to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
From the depths of ancient caves to the warmth of tropical zoo houses and dog-friendly coastal bistros, the region has a line-up of action-packed, weatherproof activities designed to keep every family member entertained—including the four-legged ones.
Weather-Proof Adventure
Kents Cavern, the UK’s most important prehistoric cave, remains a constant 14 degrees celsius all year round, making it the perfect escape from the winter chill. Children can unearth their own treasures in the Stone Age Zone and follow the Woodland Trail to crack the code for a tribal sticker.
At Paignton Zoo, the adventure continues indoors within exotic animal houses. Families can go behind the scenes and enjoy a Junior Keeper Experience or get eye-to-eye with giants during a Giraffe or Giant Tortoise encounter.
For a whimsical change of pace, Babbacombe Model Village is a half-term essential. Explore four acres of award-winning gardens featuring hundreds of hand-crafted miniature scenes and famous landmarks. From bustling tiny towns to the village’s signature humorous twists, there are countless hidden stories waiting to capture the imagination of the whole family.
The Golden Hind offers families the opportunity to come aboard one of the most iconic ships from the age of exploration. No matter the weather, this iconic landmark offers both educational indoor displays and wide open decks for visitors to enjoy the views of Brixham harbour.
And for a more nostalgic journey, hop aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway from Paignton to enjoy breathtaking coastal views from the cosy comfort of a vintage carriage. And for those still looking for further inspiration indoors, Torre Abbey and Torquay Museum offer a wealth of interactive activities for curious minds of all ages.
Dog-Friendly Shores
With 22 miles of spectacular coastline, and a uniquely mild microclimate, families can enjoy the South West Coast Path, where dramatic cliffside views meet hidden coves. During February, the region’s award-winning beaches welcome dogs, meaning families with four-legged companions can enjoy the vast stretches of sand and clean, safe waters together - for exploring, paddleboarding, kayaking or simply some rock-pooling fun.
Beyond the shoreline, visitors are invited to discover the quintessential charm of Cockington Village and Country Park. This 450-acre estate is a dog-friendly haven, featuring sweeping parkland, ornamental lakes, and wooded trails that lead to a historic manor house and craft centre.
For those seeking wilder heights, Berry Head Nature Reserve guards the southern half of the English Riviera and offers a dramatic clifftop experience. 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 Napoleonic War fortifications.
Carolyn Custerson, CEO of the English Riviera BID Company, said: “Whether you’re exploring the family-friendly delights of our destination’s best attractions, taking the dog for a run on our award-winning winter beaches, or enjoying world-class live music, the English Riviera offers a seamless blend of indoor comfort and outdoor discovery. It’s a place where every family member, including the four-legged ones, can create memories that last a lifetime.”
The destination also offers an impressive selection of accommodation to suit all budgets and group sizes - friendly, family-run B&Bs, action-packed holiday parks, self-catering, seafront hotels. English Riviera’s visitors will also come across a wide variety of food and drink offerings to ensure every member of the family is catered for.
Related
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.
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.
Learn all about life at Paignton Zoo and discover what it’s like to be a zookeeper with our ‘Keeper for a day’ experience.
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 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
A warm welcome awaits you at Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boats. We provide steam train travel, river and sea cruises across the English Riviera and along the beautiful river Dart in South Devon. The stunning Train of Lights and famous Santa Express services also run on selected dates in December.
An English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site. Come and enjoy a visit exploring Torbay's most historic building, garden and impressive displays, world-class collections and exhibitions, complemented by modern amenities and special accessibility features. This ancient scheduled monument has beautifully presented heritage rooms which are home to specially curated exhibitions and the museum's permanent collection which includes regionally important art. Family-friendly, and open all year round, Torre Abbey is truly a unique place to visit.
Travel back through 400 million years of time at Torquay Museum – a hands-on family-friendly visitor attraction, with lots to see and do for children and adults alike. An English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site.
The English Riviera has 22 miles of coastline and a UNESCO Global Geopark, all of which can be discovered on the South West Coast Path, which runs along South Devon's beautiful bay between Maidencombe in the north and Sharkham Point in the south.
An English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site. Cockington is a quintessentially English village with Saxon origins which attracts many thousands of visitors each year. Some of the quaint thatched cottages and buildings in the chocolate box village date back to the 16th Century and are mentioned in the Doomsday Book. Cockington Country Park is a beautiful mix of picturesque well-ordered garden landscapes, open parkland, rural countryside and substantial woodland. Tucked in amongst this 450 acre park are three pretty ornamental lakes, a historic Manor House with craft centre and studios, and a quaint church. Cockington Country Park has received the prestigious Keep Britain Tidy,
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
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