Since the late 18^th century tourists have been flocking to the English Riviera, and the Bay’s popularity continues to this day. Only last year, Torquay was voted the UK’s number one staycation location according to TripAdvisor. So what is so special about the English Riviera? Well…everything! Warm weather, pristine beaches, quirky experiences and good food are just the tip of the iceberg. So let’s dive in!

Where is the English Riviera?

In South Devon, nestled in between turquoise seas and vast countryside, the English Riviera sits proudly on 22 miles of coast, decorated with colourful beach huts, traditional fishing trawlers and tropical palm trees.

The three main towns, Torquay, Paignton and Brixham each have their own personality. Torquay is the largest and offers a bustling restaurant scene, delightful gardens and the traditional thatched village of Cockington. Paignton is a family friendly seaside resort with long sandy beaches and plenty of things for the kids to do. Brixham is the smallest and is centred around the town’s traditional fishing harbour, where colourful cottages rise up on the hills and a full sized pirate ship sits cheerfully in the centre.

Quirky Experiences

If you’re looking for something slightly different on your English holiday, you’re sure to find it on the English Riviera! Tick a few things off your bucket list; travel on a steam train right along the coast, hop on a funicular cliff railway to the beach, enjoy the freshest fish you will ever experience on England’s Seafood Coast, join a wildlife cruise to possibly see dolphins, porpoises and seals, swim in crystal clear waters and sea caves, paddleboard at sunrise and experience rugged cliffs, long sandy beaches and panoramic sea views.

Enjoy the fresh sea air

Walking helps us connect to nature, relax, exercise, and take time away from the stresses of daily life. With a plethora of routes on offer to suit all abilities, walking on England's Seafood Coast you will discover wild landscapes, thriving wildlife and rich heritage.

The English Riviera is home to 22 miles of the South West Coast Path with stunning sea views across the unique English Riviera UNSECO Global Geopark. The network of winding footpaths along the dramatic coastline are popular with ramblers, bird watchers, photographers and dog walkers alike.

There’s so much choice of walks on Devon’s Beautiful Bay that we’ve put together a handy guide for discovering our Top 10 Walks throughout the English Riviera.

A gastronomic delight

With Brixham’s reputation as a traditional fishing village, it is no surprise that Tor Bay is known as England’s Seafood Coast. The world-famous Brixham Fish Market catches the highest quality fish, and some of the nation’s best chefs serve them up on delicious platters around the Bay.  

And, if you’re not a seafood fan, don’t despair! With over 500 eateries throughout the Bay, you’re sure to find the perfect place to eat for you.

The warm weather

Protected from harsh winds by the hills of Dartmoor, The English Riviera has its own microclimate, often enjoying hotter summers and warmer winters than the rest of the UK. In fact, it was this aspect which attracted many wealthy Victorians to build holiday homes here, creating Italian-style buildings and gardens to complement the natural environment and create their very own Mediterranean-style resort in Britain – ‘an English Riviera’.