48 Hours on the English Riviera

Pushed for time? Don’t worry, there’s still lots you can enjoy in a weekend or a short stay on the English Riviera. Why not take a look at our Itinerary Planner for ideas and in the meantime, here’s a few suggestions to get you started.

Day 1

Morning

Head to Babbcombe Downs, the highest cliff top promenade in England with stunning views across Lyme Bay then take the Cliff Railway down to Oddicombe Beach, a great spot for all ages. You can refuel at the Oddicombe Beach Cafe  or stroll along to the nearby Cary Arms for coffee/lunch.

Afternoon

Next take the short hop along Babbacombe Road towards Torquay and stop off at Kents Cavern, one of Europe’s top and most exciting Stone Age caves, with an extensive labyrinth of spectacular and easily accessible caverns. A one hour guided tour will take you on an underground adventure in this award winning attraction and Stone Age home to Britain’s earliest humans and Ice Age beasts.

Continuing down Babbacombe Road, Torquay Museum is well worth a visit before you arrive at the hustle and bustle of Torquay Harbour where you can relax in one of the many restaurants, cafes or bars and watch the world go by.  

Evening

Torquay has always been famous for its fun night scene and offers a growing selection of quality pubs, bars and nightclubs serving local beers, ales and ciders as well as the big global brands plus some amazing al fresco sea front and harbourside venues that host great music and events throughout the year.

Torquay’s Princess Theatre offers a wide variety of live entertainment from operas and ballets to concerts, comedy and pantomime as well as touring West End musicals. 

Day 2

Morning

The English Rivieria is also known as England’s Seafood Coast so where better to start day 2 than with an very early morning tour of Brixham Fish Market followed by breakfast at Rockfish.

Work off some of those calories with a Guided Walk of Brixham finishing at Berry Head National Nature Reserve. Perched high up on 200 feet (60 metre) cliffs with its iconic lighthouse, this beautiful headland is surrounded by water on 3 sides and has some of Devon’s most breathtaking views. Take a table at the Guardhouse Café where you can enjoy excellent locally sourced food and drink in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere along with amazing panoramic coastal and sea views.

Afternoon

Take the ferry from Brixham Harbour across to Paignton, you may be lucky and get a close up look at the local wildlife including dolphins, porpoises and seals on the way. At Paignton, you are met with the welcoming sight of its long stretch of beautiful and easily accessible beachfront, promenade, traditional pier, colourful beach huts and green with shops nearby.

If the beach isn’t your thing, how about Splashdown Quaywest with its pools and waterslides, a trip on a steam train or an afternoon at Paignton Zoo.

Evening

When the sun goes down, Paignton buzzes with activity. Why not take in one of the superb shows for all ages at the Palace Theatre, including well respected tribute acts, children's shows, musicals and a top class diary of annual performances.  You can choose from award-winning restaurants, bars and cafés, many with stunning sea views and there are plenty of choices for families, friends or those just wanting a quiet, romantic evening.

You’ll find a huge choice of movies to watch at the state-of-the-art Vue Cinema complex and there are events galore in Paignton to keep everyone entertained.

Getting Around

Bus, ferry, walking, cycling, car or taxi, the English Riviera has been a popular seaside tourist destination for well over a century, so we have excellent, well-established travel links within the Bay.