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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: 214

, currently showing 1 to 9.

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Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to29 Oct 2026
PGL Barton Hall

Address

PGL Barton Hall, Kingskerswell Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 8JY

Telephone
0333 3212114

holidays@pgl.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to29 Oct 2026

Barton Hall, set in 46 acres of the English Riviera, offers families an unforgettable school holiday adventure! Devon's warm climate, the great activities on offer and Barton’s beautiful, outdoor heated pool have consistently made Barton Hall one of…

Type

Type:

Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
Agatha Christie Bust Torquay

Address

Palk Street, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JG

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Agatha Christie was born in Torquay in 1890 and the English Riviera celebrated her centenary in 1990 with the creation of a hand-crafted bronze bust in her likeness.

Type

Type:

History & Heritage
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
Leisure Pool at the Riviera International Centre

Address

Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, DEVON, TQ2 5LZ

Telephone
+44 (0)1803 299992

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

There is something for everyone in our impressive leisure pool. Whether it’s our Swim England swimming lessons or just a casual swim, there are activities for all.
WHAT’S ON OFFER?
Waves leisure pool
Wave Machine
Sloping beach style…

Type

Type:

Leisure/Swimming Pool
Children & Infants

Facilities for children
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted - Essential to prebook.Minimum size group for entertainment 10; minimum size group for swim 20.

Key Features

Groups

Establishment Features

Cater for groups
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

English Riviera Custom Tours

Address

Torquay, Devon, TQ1 1BG

Telephone
07832 614352

info@englishrivieracustomtours.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Personal tours and experiences for independent travellers in Agatha Christie's Devon.
Miss Lemon has created custom made days out for those with a passion for Agatha Christie, the Queen of Crime. These include Greenway and the utterly fabulous…

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Apr 2026to30 Sept 2026

Dartmouth Day Cruise

Address

Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8AW

Telephone
01803 293797

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Apr 2026to30 Sept 2026

Dartmouth Day Cruise - an exciting day adventure to the lovely historic Port of Dartmouth.
This is an all day excursion cruising along the South Devon coastline taking in views of Berry Head and Coleton Fishacre before passing the Daymark at…

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Paignton Pier

Address

The Esplanade, Paignton, DEVON, TQ4 6BW

Telephone
+44 01803 522139

thepieratpaignton@icloud.com

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Situated at the centre of Paignton seafront. A great "All Weather" family attraction with amusements, cafe, ice creams, shops and much more.

Type

Type:

Pier

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
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 Geopark’s spectacular coastline with an adventure to remember. Reach Outdoors are an Award winning outdoor activity company and are here to make your visit to the English Riviera one to remember. We provide Coasteering, Kayak and Stand…

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

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

13 Apr 2026to31 Oct 2026

Boat Trips - Torquay

Address

Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JG

Torquay

Dates

From:

13 Apr 2026to31 Oct 2026

A boat trip is the perfect way to experience the English Riviera from one of its best vantage points - the sea! Whether you're looking for a sight-seeing trip, fishing excursion or simply to cross the bay on a ferry, you'll find it all here.

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

More Details
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

St Mary's Bay

Address

St Marys Bay, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 9QF

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

St Mary’s Bay is a delightful secluded sandy beach with interesting rock formations and surrounding cliffs, just off the South West Coast Path.

Type

Type:

Beach

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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