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From the reopening of the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark to a range of watersport activities and a historic international sporting debut, the English Riviera - the coastal stretch of Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham - is set for its most exciting summer yet, combining family-friendly attractions with world-class events on one spectacular coastline.
For those wanting a memorable, action-focused staycation, below is a list of the seven best attractions on offer this summer on the English Riviera in South Devon.
1. Splashdown Quaywest has reopened for summer 2026
The UK’s largest outdoor waterpark, Splashdown Quaywest, has officially reopened for the 2026 season. Overlooking Goodrington Sands, a family-friendly sandy beach in Paignton, Splashdown Quaywest has high-adrenaline flumes, twisting tyre rides, a pirate-themed interactive water play zone and more for all ages in the adventure-filled aquaplay arena.
2. A UK First: SUP World Cup comes to the English Riviera (26 - 28 June 2026)
In a landmark moment for British watersports, the English Riviera will host the UK’s first-ever International Canoe Federation (ICF) Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) World Cup. Around 200 elite athletes from across the globe will descend on the English Riviera’s uniquely sheltered turquoise waters to compete across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, marking a major milestone for the sport in the UK. This is a unique opportunity for the UK to welcome the global SUP community and to enjoy world-class racing,
Running alongside the competition, the SUPERFestival (24 - 28 June) will transform the long sandy shore of Torre Abbey Sand into a vibrant hub of activity, with paddleboarding taster sessions, workshops, live entertainment, and a lively festival village designed to get visitors on the clear water themselves to encourage a lifelong love for paddleboarding.
3.Fireball World and National Championships (20 - 31 July 2026)
Torquay’s renowned sailing waters will host the prestigious Fireball World and National Championships later in the summer, welcoming up to 100 boats and top international competitors. Spectators can enjoy high-performance racing set against the backdrop of the Riviera’s bustling harbours and waterfront dining.
4. A Coast built for the water
Beyond the headline events, the English Riviera offers some of the UK’s most high-quality and accessible waters for paddleboarding, kayaking and wild swimming. Its sheltered bays, shallow waters and warm microclimate make it ideal for beginners and experienced water sports enthusiasts alike, thanks to the range of independently owned watersports rental services on the coast.
5. Boat Trips and Ferries
Exploring the English Riviera by boat offers a fresh perspective on its UNESCO Global Geopark coastline. A variety of cruises and ferry services connect Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, and longer trips are available along the beautiful River Dart, revealing historic towns, hidden coves and abundant marine life.
6. Coasteering
For thrill-seekers, coasteering offers an adrenaline-fuelled way to discover the Riviera’s rugged coastline. Guided experiences combine swimming, scrambling, and cliff jumping, taking visitors into sea caves and along dramatic rock formations that are inaccessible by foot, delivering a unique and memorable coastal adventure.
7. Kayaking and Canoeing
The calm, sheltered waters of the English Riviera are ideal for kayaking and canoeing, with options suited to all abilities. Holidaygoers can enjoy gentle paddles along the shoreline of the excellent waters or guided tours by expert locals exploring secluded beaches and sea caves.
Carolyn Custerson, CEO of the English Riviera BID Company, said: "Summer 2026 is set to be a landmark season for the English Riviera. From the reopening of the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark to hosting the UK’s first-ever SUP World Cup, we’re offering visitors an unbeatable mix of family fun and world-class sport - all set against our stunning UNESCO Global Geopark coastline and world-class waters."
Plan your visit to the English Riviera this summer 2026
With all we have to offer, make sure you plan your visit to the English Riviera this summer. Explore and book your accommodation here.
Related
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.
2026 ICF SUP World Cup English Riviera From 24–28 June 2026, the English Riviera will come alive with the Paddle UK SUPER Festival and the ICF SUP World Cup. Set against the turquoise waters and sheltered bays of Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham, this five-day celebration of stand-up paddle boarding brings together elite athletes, community paddlers, and newcomers ready to try something new. This is a milestone moment. For the first time, the International Canoe Federation will host a SUP World Cup of this scale in the UK. It’s also the first since Paddle UK became the official governing body for stand-up paddling in 2023. The result is a unique opportunity for the UK to welcome the global SUP community, showcase world-class racing
The Royal Torbay Yacht Club are pleased to announce that the Fireball World Championship will be held in Torquay in July 2026 Torquay offers a spectacular venue with racing taking place on some of the finest sailing waters in the world. Torbay is an internationally renowned sailing venue from the sheltered harbour there is quick and easy access to the race areas. The sheltered harbour offers excellent facilities, berthing and pontoons. The class are delighted to be returning to Torquay which has been a popular venue for Fireball events in recent years and last held the World Championship back in 1981.
Explore the natural beauty of the Torbay coastline from the unique viewpoint of a kayak or paddle board with Reach Outdoors. With a range of sessions available for all abilities, from age 8 upwards, the Reach team offer introductory 2 - 3 hour sessions for beginners, to becoming a group leader in coastal waters. Want more adrenaline? Try Coasteering and let the sea pick you up and take you on a ride! This activity includes swimming, jumping, scrambling, and traversing sea cliffs. Explore deep sea caves, and squeeze through gaps to discover Devon's hidden landscape. Reach Outdoor's guides will set the pace that suits your group and ensure that everyone is challenged to meet their individual needs, but allows the whole
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.
Embark on an exhilarating coasteering adventure along the stunning English Riviera UNESCO Geopark with Reach Outdoors’ expert instructors, who ensure a safe yet thrilling exploration of this dramatic coastline. Navigate sea caves, scramble over rugged limestone cliffs and take daring leaps into crystal-clear waters, all while learning about the area's unique geology, marine life, and history. Whether you're swimming through gullies, discovering hidden coves, or experiencing the rush of jumping into water, this guided tour offers an unforgettable blend of adrenaline and natural beauty in one of England’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes. Tour duration: 3 hours Cost: £45
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