South West Coast Path

The famous South West Coast Path transforms a relaxing and idyllic visit to the English Riviera and South Devon into an exciting adventure.  The whole 630-mile coast path meanders along some of the most spectacular coastline in the country with plenty to see and do on the way.

UNESCO Global Geopark

Did you know that the English Riviera, Devon has been accredited by UNESCO as a Global Geopark, just one of seven in the UK and 140 worldwide to celebrate our incredible geology, landscape and heritage?  It is incredible to think that ‘our’ rocks were formed millions of years ago at the bottom of a warm tropical sea and then scorched by the equatorial sun.

England’s Seafood Coast

The English Riviera is noted as with the highest value catch in the country being auctioned daily at its renowned fish market at Brixham. The fish is then whisked off to the finest restaurants in London and across Europe as well as to the plethora of delicious seafood restaurants right here in the Bay.

You’ll love the 22 miles of breathtakingly beautiful coastal footpath here in the English Riviera’s UNESCO accredited Global Geopark and you can stroll sections or walk the whole route from Brixham through Paignton and Torquay to Babbacombe Bay.  There are many bus services to get you or return you to your start point so pull your boots on and give it a go!

There is a detailed 7-day Seafood Coast Trail Itinerary, which is downloadable (see link below) and to whet your appetite here are a few of the highlights:

Day One – The Seafood Coast Trail

On day one, which starts at Babbacombe you’ll enjoy a walk on one of Britain’s highest cliff top promenades, sample some fresh fish at Hanbury’s, take a trip on a historic funicular railway, stop off at the chic Cary Arms with its stunning beachfront location and visit world renowned Stone Age Caves at Kents Cavern.

Day Two – The Seafood Coast Trail

Today you’ll start at Torquay Harbour and experience the dramatic views from Daddyhole Plain. Look out for the magnificent limestone arch known as London Bridge, visit a wartime lookout post that’s now home to protected horseshoe bats, meet some puffins and penguins at Living Coasts and sample some superb seafood at Rockfish.

Day Three – The Seafood Coast Trail

Day three gets going in the authentic fishing port of Brixham where traditional Brixham trawlers bring in the finest daily catch.  There are bookable tours of Brixham Fish Market’s exciting auction but you’ll need to be there by 6am sharp.  Tours include the live fish auction plus a hearty breakfast.  Now you’re ready to hike towards Torquay heading through woodland, along secluded coves and crescent shaped sandy beaches, past historic viaducts and along spectacular cliff tops. There are refreshments to enjoy at Broadsands and don’t miss the Cantina Kitchen and Bar at Goodrington before getting your first view of Paignton’s historic pier and then on towards Torquay.

Day Four – The Seafood Coast Trail

Day four offers a change of pace.  It starts in Torquay with a suggested Round Robin Tour of Paignton, Dartmouth and Totnes via steam train, riverboat and bus.  In ‘yachtie’ Dartmouth you can stroll out to the stunning riverside castle before hopping a ferry across the water and picking up a steam train for the ride back to Paignton. Here you can hit the beach then walk or take the bus back to your start point. This evening we’re recommending Michelin starred dining with some of the finest seafood around at The Elephant restaurant in Torquay.

Day Five – The Seafood Coast Trail

Day five takes in the quintessentially English village of Cockington near Torquay and splendid Torre Abbey with a glass of ale at the Lutyens-designed Drum Inn and dinner at the sea facing Pier Point restaurant.

Day Six – The Seafood Coast Trail

Day six soaks up Brixham’s panoramic sea views from the historic half-mile long breakwater and D-Day landing slipways.  Then you can walk up to Berry Head National Nature Reserve with its jaw-dropping views out to sea, its historic forts and lighthouse and its amazing guillemot colony. You have every chance of spotting pods of dolphins and porpoises from the 200ft cliff top.  There are delightful refreshments to enjoy at the Guardhouse Café and then we suggest a stroll back into Brixham and a fascinating visit to Brixham Heritage Museum.

Day Seven – The Seafood Coast Trail

Day seven starts in Dartmouth with a walk round the Dartmouth Town Trail. Follow this with a ride on the Higher Dart Ferry and a hike along the stunning Dart Valley Trail to Agatha Christie’s beautiful riverside residence (now National Trust).  You can return to Dartmouth by ferry before taking your pick of the wonderful seafood restaurants anywhere along England’s Seafood Coast.