We love hearing from our visitors, and this summer we asked holidaymakers what they liked best about the English Riviera. Here are some of our favourite answers and themes:

The people

Let’s start off with the people! Visitors felt that people on the English Riviera were friendly, helpful and welcoming.

• “Friendly, and very welcoming in all places, ready to help me (I am in a wheelchair)”
• “helpful, friendly locals. Nothing seemed too much trouble”
• “I liked talking with the local people in the local pubs and on the street, as all very friendly! Also enjoyed visiting local pubs, cafes using the buses!!”
• “Friendly welcoming clean beautiful place can't wait to return to see the palm trees.”
• “The friendliness of the people and their resilience at a difficult time”

The Atmosphere

Visitors fell in love with the laid back atmosphere.

• “Relaxing when needed, busy when wanted.”
• “The sense of a life that's slower where people are kind and polite. Greenness and beauty on our walks along the River Dart.”
• “The holiday atmosphere along the seafront and well kept gardens”
• “Feeling of being on holiday… the coastline is amazing”
• “Traditional seaside feel”

The weather

The weather was a highlight for many visitors this summer.

• “Weather was great for the time of year so visiting beaches and coastal areas was a priority.”
• “I love the area and the climate on the English riviera. Everything is local without having to travel.”

Things To Do

With over 20 attractions, and plenty of things to do, visitors loved the variety of entertainment!

• “The amount of things we can do as a family that everyone enjoys”
• “Plenty to do regardless of weather conditions though weather has always been lovely on each of our visits”
• “Swimming in the warm sea”
• “The beach, the nightlife, the bike nights and the beautiful weather there”
• “The weather, things to do and places to visit not enough time in 7 days so much on offer!”

Walking

Visitors got out and enjoyed our walking paths and scenery.

• “Amazing walks around the area, also we had brilliant weather”
• “Variety of walking: coast and countryside.”
• “I like the mix of sea, countryside, history and great food and drink.”
• “The relatively unspoiled coast and countryside”

The Beaches

And, of course, our beaches gathered a lot of praise.

• “Absolutely love the beautiful beaches and scenery”
• “Beautiful beaches and countryside, clean sea and fresh air”
• “Beautiful parts of the country views are fantastic. Was so lucky and the air is so clean!”
• “Long stretches of Sandy beaches”

Places to Eat

Restaurants, cafes and bars were also a highlight for many visitors, with many praising the variety of places to eat, the quality of food and the helpfulness of staff.

• “A huge range of places to eat and drink.”
• “Sitting outside a pub watching and taking in the atmosphere, around the harbours.”
• “The seafood and fresh fish!”
• “Very friendly people in the bars and restaurants”

Our Towns

Our towns, each with their own personality, captured people’s hearts.

• “I love Brixham, I can't say enough good things about it, such a great place!”
• “Lovely location-Cockington is a gem, a peaceful haven of loveliness.”
• “Just love Torquay I have been coming since 1960 with my parent, then my children and now with the grandchildren”
• “Sitting on a bench in the sunshine near Paignton Pier with a coffee eating fish and chips and watching what was going on.”
• “So much to do in Babbacombe where we stayed, and could easily walk everywhere, or get on a bus and travel further afield.”
• “Visiting Berry Head, it's beautiful. The scenery and the wildlife are spectacular.”

Public Transport

Getting round the towns was easy and enjoyable for many.

• “The excellent value of the buses instead of using the car it was easy to get around on the  buses”
• “The standard of public transport which we felt was outstanding”

Everything!

Then there’s those who can’t choose and enjoy everything!

• “Look forward to visiting the coast and its wonderful scenery. The Devon climate is also a main draw and even if the English weather is unkind you can always find a hidden gem to visit.”
• “All of it! It’s my favourite place in the UK.”
• “A warm welcome, very friendly and good value for money. We love coming here. A good place to visit or stay for all round pleasure, good food and heritage traditions.”
• “Being able to do pretty much as I please and always finding something new and new places to visit, I love Torbay”
• “I love being near to the sea and having sea views there is nowhere quite like the English Riviera!”
• “I always feel relaxed when in the area....no idea why specifically”

Coming back again and again

And some people just keep coming back!

• “Feels like home love it there been going for 40 year every year”
• “We have been holidaying here for over 30 years”
• “as a family we have been coming to Paignton for 30+ years”
• “Just love everything, been holidaying at Brixham over 20years.love it.”
• “Everything....has a family we have been coming to the English Riviera for over 50 years...”
• “Everything. We visit at least once every year. It’s an amazing place.”
• “We keep coming back because it’s one of our favourite places in the world.”

We loved hearing about our visitors favourite part of their holiday. What’s your favourite thing about the English Riviera? Let us know on our social channels!