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 190 to 198.

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

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
Churston Golf Club

Address

The Clubhouse, Churston, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 0LA

Telephone
01803 842751

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Welcome to Churston Golf Club, I doubt you will find a golf course in the south west in a more idyllic location or in better condition then Churston. It sits proudly overlooking Torbay running east to west from Churston to Brixham.

Type

Type:

Golf Course
Children & Infants

Accept children (Minimum age)
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

4 Feb 2026to31 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
Brixham Heritage Museum

Address

Brixham Heritage Museum, The Old Police Station, New Road, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8LZ

Telephone
01803 856267

mail@brixhamheritage.org.uk

New Road, Brixham

Dates

From:

4 Feb 2026to31 Oct 2026Various Opening Times

An English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site. Housed in the old Brixham police station, Brixham Heritage Museum (free admission) provides an intriguing place to visit for all the family with a rich collection of exhibits.

Type

Type:

Museums & Galleries
Establishment Features

Dog Friendly
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Ashleys Fishing Trips

Address

North Quay, The Harbour, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6DU

Telephone
07768 014174

ashley@boyrichard.co.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

This well established boat and business operates from Paignton Harbour and fishes the waters of Torbay. Boy Richard is totally equipped for your fun and enjoyment.
Good Fun for all the family
2 Hour Trips
Fully Licenced by the Maritime Coastguard…

Type

Type:

Fishing

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

Geopark Journeys

Address

Various locations throughout the English Riviera, Selfguided, accessible journeys to download, Devon, TQ1 3DR

Telephone
01803 364130

info@toniccreatives.co.uk

,

Dates

Healthy Selfie Geopark Journeys are three accessible trails around the seafront areas of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, aimed at getting people out in the fresh air and discovering some extraordinary facts along the way.

Type

Type:

Free Activity

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
The Little Theatre Torquay

Address

St Marks Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2EL

Telephone
01803 299330

boxoffice@toadslittletheatre.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

If you're after a quirky theatre venue, then the Little Theatre is the place to be! Situated in a converted church in the leafy Meadfoot district of Torquay, the theatre provides an intimate atmosphere to view all the best in shows, plays, musicals…

Type

Type:

Performance Venue
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

2 Apr 2026to30 Oct 2026
Torquay Watersports

Address

MDL Marina, Vaughan Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5EQ

Telephone
01803 362122

info@torquaywatersports.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

2 Apr 2026to30 Oct 2026

Torquay Watersports offers various ways to get out on the water and have some fun.
Our award winning vessel Raptor offers a 30 minute high speed trip around the bay and is the ultimate RIB Ride.
Want something more leisurely? Then our 1 hour or 90…

Type

Type:

Watersports Centre
Children & Infants

Accept children all ages
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Dec 2024to31 Dec 2025

Torbay Velopark

Address

Penwill Way, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 5JR

Telephone
01803 659711

torbay@lexleisure.org.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Dec 2024to31 Dec 2025

The circuit is the only outdoor closed road circuit in Devon and Cornwall and can accommodate amateur and professional cycling and a range of other sporting activities.

Type

Type:

Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
The Disabled Sailing Association

Address

Beacon Quay, Torquay, Devon

Telephone
07447941724

enquires@dsadevon.org.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

The Disabled Sailing Association is a Torquay- based sailing charity which offers safe and affordable sailing for the disabled. Our aim is to give everybody, no matter their disability, the opportunity to enjoy the experience of sailing around our…

Type

Type:

Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
Paignton Sailing Club

Address

South Quay, The Harbour, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6DT

Telephone
01803 525817

secretary@paigntonsailingclub.co.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Paignton Sailing Club is predominantly a dinghy racing club and is host to the Torbay Spring and Autumn Regattas.

Type

Type:

Activity Centre
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
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:

Children & Infants

Parking & Transport

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Establishment Features

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Venue Facilities

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Children & Infants

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Accessibility

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates