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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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From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Seaweed Foraging Course - Be Nutriful

Address

Various locations, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 9AF

benutriful@gmail.com

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Experience the ultimate coastal adventure with our hands - on seaweed foraging courses. Our expert - led courses offer an unforgettable and unique day out, where you'll uncover the fascinating world of seaweed, and learn the practical skills of how…

Type

Type:

Health & Wellbeing

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Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Harbour Amusements - Torquay

Address

Victoria Parade, Torquay, TQ1 2BD

Telephone
01803 297990

iankinnear@btconnect.com

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Amusement arcade very close to the lovely setting of Torquay Harbour, Devon.
A welcoming, friendly amusement arcade in Torquay, Devon. Family fun and adult gaming area. Tickets and top prizes to be won.
Torquay, Devon - Voted the Top Seaside…

Type

Type:

Amusement Parks and Arcades

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Local Guides

Address

English Riviera and South Devon, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JG

Telephone
01803 211211

holiday@englishriviera.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Are you bringing a group to the English Riviera to experience all it has to offer? Or are you an independent traveller looking to get to the heart of the resort? You'll find your trip all the more memorable with a tour from one of our local guides.

Type

Type:

Museums & Galleries

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Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Enterprise Amusements Paignton

Address

59-61 Torbay Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6AJ

Telephone
01803 556562

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Pop down to Enterprise Amusements arcade on Torbay Road to try your luck with the huge selection of games to choose from. The air conditioned family arcade has redemption prizes,video games,pushers and cranes.
As you arrive in the seaside resort of…

Type

Type:

Amusement Parks and Arcades

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Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Steamer Quay

Address

Rock Road, TORQUAY, Devon, TQ2 5SP

Telephone
01803 262217

info@steamer-quay.co.uk

TORQUAY

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Steamer Quay is a relaxation spa situated in the heart of Torquay, aimed at the LGBTQ+ community. In recent years, sessions have been added for mixed sex couples. The spa is 5,100 square feet, spread over four floors and offers the following…

Type

Type:

Spa and Relaxation

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Dates
Livermead Beach

Address

Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6RQ

Telephone
01803 207975

beaches@torbay.gov.uk

Torquay

Dates

Livermead Beach - Good access for water sports. Swimming not allowed in the water ski lane. No sand at high tide.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted
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Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves

Address

Ilsham Road, Wellswood, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2JF

Telephone
01803 215136

caves@kents-cavern.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Explore underground at Europe’s top Stone Age cave, with an extensive labyrinth of spectacular and easily accessible caverns open daily all year. Our entertaining guides will take you on an underground adventure in the Stone Age home to Britain’s…

Type

Type:

Cave
Children & Infants

Facilities for children
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted

Establishment Features

Cater for groups
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site - Chargable
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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Blue Plaque Heritage Trail

Address

English Riviera, Devon, TQ2 5JG

sally@torbaycivicsociety.com

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

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

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 2026to31 Dec 2026

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

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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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