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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.

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Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Blue Plaque Heritage Trail

Address

English Riviera, Devon, TQ2 5JG

holiday@englishriviera.co.uk

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Wherever you go on the English Riviera, you will find plaques that recognise some of the greatest figures in British history on 49 blue plaques.

Type

Type:

History & Heritage

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
Gym at The Riviera International Centre

Address

Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5LZ

Telephone
01803 299299

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

One Of Torquay's Longest Standing Gyms With Experienced Instructors And Extensive Facilities Our fully qualified Fitness Instructors can help support you by creating a specific exercise programme to help you achieve your goals. Whether you are…

Type

Type:

Sub-Attraction
Children & Infants

Accept children all ages
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

15 Feb 2026to2 Nov 2026
Dartmouth Steam Railway (starting in Paignton)

Address

Queen's Park Station, Torbay Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6AF

Telephone
01803555872

enquiries@dsrrb.co.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

15 Feb 2026to2 Nov 2026

A warm welcome awaits you at Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boats. We provide steam train travel, river and sea cruises across the English Riviera and along the beautiful river Dart in South Devon. The stunning Train of Lights and famous Santa…

Type

Type:

Steam Railway
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted - Essential to prebook.None
More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Hideaway

Address

43a Torwood Street, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 1DT

Telephone
01803 267804

thehideawaytorquay@gmail.com

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Lounge Club, Dance Club and Nightclub, situated on Torwood street just a few minutes from Torquay Harbourside.
Welcome to Torquay, a traditional yet thriving seaside town set on Devon's English Riviera coast. If you haven't visited for a while,…

Type

Type:

Nightclub

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Brixham

Address

Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8AW

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Brixham has been the centre of the area’s fishing industry for centuries. You can find out more about the town’s maritime past at the Brixham Heritage Museum – or taste the local catch in one of the town’s cafés or restaurants.
Another of Brixham’s…

More Details
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Torre Abbey Sands Torquay

Address

Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6NE

Telephone
01803 207975

beaches@torbay.gov.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Torre Abbey Sands Beach is a beautiful, long sandy beach that runs along the seafront in Torquay. The main beach for Torquay, its popular with families, paddleboarders or sun seekers all year round.

Type

Type:

Beach

More Details
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Coasteering Geopark 5* Grand Tour

Address

Maidencombe, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 4SU

Telephone
07723 088292

p.austin@mail.com

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Our adventures are all about pushing boundaries, daring each other to go further and yes the banter is top shelf. You will scale cliffs, fall into the water, observe seals, leap from high ledges, balance on ancient plateaus, swim through caves and…

Type

Type:

Coasteering

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Beacon Cove

Address

Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2EP

Telephone
01803 207975

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Beacon Cove is a perfect haven away from the main beach of Torquay, close to Haldon Pier. Although walking distance from Torquay Harbour, it feels a tranquil world away from the hustle and bustle of Torquay.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dog Friendly
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Babbacombe Model Village

Address

Hampton Avenue, Babbacombe, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3LA

mail@model-village.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Feel like a giant as you step through the small entrance and the vast miniature world opens up before you. Explore 4 acres of award-winning gardens showcasing hundreds of uniquely hand-crafted model scenes, vehicles & people.
The Model Village is…

Type

Type:

Model/Miniature Village
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted - Pre-booking advisable.
More Details

Visit Website

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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