Splashdown Quay West

Search,Plan

And Book

You are here: Things to Do > English Riviera Attractions

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 64 to 72.

Sort By Price - Lowest Price - Highest Grading: Highest A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 09:30 - 22:00
Pirates Bay Adventure Golf

Address

Torbay Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6AD

Telephone
+44 01803 525723

mail@piratesbaygolf.co.uk

Price
Price £3.50 to £7.00 Per Ticket

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 09:30 - 22:00

Experience the adventure of Pirates Bay Adventure Golf
A landscaped, floodlit, 18 hole adventure golf course on Paignton seafront. It's great fun for all the family. Dodge cannonballs and evade the thieving pirates as you navigate the lush carpeted…

Type

Type:

Golf Course
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted
Price
Price £3.50 to £7.00 Per Ticket

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Vue Cinema Paignton

Address

The Esplanade, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6AG

Telephone
0345 308 4620

Torbay@vuemail.com

Paignton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Vue Cinema Torbay
At Vue Cinema Paignton, Devon you'll find the most up-to-date movies, reviews, film times for the week's hottest new releases and online ticket bookings to help you secure the best seats in the house.
This perfectly situated…

Type

Type:

Cinema

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Babbacombe Theatre

Address

Babbacombe Downs, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3LU

Telephone
01803 328385

info@babbacombe-theatre.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

An asset to the English Riviera for over eighty years Babbacombe Theatre is renowned for wowing audiences with their highly acclaimed family variety shows, most especially since 1986 when Matpro Limited took over the venue.
From its earliest days,…

Type

Type:

Theatre
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted

Establishment Features

Cater for groups
Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
More Details

Visit Website

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

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Brixham Escape Rooms

Address

43 Bolton Street, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 9BZ

Telephone
07873 565765

bookings@brixhamescaperooms.co.uk

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

After years of daring voyages, you and your crew have amassed a treasure trove of riches. But beware – your notorious captain, the fearsome Minty Badger, guards the loot with an iron will. Minty’s only weakness is a daily hair and facial treatment…

Type

Type:

Escape Room

More Details

Visit Website

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 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

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
Maidencombe Beach

Address

Torquay, Devon, TQ1 4TS

Telephone
01803 208443

harbour.authority@torbay.gov.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

If you’re looking for a quiet haven to spend the day, Maidencombe Beach is the perfect retreat. Far removed from amusement arcades and water parks, Maidencombe Beach is about one thing: relaxing.

Type

Type:

Beach
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Shoalstone Beach

Address

Brixham, Devon, TQ5 9AJ

Telephone
01803 851806

beaches@torbay.gov.uk

Brixham

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Along the coast from the busy fishing harbour of Brixham is Shoalstone Beach. This isn’t just a shingle beach, but has a sea water swimming pool too, so still plenty of activities to keep everyone happy.

Type

Type:

Beach

More Details

Share Your Snaps

#EnglishRiviera

Real photos by real people. Use #englishriviera and you could end up on our social media gallery too. Experience the Bay your way! 🌴

There's so much to do and places to visit,

not enough time in 7 days with so much on offer!

Search, plan and book

Book Now

Order your free travel directories

Contact English Riviera Visitor Information

Submit your event

Hello.

We'd love to hear what you think about the English Riviera!

Complete our short survey below to enter our free draw, and be in with a chance to win a two night bed and breakfast stay at the Mercure Hotel in Paignton.

Enter now

Don't Miss

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

Ratings Powered By

My Planner

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

Refine By

Refine your search

Dates

Address

Telephone

Price

Dates

Type

Type:

Venue Facilities

Price

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Venue Facilities

Establishment Features

Accessibility

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Establishment Features

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Address

Telephone

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone

Dates

Type

Type:

Establishment Features

Parking & Transport

Visit Website

Dates

Address

Telephone