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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: 209

, currently showing 37 to 45.

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Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
The Imperial Torquay Spa

Address

Park Hill Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2DG

Telephone
+44 01803 294301

info@theimperialtorquay.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Located in the Health & Leisure Club, a range of spa treatments by Decléor are available at The Imperial Torquay including facials, body massages and manicures.
Combining nature’s purest and most potent active ingredients, Decléor scientifically…

Type

Type:

Hotel Spa
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

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Thatcher Point

Address

Ilsham Marine Drive, TORQUAY, Devon, TQ1 2HU

Telephone
01803 207797

TORQUAY

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Thatcher Point is a phenomenal green space with a stunning view of the Thatcher Rock and out to sea. People visit Thatcher Point to take in the sea views and view Thatcher Rock itself, to go fishing off the coast, or to simply walk along the South…

Type

Type:

Viewpoint
Establishment Features

Dog Friendly
More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Ansteys Cove Beach Torquay

Address

Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3TG

Telephone
01803 550022

info@countryside-trust.org.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Between Torquay and Babbacombe sits Anstey’s Cove. Quiet, peaceful and incredibly beautiful, this small shingle beach is the place to come if you want to escape the crowds.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted
More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

15 Feb 2026to2 Nov 2026
Dartmouth Steam Railway (starting in Paignton)

Address

Queen's Park Station, Torbay Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6AF

Telephone
01803555872

enquiries@dsrrb.co.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

15 Feb 2026to2 Nov 2026

A warm welcome awaits you at Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boats. We provide steam train travel, river and sea cruises across the English Riviera and along the beautiful river Dart in South Devon. The stunning Train of Lights and famous Santa…

Type

Type:

Steam Railway
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted - Essential to prebook.None
More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

8 Ball Bar & Sports

Address

3 Manor Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 2JB

Telephone
01803 906575

info@8ballbarandsports.co.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

8 Ball Bar & Sports in Paignton
Watch live sports, play traditional pub games and eat & drink.
8 Ball Bar & Sports is a thriving sports bar/pub in the heart of Preston, Paignton. A popular destination for locals, tourists, and those who love to…

Type

Type:

Snooker, Billiards and Pool

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Paignton Pier

Address

The Esplanade, Paignton, DEVON, TQ4 6BW

Telephone
+44 01803 522139

thepieratpaignton@icloud.com

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Situated at the centre of Paignton seafront. A great "All Weather" family attraction with amusements, cafe, ice creams, shops and much more.

Type

Type:

Pier

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Paignton Zoo

Address

Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU

Telephone
01803 697500

info@paigntonzoo.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Home to hundreds of incredible animals, including some of the world's most endangered species, Paignton Zoo is one of the South West's most exciting wildlife attractions. With 80 acres to explore, it's a place where visitors can discover remarkable…

Type

Type:

Zoo
Children & Infants

Facilities for children
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details

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Web Site
Roundham Head

Address

Cliff Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6DH

Paignton

Roundham Head, Paignton, Devon is at the top of the cliff with beautiful parkland and spectacular views out to sea all round – see if you can spot the charming Spitfire Garden.
Suggested Walk - Roundham Head - 0.9 miles (1.4 km) - North Quay,…

Type

Type:

Historic Garden

More Details
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Seaweed Foraging Course - Be Nutriful

Address

Various locations, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 9AF

benutriful@gmail.com

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Experience the ultimate coastal adventure with our hands - on seaweed foraging courses. Our expert - led courses offer an unforgettable and unique day out, where you'll uncover the fascinating world of seaweed, and learn the practical skills of how…

Type

Type:

Health & Wellbeing

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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