Explore The English Riviera

The English Riviera is a coastal destination in the county of Devon, consisting of three key resorts, Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, and the smaller village of Babbacombe. Sometimes referred to as Torbay, it offers approximately 22 miles of beautiful coastline, with safe, sandy beaches, predominantly calm waters ideal for paddling and bathing, and palm trees lining the resorts giving a real continental feel.

Due to its unique geography on the South Devon coastline and countryside, the English Riviera has been awarded designated UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark status, one of only 7 geoparks in the UK and 140 in the whole world.

With the British "staycation" on the up, we were delighted that the English Riviera ranked first in the British destinations perfect for a holiday in 2018, with the headline "It's easy to create a lifetime of memories in South Devon's Beautiful Bay", and we couldn't agree more as, after all, holidays are what memories are made of.

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The English Riviera

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Torquay

Welcome to Torquay, a traditional yet thriving seaside town set on Devon's English Riviera coast and the top trending UK holiday destination in 2021.
Paignton

One of the brightest jewels in the English Riviera’s crown, as you arrive in the seaside resort of Paignton, you are met with the welcoming sight of its long stretch of beautiful and easily accessible beachfront, promenade, traditional pier, colourful beach huts and green.
Brixham

Life in the busy Devon fishing town of Brixham has always centred around the harbour, where heritage trawlers jostle for space with dayboats heading out to sea for the day’s catch, bringing it home daily to Brixham’s famous Fish Market.
Babbacombe

Welcome to Babbacombe Bay on Devon’s English Riviera! In 1846, Queen Victoria wrote: 'It's a beautiful spot... red cliffs and rocks with wooded hills like Italy and reminding one of a ballet or play where nymphs appear — such rocks and grottoes, with the deepest sea on which there was no ripple.'
St Marychurch

St Marychurch is a charming suburb close to the delights of Babbacombe Bay and Torquay. It’s a lovely place to stay with its delightful pedestrianised precinct and everywhere within easy walking distance.
Cockington

Many villages lay claim to being picturesque, but the delightful Devon village of Cockington is the real deal. Take a walk back in time along Cockington’s narrow lanes, lined with thatched houses and you’ll experience a quiet charm that is quintessentially English.
Goodrington

Beautiful Goodrington with its long, sandy beach is one of the most popular resorts on Devon’s English Riviera. Set in a wonderfully attractive, sheltered bay close to Paignton, Goodrington offers the very best of Devon seaside fun.
Berry Head

A key gateway site to the English Riviera's designated UNESCO Global Geopark. Guarding the southern edge of Devon’s English Riviera, Berry Head National Nature Reserve, is a must-visit with real ‘wow factor.’

What's on

on the English Riviera

Plan your

Visit to the English Riviera

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Things To Do

Find the best things to do in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. What makes your perfect holiday? If it’s the chance to see and try new things you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do on the English Riviera in South Devon.
Places To Stay

Boasting over 20 miles of coastline, glorious beaches, cliffs and hidden coves, the English Riviera offers visitors a wealth of natural delights as well as an explosion of fun-filled activities and family-focused attractions.
What's On

If you are looking for what's on in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham look no further. Whatever time of year you visit the English Riviera, you’ll find lots going on.
Food & Drink

Eating out on the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay, will guarantee you some memorable gastronomic experiences. Named England’s Seafood Coast, you can enjoy the day’s catch on tables both grand and homely across Torbay.

All across the English Riviera, each individual town centre offers a wide variety of places to grab a bite to eat and drink and do a little bit of shopping. Devon, and in particular the English Riviera, is well know for its fantastic seafood and has been branded as "The Seafood Coast". In fact, its delicious "fruits de mer" have inspired many a chef and designer! Famous potters Pentreath & Hall based in Bloomsbury, London, have this year designed and created the "Torquay Platter" which was featured recently in The Times.

Long gone are the days of Fawlty Towers..... Over the last few years, The English Riviera has seen much improvement and benefits from ongoing regeneration, firmly securing its place on the map as not only a traditional Devon seaside resort, but also an up and coming area not just for tourism, but for education and investment too. The marina at Torquay could rival any on a sunny day, with an eyecatching display of yachts and craft, landing from across the globe, with a backdrop of Victorian and pastel buildings across its coastline.

A stay in the English Riviera offers an ideal base for exploring the beautiful coast and countryside of South Devon and has something to offer every generation. Whether you’re here as a couple or with the kids, the miles of sandy beaches to play on, glorious gardens to visit, family attractions to enjoy, and bustling towns to discover lend themselves perfectly for a short break or a longer holiday in Devon.

In our main areas of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay, you’ll find lots to see, do, and eat. And you’re also within easy striking distance of many of Devon’s other prime attractions.

Easily accessible via the M5 motorway, and with improvements now complete on the A380 making it even easier to access the resorts, both Torquay and Paignton have railway stations and are easily served by rail, bus and coach, adding to their popularity with all ages of traveller.