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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.

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, currently showing 127 to 135.

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Coastal Wildlife Boat Tour - Torquay Watersports

Address

Torquay Watersports, 2 - 4 Vaughan Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5EQ

Telephone
01803 362122

info@torquaywatersports.co.uk

Torquay

Explore the English Riviera Coastline with Torquay Watersports and see up close the incredible wildlife that also call it home. We will explore secluded coves, caves and islands as we hope to encounter cormorants, guillemots, seals, porpoise and…

Type

Type:

Unique Experience

More Details

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Web Site
Youngs Park

Address

Goodrington, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6LP

Telephone
01803 207797

greeninfrastructure@swisco.co.uk

Paignton

Goodrington’s Youngs Park is a natural habitat for swans, geese and wild birds and is perfect for family picnics with children of all ages plus the family dog. Enjoy the Boating Lake (where model boat enthusiasts are often launching their…

Type

Type:

Historic Garden

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
OurGlass

Address

Studio 3, Stableyard, Cockington Court Craft Centre, Cockington Village, TORQUAY, Devon, TQ2 6XA

Telephone
+ 44 01803 606757

ourglasslimited@hotmail.com

Price
Free

Cockington Village, TORQUAY

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00

OurGlass produce an innovative range of studio glass using traditional glassblowing methods. The workshop is open every day, all year round and is free admission. You can watch the work being created up-close... and ask any questions you may have

Type

Type:

Craft Centre
Children & Infants

Facilities for children
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
Price
Free

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Mar 2026to23 Dec 2026
Vineyard Safari - Sandridge Barton

Address

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

info@sandridgebarton.com

Stoke Gabriel, Totnes

Dates

From:

1 Mar 2026to23 Dec 2026

A guided trip to our vineyard and back through our winery with tastings along the way.
Our biggest tour offers a full insight into how we produce our award-winning wines, starting in the vineyard and going all the way through to the winery.

Type

Type:

Unique Experience
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

15 Apr 2026to31 Dec 2026

New Central Cinema

Address

90-96 Union Street, TORQUAY, Devon, TQ2 5PY

Telephone
01803 380001

newcentral@merlincinemas.co.uk

TORQUAY

Dates

From:

15 Apr 2026to31 Dec 2026

Merlin Cinemas have relocated to Union Street from Abbey Road
Merlin Cinemas recently relocated to what was the old BHS store on Union Street. Now a 4-screen cinema and street-level restaurant, Hollywood Pizza.
Showing all the latest blockbusters,…

Type

Type:

Cinema

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Meadfoot Beach

Address

Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2EL

Telephone
01803 208443

harbour.authority@torbay.gov.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

A mile from Torquay harbour and in a stunning location at the bottom of a row of imposing cliffs. Grab a deckchair and enjoy the sound of the sea lapping against the shore, or wander along the promenade lined with a colourful row of beach chalets.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted - Not in summer
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2026
Spa at the Grand

Address

Torbay Road, Torquay, TQ2 6NT

Telephone
+44 01803 296677

reservations@grandtorquay.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2026

Discover tranquility in our newly established treatment rooms at the Grand Spa. Designed as an oasis for those seeking a guaranteed sense of restoration, relaxation, and revitalisation. Immerse yourself in the luxurious world of French skincare with…

Type

Type:

Hotel Spa
Establishment Features

Dog Friendly
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site

Parking On-site or Valet Parking
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Corbyn Sands/Corbyn Head

Address

Torquay Seafront, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6NT

Telephone
01803 296052

beaches@torbay.gov.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Corbyn Sands is one of Torquay’s closest beaches, and lies just south of Torre Abbey Sands. It’s a sand and shingle beach with a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, but still with the convenience of being close to the busy town of Torquay.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted - Not in Summer
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Paignton Sands

Address

Paignton, TQ4 6BJ

Telephone
01803 555720

beaches@torbay.gov.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Paignton Beach offers the ultimate family day out at the seaside. With a sandy beach, safe swimming and a whole host of activities to enjoy, this promises to be a fun day out for all the family.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted - Not in summer
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
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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