Author

Pam Badham, Founder and CEO of FOUR Marketing

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!"

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.

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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