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Long journeys with kids can be challenging, but when the destination is the sun-drenched English Riviera, on one of the hottest weeks of the year, every mile is worth it. We bundled into the car with all of our belongings and set off as a family of five.
The Great Descent: A Pit Stop in Brum
Knowing the distance from Edinburgh to the south coast, we wisely broke up our journey. The Crowne Plaza NEC Birmingham proved to be the perfect halfway house – comfortable, convenient, and a great place to recharge for the second leg of our drive.
We booked a family size room which was really well equipped and after a tasty dinner in their bar area, and a good night's sleep, we departed for Paignton, refreshed and ready to explore!
Day 1: Roars, Reticulated Friends, and Riviera Delights
First stop on our Riviera adventure was Paignton Zoo Environmental Park. This place is a real treat for all ages, with so much to see and learn. The highlights for us? Definitely the giraffe and Echidna feeding experiences!
Getting up close to these magnificent creatures and offering them a snack was an unforgettable moment for the whole family. And the kids still haven’t stopped talking about Bruce the Echidna. We got to hang out with him in his enclosure and learn all about the species – a truly amazing experience.
As evening approached, and everyone was feeling weary from a full day at the zoo, we headed over to The Mercure Paignton where we checked in. This is a great place for families, delicious breakfasts and they are dog friendly too!
That evening we opted for a quintessential British seaside experience: fish and chips on Paignton Pier! There's just something about the salty air, the sound of the waves, and a piping hot portion of chips that screams "holiday!"
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Day 2: Subterranean Secrets and Miniature Worlds
Day two whisked us away to two incredibly different, yet equally captivating, attractions. Our morning began with a fascinating tour around the caves at Kents Cavern. Stepping into these ancient limestone caves felt like travelling back in time.
Our guide brought the history and geology to life, captivating both the adults and the kids with tales of prehistoric inhabitants and geological wonders. It was a refreshing break from the sunshine and offered a unique perspective on the region's past. We highly recommend! The scones and clotted cream there were fab too!
We then made our way across to a world in miniature at Babbacombe Model Village. This place is simply enchanting! We spent hours marveling at the incredibly detailed scenes, from the tiny Great British Bake Off to BugIngham Palace, every installation was equally impressive. The kids enjoyed a round of mini golf here too.
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Day 3: Coastal Cruises and Quaint Harbours
Our final day on the English Riviera was all about embracing the beautiful coastline. We hopped on the Western Lady ferry service for a return trip from Torquay to Brixham. The ferry ride itself was a treat, offering stunning views of the rugged coastline, the sparkling blue waters, and the charming towns nestled along the shore.
The English Riviera is a fantastic destination for families, offering a diverse range of activities that cater to all interests. We returned to Edinburgh with sandy toes, happy hearts, and a camera roll full of wonderful memories – already planning our next return to this charming corner of England!
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Related
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.
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!
Mercure Paignton Hotel Hotel for travellers looking for local and authentic experiences
Situated at the centre of Paignton seafront. A great "All Weather" family attraction with amusements, cafe, ice creams, shops and much more.
Explore underground at Europe’s top Stone Age cave, with an extensive labyrinth of spectacular and easily accessible caverns open daily all year. Our entertaining guides will take you on an underground adventure in the Stone Age home to Britain’s earliest humans and Ice Age beasts.
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.
The Western Lady Ferry Service has been operating an excellent ferry service between Torquay and Brixham for over 75 years. The 30 minute ferry ride across the Bay to Brixham and returning to Torquay is a stress-free, delightful way to view Torbay from the sea, especially when the sun is shining! Under the proud umbrella of Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company you can be assured of receiving the best service at the best price for your ferry across The Bay. We look after our valued passengers with many returning to us every year.
Brixham Harbour is located on the southern side of Tor Bay and boasts one of the largest fishing fleets in the UK, plus a thriving fish market to support it.
With almost 1,000 berths available, Torquay Harbour is a well-protected yacht haven with access to some of the best facilities in the Southwest. It’s the ideal base from which to explore the English Riviera’s coast. Torquay Harbour lies on the North shore of Tor Bay and whilst benefiting from an expanding marine leisure industry, Torquay remains a fully commercial and busy little Devonshire port. The Harbour’s also on the fringe of the Town centre giving easy access to shops, restaurants and bars. Haldon Pier to the South and Princess Pier to the West, form the main breakwaters and give shelter to the enclosed harbour facilities.
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