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Visiting the English Riviera has never been more popular, but with its increasing popularity, comes the fear of finding yourself in a sea of tourists. The good news is that whilst the English Riviera boasts plenty of attractions to keep even the most hardcore holidaymaker entertained, there’s still plenty of opportunities to escape from the crowds and enjoy a little slice of our glorious coastline for yourself.
Unlike our continental cousins, you can visit at any time of the year and be guaranteed an unique experience changing with the seasons. Spring is all about enjoying the long warm days outside: immerse yourself in traditional Devonshire gardens, explore the South West Coast Path and experience our amazing local food and drink.
Dream away an afternoon in a fragrant spring garden
Lovely as it is in summer, spring on the English Riviera is hard to beat for garden enthusiasts. Devon is home to some of the UK’s most impressive gardens, from formal walled gardens with immaculate flower beds that look like something out of a painting, to vibrant, sprawling gardens with a quaint traditional English feel. As the days get sunnier, the gardens reward us with an explosion of colour and stunning fragrant blooms.
Take a stroll through some of the spectacular gardens that are bursting into life at this time of year, such as Torre Abbey, Paignton Zoo and Occombe Farm. These beautiful outdoor spaces are a great place to soak up the warm sunshine and fresh air after winter. Take the family and the dog to Cockington Country Park during spring to experience an explosion of colour with towering rhododendrons and magnolias. Stroll around the lakes and let off some steam on the large open green. For a garden with a view, the place to go is Coleton Fishacre. This National Trust property has impressive gardens leading down to stunning coastal views.
Explore our spectacular coast and countryside on National Walking Month
Walking is great exercise, however you do it – whether you take vigorous hikes across rocky coastal paths or a relaxing stroll along a beach. So this May, we're taking part in National Walking Month! Get outside and start exploring coastal walks or woodland walks throughout the Bay this May. Explore some of Britain’s most beautiful coastline with breath-taking views, fascinating wildlife and historic landmarks along the way, all waiting to be discovered on our charming stretch of South West Coast Path!
With so many miles of South Devon coastline on your doorstep, you will be treated to amazing wildlife watching opportunities; from majestic seabirds like guillemots nesting along the coastlines, to playful dolphins surfing the waves.
And if you prefer a guide and to be part of a festival feel, make sure you visit the English Riviera this October to take part in the first ever English Riviera Walking Festival.
Get out on the water
While the weather is warming up, you should definitely try getting on the water during your visit to the English Riviera. You might want to start by trying paddleboarding or kayaking for a relaxing way to explore the coastline. If it’s windy, you could try sailing. The Tor Bay area has safe and shallow waters, so it’s a good place to give sailing a go even if you’ve never been out in a boat before!
And don’t forget swimming! It’s safe to swim along most of the beaches here. If you’re not too keen on swimming in the sea, head to Shoalstone Pool in Brixham an outdoor, seawater lido.
Enjoy fresh local produce al fresco
Experience the English Riviera's freshest food and drink this spring. We’ve got over 300 restaurants, cafes and bars so whether you want to sit back in the sun and enjoy lunch al fresco or watch the sun go down over the sea with a cocktail in hand, there’s something to suit every taste. Our wide range of eateries includes independent establishments as well as national favourites.
So whether you’re looking for fresh seafood on England’s Seafood Coast or a locally brewed ale, our unique eateries have been recognised by industry experts and visitors alike as some of Britain's best dining experiences.
We have a huge range of things to do here on the English Riviera, so it’s easy to find something that suits you – whether its paddleboarding at sunrise, an afternoon in a spring garden, or watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand. You can explore our Things To Do, Eateries and Accommodation Providers, or order your free Accommodation Directory to start planning your holiday today.
Related
The English Riviera has 22 miles of coastline and a UNESCO Global Geopark, all of which can be discovered on the South West Coast Path, which runs along South Devon's beautiful bay between Maidencombe in the north and Sharkham Point in the south.
