Around & About in Torbay

English Riviera and Torquay Attractions & Activities 


The English Riviera is a 22 mile stretch of outstanding South Devon coastline consisting of seaside resorts, rocky coves, picturesque villages and warm weather, making it one of the top places to holiday in the UK. The English Riviera is essentially the Torbay area, acclaimed by the Victorians for its sub-tropical plants, ‘bracing’ sea air and scenic waterfronts. 

Torbay was first referred to as the ‘English Riviera’ in Victorian times, thanks to visitors comparing it favourably to the French Riviera, although the entire area was already popular for its great views and warm climate. With the opening of the railway Torbay enjoyed an increase in visitors. The four

Riviera towns of Torquay, Babbacombe, Paignton and Brixham each have their own distinct charm and unique personalities.
There are plenty of leaflets in the reception area, however if you would like a few ideas of what the area has to offer we have some here:


See panoramic views over 100 feet above The Princess Gardens. Our Big Wheel offers a birds-eye view of the English Riviera overlooking Torquay Harbour.


  • Abbey Meadows and Gardens

The gardens are on Torquay Seafront. The meadow is a large open space used by all for events and picnics. The park itself is host to a range of activities, such as tennis and crazy golf; it also houses the Italian Gardens with its attractive pond with fountain and water rock garden.

Torre Abbey Leisure Park, Pitch n Putt Jungle Themed Adventure course, Golf, Tennis, Bowls are also located here.  


  • Torre Abbey

Our jewel in the crown here in Torquay. A monastery founded in 1196, which houses art galleries and extensive gardens featuring plants from local writer Agatha Christie's novels. There are numerous events here every year, including the annual Festive events in December.  


The beautiful Harbour area is a place not to miss in Torquay. With plenty of shops, restaurants and activities it is a place to enjoy in the sunshine or the rain. The pier, built in 1890, is the perfect place to stop and gaze out to sea, or to enjoy watching the constant comings and goings in the adjacent marina.

There are also the Princess Pier Gardens which is the promenade lined with Palm Trees, and Royal Terrace Gardens which are landscaped gardens on the side of the cliff face on Torquay's seafront with stunning views out to sea. Look out for the illuminated staircase after dusk.

 

These go from Station Road and are a fantastic way to explore the English Riviera on the open-top bus around the bay.


  • Torbay Beaches

We are not short of fabulous beaches in the area. In Torquay we have Torre Abbey Sands and Livermead within a few minutes’ walk. Just around the hill we have Paignton which has several beaches including Preston, Goodrington and Broadsands. There are also numerous beautiful Coves around the area, where you may even get lucky enough to see a local seal or two. These include Beacon, Fishcombe, Elberry and Churston to name a few.


  • Boat Trips

A boat trip is the perfect way to experience the English Riviera from one of its best vantage points - the sea! Whether you are looking for a sight-seeing trip, fishing excursion or simply to cross the bay on a ferry, you can jump on one in Torquay, Brixham or nearby. There has even been some dolphin spotting recently!

On top of this are the water sports available to enjoy. The English Riviera is a draw to sports enthusiasts for sea swimming, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing, amongst many others.

  

  • Torquay Town & Harbour

There are several other activities that can be enjoyed in Torquay on a rainy day or lovely evening. As well as plenty of restaurants, bars and a healthy club scene, there is also the Princess Theatre on the seafront where fantastic shows are put on throughout the year. There is also a museum or two and the Escape Rooms in the town centre.

   

The English Riviera has 22 miles of coastline and a UNESCO Global Geopark, all of which can be discovered on the South West Coast Path, which runs along South Devon's beautiful bay between Maidencombe in the north and Sharkham Point in the south. This is part of the English Coastal Path and can be part of wonderful stroll or a walking holiday.


  • ‘Training’ Around

The Torquay Land Train - a fun way to get around Torquay for all ages! Further information can be found on www.torquaylandtrain.co.uk. 

The Dartmouth and South Devon Railway - A wonderful way to get around the area. The Steam Railway offers a journey back in time to travel through Devon including Totnes, Brixham, Dartmouth, Kingswear, Paignton and Torquay. There are also river cruises available to enjoy and available to book: https://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk


  • Kents Cavern

One of Europe’s top and most exciting Stone Age caves, with an extensive labyrinth of spectacular and easily accessible caverns open daily all year. There is loads to do outside the caves, with fun family activities throughout the school holidays, where you can channel the skills of your ancestors on the Woodland Trail. Hunt for animals like woolly mammoths, hyenas and cave bears; see if you could survive the Stone Age at the spear throwing and shelter building stations. There are always events occurring there to entertain visitors: https://www.kents-cavern.co.uk


  • Agatha Christie

Undoubtably Torquay’s most famous resident and a literary legend. There are tours of her Torbay to enjoy if you would like to know more. The area features heavily in her novels. Whilst the allure of international travel and family life took Agatha away from her beloved Torquay and South Devon, she returned often and in 1938 she purchased Greenway House, Galmpton, an idyllic and secluded spot on the banks of the River Dart.

 


South Devon and Local Activities & Attractions


Due to the warm climate of South Devon, the area is becoming more widely known for its award winning wine and ales on offer. Visit a South Devon vineyard like Sharpham, and taste a range of excellent reds, whites, rosé’s and sparkling wines.

South Devon has a range of fantastic local breweries too selling home-grown ales, lagers and cider. Lots of local pubs and restaurants serve up these drinks too so you’re often able to try them whilst you’re out and about exploring South Devon.

It is not just wine and beer, a few distilleries are popping up across the region of South Devon as well – gin and whisky are just two of the local spirits currently made in South Devon.

