Sporting Events

Search,Plan

And Book

You are here: Things to Do > By Type > Sporting Events

Sporting Events

The mild climate in the English Riviera, Devon means there are plenty of opportunities to get out and get active all through the year. You’ll find a wide range of sports events to watch or take part in on land and sea.

Sailing and speed

The English Riviera is port of call for a long list of national sailing and powerboat championships. With literally hundreds of boats from around the UK turning up to race in our waters, you can often catch some of the action when you look out across the Bay. The coastpath and seafront of Torquay and Brixham, as well as Berry Head, all offer a great vantage point to watch the races. Or get out on the water yourself to get even closer.

As well as hosting national championships, we’ve also got our own special sailing events. The whole of Torquay goes into celebratory mode during the Torbay Royal Regatta. Or if vintage sailing boats catch your eye, go along to the Brixham Heritage Sailing Regatta over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Four wheel action

It might not quite be Formula 1, but the Pedal Car Grand Prix, held every year at Torre Abbey Gardens, Torquay, is a lot of fun. As well as the daredevil racing, there’s a bouncy castle, bric-a-brac stalls, live entertainment, and refreshments at this July fixture.

Four-legged action

The racecourses at Newton Abbot and Exeter are only a short drive or train ride away. Considered one of the country’s leading summer jumps courses, there are 19 thrilling races a year at Newton Abbot if you fancy a flutter. Or drive to Exeter Racecourse high on Haldon Hill. You’ll find races throughout the year, including the popular New Year’s Day meet. The course is the highest in the country at 850ft above sea level. Races have been taking place here for over 350 years and National Hunt champions including Desert Orchid and Best Mate have both started their career at the course.

Torquay football

Torquay has its own football club, Torquay United. Fondly known as the Gulls, the club currently plays in the National League. Head up to Plainmoor, Torquay to watch them and enjoy a pie or more at the Gulls Nest.

Put on your running shoes

The Torbay Half Marathon covers a traffic free course from Paignton to Torquay and back. Watch the annual spectacle or take part – there are prizes for a range of age categories as well as best fancy dress.

Boxing Day Dip

Every year, brave souls take to the water at Corbyn Head Beach in Torquay for the Boxing Day Dip. Organised by No.200 Squadron (Torquay) Air Training Corps, it’s a decidedly different way to work off the excesses of the day before.

Whether you want to be a spectator or get involved, check out the sports events taking place across Torbay.

Share Your Snaps

#EnglishRiviera

Real photos by real people. Use #englishriviera and you could end up on our social media gallery too. Experience the Bay your way! 🌴

With 22 miles of

coastline and 20 beaches on offer,

there's something

for everyone!

Search, plan and book

Book Now

Order your free travel directories

Contact English Riviera Visitor Information

Submit your event

Hello.

We'd love to hear what you think about the English Riviera!

Complete our short survey below to enter our free draw, and be in with a chance to win a two night bed and breakfast stay at the Mercure Hotel in Paignton.

Enter now

Don't Miss

The official tourism website for the English Riviera

This Official Tourism Website is managed by the English Riviera BID Company Ltd.

Company number 10237792

Registered address 5 Vaughan Parade, Torquay, Devon, England, TQ2 5JG.

Telephone 01803 211211 enquiries@englishrivierabid.co.uk

Ratings Powered By

My Planner

Sporting Events

Sailing and speed

Four wheel action

Four-legged action

Torquay football

Put on your running shoes

Boxing Day Dip

Refine By

Refine your search

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Don't Miss

English Riviera Visitor Information Centre

Special Offers

What's On Monthly Calendar

Subscribe to our newsletter