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 Brixham, Torquay 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. Torquay, Paignton 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 Torquay, Paignton 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.
English Riviera Geopark
The English Riviera Geopark is a great way to explore and enjoy this area of Devon…
Torquay
Explore the English Riviera with a visit to Torquay
Paignton
Paignton is a traditional seaside resort, with a pier, beautiful beaches and…
Brixham
With a host of museums and coastal walks, including parts of the South West Coast…
Our Highlights...
English Riviera Events
Age of the Dinosaurs
Travel back millions of years and uncover the secrets of the prehistoric world at The Age of the…
Peninsula: The South-West Open 2026
For over a decade, our annual Summer Open has been a cornerstone of the Artizan calendar, bringing…
Summer Evening Illuminations
Thousands of miniature lights, along with special fire and lighting effects, create an enchanting…
Evening Illuminations
Thousands of miniature lights, along with special fire and lighting effects, create an enchanting…
Age of the Dinosaurs
Travel back millions of years and uncover the secrets of the prehistoric world at The Age of the…
CELEBRATION
Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 17th February -14th October 8:15pm, Matinee Wednesday 12th August…
EMILIO SANTORO as ELVIS
EMILIO SANTORO as ELVIS Friday September 4th, 7:30 pm 2026 Crowned '2024 Ultimate Elvis Tribute…
Canvas and Clay Collective Pop up Gallery
Pop up Gallery local artist workshops and bargains galore. Part of Devon Open Studios
Little Miss Marple: Muddle at the Vicarage
Can you solve the mystery? Calling all mini-sleuths! Join us at Torquay Museum for a FREE Little…
The Great Torre Abbey Paint Out
The Torbay Paint Out series is returning! Three years after our first event in Paignton, we are…
WHITNEY The Candlelight Concert
Prepare for an electrifying night as Xperience Live presents – Whitney – The Candlelight Concert…
LOST IN MUSIC
Embark on an electrifying journey through the sensational 70s. Our world class band and dazzling…
The Agatha Christie Festival
The programme can be viewed by carrying out a diary search…
MIKE OSMANS- JETHRO "Whatever Happened to Denzil Penberthy"
The fantastic comedian Mike Osman was a great friend of Jethro and has always done a brilliant…
Torbay Half Marathon & 10k
Join us for The Torbay Half Marathon and 10k taking place along one of the most picturesque running…
JOHNNY & JUNE
Johnny & June is a powerful live theatre experience celebrating the music, love, and legacy of…
LOVE HURTS - Rock Anthems & Power Ballads
Back for its third year of rocking the UK, Love Hurts returns with the heartbreak soundtrack of a…
Age of the Dinosaurs
Travel back millions of years and uncover the secrets of the prehistoric world at The Age of the…
EVERLYS & FRIENDS
The Temple Brothers (officially voted as the UKs No1 Everly Brothers tribute by the National Tribute…
Jonny Cole - Armagudd'n
Alllllright owammmmya….social media phenomenon Jonny Cole extends his record-breaking Armagudd'n…