The English Riviera
The fabulous & welcoming English Riviera is one of South Devon’s most popular holiday destinations, made up of three unique towns – Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. With an impressive 22 miles of truly stunning coastline, it is well known for its award-winning beaches and palm trees, and of course, the birthplace of famous crime writer Agatha Christie.
In recent years the English Riviera has reinvented itself from a traditional bucket and spade seaside resort (although we still love a good old bucket, spade and ice cream!), to a cosmopolitan tourist destination for everyone. Many maritime events and regattas are held in Torbay and each town is bursting with restaurants, bistros and cafés, a perfect place for both families and couples.
The English Riviera has so much to see and do, we are not sure you will fit it all in, in one holiday! Fun-filled family day trips and countless attractions such as Paignton Zoo, Living Coast, Model Village, Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark, Kent’s Cavern and more, plus action-packed watersports such as jet skiing, speedboat racing, deep sea fishing, kite-sailing, paddle boarding and canoeing. If you are looking for something a little more relaxed, Torbay offers countryside wonders with many National Trust properties on our doorstep, romantic waterfront walks such as the beautiful Breakwater in Brixham and there are many picture postcard villages to explore. Torbay hosts many top-class events & vibrant festivals throughout the year such as the Torbay Royal Regatta & Children’s Week, the Torbay Airshow, Occombe Farm Beer Festival, Torbay Music Festival, The Brixham Pirate Festival, Torbay Steam Fair and BMAD Motorbike Festival … to mention a few (there are so many more!).
English Riviera Events & Festivals
englishriviera.co.ukThere's always something going on on the English Riviera! Pirate Festivals, Regattas, live music and arts in the Bay's top hot spots including Torquay and Paignton.
Paignton Zoo
paigntonzoo.org.ukExplore Paignton Zoo in Devon: 2,000 creatures, six animal habitats, Jungle Express train, indoor play areas, good food & easy access. A great family day out.
Quaywest
splashdownwaterparks.co.ukSituated on the gorgeous seafront at Goodrington Sands, we boast some of the English Riviera's most spectacular views! Splashdown Quaywest is the UK's BIGGEST outdoor waterpark.
Kents Cavern
kents-cavern.co.ukKents Cavern, prehistoric cave, home of ancient humans, award winning visitor attraction in Torquay - with tours, shop, cafe and visitor centre
Occombe Farm
http://www.countryside-trust.org.uk/occombeA working farm with nature trail, animals and kitchen garden. The Occombe Farm Café features the best of local food, including seasonal picks from the farm.
Living Coasts
livingcoasts.org.ukLiving Coasts - Coastal zoo & aquarium in Torquay. See penguins, seals, puffins, otters, octopus, rays, sea horses & more... All weather family attraction.
Bygones
bygones.co.ukBygones, a family-friendly attraction with 3 floors of British history (Victorians, Railways, Fifties), nostalgia, authentic curiosities, interactive displays.
Babbacombe Model Village
model-village.co.ukBabbacombe model village is one of the premier Torquay attractions and has plenty to see and do for the whole family.
Prickly Ball Farm
pricklyballfarm.co.ukPrickly Ball Farm has lots of animals to see, touch and meet including donkeys and foxes.
Reach Outdoors
reach-outdoors.comThe South West adventure specialists. School and Youth Group Residential, Outdoor Education, Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions, Wild Weekends, and more.
Sea Kayak Devon
seakayakdevon.co.ukSea kayaking courses, expeditions and BCU qualifications from the sea kayak experts, on the stunning Devon coast.
Babbacombe Cliff Railway
babbacombecliffrailway.co.ukBuilt in 1926, the Babbacombe Cliff Railway has shuttled hundreds of thousands of holiday makers to and from Oddicombe Beach in over 90 years of service.