Explore the English Riviera: Your Essential South Devon Guide

Encompassing the resorts of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, the English Riviera is one of the UK’s most loved holiday hotspots. Known for its palm trees, mild climate and showstopping coastal scenery, it often draws comparisons to the French Riviera.

In 2007, the English Riviera was designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, one of just 10 in the UK, in recognition of its extraordinary landscape.If you’re heading South this season, keep reading to discover our complete guide to the English Riviera. From exhilarating water activities and wild walks to pristine South Devon beaches, the best local food and fascinating heritage sites, you won’t want to miss a thing!

Beautiful Beaches to Visit

Along the English Riviera’s 22 miles of varied coastline, you’ll find some of South Devon's most beautiful beaches. From hidden coves to wide, sandy bays, explore some of the best beaches near Cary Arms and discover paradise:

Babbacombe Beach - Situated at the foot of Babbacombe Downs, this wide, sheltered shingle beach is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and picture-perfect scenery. Part of a series of Torquay’s Coves, Babbacombe is a popular spot for divers.

Oddicombe Beach - Oddicombe is known for its award-winning water, a wide range of water sports and stunning coastal scenery. Backed by dramatic red cliffs, you can access Oddicombe via the Babbacombe Cliff Railway.

Broadsands Beach - Located between Paington and Brixham, this long, sandy beach is a haven for families. With sheltered calm waters, rockpools galore and plenty of watersports and facilities, this is a perfect place for rest and play.

Fairy Cove - Just south of Paignton Sands lies the magical Fairy Cove. This sheltered, red sand beach is tucked away from the busier beaches, a perfect place to relax, rock pool and look out for mermaids.

Goodrington Sands - A favourite with locals and tourists alike, this classic English beach offers sun-kissed sand, clear water, rockpools and water sports. Behind the beach, you’ll find the UK’s largest waterpark, activities like go-karting and crazy golf and the heritage Paington to Dartmouth steam railway.

And you can also find out about more beautiful beaches a bit further afield here

Scenic Coastal Walks and Trails

The famous South West Coastal Path runs for 22 miles along the English Riviera. From exhilarating clifftop walks and gentle beachside strolls to wild woodland wanders, explore the unique beauty of South Devon on foot and step into a new adventure. 

Ansteys Cove Circular - This scenic circular walk starts at Kents Cavern, Torquay and takes you through woodlands to Meadfoot Beach, past Thatcher’s Point and Anstey’s Cove before continuing back to Kents. Expect steep paths, varied scenery and awe-inspiring 
views.

The Agatha Christie Mile - This family-friendly walk begins at Torquay’s Imperial Hotel, where Christie attended many social events. Pick up a free trail leaflet from the Visitor Information Centre and uncover the seven unique plaques along the route of this heritage 
trail. You can stop by the Agatha Christie Museum en route.

Brixham Harbour to Berry Head - Begin this walk at bustling Brixham Harbour and head to the marina and Breakwater Beach. Stop off for a dip at Shoalstone Pool and continue along the coastal path to the spectacular Berry Head Nature Reserve.

Daddyhole Plain - Beginning at Daddyhole Plain car park, enjoy a walk around one of Torbay’s three limestone plateaux. This spectacular wildlife conservation area is home to a colony of endangered horseshoe bats in a former lookout post.

And you can read more about the many walks around the English Riviera here

Unmissable Seasonal Events

There’s always something happening along the English Riviera. From literary and music 
festivals to action-packed regattas, here’s our pick of the best seasonal events in Devon:

English Riviera Walking Festival, June

Put your best foot forward and embark on a series of guided walks with themes including wildlife, crime, foraging, history, gin and chocolate.

Torbay Regatta, August

Head to Royal Torbay Yacht Club for 2 days of thrilling racing on the waters of Torbay. Plenty is happening Shoreside too, with prizegiving, themed parties and fireworks.

Agatha Christie Festival, September

Celebrating the life and enduring legacy of Agatha Christie, this four-day literary festival features fascinating talks, guided walks, and workshops.

Bay of Lights, November-January

During the Christmas period, the whole Bay comes alive with a burst of illuminated events. Discover lantern parades, a light-encrusted steam train and The magical Illumination Trail along Torquay’s seafront

Literary Legends of the English Riviera

The English Riviera has housed and inspired many literary greats over the years; two of the most notable, Agatha Christie and Oscar Wilde, have strong links to the area.

Agatha Christie

Born in Torquay in 1890, Agatha Christie spent her childhood beside the sea and, as an adult, purchased Greenway House near Brixham, where she spent many happy summer holidays with her family. The English Riviera influenced many of her novels; Elbury Court was featured in The ABC Murders, and Burgh Island provided the inspiration for And Then There Were None.

Take the ‘Agatha Christie Trail’ and walk in the famous author’s footsteps, visiting the beaches, hotels and sites she frequented, and explore Greenway House, now owned by the National Trust.

Read more about Agatha's Christie's English Riviera here

Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde rented Babbacombe Cliff during the winter of 1892/3 while completing some of his most well-known plays, including A Woman of No Importance and Lady Windermere’s Fan. A blue plaque now marks the house, which has been converted into luxury flats.
Oscar Wilde’s infamous letter to his lover, Bosie, was sent from Torquay (where he’d invited him to stay at Babbacombe Cliff) and ultimately led to his imprisonment