Quieten the Mind – 2
The English Riviera is a perfect place to switch off and to take stock of your wellbeing. Whether you stroll around a museum, try yoga on the beach or on a paddleboard, with Soak. enjoy a view, learn a new skill or gently stretch your body and mind. It’s all food for the soul, it’s just about approach, here are some favourite mindful activities and places.
When: All year round.
Set aside: from 1hr to a full day.
Try:
- Kayak Chi, Kayak Yoga and Sea Kayak for the Mind – Sea Kayak Torbay
- Explore the bay’s parks and beaches.
Mild Swimming – 2
Wild swimming’s gentler cousin and a perfect way to experience nature and feel revitalised with Mother Nature’s endorphins. There is no pressure with this sort of swimming, just enjoy the dip. If you prefer to know what might be lurking beneath you try Shoalstone Pool in Brixham – open May to Sept – a Victorian built 53m sea-filled pool.
A natural antidote to the pressures of modern-day living, the popularity of outdoor swimming has boomed with many keen to enjoy both the physical and mental health benefits. Ask our local swimmers and they’ll tell you it’s a challenge, a joy and a true ‘living in the moment’ experience. The English Riviera has many Blue Flag awarded beaches, reflecting the high standard of beach management and quality bathing water. The sea is warmest June- October, ranging from 11 – 18oc but many swim all year round. Favourites places are Anstey’s Cove, Torre Abbey Sands and Meadfoot Beach. Connect with local swimmers by searching Devon and Cornwall Wild Swimming on Facebook.
When: All year round.
Set aside: 1 to 3 hours
Try:
Stay safe. Plan and think about tides, currents, weather, access points, temperature, visibility, your health and your ability. Don’t swim solo and take advice from the Outdoor Swim Association.
Wildlife Watching - 2
So much wildlife thrives here. Watch the dolphins that play in the bay, or roll up your sleeves and be a vet for the day at Paignton Zoo. Join the Torbay Coast & Countryside team on a Rockpool Ramble and meet the unusual residents of Berry Head in a guided walk. View the gulls and sea birds at close range at Broadsands, go rock-pooling and look out for creative courses too including digital photography, all bookable online.
When: All year round, the seasonal changes are astounding.
Try:
Walking - 2
Relaxed strolling and perhaps a bit of meandering too, wonderful in all seasons. Take a South West Coast Path route to Berry Head National Nature Reserve (an easy rated route). See exotic palms at Princess Gardens, the Italian Gardens and the Potent Plant Garden (murderous inspiration for Agatha Christie) at Torre Abbey. Head to Cockington Park and Gardens for a gorgeous countryside walk or Tessier Gardens (between Babbacombe and St Marychurch) a relaxing place to provide quiet for adults only. Take one of the many self-guided UNESCO Global Geopark trails and peel back 400 million years of history or pick up a Writers on the Riviera guide to discover some of the best writers of all time who have spent time here. Or simply look up and take in the architecture of the towns and villages in the English Riviera. Did you know that the simple act of noticing what’s around you is one of the steps to happiness?
For a more strenuous walk you can use explore the National Trust properties of Greenway and Coleton Fishacre.
When: Enjoy the seasons, lovely all year round.
Set aside: fill a half or full day.
Try:
England’s Seafood Coast Walk - Named England’s Seafood Coast for good reason, the English Riviera is home to the UK’s finest seafood and the world-famous Brixham Fish Market, where some of the nation’s best chefs source their seafood. Pack your backpack and head out for a full 7 days, or pick a section such as ‘Wildlife, woodland and waterside dinning’ for a stunning day of walking.
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Paddleboarding At Sunrise
A stunning way to explore the coast and coves from the water and truly explore the UNESCO Global Geopark from a different perspective.
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