Treat the special person in your life this Father’s Day. Here are 10 great gift ideas and English Riviera experiences to inspire you ahead of the big day.

1. A Boat Trip or Fishing Excursion

The English Riviera mild climate and naturally sheltered bay is perfect for spending some time on the water.  Tor Bay’s calm and crystal-clear beautiful waters attract a wonderful array of sea life. Mackerel fishing, angling and wreck-fishing chartered trips are readily available from a number of local business operators. 

2. Discover Devon's Local Ales & Inns

The English Riviera is part of the real ale revolution. Craft beers, pale or dark ales and award-winning ciders are all brewed right here on the doorstep. Many pubs, restaurants, hotels and bars showcase the very finest Devon produce. Bay’s Brewery, a family-run business based in Paignton produces Topsail, Gold and Devon Dumpling ales and Devon Rock Craft Lager and runs Brewery tours with tasting sessions on selected dates. Treat your Dad to a pint or two at Torbay Inn, Paignton’s oldest public house dating back to the early 1600’s with lots of character and an ‘olde worlde’ décor.

3. An Outdoor Adventure Experience

If the man in your life loves outdoor pursuits why not treat him to a day with Reach Outdoors, a Paignton-based company specialising in adventure overland and kayaking expeditions. The stunning English Riviera landscape has been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark and the 22 miles that form part of the South West Coast Path provide the perfect backdrop for an action-packed weekend filled with outdoor popular pursuits such as cycling, walking and coasteering.

4. A Round of Golf with Breath-taking Views

Indulge your Dad this Father’s Day with a round of golf, taking in the fresh air, the spectacular coastal views and some top golfing facilities. Torbay Golf Centre’s Driving Range in Paignton is open 7 days a week and has 28 undercover bays, 6 outside bays and a short game practice area with 3 greens, 3 tees and a bunker for golfers of all abilities.  There’s also a retail golf shop if you want to buy some extra golf-themed gifts.

5. Ride on the Historic Babbacombe Cliff Railway

Babbacombe’s charming cliffside funicular railway has been transporting locals and visitors since 1926. This elegant shuttle service offers spectacular views across the bay and towards the sheltered haven of Oddicombe Beach below.  Dogs can be carried onboard at the operator’s discretion and wheelchair and disability scooter users can travel for free. The secluded cove attracts seals and dolphins that visit regularly so look out for these delightful creatures for an added Father’s Day treat.

6. Day at the Seaside

On a limited budget? That’s not a problem.  If your Dad, Grandad or Father figure has a sweet tooth buy them an ice cream from one of the many traditional kiosks dotted along the seaside promenades. Sandbanks Kiosk on Marine Parade is only a stone’s throw from Preston beach and sells delicious Devon ice cream with fresh milk and cream ingredients, giving a rich flavour of the Westcountry.

7. Sunday Lunch on The English Riviera

Named England’s Seafood Coast, the English Riviera is home to the UK’s finest seafood and some of the nation’s best chefs.  The choice of places to eat is almost endless, with top independent restaurants and cafes such as The Breakwater Bistro in Brixham, and national brands such as Vintage Inn’s: The Drum Inn at Cockington or The Harvester in Torquay and Paignton serving delicious hot and cold meals.  Make a fuss of your Dad with a Sunday roast carvery, fish and chip takeaway or some posh nosh for a picnic on the beach.

8. Get a ticket for a 'Gulls Game

Torquay United Football Club, affectionately known locally as ‘The Gulls’ have been entertaining large crowds of football fans for centuries. Matches take place at their home ground, Plainmoor Stadium in the heart of St Marychurch in Torquay. Yellow and blue army fans will love being treated to a season ticket, a t-shirt celebrating the club’s 280-year anniversary, a drink from the fully-stocked bar at the Gulls Nest or a pre-match meal at No.10s Restaurant.

9. Theatre Ticket for an Evening Out

Devon’s beautiful bay has an impressive collection of theatres and performing arts venues creating a vibrant evening scene with live shows, concerts, plays, musicals and comedy events to suit all interests.  There are no fewer than 5 theatres in the area. From top celebrity names from the world of Showbiz to award winning actors in West End touring musicals, a theatre ticket makes a great Father’s Day gift.

10. Day Pass to an English Riviera Visitor Attraction for History Lovers

The English Riviera has some of the best visitor attractions in the whole of the South West. The resort has many award-winning museums including Torre Abbey Museum housed in an ancient scheduled monument and tranquil gardens packed with exotic and exciting plants; The Crime Museum set in an old underground bunker has exhibits about notorious gangsters and gruesome bank robberies in the past with an escape room experience and Bygones, a nostalgic treasure trove jam packed with memorabilia from the First and Second World Wars, a Victorian arcade and a gigantic 27-ton railway tank engine.