Torquay is TripAdvisor’s number 1 UK destination for summer holidays in 2021 and its not hard to see why. During the summer, the English Riviera is transformed into a bustling outdoor paradise, with long sunny days, tropical palm trees and turquoise waters adorning our 22 beaches.

If you’ve booked, or are planning to book a summer holiday to the English Riviera, you might be thinking about what to do whilst you’re here. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here’s our top tips of things to do during summer on the English Riviera.

Family Days Out

Are you looking for days out ideas with the kids? The English Riviera has one of the highest concentration of visitor attractions in the UK, meaning that there is a perfect attraction for every family.

There are the world-renowned underground caverns, a magnificent model village, a steam train, a world-class zoo, an historic funicular railway, an 800 year old Abbey, a huge waterpark, an historic pier, a pirate museum ship, Agatha Christie’s famous riverside residence and much more. Discover more of our attractions.

Connect with Nature

This year has shown the importance of getting outside and reconnecting with our environment. It’s great for our mental and physical health, and there’s nothing like a calming sea breeze to make you feel at one with nature. Head to one of our award-winning beaches to sit back and relax, go for a dip or enjoy a picnic.

Take a Guided Tour to discover the hidden gems of the Bay. You'll be shown the most beautiful landscapes and unique sites by those who really know what they're talking about - and you don't have to do much except sit back (or gently stroll!) and take it all in. Join English Riviera Walking Tours for Torquay based tours, or Devon & Moor for walking tours of Brixham, or driving tours further afield. 

Explore the South West Coast Path on your own with a scenic coastal walk, check out our Top 10 Coastal Walks for tips. The seaside isn’t the only stunning landscape we have, the English Riviera is also home to several ancient woodlands, housing an array of wildlife and providing some wonderful woodland walks.

Get on the water and see the UNESCO Global Geopark from a new angle. The calm, sheltered waters of Tor Bay are perfect for paddleboarding. If you don’t have your own board, don’t worry! There are many places you can hire them or even take lessons including Reach Outdoors at Goodrington or WeSUP in Torquay. For the adrenaline lovers, take a spin on the UK’s fastest RIB Ride with Torquay Watersports.

History and Heritage

Many people are surprised to discover that the English Riviera is internationally recognised as being historically, culturally and geologically important. There is so much history and heritage to discover right here on Devon’s Beautiful Bay.

Cockington’s famous horse drawn carriage rides are a wonderful sight to behold in this quintessentially English village, a stone’s throw from Torquay. As you wander through the 400 acre grounds at Cockington, you'll spot plenty of native wildlife too.

Enjoy a day out at Greenway, Agatha Christie’s famous riverside residence (now National Trust) at nearby Galmpton. You can travel via the steam train to fully immerse yourself in the Golden Age lifestyle.The English Riviera has many fantastic museums. In Brixham, browse the galleries at Brixham Heritage Museum or head to Torquay and visit Torquay Museum to view the permanent Agatha Christie Gallery. 

Walk in the footsteps of your prehistoric ancestors and head back to the stone age at Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves. On your visit you'll learn about the English Riviera during the Ice Age and what makes this area such a special place as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark. 

A must-visit is 800-year-old Torre Abbey on the seafront in Torquay with its galleries and gardens including a medieval children’s garden, tropical glasshouses and a full events programme.

However you decide to spend your visit to the English Riviera, you will find lots of things to do, alongside a warm Devonshire welcome. Order your free English Riviera Guide and start planning your trip today. We can’t wait to welcome you.