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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 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Tessier Gardens

Address

Lindridge Road, Babbacombe, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3SE

Telephone
01803 207797

greeninfrastructure@swisco.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Hidden away between Babbacombe and St. Marychurch, Tessier Gardens is a small and delightful park that was given to the town in 1933 by Mrs H.A Tessier 'for the use of adults only'.

Type

Type:

Garden

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
Princess Theatre, Torquay

Address

Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5EZ

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

The Princess Theatre, Torquay had a large refurbishment in Spring 2024 and is looking forward to welcoming audiences from all over the region to a fantastic season of entertainment.

Type

Type:

Theatre
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

Western Lady Ferry

Address

6 Vaughan Road, Torquay Harbour, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5EQ

Telephone
01803 293797

westernladyferry@dsrrb.co.uk

Torquay Harbour, Torquay

Dates

The Western Lady Ferry Service has been operating an excellent ferry service between Torquay and Brixham for over 75 years.
The 30 minute ferry ride across the Bay to Brixham and returning to Torquay is a stress-free, delightful way to view Torbay…

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Torquay United Football Club

Address

Plainmoor Football Ground, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3PS

Telephone
01803 328666

reception@torquayunited.com

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Torquay United have represented the local community for over 120 years. Formed in 1899 by a group of school leavers, the club’s long history has included memorable cup runs, giant killings, promotions, and even the odd visit to Wembley Stadium!

Type

Type:

Sports Ground/Stadium

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
Babbacombe Beach Torquay

Address

Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3LX

Telephone
01803 207975

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

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 2026Various Opening Times

Seashore Centre

Address

Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, Tanners Road, Goodrington, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6LS

Telephone
01803 520022

info@countryside-trust.org.uk

Goodrington, Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Apr 2026to30 Sept 2026Various Opening Times

The Seashore Centre is a great base from which to explore Torbay’s stunning marine environment and discover more about local wildlife and the Geopark.

Type

Type:

Animals & Nature

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
Park Lane

Address

1 Torwood Street, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 1ED

Telephone
01803 214446

info@parklanetorquay.com

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Park Lane is the trendiest bar and nightclub situated in the English Riviera, just a short walk from Torquay’s harbour-side and the town centre. Consisting of four stylishly decorated rooms and a private roof terrace, Park Lane is the ideal venue…

Type

Type:

Nightclub
Establishment Features

Dog Friendly
Key Features

Groups
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
Conferences at The Imperial Torquay

Address

Park Hill Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2DG

Telephone
+44 01803 294301

info@theimperialtorquay.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

With nine meeting rooms, ranging from small boardrooms to sumptuous Suites seating up to 350 delegates theatre-style, The Imperial Torquay provides the ultimate choice and flexibility for your meeting or event.
To contact our events team, please…

Type

Type:

Event Venue
Key Features

Groups Welcomed
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site - Parking is Charged at £7.00 per car per night and £15.00 for Garage Parking

Parking On-site or Valet Parking
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Manscombe Woods

Address

TORQUAY, Devon, TQ2 6UF

TORQUAY

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Manscombe Woods are the woodlands next to Cockington Country Park. Begin your walk at the idyllic Cockington village with traditional thatched roofs. Wander round the Cockington Estate with large, manicured gardens, stroll around the three lakes…

Type

Type:

Parkland/Woodland Garden

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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