24 Hours on the English Riviera

If you're unfortunate enough to only have 24 hours to explore The English Riviera but love to get outdoors and look around, then here’s our guide on how to cram in plenty of adventure into your short stay with us.

Morning

Seek some coastal outdoor adventure

If you're up for a challenge and keen for some soft adventure, try a spot of coasteering with Reach Outdoors. The English Riviera based outdoor activity experts know the area inside and out and you’ll be in safe hands. Explore the amazing limestone coastline, which forms part of the English Riviera designated UNESCO Global Geopark, as you take exhilarating jumps at Anstey’s Cove, squeeze through secluded gaps and secret caves at Daddyhole in Torquay or try a spot of paddle-boarding in the sheltered coves and calm waters at Meadfoot beach.

Walk some of the South West Coast Path

The 22-miles of stunning South Devon coastline forms part of the South West Coast Path, the UK’s longest marked footpath which covers 630 miles of the West Country’s glorious coast. Most of the route is dog-friendly and there are easy, moderate and challenging walks for keen, seasoned ramblers to novice walkers. Look out for the iconic acorn image signs and coloured arrows to guide you along the way.  Start with a short but fairly strenuous walk down to Three Degrees West at Oddicombe Beach for a lunch time snack and finish at The Boathouse, beside Preston beach to sample some of England’s Seafood Coast’s finest fish dishes.

Afternoon

Cycle around Devon’s Beautiful Bay

The idyllic, horseshoe shaped bay is protected by low hills, and has plenty of flat seafront promenades, winding coastal roads and downhill descents which are perfect for cycling. Torbay Velopark in Paignton is the only 1.5km outdoor closed circuit in Devon and Cornwall, available to professional as well as amateur cyclists. Many of the dedicated cycle trails offer dramatic backdrops, breath-taking scenery, picture-postcard settings and plenty of fresh air too.  Bring your own bike along or enquire at the English Riviera Visitor Information Centre for advice on the best local places to hire one.

Take to the water

Mackerel fishing or angling is a popular pastime for locals and regular visitors. The sheltered bay attracts a wonderful array of marine wildlife.  First time fishers to accomplished anglers are catered for with plenty of 2-hour boat trips and chartered fishing cruises offering their services and equipment for hire.  If sailing is your thing, the English Riviera has a world-renowned sailing hub which attracts many visiting international sailors for annual regattas and competitions. Yachting, power boating and dinghy sailing with RYA instructors as well as kayaking, water skiing, wakeboarding and speedboat trips are all available for you to try here.

Evening

Time to relax and put your feet up

The English Riviera has 20 beaches, with 10 having attained prestigious national awards. Long sandy beaches, crystal clear shallow waters and safe family-friendly facilities provide the perfect settings to enjoy some rock-pooling, sea swimming or sunbathing. Traditional beach kiosks cater for your every need with deckchairs to hire, local ice creams with delicious Devon clotted cream ingredients to enjoy and refreshing locally brewed beers and ciders to quench your thirst at the end of an exhilarating and action-packed afternoon.

Watch a beautiful sunset

Enjoy some alfresco fine dining with fabulous sea views at Cantina Kitchen and Bar at Goodrington Sands in Paignton. There’s often live entertainment from talented local musicians, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and quality produce including ‘Mermaid’s Ruin’ a gin containing dulse seaweed and pink peppercorns, distilled and bottled onsite.

We’re sure this will give you an appetite to explore the gorgeous English Riviera again. There’s so much more to see and do, so why not plan your next visit soon.