Family Days Out on the English Riviera

As well as the stunning coastline and beautiful beaches, the English Riviera has endless options for family fun including 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, a historic pier, Agatha Christie’s famous riverside residence and much more.  Whether you stay in Torquay, Paignton, Brixham or Babbacombe there’s always lots to keep the family entertained.

Babbacombe

The charming and characterful village of Babbacombe is quite enchanting with its stunning sea views, colourful promenade and picturesque buildings. There are also some of Devon’s top attractions here: Babbacombe Model Village with its 4 acres of award winning gardens, hundreds of model scenes, vehicles and people, Bygones with its authentic life-size Victorian street and 3 floors of pure nostalgia; the stunning Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves that takes you back to the Stone Age and the historic Babbacombe Cliff Railway for a fun ride down to the beach. 

Torquay

Torquay is awash with attractions including:  800-year-old Torre Abbey with its Agatha Christie-inspired Potent Plants Garden; Torquay Land Train which will whisk you around town and to delightful Cockington village; Torquay Museum with its fascinating exhibits and permanent Agatha Christie Gallery and Waves Leisure Pool with its lovely warm water and activities for all ages.  If that’s not enough you can try your hand at 10-Pin Bowling with 21 lanes, amusements plus food and drink on offer.  In the quintessential English village of Cockington you can enjoy meeting the makers at the many craft studios and visit the Ark Play Area.

Paignton

Head for historic Paignton Pier where you’ll find fun and games galore.  Children will love the free Geoplay Park with special features for toddlers and juniors to explore and enjoy whilst learning about the area’s heritage.  Both Paignton Zoo and nearby Occombe Farm have lots to see with endless activities sure to create wonderful family memories. Torbay Velopark offers safe family cycling with bike, helmet and baby trailer hire on offer.  A ‘must-do’ is the steam train that runs from Paignton to Kingswear along the stunning English Riviera coastline.  There’s also crazy golf, go karts and a state-of-the art cinema complex showing all the latest movies.  At Goodrington Beach you’ll find Splashdown the UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark with spectacular views of the beach and the bay.

Brixham

Brixham’s history is filled with pirates and smugglers, and kids of all ages will enjoy Brixham’s swashbucklng Pirate Days.  You’ll also love the full size replica of the Golden Hind, a splendid galleon that takes pride of place in Brixham’s beautiful Inner Harbour.  Why not enjoy a swim in Brixham’s historic Shoalstone Pool? It’s a well-maintained, historic seawater lido with incredible views over the Bay’s crystal clear waters.  A stroll along the coast path here brings you to Brixham Battery Heritage Centre with its fascinating wartime museum where you are positively encouraged to touch the exhibits and where historic fighter planes hang ‘dog-fight-like’ from the ceilings.  You can also visit Greenway, Agatha Christie’s famous holiday home (now National Trust) at nearby Galmpton or browse the galleries at Brixham Heritage Museum.  

Wherever you base yourself on Devon’s stunning English Riviera, there are world-class attractions to ensure your family has an exciting and memorable stay.