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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.

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: 211

, currently showing 199 to 207.

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Wetwheels Torbay

Address

MDL Marina, Vaughan Parade, TQ2 5EQ

Telephone
01803362144

info@wetwheelstorbay.co.uk

Wetwheels Torbay is a fully accessible boat allowing the English Riviera coastline and UNESCO Geopark to be available to everyone.
Fully wheelchair accessible, perfect stable vessel fpr anyone with reduced mobiity and a fun experience for anyone…

Type

Type:

Activities
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Scadson Woods Bike Park

Address

Scadson Woods, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 1RN

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Scadson Freeride park is a 13-acre woodland site, located within Scadson woods in Torbay. It is the only purpose built mountain bike trail for all abilities. It provides recreational, health and educational opportunities which benefit local people…

Type

Type:

Cycle Route

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Brunel Woods

Address

Watcombe, TORQUAY, Devon, TQ2 8NR

Telephone
01803 520022

info@countryside-trust.org.uk

TORQUAY

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Brunel Woods at Watcombe was acquired by Isambard Kingdom Brunel who planned to retire there and had commissioned the design of a garden and a house, the latter of which was never built. The garden became woodland, with many of the species and…

Type

Type:

Wood

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Ashleys Fishing Trips

Address

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

Telephone
07768 014174

ashley@boyrichard.co.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

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

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Royal Torbay Yacht Club

Address

12 Beacon Terrace, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2BH

Telephone
01803 292006

manager@rtyc.org

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Royal Torbay Yacht Club is a popular choice for sailing championships with a worldwide reputation. In recent years the club has hosted a number of prestigious World and other International events including the J/70 Worlds, Dragon Gold Cup, Half…

Type

Type:

Social Club

More Details

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Web Site
Dates
Coastal Kayak Adventure - Reach Outdoors

Address

The Seashore Centre, Tanners Road, Goodrington Sands, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6LP

Telephone
01803 524950

info@reach-outdoors.com

Goodrington Sands, Paignton

Dates

Join us for a captivating half-day Kayak Safari within the stunning English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark.
Our experienced guides will take you on an awe-inspiring kayak journey through which you will travel across almost 400 million years of…

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
More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

31 Mar 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:

31 Mar 2026to31 Oct 2026Various Opening Times

Explore Brixham’s significant history by stepping back in time at Brixham Heritage Museum. The museum reveals Brixham’s geology and Neolithic past, highlights its important position in Britain’s fishing industry, and details its role in the…

Type

Type:

Museums & Galleries
Establishment Features

Dog Friendly
More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Berry Head Nature Reserve

Address

Gillard Road, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 9AP

Telephone
01803 882619

berryhead@countryside-trust.org.uk

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The high cliffs of Berry Head National Nature Reserve situated on the outskirts of Brixham are host to the largest breeding colonies of guillemots on the south coast of England and these are Berry Head’s most famous residents. Berry Head National…

Type

Type:

Birds

More Details

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Web Site
The Seafood Coast - 7 Day South West Coast Path Trail

Address

The English Riviera, Devon

Telephone
01803 211211

The English Riviera

Ideas for an amazing 1 to 7 day active holiday in the English Riviera in South Devon. Explore a UNESCO Global Geopark, experience water-bound adventures, do breath-taking walks, soak up sublime seaviews and gorge on England's finest, freshest…

Type

Type:

Walking Route

More Details

Visit Website

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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