Explore The English Riviera

As it has been known as a family friendly holiday resort since Victorian times, it is no suprise that the English Riviera remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK.

With a stunning coastline, award-winning beaches, a wealth of visitor attractions and some great value accommodation, the English Riviera has all the ingredients for a fabulous holiday, any time of year. Comprising of the towns of BrixhamTorquay and Paignton, as well as the smaller areas of Babbacombe and Cockington, the English Riviera has everything on your doorstep – regardless of what your interests may be

 

Blue Flag Beaches and a UNESCO Geopark

Torquay offers nostalgic Devon holidays with a contemporary twist. Fringed by palm trees and boasting a number of award-winning and dog friendly beaches, Torquay has all the necessary ingredients for a traditional beach holiday for all the family.

If you want something a little out of the ordinary, then why not experience the English Riviera Geopark, formed over a staggering 400 million years? This stretch of stunning coastline is recognised by UNESCO as a Global Geopark, and here you can not only get to grips with a unique environment, but also enjoy a host of unusual sporting events that have everything from gentle challenges for beginners to greater hurdles for the more hardcore contingent.

Our very special Geoplay Park is a family-friendly location that has been specifically designed to introduce children of all ages to the English Riviera’s fascinating geological history. Find out where the dinosaurs roamed and how our ancient ancestors lived thousands of years ago!

Family friendly fun

Alternatively, you could take a trip to Babbacombe Bay. If you want beautiful vistas and stunning panoramas, Babbacombe Bay has the highest cliff-top promenade in England, offering stunning views of South Devon. But if you’d rather immerse yourself in what the coastline has to offer, you can learn to scuba dive or just keep an eye out for the seals and dolphins that are frequent visitors to these shores.

Nearby Paignton is famous for its zoo, but there are other things to be enjoyed by all the family. With a number of safe and award-winning beaches in the area, kids can enjoy the educational and fascinating aspects of rock-pooling and crabbing. There’s even a Seashore Centre on Goodrington Sands for those who want to learn a bit more about what they’ve caught. If it's a nautical experience you're after, then head to the harbour town of Brixham and see the life-size replica of the Golden Hind or stroll along the breathtaking Berry Head peninsula.

Busy days and entertaining nights

But it’s not all days out in Devon. TorquayPaignton and Brixham have some fantastic nightspots, bars and restaurants. Whether you’re after a few drinks and a bit of a boogie or the full fine-dining experience, the local clubs, pubs and restaurants are sure to have just what you’re looking for.

With so much to do and see, you want the best accommodation in Devon for your needs and your budget. Thankfully, there are plenty of places to stay in TorquayPaignton and Brixham ranging from luxury hotels to family-friendly B&Bs. But they all have that warm, West Country welcome in common, giving you that ‘home from home’ feeling. If you want to tie in what you want to do with where you want to stay, check out our interactive Devon map or simply browse this website for further information.

More Information

To find out more about The English Riviera, please visit our partner site: www.englishriviera.co.uk

Our Highlights...

English Riviera Events

Brilliant Bee Apr 11

Brilliant Bee

Put on your walking boots and join Above Bounds for Brilliant Bee. Our story emerges from a picnic…

<

Discover more Devon

Finalists announced for South West Tourism Excellence Awards

  • 2 minute read

Tourism businesses from across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall have been named as Finalists in this year’s South West Tourism Excellence Awards. The news follows an awards process which started in April 2023, with nearly 500 entries submitted, a…

Click Here

Enjoy the great outdoors and local history – all in one place!

  • 3 minute read

The Osborne Apartments is the resort for all seasons – located within a grand crescent that has been standing since the 1840s, a stone’s throw from one of the most popular beaches for water sports and set within one of the English Riviera’s most vibrant towns, The Osborne Apartments has everything…

Click Here

Step into spring with the National Trust in Devon

  • 15 minute read

Across Devon, National Trust gardens are filling with colourful spring blooms, and houses are looking tip-top after their intensive winter cleans. Loads is going on this season from Easter adventures and family trails to tree planting and learning about veteran trees to guided art tours and much…

Click Here

Reasons to visit Teignmouth

  • 3 minute read

Looking for somewhere picturesque in the English Riviera that isn’t as crowded as places like Torquay and Paignton but still gives you a beautiful beach, puts you in close proximity to the region’s top attractions and has plenty of places to stay, eat and visit? You need to add Teignmouth to your…

Click Here

Best places for Veganuary

  • 2 minute read

After the indulgence of Christmas, you might be looking to make a change and enjoy some new dishes – in which case, why not take part in Veganuary? This annual movement is a challenge to be vegan for the month of January, gives you a chance to explore food in a whole new way and try some interesting…

Click Here

Where to stay for exploring the South West Coast Path in 2024

  • 6 minute read

If you are interested in planning a walking holiday in Devon in 2024, here are our suggestions of where to stay to access various parts of the path. There is no set way to walk the path and wherever you choose to start, you’ll find plenty of fascinating towns, villages and landmarks. For those of…

Click Here