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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.

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: 209

, currently showing 1 to 9.

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Artizan Gallery

Address

7 Lucius Street, Torquay, TQ2 5UW

Telephone
01803 428626

info@artizangallery.co.uk

Torquay

Artizan is an independent, fine art gallery situated on the English Riviera's stunning coastline dedicated to celebrating the work of South Devon artists and championing the contemporary artistic talent as well as the established cultural heritage…

Type

Type:

Gallery

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2026

Paignton Harbour

Address

Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6DT

Telephone
01803 208443

harbour.authority@torbay.gov.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2026

Paignton Harbour nestles on the western shores of Tor Bay, situated midway between Torquay and Brixham harbours. Its understated beauty and authentic ‘fishing haven’ feel are often overlooked by visitors to the area.

Type

Type:

Canal / Waterway / Marina

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Dame Agatha Christie CBE sculpture Torquay

Address

The Strand, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JG

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

A new statue of crime writer Agatha Christie has been unveiled in her home town of Torquay.
The Dame Agatha Christie CBE sculpture has been created by local artist Elisabeth Hadley, and is a focal point of Torquay's new £4m harbourside plaza. It…

Type

Type:

History & Heritage
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details
Dates

From:

1 Dec 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

English Riviera Walking Tours

Address

English Riviera Visitor Information Centre, Vaughan Parade, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JG

Telephone
07414 777606

grahamkerr1963@gmail.com

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Dec 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

Even if you’ve never read an Agatha Christie novel or watched one of her plays, it doesn’t matter!
This award winning tour is one of the best things to do on the English Riviera and tells the story of Agatha's extraordinary life. She was an…

Type

Type:

Walking

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Rose Garden - Cockington

Address

Rear of Cockington Court, Cockington Village, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6XA

Torquay

Behind the Manor House within Cockington Country Park, you will find the peaceful Tudor Rose Garden and the Walled Art Garden (managed by TDA), which is currently undergoing a transformation into an additional attraction and inspiring creative…

Type

Type:

Historic Garden

More Details
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 09:30 - 22:00
Pirates Bay Adventure Golf

Address

Torbay Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6AD

Telephone
+44 01803 525723

mail@piratesbaygolf.co.uk

Price
Price £3.50 to £7.00 Per Ticket

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 09:30 - 22:00

Experience the adventure of Pirates Bay Adventure Golf
A landscaped, floodlit, 18 hole adventure golf course on Paignton seafront. It's great fun for all the family. Dodge cannonballs and evade the thieving pirates as you navigate the lush carpeted…

Type

Type:

Golf Course
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted
Price
Price £3.50 to £7.00 Per Ticket

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Cockington Court

Address

Cockington Court, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6XA

Telephone
01803 607230

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

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…

Type

Type:

Arts Centre
Key Features

Groups
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Scadson Woods

Address

Preston, PAIGNTON, Devon, TQ3 1RN

Telephone
01803 520022

info@countryside-trust.org.uk

PAIGNTON

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Scadson Woods is a picturesque woodland situated between Occombe and Cockington. It is rife with wildlife including badgers, rabbits and even roe deer have been spotted here! With over 13 acres of woodlands, you can explore until your feet are sore!…

Type

Type:

Parkland/Woodland Garden

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Paignton Sands

Address

Paignton, TQ4 6BJ

Telephone
01803 555720

beaches@torbay.gov.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Paignton Beach offers the ultimate family day out at the seaside. With a sandy beach, safe swimming and a whole host of activities to enjoy, this promises to be a fun day out for all the family.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted - Not in summer
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details

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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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