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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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Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
OurGlass

Address

Studio 3, Stableyard, Cockington Court Craft Centre, Cockington Village, TORQUAY, Devon, TQ2 6XA

Telephone
+ 44 01803 606757

ourglasslimited@hotmail.com

Price
Free

Cockington Village, TORQUAY

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00

OurGlass produce an innovative range of studio glass using traditional glassblowing methods. The workshop is open every day, all year round and is free admission. You can watch the work being created up-close... and ask any questions you may have

Type

Type:

Craft Centre
Children & Infants

Facilities for children
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
Price
Free

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Shapemaster - Riviera International Centre

Address

Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5LZ

Telephone
01803 299992

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

HELPING YOU ALONG THE WAY WITH YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY

Welcome to Shapemaster. Our power assisted exercise machines that are designed to give you a ‘helping hand’ with your workouts.
Is Shapemaster for you?
Our Shapemaster equipment can be used…

Type

Type:

Sport/Leisure Centre

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Brixham Walks

Address

Various locations throughout, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8ED

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Brixham has a diverse and interesting historical background, underpinned by its location by the sea and deep-rooted fishing industry. The town is already well known as a tourist attraction, but visitors may be missing out on items and areas of…

Type

Type:

Walking Route

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Grove, Churston and Marridge Woods

Address

BRIXHAM, Devon, TQ5 8LH

Telephone
01803 520022

info@countryside-trust.org.uk

BRIXHAM

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The woods are mostly set around a valley so there are some steep hills as well as rocky, muddy footpaths which become slippery when wet and may not be suitable for those who are less mobile.
With over 100 acres to explore, a network of footpaths…

Type

Type:

Parkland/Woodland Garden

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Breakwater Beach

Address

Brixham, Devon, TQ5 9AF

Telephone
01803 857593

harbour.authority@torbay.gov.uk

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Close to the mouth of Brixham harbour is Breakwater Beach, one of the cleanest beaches on the
English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay. Not only is it a Blue Flag beach, but it has a Combined Seaside (resort) Award
and been recommended by the…

Type

Type:

Beach
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

30 July 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Escape Room

Address

The Real Crime museum, 23 Victoria Parade, Torquay Harbour, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2BD

Telephone
07939 228254

escaperoomtorquay@yahoo.com

Torquay Harbour, Torquay

Dates

From:

30 July 2026to31 Dec 2026

Escape Rooms have arrived in Torquay!
On your next visit to The English Riviera be sure to visit the TORQUAY ESCAPE ROOM located on Torquay's Harbourside next to THE REAL CRIME MUSEUM. It's a perfect, entertaining attraction for families, groups…

Type

Type:

Escape Room

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Torquay United Football Club

Address

Plainmoor Football Ground, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3PS

Telephone
01803 328666

reception@torquayunited.com

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Torquay United have represented the local community for over 120 years. Formed in 1899 by a group of school leavers, the club’s long history has included memorable cup runs, giant killings, promotions, and even the odd visit to Wembley Stadium!

Type

Type:

Sports Ground/Stadium

More Details

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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

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Agatha Christie Mile

Address

Torquay Seafront, (starting points: Grand or Imperial Hotels), Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6NT

Telephone
01803 211211

holiday@englishriviera.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Drift back into the style and opulence of the Jazz Age as you retrace the steps of the world’s best-selling author along Torquay’s seafront.

Type

Type:

Sightseeing
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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