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English Riviera Attractions

Devon’s English Riviera has possibly the highest concentration of top quality attractions of any British resort including renowned underground caverns, a magnificent model village, a steam train, a world-class zoo, an historic funicular railway, an 800 year old Abbey, a huge waterpark, a historic pier, Agatha Christie’s famous riverside residence and much more.

So Much to Discover

Amongst the English Riviera’s huge number of family attractions are: Babbacombe Model Village with its 4 acres of award winning gardens, hundreds of model scenes, vehicles and people; Bygones with its authentic life-size Victorian street and 3 floors of pure nostalgia; Waves Leisure Pool with its lovely warm water and activities for all ages and Torquay Land Train which will whisk you around town and to the delightful Cockington village with its craft studios and country park. Historic Paignton Pier offers fun and games galore and kids will love the superb, free Geoplay Park on Paignton Green. You can also try 10-pin bowling, crazy golf, go-karts, amusement arcades and lots more.

Animals and Wildlife

There are plenty of attractions to appeal to the most ardent animal and wildlife lover. Paignton Zoo is a world-class wildlife conservation park set in beautiful and extensive botanical gardens with large lakes and all your favourite animals including lions, tigers and giraffes plus many more unusual species. Managed by Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, Occombe Farm is great fun to visit with their Ruby Red cattle and sheep as well as walking the 2km woodland nature trail bursting with wildlife and with a bird hide to spot nesting birds.

Cockington is a wonderful sight to behold in this quintessentially English village, a stone’s throw from Torquay. As you wander through the 400 acre grounds at Cockington, you'll spot plenty of native wildlife too. Guarding the southern edge of Devon’s English Riviera, Berry Head National Nature Reserve, is a famous hotspot for thousands of local and migrating guillemots and dolphin pods.

Ride the Rails

A ‘must-do’ is the hugely popular steam train that runs from Paignton to Kingswear and Dartmouth along the stunning English Riviera coastline. With fantastic views and a traditional interior, you'll be overwhelmed with nostalgia. During winter, make sure to watch for the Train of Lights - a fantastic illumination display and a great day out for the whole family.

Why not take a trip to the beach in style? The historic Babbacombe Cliff Railway takes you down to Oddicombe Beach - and back to save your legs! A memorable experience with stunning views, it is a definite must when you visit the English Riviera.

Back to the Stone Age

Walk in the footsteps of your prehistoric ancestors and head back to the stone age at Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves. On your visit you'll learn about the English Riviera during the Ice Age and what makes this area such a special place as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark. Keep an eye out for Kents Cavern's special events where you can sing Carols in the Caves, meet Santa, and much more in this unique venue.

Pirates and Smugglers

Brixham’s history is filled with pirates and smugglers, and all ages will love the full size replica of the Golden Hind, a splendid galleon that takes pride of place in the beautiful Inner Harbour. Every year, there’s a huge Pirate Festival where the record for how many pirates gather in one place is broken each year.

History and Heritage

Enjoy a day out at Greenway, Agatha Christie’s famous riverside residence (now National Trust) at nearby Galmpton. You can travel via the steam train to fully immerse yourself in the Golden Age lifestyle. The English Riviera has many fantastic museums. In Brixham, browse the galleries at Brixham Heritage Museum or head to Torquay and visit Torquay Museum to view the permanent Agatha Christie Gallery. A must-visit is 800-year-old Torre Abbey on the seafront in Torquay with its galleries and gardens including a medieval children’s garden, tropical glasshouses and a full events programme.

Make a Splash

For the thrill-seekers a trip to Splashdown Quaywest is a fantastic day out! With 8 flume rides overlooking the beautiful Goodrington Sands, swimming pool area and plenty of space to soak up the sun, you'll feel as though you've been transported to another world.

For those who prefer their water activities inside, head to Waves Leisure Pool in Torquay. The pool features a unique sloping floor, wave machine, flume and water activity centre. The sloping access makes it super safe so even the youngest children can enjoy the water and not feel out of their depth. Heated to a lovely 30 degrees, it is warm and welcoming!

Cycling

Torbay Velopark offers safe family cycling with bike, helmet and baby trailer hire on offer. There are also many local cycling routes around the area; cycle maps are available. For the adventure lovers, a trip to the custom-built off-road bike track at Scadson Woods Bike Park will satisfy thrill seekers.

Whatever you choose to do on Devon’s English Riviera you’ll have made some wonderful family memories to take home with you.

English Riviera

Attractions

Featured

Excursions, Day Trips & Tours

The English Riviera is a designated UNESCO Global Geopark in South Devon. It is one of only eight in the UK and 140 in the world. A geopark is an area of globally recognised unique geological interest with fascinating landscape, coastlines and places.
Boat Trips & Ferries

Devon’s beautiful English Riviera is set within a sheltered bay with stunning coastal scenery. The rich geological landscape is so unique that it has received international recognition and is a designated UNESCO Global Geopark, one of only 8 in the UK and 140 in the world.
Animals & Wildlife

If you love animals and wildlife then Devon’s English Riviera has a host of attractions just for you. There are lots of places to explore that will create wonderful memories to take home.
History & Heritage

The beautiful English Riviera has a fascinating history and is a very exciting location for the heritage enthusiast.
Art & Culture

Beyond the wilds and beauty of Tor Bay’s iconic coastline lies a vibrant arts and culture scene of unique museums, diverse theatres and creative festivals.
Beaches

The South Devon coastline offers an ever-changing feast of sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, secluded coves, historic viaducts, elevated cliff tops, rockpools and wooded areas. And Devon’s famous English Riviera, a designated UNESCO Global Geopark, is the perfect base to experience it all.

