast miniature world opens up before you. Explore 4 acres of award-winning gardens showcasing hundreds of uniquely hand-crafted model scenes, vehicles & people. The Model Village is set in a large beautiful valley and portrays a generic version of Britain through the decades with some well-known landmarks and a few twists. There are many hidden puns, fun scenes and lots of humour for all to enjoy. Our INDOOR Mythical Kingdom, a land of miniature animated legendary creatures set in a colourfully illuminated world, is a marvel in its own right.
Comments
Comments are disabled for this post.
Sign up for our e-newsletter
Order your free travel directories
Contact English Riviera Visitor Information
Submit your event
