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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: 210

, currently showing 19 to 27.

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Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Paignton Zoo

Address

Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU

Telephone
01803 697500

info@paigntonzoo.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Home to hundreds of incredible animals, including some of the world's most endangered species, Paignton Zoo is one of the South West's most exciting wildlife attractions. With 80 acres to explore, it's a place where visitors can discover remarkable…

Type

Type:

Zoo
Children & Infants

Facilities for children
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Brixham Escape Rooms

Address

43 Bolton Street, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 9BZ

Telephone
07873 565765

bookings@brixhamescaperooms.co.uk

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

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

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Apr 2027to30 Sept 2027

Broadsands Beach & Water Sports Kayak and Paddleboard

Address

Promenade, Broadsands, Churston, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6HL

Telephone
07706 124053

broadsandskayaks@sky.com

Churston, Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Apr 2027to30 Sept 2027

Based at the stunningly sandy and gently sloping, Blue Flag awarded Broadsands Beach the watersports centre was founded in 2009 and continues to go from strength to strength.
Family run and borne from a passion for all things sporty and outdoors…

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Abbey Park

Address

Torquay Seafront, Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5HP

Telephone
01803 701310

info@swisco.co.uk

Price
Price £3.25 to £7.00 Per Ticket

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Abbey Meadows and Gardens is situated on Torquay Seafront. The meadow is a large open space used by all for events and picnics. The park itself is host to a range of activities, such as tennis and crazy golf; it also houses the Italian Gardens with…

Type

Type:

Tennis
Children & Infants

Accept children (Minimum age)
Price
Price £3.25 to £7.00 Per Ticket

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 May 2027to5 Sept 2027
Splashdown Quaywest

Address

Goodrington Sands, Paignton, DEVON, TQ4 6LN

Telephone
+44 01803 555550

quaywest@splashdownwaterparks.co.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 May 2027to5 Sept 2027

The largest outdoor waterpark is BIGGER than ever! Enjoy new additions 3Fall, a thrilling 3-lane headfirst slide, and explore Shipwreck Island, an aquaplay paradise for kids under 12!
Get ready for an unforgettable day at the largest outdoor…

Type

Type:

Adventure Park/Playground
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted - Group discounts available for groups 10+ For best rates book at least 24 hours in advance. Online booking facility or call 01803 555550

Key Features

Groups
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Torquay Tennis Club

Address

Shedden Hill, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5TY

Telephone
01803 209500

info@torquaytennisclub.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

Torquay Tennis Club is proud to be one of the South West’s leading LTA Registered Venues.
The club is steeped in history and continues to provide exceptional tennis opportunities for all ages and abilities.
Based just off the main sea front in…

Type

Type:

Tennis

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Apr 2027to31 Oct 2027

Boat Trips - Brixham

Address

Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8AW

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Apr 2027to31 Oct 2027

A boat trip is the perfect way to experience the English Riviera from one of its best vantage points - the sea! Whether you're looking for a sight-seeing trip, fishing excursion or simply to cross the bay on a ferry, you'll find it all here.

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

More Details
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Torbay Leisure Centre

Address

Penwill Way, Goodrington, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 5JR

Telephone
01803 522240

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Located in the heart of Paignton we are a leisure centre offering a 25m swimming pool as well as a trainer pool, 120 station gym, including Queenax Rig, sports hall, 4 squash courts,a friendly onsite café and even a Velopark!
There is also a…

Type

Type:

Sport/Leisure Centre
Children & Infants

Facilities for children
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details

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Web Site
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

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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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