Splashdown Quay West

Search,Plan

And Book

You are here: Things to Do > English Riviera Attractions

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. Managed by Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, Occombe Farm is great fun to visit with their Ruby Red cattle and sheep as well as walking the 2km woodland nature trail bursting with wildlife and with a bird hide to spot nesting birds.

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: 213

, currently showing 82 to 90.

Sort By Price - Lowest Price - Highest Grading: Highest A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Sea Kayak Torbay

Address

Oddicombe Beach, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3DD

Telephone
01803 912963

info@seakayaktorbay.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

When we think about it, what epitomises Torbay is the view from the sea. We are overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and grandeur of the beautiful place we live in – and the geological history of what makes Torbay the stupendous coastal adventure…

Type

Type:

Kayaking

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Sharkham

Address

BRIXHAM, Devon, TQ5 9FH

Telephone
01803 520022

info@countryside-trust.org.uk

BRIXHAM

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Sharkham Point is the headland to the south of St Mary's Bay. From here there are excellent views of St Mary’s Bay and the heritage coast beyond. There are further panoramic views from the coastal path that passes above the beach.
Beneath its cloak…

Type

Type:

Viewpoint

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Torre Abbey Meadows

Address

The Kings Drive, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5HP

Telephone
01803 207797

greeninfrastructure@swisco.co.uk

Torquay

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:

Historic Garden

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Greenway Ferry

Address

Booking Kiosk, The Quay, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8AW

Telephone
01803 882811

info@greenwayferry.co.uk

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Greenway Ferry & Pleasure Cruises offer a wide range of family trips - Visit Agatha Christie's Greenway House from Dartmouth with Greenway Ferries
Overlooking some of the most stunning views of the river Dart stands the home of Agatha Christie – the…

Type

Type:

Boat Trip
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted

Establishment Features

Cater for groups
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

3 Apr 2026to1 Nov 2026
Golden Hind Museum Ship

Address

The Quayside, Brixham Harbour, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8AW

Telephone
+ 44 01803 856223

crew@goldenhind.co.uk

Brixham

Dates

From:

3 Apr 2026to1 Nov 2026

The Golden Hind at Brixham, Devon is a full sized replica of one of the most iconic ships from the age of exploration. The Ship has been a feature of picturesque Brixham harbour for over fifty years, entertaining and educating thousands of visitors…

Type

Type:

Historic Ship
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Paignton Sands

Address

Paignton, TQ4 6BJ

Telephone
01803 555720

beaches@torbay.gov.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Paignton Beach offers the ultimate family day out at the seaside. With a sandy beach, safe swimming and a whole host of activities to enjoy, this promises to be a fun day out for all the family.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted - Not in summer
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
AMF Bowling

Address

Torwood Street, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 1DZ

Telephone
0844 826 3034

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

With 21 state of the art bowling lanes, fantastic food and on drinks from the diner, an impressive selection of awesome amusements, AMF Bowling Torquay, Devon has something for all the family to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect…

Type

Type:

Activity Centre
Children & Infants

Facilities for children
Establishment Features

Cater for groups

Cater for school groups
More Details

Visit Website

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

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

15 Feb 2026to2 Nov 2026
Dartmouth Steam Railway (starting in Paignton)

Address

Queen's Park Station, Torbay Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6AF

Telephone
01803555872

enquiries@dsrrb.co.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

15 Feb 2026to2 Nov 2026

A warm welcome awaits you at Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boats. We provide steam train travel, river and sea cruises across the English Riviera and along the beautiful river Dart in South Devon. The stunning Train of Lights and famous Santa…

Type

Type:

Steam Railway
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted - Essential to prebook.None
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site

Share Your Snaps

#EnglishRiviera

Real photos by real people. Use #englishriviera and you could end up on our social media gallery too. Experience the Bay your way! 🌴

There's so much to do and places to visit,

not enough time in 7 days with so much on offer!

Search, plan and book

Book Now

Order your free travel directories

Contact English Riviera Visitor Information

Submit your event

Hello.

We'd love to hear what you think about the English Riviera!

Complete our short survey below to enter our free draw, and be in with a chance to win a two night bed and breakfast stay at the Mercure Hotel in Paignton.

Enter now

Don't Miss

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

Ratings Powered By

My Planner

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

Refine By

Refine your search

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Address

Telephone

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Establishment Features

Venue Facilities

Establishment Features

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Venue Facilities

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Establishment Features

Parking & Transport

Accessibility

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Children & Infants

Establishment Features

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates