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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.

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Coastal Wildlife Boat Tour - Torquay Watersports

Address

Torquay Watersports, 2 - 4 Vaughan Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5EQ

Telephone
01803 362122

info@torquaywatersports.co.uk

Torquay

Explore the English Riviera Coastline with Torquay Watersports and see up close the incredible wildlife that also call it home. We will explore secluded coves, caves and islands as we hope to encounter cormorants, guillemots, seals, porpoise and…

Type

Type:

Unique Experience

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Corbyn Sands/Corbyn Head

Address

Torquay Seafront, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6NT

Telephone
01803 296052

beaches@torbay.gov.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Corbyn Sands is one of Torquay’s closest beaches, and lies just south of Torre Abbey Sands. It’s a sand and shingle beach with a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, but still with the convenience of being close to the busy town of Torquay.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted - Not in Summer
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Ansteys Cove Beach Torquay

Address

Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3TG

Telephone
01803 550022

info@countryside-trust.org.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Between Torquay and Babbacombe sits Anstey’s Cove. Quiet, peaceful and incredibly beautiful, this small shingle beach is the place to come if you want to escape the crowds.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Mar 2026to30 Nov 2026

Shipwreck Island Mini Golf at Goodrington

Address

Tanners Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6LN

Telephone
07402 310826

fantasygolfbuilders@gmail.com

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Mar 2026to30 Nov 2026

Shipwreck island adventure golf is a themed 18 hole experience for the whole family to enjoy.

Type

Type:

Golf Course

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Leisure 2000

Address

81-89 Torbay Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6AJ

Telephone
01803 557003

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

If you fancy your luck on the 2p machines or want to win your favourite teddy on the grabber, Leisure 2000 has a huge selection of games. You will be spoilt for choice, from F1 racing, to adult only slot machines with jackpots of up to £500!

Type

Type:

Amusement Parks and Arcades

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
Torquay's Dinosaur World

Address

3 Victoria Parade, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2BB

Telephone
01803 298779

info@torquaysdinosaurworld.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

Torquay's Dinosaur World is an fun interactive indoor exhibition that brings dinosaurs and their worlds to life! There are a host of scaled and full size models set in realistic scenes accompanied by exciting information. There are excavation sites…

Type

Type:

Museum
Establishment Features

Dog Friendly

Dogs-Accepted
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted

Establishment Features

Cater for groups
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Watcombe Beach

Address

Torquay, Devon, TQ1 4SH

Telephone
01803 207975

beaches@torbay.gov.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

If you're looking for a pleasant, idyllic spot for somewhere to relax then Watcombe is the beach for you.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted
More Details
Dates

From:

1 Mar 2026to23 Dec 2026
Sandridge Barton

Address

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

Telephone
01803 732203

info@sandridgebarton.com

Totnes

Dates

From:

1 Mar 2026to23 Dec 2026

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
More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Oyster Cove

Address

Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6DT

Telephone
01803 207975

beaches@torbay.gov.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Oyster Cove is an attractive beach which is very popular with local people. The beach is located along the South West Coast path to the south. At low tides there are many rock pools to explore.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted
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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