Local Attractions

Things to do in the English Riviera

If you have young ones, then you’ll understand the benefits of having things to do and plenty of places to visit on holiday. The English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay, is a popular destination with people like you, families and couples alike holidaying in the UK. In addition to safe, secure beaches and rolling countryside that’s just waiting to be explored, the area is full with things to see and do for visitors of all ages.

View video below & capture a taste of the English Riviera…

Take a look at some of our favourite local attractions in and around the English Riviera… all well worth a visit and very close to The Beaches Guest House, Torbay.

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Paignton Zoo

This famous zoo is a great way to view animals in their natural habitat. The zoo’s emphasis is on conservation and environmental concerns and is sure to keep adults and kids alike amused and interested all day.

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Pirates Bay Adventure Golf

Avast me Hearties! There be a place on Paignton coastline, one of skulduggery and wretched piracy. It be called Pirates Bay… A beautifully landscaped 18 hole Adventure Golf Course situated on Paignton Seafront with prices starting from just £2.

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Palace theatre Paignton

A friendly and fun community theatre in the heart of Torbay: drama, live music, comedy and so much more. You can find our Covid-safety information here. Our box office is open Monday-Friday 1100-1500.

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Splashdown Quaywest Water Park

The only outdoor water park to be found in Devon , and certainly the wettest fun to be had during your holiday. Choose from 8 of the flumes, catering for a range of age groups, with a separate swimming and paddling area.

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Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway

Journey along the beauty of the Torbay coastline to the banks of the river Dart, on this full size steam railway. Enjoy a wonder around Dartmouth ‘s picturesque town and waterfront, then a relaxing ride back on the steam train or a gentle journey around the coastline by ferry.

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Dartington Hall

Dartington Trust is a visitor destination and centre for progressive learning based on a 1,200 acre estate near Totnes. The medieval buildings are grouped around a huge courtyard; the largest built for a private residence before the 16th Century, and the Great Hall itself is the finest of its date in England.

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GEO PARK PAIGNTON

Only 5 mins walk from Beaches Guest House – The GEO Park is a great free attraction on Paignton seafront. The park is designed around the English Riviera’s geological history. The toddler area represents the Devonian Period when the area was south of the equator and under tropical coral seas. Toddlers will be able to ride on a trilobite and swing over a wetpour sea.

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Agatha Christie’s Greenway House

This is an extraordinary glimpse into the private holiday home of the famous and much-loved author Agatha Christie and her family. The relaxed and atmospheric house is set in the 1950s, and contains many of the family’s collections, including archaeology, Tunbridgeware, silver, botanical china and books.

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Babbacombe Model Village

Just a short drive from Beaches Guest House, you will discover the popular tourist attraction of the Babbacombe Model Village. With over 400 models making up a miniature West Country, and many special features throughout the year, it is a great place to spend a fun-filled afternoon, or a relaxing evening when the village is completely illuminated.

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Torre Abbey

Torre Abbey is the oldest building in Torquay. It has a story spanning 800 years and was once the most important Abbey of its kind in England, the brothers who lived here then were known as the White Canons. Following a massive three-year restoration project visitors can now explore the most ancient and hallowed parts of the building where some stunning finds have been unearthed.

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Bygones

Just a short 15 minute drive from Paignton to Babbacombe, you will find the popular Victorian experience Bygones. With a range of displays and interesting exhibits, taking you back to the sights and the sounds of the Victorian age.

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Golden Hind at Brixham

This replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind, gives a real sense of what life at sea really used to be like, and portrays the sense of adventure to be had living in the 16th century.

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The English Riviera Wheel

Soaring high over the beautiful harbour in the heart of the English Riviera at Torquay, the wheel is situated within the famous Pavilion Gardens, next to The Princess Theatre, enjoying amazing views of the town and harbour. The English Riviera Wheel is completely silent in operation incorporating the latest in observation wheel technology and design. A trip on the wheel takes approximately 12 minutes.

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Kents Cavern

These caves are officially the oldest recognised human dwelling in Britain. Take a stroll through the beautiful caverns and enjoy the same experience as your ancestors did, nearly half a million years ago.

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Woodlands Adventure Park

Situated just a few minutes away from Dartmouth , you will discover the magic of Woodlands Adventure Park, a real treat for families, or the young at heart. The park has many exciting outdoor activities, enormous water slides, a toboggan run and many indoor and outdoor activity areas for all age groups.