Spotlight on the English Riviera

The English Riviera has been a popular holiday resort since the Victorian times but it isn’t just for the summer – it’s a great destination, whatever the time of year. 

Located in South Devon, the English Riviera is a picturesque place, with a stunning coastline, award winning attractions, incredible places to stay and plenty of history and culture to explore. The region gets its name from the tropical palm trees dotted around the area and the microclimate, which means it’s warmer than other places in the UK – no matter when you visit!

Planning a trip to the English Riviera? Let us introduce you to some of the great places you can visit.

Visit Brixham

Brixham is one of several towns that makes up the English Riviera – with its famous harbour and historic fish market, this is the place to go if you want fish and chips! This pretty town is home to the Golden Hind – a life-sized pirate ship museum, as well as Breakwater Beach and Berry Head Nature Reserve.

There are a host of lovely cottages and apartments overlooking the harbour, with some pretty spectacular views, if you want to stay somewhere with a lot of facilities, South Bay Holiday Park is set above the harbour and has easy access to the South West Coast Path and St Mary’s Bay – ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy some autumnal walks around the area.

If you like the idea of staying near the beach, Brixham Holiday Park is another good base and it’s just 150 yards from the beach! It’s a good option for anyone who wants to explore the wider English Riviera and with plenty of facilities onsite, you will be spoiled for choice.

Speaking of exploring, make sure to book a tour with Devon&Moor – they do some incredible themed tours allowing you to learn more about the English Riviera, the wider South Devon region and of course, Agatha Christie, who was born in Torquay and based several of her books in the area.

See more options in Brixham here.

Visit Paignton

For a traditional seaside resort, that isn’t spread across miles and miles, take a look at Paignton. It’s a wonderfully compact place, with the town centre, shops, accommodation options, attractions and the beaches all within easy distance. Here you’ll find one of the UK’s biggest zoos, a waterpark, several sandy beaches, the pier and a steam railway and that’s just to name a few of the delights!

From here, Torquay and Brixham are just a short bus ride away, or if you fancy a challenge, you can follow the South West Coast Path to explore the area!

Through September, Splashdown Quaywest is open at weekends before it closes for the winter season – as the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark, it’s a must-visit if you’re in the English Riviera. Another must-visit attraction in the area is Paignton Zoo which is home to over 2000 animals!

If you want some R and R while in the region, check out one of the many spa hotels, like the Palace Hotel and Spa or for somewhere with a sea view, look at Mercure Paignton which is nestled alongside the Paignton Beach. Alternatively, you can enjoy a spot of glamping at Whitehill Country Park or choose from a whole portfolio of property options with Beverley Holiday Park.

See more options in Paignton here.

Visit Torquay

Perhaps the most famous town in the English Riviera, Torquay is a well loved destination whatever the weather. With a host of beaches and unique attractions, ranging from a cave system to an 800 year old abbey, shops and more, there is never a dull moment! As you explore, you’ll notice plenty of memorials to the town’s greatest export, Agatha Christie, including the Agatha Christie Mile, busts of her likeness and even a poison plant garden at Torre Abbey!

In September, the town comes alive with the Agatha Christie Festival, with events taking place all over and giving you plenty of opportunities to live out your own Poirot fantasies!

When it comes to places to stay, you’re really spoiled for choice in Torquay, everywhere you look, there are hotels, holiday parks and apartments, so you can easily find something that suits you. Barramore Holiday Apartments is located close to the train station for easy exploration and with car parking and your own space, it’s a good base for visiting the wider South Devon area. For a hotel stay with fabulous views, the Imperial Torquay has an enviable position overlooking the Torbay or for something a little less formal, Grosvenor House offers guest house accommodation behind Torre Abbey.

See more options in Torquay here.

Don’t forget, while you’re in Torquay to visit Babbacombe, the tiny neighbouring village home to the Babbacombe Model Village and some spectacular views across the Lyme Bay. You can even stay here at somewhere like the Cary Arms and travel into Torquay.

The towns of the English Riviera are serviced by regular buses and the mainline rail network – so you can easily explore and experience the best of each place!

It isn’t just these three areas either, with places like Cockington, with its thatched cottages and horse and carts and the towns of Teignmouth and Dawlish on the doorstep, there is much to discover in the English Riviera.

It isn’t all attractions and hotels either, this part of the world is actually a UNESCO Geopark! Its one of only two of its kind in the UK and celebrates the region’s geological and natural heritage and dates back to over 400 million years! To see the oldest parts of the Geopark, head out towards Berry Head in Brixham or Hopes Nose in Torquay. The red works and evidence of Devon’s mountains can be see in parts of Torquay as well as at Oddicombe Beach or Preston Sands.

You can learn more about the English Riviera Geopark here.