Pack your rucksacks, fill your flasks, dig out your walking boots and join us at the English Riviera Walking Festival. Whether you’re a regular hiker, or an infrequent stroller, this new family and dog friendly festival will appeal to walkers of all abilities who enjoy exploring the Great Outdoors. Designed and hosted by an enthusiastic team of professional local guides and enthusiastic volunteers we have created an eclectic selection of half
An English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site. Cockington is a quintessentially English village with Saxon origins which attracts many thousands of visitors each year. Some of the quaint thatched cottages and buildings in the chocolate box village date back to the 16th Century and are mentioned in the Doomsday Book. Cockington Country Park is a beautiful mix of picturesque well-ordered garden landscapes, open parkland, rural countryside and substantial woodland. Tucked in amongst this 450 acre park are three pretty ornamental lakes, a historic Manor House with craft centre and studios, and a quaint church. Cockington Country Park has received the prestigious Keep Britain Tidy,
An English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site. Come and enjoy a visit exploring Torbay's most historic building, garden and impressive displays, world-class collections and exhibitions, complemented by modern amenities and special accessibility features. This ancient scheduled monument has beautifully presented heritage rooms which are home to specially curated exhibitions and the museum's permanent collection which includes regionally important art. Family-friendly, and open all year round, Torre Abbey is truly a unique place to visit.
With dozens of different animals across 80 acres of beautiful, spacious grounds – you are in for a really wild time at Paignton Zoo! Located in South Devon, Paignton Zoo is one of the South West’s most exciting visitor attractions and zoos. Come rain or shine, the zoo is a fun-filled day out for the whole family. Discover all your favourite species, big and small, including gorillas, orang-utans, giraffes, lions, tigers, crocodiles, flamingos, red pandas and rhinos, and be ready for a few surprises along the way too. There are many Covid-19 safety measures implemented around the site to ensure that everyone can have an enjoyable and safe visit. For full details, please see the Paignton Zoo website. A must-see is Crocodile Swam
Occombe Farm is a mix of visitor attraction with indoor and outdoor play, animal encounters barn and animal paddocks trail; a farm shop and a farm cafe. Occombe Farm Park & Play is Torbay’s newest family visitor attraction. Cuddle the cutest bunnies and guinea pigs. Chuckle with the naughty goats, watch the very bouncy grey-faced Dartmoor sheep. There’s donkeys and a couple of very pretty Shetland ponies too. Play indoors and out! The play barn is a unique space for outdoor play; indoors! For exploring and inspiring children aged 2–12 years. A space for make-believe, fantasies and imaginary adventures.
At the country home of the D’Oyly Carte family you can travel back in time to the Jazz Age. This most evocative of country homes was built in the Arts & Crafts style in the late 1920’s and is imbued with Art Deco elegance. A light, joyful atmosphere fills the rooms, and music plays, echoing the family’s Gilbert and Sullivan connections. You can get an insight into 1920s life ‘upstairs and downstairs’ from the glamorous Saloon to the airy servants’ rooms. In the RHS accredited garden viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea, and paths weave through glades past tranquil ponds, as tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand thrive in the moist and sheltered valley.
Shoalstone Pool is a 53 metre sea water swimming Pool situated in a stunning position on Brixham sea front: one of only a few left in the country. It is built into a natural rock pool that in Victorian times was popular for bathing, and in 1896 two walls were built to retain the tidal water that flooded in. Thirty years later, in 1926, the Pool took on its current design and had a lot of rock removed to make it deeper and add a shallow end and deep end, with a gently sloping bottom. Shut throughout the winter the Pool was opened each season by a local lady, Minnie Bowman, who jumped off the diving board wrapped in a Union Flag!
Ideas for an amazing 1 to 7 day active holiday in the English Riviera in South Devon. Explore a UNESCO Global Geopark, experience water-bound adventures, do breath-taking walks, soak up sublime seaviews and gorge on England's finest, freshest seafood.
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