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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: 212

, currently showing 1 to 9.

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Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Get On the Water with Reach Outdoors

Address

The Seashore Centre, Tanners Road, Goodrington Sands, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6LP

Telephone
01803 524950

info@reach-outdoors.com

Price
Price £35.00 to £195.00 Activity

Goodrington Sands, Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Explore the natural beauty of the Torbay coastline from the unique viewpoint of a kayak or paddle board with Reach Outdoors. With a range of sessions available for all abilities, from age 8 upwards, the Reach team offer introductory 2 - 3 hour…

Type

Type:

Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre
Children & Infants

Accept children (Minimum age) - Minimum age: 8 Years
Key Features

Groups

Establishment Features

Cater for groups

Cater for school groups - We can provide adventure activity days for youth groups, with activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, coasteering, archery, bushcraft and more! We offer preferential youth group rates.

Welcome single sex groups, eg stag/hen parties
Price
Price £35.00 to £195.00 Activity

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 May 2026to31 Aug 2026

SUP Hire

Address

Osborne Hotel, Hesketh Crescent, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2LL

Telephone
01803 213311

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 May 2026to31 Aug 2026

🌊 Ready to try something new on the water?
Stand Up Paddleboarding is now available at Hesketh Health Club!
Whether you're looking for a fun way to stay active, try something different with friends, or simply enjoy the beautiful waters of Meadfoot,…

Type

Type:

Paddleboarding

More Details
Dates

From:

15 Feb 2027to23 Feb 2027

Babbacombe Cliff Railway

Address

Babbacombe Downs Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3LF

Telephone
01803 328750

info@babbacombecliffrailway.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

15 Feb 2027to23 Feb 2027

Built in 1926, the Babbacombe Cliff Railway has shuttled hundreds of thousands of holiday makers to and from Oddicombe Beach in over 90 years of service.

Type

Type:

Railway

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Attic

Address

13 Torwood Street, TORQUAY, Devon, TQ1 1ED

Telephone
01803 213458

info@atticlive.com

TORQUAY

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Home of underground electronic music in Torbay, supporting local DJ’s and event promoters, backing some prestigious headliners, The Attic is a place for music enthusiasts and general party goers to let their hair down and enjoy some of The South…

Type

Type:

Nightclub

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Elberry Cove

Address

Brixham, Devon, TQ3 6LE

Telephone
01803 207975

beaches@torbay.gov.uk

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Elberry Cove is a romantic impressive shingle beach with beautiful cystal blue clear waters a little gem in English Riveria, which is reached by a footpath from Broadsands beach. This is a beautiful beach in an idyllic rural setting.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted
More Details
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Churston Cove

Address

Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8AY

Telephone
01803 207975

beaches@torbay.gov.uk

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Churston Cove is one of the many excellent beaches to be found on the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay. A secluded cove accessed via a long, steep path, this is a real sanctuary of peace and calm.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted
More Details
Dates

From:

15 Apr 2026to31 Dec 2026

New Central Cinema

Address

90-96 Union Street, TORQUAY, Devon, TQ2 5PY

Telephone
01803 380001

newcentral@merlincinemas.co.uk

TORQUAY

Dates

From:

15 Apr 2026to31 Dec 2026

Merlin Cinemas have relocated to Union Street from Abbey Road
Merlin Cinemas recently relocated to what was the old BHS store on Union Street. Now a 4-screen cinema and street-level restaurant, Hollywood Pizza.
Showing all the latest blockbusters,…

Type

Type:

Cinema

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Fairy Cove

Address

Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6DG

Telephone
01803 207975

beaches@torbay.gov.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Fairy Cove is a little magical beach to the South of Paignton Sands, just over the Harbour wall, which is popular with families. Comprising red sand and shingle with impressive red sandstone cliffs at the back.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Torquay Marina

Address

Vaughan Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5EQ

Telephone
01803 200210

enquiries@mdlmarinas.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Torquay Marina is in the north-east corner of Torbay and sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly winds, so it’s a safe haven for boats in all weathers. With modern facilities and superb bluewater cruising, it's popular with yachtsmen from home…

Type

Type:

Canal / Waterway / Marina

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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