English Riviera Attractions
Devon’s English Riviera has possibly the highest concentration of top quality attractions of any British resort including renowned underground caverns, a magnificent model village, a steam train, a world-class zoo, an historic funicular railway, an 800 year old Abbey, a huge waterpark, a historic pier, Agatha Christie’s famous riverside residence and much more.
So Much to Discover
Amongst the English Riviera’s huge number of family attractions are: Babbacombe Model Village with its 4 acres of award winning gardens, hundreds of model scenes, vehicles and people; Bygones with its authentic life-size Victorian street and 3 floors of pure nostalgia; Waves Leisure Pool with its lovely warm water and activities for all ages and Torquay Land Train which will whisk you around town and to the delightful Cockington village with its craft studios and country park. Historic Paignton Pier offers fun and games galore and kids will love the superb, free Geoplay Park on Paignton Green. You can also try 10-pin bowling, crazy golf, go-karts, amusement arcades and lots more.
Based on the glorious South Devon coastline in South West England, enjoy your days out in Devon on our steam trains, boat trips and paddle steamer - the only attraction in Devon that lets you enjoy the delights of Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Dartmouth and the River Dart, Kingswear and Totnes on your day out!
Explore this website to find out what makes us the Devon attraction with a difference...
Paignton Pier – where family days out are filled with fun and frolics. Devon’s Beautiful Bay has been welcoming families for centuries and this popular award-winning holiday destination has all year-round appeal. Paignton Pier is at the heart of Paignton’s child and family-friendly seaside entertainment and has award-winning sandy beaches.
Paignton’s iconic Victorian Pleasure Pier has been entertaining visitors of all ages since the late 1800’s. A firm favourite with all generations of the family from grandparents to tiny tots.
Why not try a tempting ice cream, made with Devon produce or fish and chips, must-have treats whenever you visit the seaside. Known as England’s Seafood Coast, the delicious fish that is served to you will be some of the finest quality in the UK and caught in local waters.
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, is a zoo in Paignton, Devon, England. The zoo is part of South West Environmental Parks Ltd which is owned by the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust. It is a combined zoo and botanic garden that welcomes over half a million visitors a year. WWCT also runs Living Coasts in Torquay and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall. All three are registered charities.
An English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site.
Cockington is a quintessentially English village with Saxon origins which attracts many thousands of visitors each year. Some of the quaint thatched cottages and buildings in the chocolate box village date back to the 16th Century and are mentioned in the Doomsday Book.
Cockington Country Park is a beautiful mix of picturesque well-ordered garden landscapes, open parkland, rural countryside and substantial woodland. Tucked in amongst this 450 acre park are three pretty ornamental lakes, a historic Manor House with craft centre and studios, and a quaint church. Cockington Country Park has received the prestigious Keep Britain Tidy, Green Flag Award, an accolade which it has retained 24 times since its launch, one of only 5 sites in the whole of the UK to do so. The Green Flag Award is given for high environmental standards, being beautifully maintained and having excellent visitor facilities.
All can be explored through a network of paths and bridleways, both on foot or by bike. The Visitor Centre, located in the village, offers plenty of information about the park, its history, wildlife and the work of the Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust (who care for the country park), as well as a selection of unique gifts and treats.
Close to Paignton is the long, sandy stretch of Goodrington Sands. With a Seaside Award, safe swimming conditions and loads of great activities, this family friendly beach promises to keep the kids happy whatever the weather.
So what can you do at Goodrington Sands? The first thing that springs to mind is watersports! This a great place to swim, and there are a number of different hire options available, with pedalos, paddle boats and even windsurfing for beginners.
If you’re planning to explore the rock pools at low tide, don’t forget to visit the Seashore Centre first. Here you can learn more about the English Riviera’s sea-life and Geopark through interactive displays. After arming yourself with information, you’ll know precisely what you’ve found lurking under the seaweed!
The South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest National Trail, at a blister-inducing 630 miles. It runs from Minehead in Somerset along the north coast to Penzance in Cornwall, and all the way up the South Coast to Poole Harbour, Dorset.
The path also stretches along the entire length of the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay and a designated UNESCO Global Geopark, where you’ll find 22 miles of coastal path through some stunning Geopark scenery.
A popular route is the 2.5 miles from Torquay Harbour to Daddyhole Plain. The walk passes a number of landmarks including Beacon Cove where Agatha Christie used to swim as a girl, and the naturally-sculpted cliff arch known as ‘London Bridge’. Finally, after a climb to 200ft above sea level you’ll reach Daddyhole Plain, a wonderful vantage point allowing you to gaze across the town and out to sea.
If you’re looking for a more strenuous hike, why not try the more challenging route from Churston to Broadsands? A peaceful path passing through country lanes, patches of woodland and secluded coves, this is a rewarding walk that showcases the South Devon countryside at its best.
BABBACOMBE MODEL VILLAGE
Step into a world of miniature marvels!
Bring back those magical childhood memories as you explore a quaint and quirky representation of England through five decades at Babbacombe Model Village. Meander your way through four acres of beautiful miniature gardens and discover many fun characters and animated features - from trains to moving vehicles and even a fire-breathing dragon.
Babbacombe Model Village is equally as famous for its glorious gardens that help to set it aside as one of Europe’s Premier Model Villages. The gardens provide a stunning backdrop for the hundreds of miniature models and animated scenes. For an added twist there are always fun characters to search for as you explore the gardens.
There are several extra special features including the 4D theatre – a multi-sensory theatre showing amazing 3D films with surprise special effects to add the 4th Dimension. Throughout the year there are several special events including Evening illuminations, Halloween Horrors, when the gardens and displays take on a spooky twist, and the famous Winter Wonderland sees the park transformed into a snow covered picture-postcard world along with a very special visit by Father Christmas.
Pennywell Farm is a farm tourist attraction just outside the town of Buckfastleigh in South Devon, England. It is an organic farm 600 feet above sea level with views over Dartmoor National Park.
Experience the adventure of Pirates Bay Adventure Golf
A landscaped, floodlit, 18 hole adventure golf course on Paignton seafront. It's great fun for all the family. Dodge cannonballs and evade the thieving pirates as you navigate the lush carpeted greens. Sink your balls but don't sink your ship!
Opening times are weather dependant.
Splashdown Quaywest is the wettest, wildest attraction on the English Riviera. Great fun water slides, some laugh out loud fun and some will have you screaming. Swimming pool area and plenty of space for enjoying the sun and, of course, the fantastic views of Souuth Devon's Beautiful Bay.
Choose from eight exciting flume rides. Jump on a tyre and ride the visitors' favourites Surf Lagoon and Raging Rapids; these rivers are wild, so grab your tyre and hold on tight. Ride the rapids from one splash pool to the next and try not to capsize. You never know what’s around the next bend! Dare you descend the famous Devil's Drop? Near vertical drop and 15m from the top.
All that fluming can work up an appetite, dive into our restaurant to refuel or grab a cooling ice-cream. Meal Deals are available and can be booked online - that's where to get the best price and to book your admission tickets.
