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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

, currently showing 10 to 18.

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Dates
Potent Plants Garden - Torre Abbey

Address

Torre Abbey, The Kings Drive, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JE

Telephone
01803 293593

torreabbeyenquiries@torbay.gov.uk

Torquay

Dates

Do not touch! is the warning for all visitors to the Potent Plants Garden at Torre Abbey. Discover a world of poisons, antidotes and remedies in the serene setting of the Abbey grounds.

Type

Type:

Garden
Children & Infants

Facilities for children
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted

Key Features

Groups

Establishment Features

Cater for groups
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2026Various 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 2025to31 Dec 2026Various 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

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Leisure 2000

Address

81-89 Torbay Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6AJ

Telephone
01803 557003

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

If you fancy your luck on the 2p machines or want to win your favourite teddy on the grabber, Leisure 2000 has a huge selection of games. You will be spoilt for choice, from F1 racing, to adult only slot machines with jackpots of up to £500!

Type

Type:

Amusement Parks and Arcades

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Abbey Park

Address

Torquay Seafront, Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5HP

Telephone
01803 701310

info@swisco.co.uk

Price
Price £3.25 to £7.00 Per Ticket

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Abbey Meadows and Gardens is situated on Torquay Seafront. The meadow is a large open space used by all for events and picnics. The park itself is host to a range of activities, such as tennis and crazy golf; it also houses the Italian Gardens with…

Type

Type:

Golf Course
Children & Infants

Accept children (Minimum age)
Price
Price £3.25 to £7.00 Per Ticket

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Fishcombe Cove

Address

Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8RB

Telephone
01803 207975

beaches@torbay.gov.uk

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Fishcombe Cove is ideal if you want to escape the crowds. Situated along the coast from Brixham, this small shingle beach is a quiet, peaceful little cove protected on all sides by tall red cliffs.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted
More Details
Dates

Global Geopark - Torquay

Address

Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JG

Telephone
0844 474 2233

Torquay

Dates

In 2007 the English Riviera was designated a Global Geopark and is one of just 10 sites in the UK and Ireland to hold this special status.

Type

Type:

Environmental Attraction

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Woodlands at 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

You may be surprised to know there are woodlands on this well-known headland - almost 20 acres of it! With large footpaths and good visibility between trees, the woods at Berry Head Nature Reserve is an ideal place to allow young children and dogs…

Type

Type:

Parkland/Woodland Garden

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Local Guides

Address

English Riviera and South Devon, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JG

Telephone
01803 211211

holiday@englishriviera.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Are you bringing a group to the English Riviera to experience all it has to offer? Or are you an independent traveller looking to get to the heart of the resort? You'll find your trip all the more memorable with a tour from one of our local guides.

Type

Type:

Museums & Galleries

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

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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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Refine your search

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