There are many markets including Newton Abbott and Totnes to enjoy local produce, flowers and knick knacks. Below we have popped some places to go and attractions to visit around the Torbay area outside Torquay itself:  


Newton Abbot is the leading summer jumping racecourse in the UK. Set in the rolling Devon countryside, you are guaranteed great racing and great fun. 


90 acres of parkland adjacent to River Dart on edge of Dartmoor. Generous size pitches. Extensive playgrounds for children big & small. Instructor lead activities including high ropes (extra cost). Onsite shop and licensed café bar. 


Guided sea kayak trips…The ultimate way to explore the south Devon coast. Individuals, groups and families all welcome no experience required. 


Dawlish Warren is a fascinating place. This sand spit at the mouth of the Exe Estuary is not only of geological interest but is also a nationally important habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals.


Make a big splash at the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark! Choose from 8 tumbling, twisting slides and rides. 


The model village opened on 12th April 1963 and quickly became one of the west country's most popular attractions. Hundreds of models are on display featuring architectural styles including Medieval, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian.


This is one of the last great wildernesses in the UK with an inspirational landscape of heatherclad moors and rugged tors. We highly recommend a visit to Venford Reservoir for moorland beauty.

With 368 square miles of unspoilt beauty, Dartmoor is the place to experience freedom - unadulterated, dramatic, and inspiring freedom. It is the kind of place you can just venture into, camping out under the stars, or dipping into here and there to uncover hidden gems of pubs, culture and natural wonders. Dartmoor is the largest and wildest area of open country in Southern England, and it really feels like it.


  • Castles in South Devon

Devon has plenty of history, which it showcases in some wonderful castles, including Berry Pomeroy, Totnes, Compton and Dartmouth.


  • Kirkham House, Paignton

This is a late medieval stone house based in Paignton, afterwards split into three cottages and was restored in the 1960s.


  • Paignton Harbour

Further to the lovely stop harbour, the one in Paignton is home of a wonderful seafood shack that sells fantastic crab sandwiches. It is well worth a visit as the St. Austell Brewery have also recently refurbished and opened their restaurant and bar: https://harbourlightpaignton.co.uk


  • Paignton Zoo

With over 2,500 animals across 80 acres of beautiful, spacious grounds – you are in for a really wild time at Paignton Zoo! Located in South Devon, Paignton Zoo is one of the South West’s most exciting visitor attractions and one of Britain’s top zoos. Come rain or shine, the zoo is a fun-filled day out for the whole family.


  • Bayard’s Cove Fort

Picturesquely sited on the quayside at Dartmouth, this Tudor artillery fort once contained heavy guns to protect the prosperous harbour town from attack.


  • Berry Head Nature Reserve 

This is an important wildlife and historical site in Brixham, South Devon. 

The area is an internationally acclaimed heritage site and National Nature Reserve, home to a variety of coastal wildlife, history, geological formations and restored Napoleonic War fortifications.


  • Cockington

Many villages lay claim to being picturesque, but the delightful Devon village of Cockington is the real deal. Take a walk back in time along Cockington’s narrow lanes, lined with thatched houses and you will experience a quiet charm that is quintessentially English. At the heart of this lovely Devon village is Cockington Court, a 16th century manor house surrounded by hundreds of acres of gorgeous country park.

Everything about Cockington has history. There is a water mill, a forge and even the cricket pitch was once a medieval deer park. It is an unforgettable place to stay and perfect for romantic breaks and unforgettable dog-friendly family holidays.

 

Events in the English Riviera


The Torbay area is known for numerous events put on throughout the year. Please ask the team for more details and for more local events and we will see if we can help.

There are some of our larger events below to give you an idea:


  • Christmas at Torre Abbey

This includes an ice rink, Christmas market and many festive related activities throughout late November and December.


  • England’s Seafood FEAST

Between 18th September and 4th October 2020, England's Seafood Coast will play host to a feast for all the senses. For 2 weeks you will be able to immerse yourself in England’s Seafood FEAST, eating some of the best seafood in the world and experiencing the best that the English Riviera has to offer.

This is not a conventional festival with a big marquee - instead you can enjoy a whole range of things to eat and do at venues across Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.


  • Children’s Week

The UK's longest running children's festival - Torbay Children's Week, why not come and celebrate on Paignton seafront with all your favourites. 


  • Pirate Fest

Brixham’s famous Pirate themed festival, A swashbuckling mix of piratical fun and entertainment! There will be LOTS of pirates, military and period re-enactors here with guns and cannons to make plenty of noise! We will make sure there is plenty of music too with shanties and pirate rock. 


  • BrixFest

A three-day celebration of this charming fishing town, taking place over the Whitsun Bank Holiday Weekend, at the end of May. If you are planning a family holiday to Brixham, this is the perfect time to visit, although book early as it is understandably popular. Highlights include live music, cooking demonstrations, an arts and craft market, a vintage car rally and crabbing.


  • Paignton Festival (Torbay Carnival)

The Festival takes place at the end of July, featuring 9-days of amazing entertainment. Highlights include The Party on the Green, children's entertainment, sporting events, the Paignton Festival Royalty competition, a funfair, firework display and the carnival procession itself.

Centred around Paignton Green, this event has been running for over 100 years, growing from a simple procession, into a substantial family festival. The majority of events are absolutely free, although please consider making a donation, as the team support some deserving local charities.


  • Torbay Royal Regatta

Held in the 3rd weekend of August, this is a wonderful regatta involving boats of all different shapes and sizes. 


  • International Agatha Christie Festival

Every September, the English Riviera in Devon becomes a crime scene worth some serious investigation, as we celebrate the birthday of our most famous literary daughter. Each year you can expect a series of events coinciding with her birthday on 15 September.

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