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Plan a trip to the English Riviera

22nd March 2019

Categories: Visitor News

Don’t stress about whether your passport is valid or trying to book a week away on the continent, why not take a visit to the English Riviera, so named because of its good weather and its abundance of greenery and tropical looking plant life.

The English Riviera is a popular seaside destination with family friendly areas such as Torquay, Paignton and Brixham included within its boundary. It has 22 miles of beautiful coastline, sandy beaches, calm waters and of course, with the sea breeze, sunny nature and the palm trees you can almost feel like you are somewhere much further away.

The English Riviera is a UNESCO area, it is well connected by rail and road and being a popular destination, there are plenty of Devon’s best attractions in and around the region.

Torquay is perhaps the most well-known of all the areas in the English Riviera. It is a fantastic choice for a staycation, whether you’re looking for a family friendly holiday resort or somewhere for a couple or group trip. Don’t be put off by the connection to Fawlty Towers, Torquay is a wonderful place to stay and there are plenty of lovely properties to suit anyone’s budget, from cute boutique b&bs to large hotels.

Image by Barramore Holiday Apartments

For those wanting a self-catering home from home with a few more holiday facilities, Barramore Holiday Apartments offers stylish self-catering apartments that are open all year with a heated swimming pool. The apartments suit families as well as couples and some of the apartments allow pets too. A stay here will give you the flexibility and freedom of coming and going when you like and planning your own meal times, plus you’re close to a number of Torquay’s top attractions, like Torquay’s Dinosaur World where you can get to grips with fossils and have fun in the interactive displays. Also nearby is Living Coasts, in case prehistoric animals aren’t really your thing.

Right in the heart of the English Riviera are the Osborne Apartments, which give you the best of both worlds, not only do you have your own space and home from home, but you have the added options of dining in the nearby hotel and using the onsite gym and leisure facilities, just in case you exhaust all the attractions and eateries in the vicinity.

Image by Heathcliff House

If you are coming to Torquay for a romantic break and want to leave the kids at home, Heathcliff House offers an adults only stay and has connections to Agatha Christie. This property is also a short distance from the centre, so you can be sure of a quieter stay and the ability to easily get into town if you want to. This Bed and Breakfast has a whole host of local produce making up their menus and for anyone who is into their food, you’ll be able to sample the nearby sea food restaurants, like the Restaurant at the Cary Arms.

Not far from the historic Torre Abbey is Grosvenor House which is perfectly situated for those that want a stunning view of the area. Being centrally located, you’re close to the high street for shopping opportunities, as well as the neighbouring Babbacombe where you’ll find the award-winning Model Village and the Cliff Railway, as well as being close to other areas of the English Riviera and Torquay’s train station, giving you access to the rest of Devon.

Image by Babbacombe Model Village

While Torquay is a popular destination, the rest of the English Riviera is also worth the visit, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Brixham and Paignton all have a host of interesting attractions and events, as well as shopping opportunities and fascinating local history.

Head to Paignton for the world famous Paignton Zoo as well as the harbour, easy to access beach and level foot paths making it popular with tourists of all mobilities. Agatha Christie fans will love Torquay’s Agatha Christie mile, but access to her famous home, Greenway is easy from Paignton via river boat and steam train, it’s almost like being in one of her novels!

Image by Beverley Holidays

Visitors have a great choice of accommodation in Paignton, including Big Tree Holiday Flats, a series of self catering flats a short distance from the town centre, harbour and beach and allowing you to also visit other areas of Torbay. They are ideally suited for anyone looking for a happy and carefree holiday. If you’re looking for a luxurious hotel with an included spa, try The Palace Hotel and Spa situated on Paignton’s Esplanade and directly opposite the sea front, this is a brilliant choice for those that want entertainment, leisure facilities and food included in their stay. If you really want to be out in the wonderful weather of the English Riviera, there is also the option of camping. Beverley Holidays have been welcoming guests for over sixty years and have a range of different accommodation on offer including camping pitches, lodges and caravans, as well as a multitude of onsite facilities, perfect for family holidays.

Image by Stuart Line Cruises

Another great place to visit is the town of Dawlish and Dawlish Warren, where you’ll find the famous black swans as well as a nature reserve. As Dawlish is so close to towns like Torquay and Teignmouth, it is a great choice for anyone who wants to explore the wider area, as well as towns outside the English Riviera. The Langstone Cliff Hotel is a Victorian building set in 19 acres of Devon woodland with spectacular sea views. It is a good choice for those wanting an active break, there is a tennis court, table tennis, snooker table, fitness room and a spa, plus there is an opportunity for golfing at the Dawlish Warren Golf Course. Why not see Devon by boat by hopping on board a Stuart Line Cruise ship and taking a trip around the region? Not only is this a great opportunity to find out more about Devon’s coastline, but is also a good way to see the sights all while enjoying their on board food and drink menu.

There is so much to see and do in the English Riviera, why not take a look at our list of attractions, eateries and accommodation providers to help plan your trip?