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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. 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

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Dates

From:

1 Apr 2026to31 Oct 2026

Paignton Pleasure Cruises and Ferry

Address

PAIGNTON, Devon, TQ4 6AG

Telephone
01803 529147

info@paigntonpleasurecruises.co.uk

PAIGNTON

Dates

From:

1 Apr 2026to31 Oct 2026

For over 60 years the Lane family and their crew have operated pleasure and fishing boats in Torbay and on the River Dart.
Paignton Pleasure Cruises and Ferries aim to give all a memorable experience on the water with a wealth of knowledge about…

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Buzz Bingo Torquay

Address

Temperance Street, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5PU

Telephone
01803 298200

torquay.club@buzzbingo.com

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

If you're looking for a great night's entertainment along with the possibility of some spectacular jackpot prizes, then you'll be glad to know that your local Buzz Bingo club is never too far away. Each Buzz Bingo club offers a warm and friendly…

Type

Type:

Casino

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

8 Ball Bar & Sports

Address

3 Manor Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 2JB

Telephone
01803 906575

info@8ballbarandsports.co.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

8 Ball Bar & Sports in Paignton
Watch live sports, play traditional pub games and eat & drink.
8 Ball Bar & Sports is a thriving sports bar/pub in the heart of Preston, Paignton. A popular destination for locals, tourists, and those who love to…

Type

Type:

Snooker, Billiards and Pool

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Torquay Harbour & Marina

Address

Harbour Master, Harbour Office, Beacon Quay, Torquay, TQ1 2BG

Telephone
01803 292429

marine.services@torbay.gov.uk

Beacon Quay, Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

With almost 1,000 berths available, Torquay Harbour is a well-protected yacht haven with access to some of the best facilities in the Southwest. It’s the ideal base from which to explore the English Riviera’s coast.
Torquay Harbour lies on the…

Type

Type:

Canal / Waterway / Marina

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
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 2025to31 Dec 2025

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 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Cary Spa

Address

Beach Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3LX

Telephone
01803 327110

enquiries@caryarms.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

The Award Winning Spa Room at the Cary Arms in Devon offers guests the chance for total relaxation and indulgence.
Kick back and enjoy the surroundings, soak up the south Devon view and go for a pamper. The Spa Room at the Cary Arms offer

Type

Type:

Spa

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
Greenway Ferry

Address

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

Telephone
01803 882811

info@greenwayferry.co.uk

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

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

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 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 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 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

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Heritage Sailing Experience - Pilgrim Heritage Sailing

Address

Heritage Pontoon, Brixham Harbour, Berry Head Road, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 9BW

Telephone
01803 858148

info@pilgrimofbrixham.co.uk

Berry Head Road, Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Pilgrim of Brixham Adventure Sailing is provided by the Pilgrim Heritage Sailing Foundation which is a registered charity and operates from the historic Brixham Harbour in Devon, UK. We sail Pilgrim along the Devon and Cornwall coast, the Isles of…

Type

Type:

Maritime

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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