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.

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.

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

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2026
Cockington Village and Country Park

Address

Cockington Village, Cockington, TORQUAY, DEVON, TQ2 6XA

Telephone
01803 520022

info@countryside-trust.org.uk

Price
Free

TORQUAY

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2026

An English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site.
Cockington is a quintessentially English village with Saxon origins which attracts many thousands of visitors each year. Some of the quaint thatched cottages and buildings in the chocolate box…

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted - Pre-booking appreciated for very large groups.
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
Price
Free

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Mar 2026to23 Dec 2026
Sandridge Barton

Address

Waddeton Road, Stoke Gabriel, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6RL

Telephone
01803 732203

info@sandridgebarton.com

Totnes

Dates

From:

1 Mar 2026to23 Dec 2026

The Sandridge Barton Estate is located on the east bank of the River Dart, just south of Stoke Gabriel, where we grow grapes, produce wine, run tours and tastings, have woodland walks and our own onsite restaurant called Circa.
It’s a very special…

Type

Type:

Vineyard
Establishment Features

Dog Friendly

Dogs-Accepted
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Goodrington Sands Paignton

Address

Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6LN

Telephone
01803 665485

beaches@torbay.gov.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Close to Paignton is the long, sandy stretch of Goodrington Sands. With a Seaside Award, safe swimming conditions and loads of great activities, this family friendly beach promises to keep the kids happy whatever the weather.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted - Year round on North Sands. Not in Summer on South Sands
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details
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

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Princess Pier Torquay

Address

Seafront, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5HA

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The pier, built in 1890, is the perfect place to stop and gaze out to sea, or to enjoy watching the constant comings and goings in the adjacent marina.

Type

Type:

Pier

More Details
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Babbacombe Beach Torquay

Address

Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3LX

Telephone
01803 207975

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

East of Torquay lies Babbacombe Beach. A beautiful arc of shingle beach, this unspoilt coastline is a haven of tranquillity, gorgeous views and calm, clean waters where you can relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
More Details
Dates

From:

1 Apr 2026to30 Sept 2026

Broadsands Beach Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard Centre

Address

Promenade, Broadsands, Churston, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6HL

Telephone
07706 124053

broadsandskayaks@sky.com

Churston, Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Apr 2026to30 Sept 2026

Based at stunning sandy Broadsands Beach in Paignton. We offer kayaks, pedalos and stand up paddleboards. All equipment less than 4 years old. Buoyancy aids supplied for all users and must be worn. Lifeguard on duty at all times. RYA qualified…

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Apr 2026to31 Oct 2026

Paignton Pleasure Cruises and Ferry

Address

PAIGNTON, Devon, TQ4 6AG

Telephone
01803 935267

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

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Oddicombe Beach Torquay

Address

Babbacombe, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3LU

Telephone
01803 208443

harbour.authority@torbay.gov.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

This is a great beach for all ages! paddling for the young and a variety of watersports for the older and braver! Accessible via a steep road or you could take the amazing Babbabacombe Cliff Railway.

Type

Type:

Beach
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
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

Price

Dates

Type

Type:

Venue Facilities

Parking & Transport

Price

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Establishment Features

Parking & Transport

Accessibility

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Establishment Features

Parking & Transport

Accessibility

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Dates

Type

Type:

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Establishment Features

Parking & Transport

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address