Explore The English Riviera

The English Riviera is the region of Torbay on the South Devon Coast and it is an ideal base for exploring the beautiful coast and countryside of South Devon. Whether you’re here as a couple or with the kids, there are miles of sandy beaches to play on, glorious gardens to visit, family attractions to enjoy, and bustling towns to discover. In our main areas of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay, you’ll find lots to see, do, and eat. And you’re also within easy striking distance of many of Devon’s other prime attractions.

Family Friendly Activities

Families flock to the English Riviera every year to treat the kids to an unforgettable day out at some of Britain’s biggest family attractions which are open all year, such as Paignton Zoo or Splashdown@Quaywest which features an array of slides and swimming pools. Young thrill-seekers will be kept amused with go-karting, quad bikes and loads of water sports that can be found across many of the area’s sandy beaches. Or go on a journey back in time and visit Kents Cavern to explore the underground caves or take a ride on the Babbacombe Cliff Railway.

Explore our Towns and Villages

Take your time to explore the English Riviera's different towns and villages - every one of them offers something a little different. Discover the charm of Brixham, a delightful working fishing village with rows of coloured cottages and delicious seafood restaurants. Explore paignton with its family friendly beaches, piers, Paignton zoo and steam train. Visit Torquay for a thriving seaside town filled with culture and a beautiful marina - and nearby thatched village of cockington with its quintessential charm.

Nautical adventures

Maritime pursuits are central to any visit to the English Riviera and offer holidaymakers an abundance of distraction and fun. Whether a young adventure-seeker looking for the thrills and spills of the exhilarating water sports along Torquay seafront including jet skiing and sailing. Or for those looking for a more tranquil diversion, there are plenty of fishing trips and boat cruises that take in the splendid coastal views and local wildlife that surrounds the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay.

Day Trips from Torbay

Dartmoor National Park

To the north west of Torbay, Dartmoor National Park offers an unspoilt, wild landscape that is steeped in history to explore. From dramatically bleak moor tops to pretty wooded valleys where you can go fly-fishing for trout, it’s a land of contrasts with photo opportunities at every turn. Climb Haytor for fabulous views of Torbay and the sea beyond. Or drive to Princetown, known for its prison and the fact that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle started writing his famous Hound of the Baskervilles here.

Totnes

Follow the River Dart from its source on Dartmoor and you’ll come to the ancient market town of Totnes. This bustling town has a reputation for great shopping with a thriving high street full of independent boutiques and shops. There’s also plenty of excellent places to eat, including the superb Delphini’s Gelato, serving up home-made Italian ice cream with a difference – think earl grey and lavender flavour alongside your favourites like chocolate and cherry.

Dartmouth

Further down the River Dart is Dartmouth. This picture-postcard town is home to the Britannia Royal Naval College, which can be visited on a guided tour or on its annual Open Day. The Dartmouth Royal Regatta takes over the town during the last week in August, complete with crabbing competitions, air displays, fireworks and funfairs. And residents are known for their partying on New Year’s Eve too. Fancy dress is optional, but embraced by most revellers.

Totnes and Dartmouth are both linked with Paignton via the fabulous Round Robin trip from the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company. Ride in either direction from Paignton to Totnes on a bus (open top if the weather is fine!). Next, you take the boat down the river to Dartmouth. Then you head back to Paignton on the vintage steam train. A super day trip, it’s a great way to get around and explore these South Devon towns.

Exeter

Just a 30-40-minute train trip away from Torquay, Exeter is the vibrant capital of Devon. Explore with a walk along old city walls, which date back to the Roman times in some places. Head under the streets in the underground passages to see a different side of the city. Or shop ‘til you drop with the wide choice of high street and boutique shops in the city.

If you’ve brought your bikes, pedal over to Haldon Forest Park on the edge of the city, where you’ll find miles of trails for all abilities. Or enjoy a leisurely cycle along the Exe Estuary bike path from Exeter city centre to Exmouth, taking in the pretty towns of Topsham and Exminster.

There are lots of places to explore and delicacies to try in and around the English Riviera. Search our site to discover even more.

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Torquay

Welcome to Torquay, a traditional yet thriving seaside town set on Devon's English Riviera coast and the top trending UK holiday destination in 2021.
Paignton

One of the brightest jewels in the English Riviera’s crown, as you arrive in the seaside resort of Paignton, you are met with the welcoming sight of its long stretch of beautiful and easily accessible beachfront, promenade, traditional pier, colourful beach huts and green.
Brixham

Life in the busy Devon fishing town of Brixham has always centred around the harbour, where heritage trawlers jostle for space with dayboats heading out to sea for the day’s catch, bringing it home daily to Brixham’s famous Fish Market.
Babbacombe

Welcome to Babbacombe Bay on Devon’s English Riviera! In 1846, Queen Victoria wrote: 'It's a beautiful spot... red cliffs and rocks with wooded hills like Italy and reminding one of a ballet or play where nymphs appear — such rocks and grottoes, with the deepest sea on which there was no ripple.'
Cockington

Many villages lay claim to being picturesque, but the delightful Devon village of Cockington is the real deal. Take a walk back in time along Cockington’s narrow lanes, lined with thatched houses and you’ll experience a quiet charm that is quintessentially English.
Special Breaks

If you’re looking for a very specific type of holiday, the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay, has a fabulous range of special breaks. We cater for more than a million holidaymakers each year, so we know a little about giving people the holiday they want.

Featured

Things to Do

Find the best things to do in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. What makes your perfect holiday? If it’s the chance to see and try new things you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do on the English Riviera in South Devon.
Places To Stay

Boasting over 20 miles of coastline, glorious beaches, cliffs and hidden coves, the English Riviera offers visitors a wealth of natural delights as well as an explosion of fun-filled activities and family-focused attractions.
What’s On

If you are looking for what's on in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham look no further. Whatever time of year you visit the English Riviera, you’ll find lots going on.
Food and Drink

Eating out on the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay, will guarantee you some memorable gastronomic experiences. Named England’s Seafood Coast, you can enjoy the day’s catch on tables both grand and homely across Torbay.