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This summer, the English Riviera is taking the lead as the UK’s top choice for family destinations, combining the authentic charm of the UNESCO Global Geopark and its 22 miles of coastline with immersive cultural experiences suitable for all ages.
For families looking for a holiday close to home, the coastal destination, with some of the UK’s best sandy beaches, offers an impressive summer programme that lets them enjoy the school break without breaking the bank.
Family adventures on the English Riviera
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Paignton is a hot spot for families this July as the yearly Paignton Festival - featuring carnival processions, fairground rides, a car show and more - returns for another summer season. Budding zoo-keepers can come eye-to-eye with their favourite creatures at Paignton Zoo where the adventures are endless, and the Dartmouth Steam Railway from Paignton makes for a memorable day out.
Beaches and water activities in South Devon
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Renowned for its stunning coastline, the English Riviera offers an exceptional beach experience for visitors of all ages. Encompassing a range of safe sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, the destination is set to be a top choice for families seeking a seaside escape this summer.
For families who prefer more adventure, the UNESCO Global Geopark coastline offers a range of water-based fun from coasteering, where visitors can climb over sea-sculpted rocks, to ferries, seafaris, exhilarating RIB rides and kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding.
Overlooking the beach is Splashdown Quaywest, the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark, which has officially reopened its doors for the 2026 summer season. Visitors can overlook Goodrington Sands, a family-friendly beach in Paignton with activities including crazy golf and bumper cars, whilst enjoying high-adrenaline flumes and an interactive water play zone for all ages.
Dining and local fresh cuisine in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham
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The English Riviera is the perfect setting for a Summer Seafood BBQ, combining the freshest local catch and spectacular coastal scenery from the Cary Arms hotel located in Babbacombe.
No trip to the seaside would be complete without fish and chips, and the English Riviera offers the freshest seafood, all caught locally, with Brixham Fish Market serving plenty of eateries offering a range of dishes across the bay.
Things to do in Summer 2026 in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham
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Kents Cavern, the UK’s most important prehistoric cave, is the perfect shelter from the English Riviera sunshine. Families can travel back millions of years and uncover the secrets of the prehistoric world at The Age of the Dinosaurs exhibition.
Beyond the destination’s coastline, visitors are invited to discover the local charm of Cockington Court. This 450-acre estate is a dog-friendly haven, where families can explore, play and picnic whilst adults can unwind and savour the region’s unique appeal with locally sourced gin.
Long summer evenings provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor theatre in the English Riviera, where enchanting performances can be enjoyed under the open skies. This summer season, audiences can experience a range of productions from child-friendly shows, including The Jungle Book at Torre Abbey and Pinocchio at Cockington Court, to an outrageous take on Shakespeare’s most magical comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, at Torre Abbey.
Find a place to Stay on the English Riviera this summer
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With a range of accommodation to suit all budgets and group sizes, from friendly, family-run B&Bs, action-packed holiday parks, self-catering and seafront hotels, all connected by accessible public transport links, the English Riviera really does have something for everyone this summer season.
Carolyn Custerson, CEO of the English Riviera BID Company, commented: “Families are increasingly looking for holidays that offer more than just a place to stay – they want experiences they'll remember for years to come. The English Riviera delivers exactly that, combining beautiful beaches, spectacular scenery and unforgettable attractions all within one destination.
“Whether it's uncovering prehistoric secrets at Kents Cavern, enjoying a wild day out at Paignton Zoo or simply soaking up the atmosphere along our stunning coastline, there are endless opportunities for families to reconnect, explore and make lifelong memories this summer.”
Related
Home to hundreds of incredible animals, including some of the world's most endangered species, Paignton Zoo is one of the South West's most exciting wildlife attractions. With 80 acres to explore, it's a place where visitors can discover remarkable wildlife, beautiful gardens and unforgettable experiences all in one amazing day out. 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
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.
The largest outdoor waterpark is BIGGER than ever! Enjoy new additions 3Fall, a thrilling 3-lane headfirst slide, and explore Shipwreck Island, an aquaplay paradise for kids under 12! Get ready for an unforgettable day at the largest outdoor waterpark in the UK! Nestled along the stunning coast of South Devon, this waterpark is bigger and better than ever, packed with thrilling new rides and exciting features that promise fun for visitors of all ages. What’s New at Splashdown Quaywest? In the last couple of years Splashdown Quaywest has introduced some thrilling new attractions! First up is 3Fall, a heart-racing, head-first, three-lane slide where you can challenge your friends to see who can reach the finish line first.
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.
At the heart of Cockington Village lies Cockington Court, a manor house with roots into history, surrounded by acres of stunning country park. Today, the court prides itself in being a centre of creativity. Providing a vibrant events programme and home to a diverse mix of exceptionally skilled, contemporary local artists and craft makers. Located in onsite craft studios that are open to the public to offer the chance to experience first-hand the makers busy at work and to buy directly from local creative businesses.
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.
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