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.
Our Highlights...
English Riviera Events
'Flow' Art Exhibition
Dive into our latest exhibition, Flow. Inspired by water, the selected works are a wide range of…
Fantazy
Imagine if you will, you are looking for an evening's entertainment that will conjure up a…
Jack & The Beanstalk - P!ssed Up Panto
The Ultimate Adult Panto is back – and this year it's the turn of Jack and the Beanstalk to get…
The Carys: From Rebels to Riches
Created by the South West Heritage Trust and Torre Abbey the exhibition showcases items from the…
TINA LIVE- The Tina Turner Experience
A full concert style stage show, charting the hits and career of the late, great Tina Turner from…
Fantazy
Imagine if you will, you are looking for an evening's entertainment that will conjure up a…
Children's Theatre: Storm in a Teapot (Boo to a Goose Theatre)
With support from Arts Council England and Libraries Unlimited, Boo to a Goose bring their latest…
English Riviera Walking Festival
Pack your rucksacks, fill your flasks, dig out your walking boots and join us at the English Riviera…
Resurrection from The Buccaneers Legend
From the (Netflix series The Lost Pirate Kingdom & BBC's Silent Witness) Moneer Elmasseek as…
VERY SANTANA
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the most beautiful guitar melodies and the amazingly creative, unique…
G4 - 20th Anniversary Tour
The UK's No.1 vocal harmony group and original X-Factor stars celebrate a double decade in the…
G4 20th Anniversary Tour - TORQUAY
The UK's No.1 vocal harmony group and original X-Factor stars celebrate a double decade in the…
Legendary Folk Rockers "Steeleye Span" 55th Anniversary Tour
Pioneers of folk-rock, Steeleye Span changed the face of the genre forever, taking it out of small…
Dean Friedman
Hailed by critics and fans, alike, as a one of the finest songwriters of his generation, Dean…
The Very Best of TOMMY COOPER
Billed as one of the top ten attractions at the Glastonbury Festival 2023, this hilarious one-man…
Local Author Convention
Paignton Library's Local Author Convention is back! We will have two exciting in conversations…
Sarah Pearse- In Conversation
We are very excited to be joined by amazing Torquay author and top ten bestseller Sarah Pearse,as…
Sarah Underwood In Conversation
We are very excited to be joined by the incredible Devon born author and international bestseller…
The JERSEYS Live
Join The Jerseys as they celebrate the timeless music of the 100 million album selling Frankie Valli…
Greg Chapman the Magician
Wands, wizards and everything in between - be mesmerised with magician and entertainer Greg Chapman…
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Rum & Reggae Festival Comes to The English Riviera!
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Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant sounds and flavours of the Caribbean in Torbay! Are you ready to dive into a world of tantalising rum concoctions, electrifying music and endless summer vibes? Then mark your calendars because on June 22nd, Lupton House is Brixham will be…
Click HereFinalists announced for South West Tourism Excellence Awards
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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 HereEnjoy 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 HereStep 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 HereReasons 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 HereBest 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…
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