If you have children, you’ll know how important it is to have plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy while on holiday. The English Riviera, nestled in the heart of South Devon’s stunning coastline, is the perfect spot for families and couples looking for a memorable UK getaway.
Alongside its safe, sandy beaches and picturesque countryside waiting to be explored, the area offers a wealth of exciting experiences and attractions to suit visitors of all ages.
Capture a taste of the English Riviera below…
With numerous festivals and events, exhibitions and markets taking place throughout the year, as well as a great range of attractions and activities both in Dartmouth and nearby, there is always something happening in this vibrant harbour town.
Located at the most southerly tip of Devon, surrounded by picturesque villages, magnificent coastal scenery and stunning beaches, Salcombe is a wonderful holiday destination for visitors of all ages.
Brixham’s famous and historic outdoor Sea Water Swimming Pool is only a 15 minute walk from the campsite. Nearby restaurants, bars and kiosks make for a great day out for all the family.
Burgh Island, famously the inspiration for the setting of Dame Agatha Christie’s best-selling novel ‘And then there were none’, is an iconic tidal island across from the beautiful beaches of Bigbury-On-Sea and Bantham. Beautiful Bigbury Beach looks out to Burgh Island, a famous landmark linked to the mainland by a causeway at low tide.
Thurlestone is a beautiful coastal village with one of the most dramatic coastlines in South Devon and well worth exploring. Originally a tiny coastal hamlet, Thurlestone is now home to a gloriously sited hotel, a popular golf course, and a variety of accommodation for permanent residents and visitors alike.
Gara Rock is a key landmark on the South West Coastal Path, formerly the site featuring cottages for the coastguards. The beach at Gara Rock is accessed down a charming footpath which winds through meadows and woodland with a final scramble across rocks. The secluded cove below is carpeted with soft, white sand.
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.
Located in Plymouth, around 35 minutes drive from Totnes is the National Marine Aquarium. One of Devon’s most popular attractions, the Aquarium includes several huge tanks featuring sharks, a turtle, sea horses, jelly fish and a wide range of other marine life.
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.
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.
Travel back in time to the Jazz Age at the holiday home of the D’Oyly Carte family. You can lose yourself in the magical 12-hectare (30-acre) garden: viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea, paths weave through glades past tranquil ponds, and tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand thrive in the moist and sheltered valley. A light, joyful atmosphere fills the rooms and music plays, echoing the family’s Gilbert and Sullivan connections.
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.
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.
Approx 20 min drive from Totnes, 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.
Brixham indoor swimming pool is only a few minutes walk away from the camp site you’ll find Admiral Swimming Centre. Enjoy safe, comfortable, reasonably priced sessions with lifeguards in attendance. Length swimming encouraged at some sessions. Child swims @ £1 with a full paying adult at Sunday Family Sessions 9am to 12pm. Fun Sessions on Saturdays, 9am to 1pm
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.
The Princess Theatre is South Devon’s largest theatre with a seating capacity of 1,491. The theatre is a touring house which means that the shows that perform here are brought to us by independent production companies. As such, our diary offers a wide variety of live entertainment from operas and ballets to concerts, comedy and pantomime as well as touring West End musicals.
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.
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.
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.