OUR TOP ATTRACTIONS

Scroll down to discover our top attractions around the English Riviera.

Number of results: 213

, currently showing 19 to 27.

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Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

The Grove, Churston and Marridge Woods

Address

BRIXHAM, Devon, TQ5 8LH

Telephone
01803 520022

info@countryside-trust.org.uk

BRIXHAM

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

The woods are mostly set around a valley so there are some steep hills as well as rocky, muddy footpaths which become slippery when wet and may not be suitable for those who are less mobile.
With over 100 acres to explore, a network of footpaths…

Type

Type:

Parkland/Woodland Garden

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Dates
Brixham Battery Museum

Address

Fishcombe Road, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8BX

Telephone
07933793683

enquiries@brixhambattery.org

Brixham

Dates

Not only does Battery Gardens boast one of the most panoramic views in the bay, it is also a Scheduled Monument. The history of the site dates back to the 1580's but it was most significantly used as a World War II Emergency Coastal Defence Battery.…

Type

Type:

Heritage/Visitor Centre
Children & Infants

Accept children all ages
Establishment Features

Dog Friendly

Dogs-Accepted
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted

Key Features

Groups
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
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Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Brixham Escape Rooms

Address

43 Bolton Street, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 9BZ

Telephone
07873 565765

bookings@brixhamescaperooms.co.uk

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

After years of daring voyages, you and your crew have amassed a treasure trove of riches. But beware – your notorious captain, the fearsome Minty Badger, guards the loot with an iron will. Minty’s only weakness is a daily hair and facial treatment…

Type

Type:

Escape Room

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Occombe Valley Woods

Address

Preston Down Road, Preston, PAIGNTON, Devon, TQ3 1RN

Telephone
01803 520022

info@countryside-trust.org.uk

PAIGNTON

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

The walk through Occombe Valley Woods includes pathways that are mostly gently sloping, although sometimes it does get steeper and does include some steps. This is a great place to take dogs, especially during hot summer days.
A dedicated local…

Type

Type:

Parkland/Woodland Garden

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Mar 2026to30 Nov 2026

Goodrington Boating Lakes

Address

Youngs Park, Goodrington, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6BU

Telephone
07513 103513

goodringtonboating@outlook.com

Price
Price £5.00 to £7.00 Per Ticket

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Mar 2026to30 Nov 2026

If you enjoy a leisurely activity then why not take to the water for a relaxing cruise around the lake in one of our swan boats - unless of course it's your turn to pedal! Then again, it's a good way to keep fit.

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Price
Price £5.00 to £7.00 Per Ticket

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Mar 2025to23 Dec 2025
Sandridge Barton

Address

Waddeton Road, Stoke Gabriel, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6RL

Telephone
01803 732203

info@sandridgebarton.com

Totnes

Dates

From:

1 Mar 2025to23 Dec 2025

The Sandridge Barton Estate is located on the east bank of the River Dart, just south of Stoke Gabriel, where we grow grapes, produce wine, run tours and tastings, have woodland walks and our own onsite restaurant called Circa.
It’s a very special…

Type

Type:

Vineyard
Establishment Features

Dog Friendly

Dogs-Accepted
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
Fishcombe Cove

Address

Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8RB

Telephone
01803 207975

beaches@torbay.gov.uk

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Fishcombe Cove is ideal if you want to escape the crowds. Situated along the coast from Brixham, this small shingle beach is a quiet, peaceful little cove protected on all sides by tall red cliffs.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted
More Details
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Royal Lyceum

Address

29 Abbey Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5NQ

admin@unleashedtheatrecompany.com

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Unleashed @ The Royal Lyceum
In late 2021 Unleashed were presented with the exciting opportunity to purchase a property located in the heart of Torquay, where many of those who need their help the most are. Situated on Abbey Road, Central Cinema is…

Type

Type:

Theatre

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Watcombe Woods

Address

Watcombe Beach Road, TORQUAY, Devon, TQ1 4SH

Telephone
01803 520022

info@countryside-trust.org.uk

TORQUAY

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

These are mature woods with steep hills. They are quite dense and may not be suitable for those who are less mobile.
Start your walk at Watcombe Beach car park. A steep path will lead down to Watcombe Beach, an idyllic sandy beach, sheltered by red…

Type

Type:

Parkland/Woodland Garden

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Web Site

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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

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English Riviera Attractions

So Much to Discover

Animals and Wildlife

Ride the Rails

Back to the Stone Age

Pirates and Smugglers

History and Heritage

Make a Splash

Cycling

Featured

OUR TOP ATTRACTIONS

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