The Seafood Coast

The English Riviera: Torquay, Paignton and Brixham

Ideas for an amazing 1 to 7 day active holiday in the English Riviera in South Devon.

Explore a UNESCO Geopark, experience water-bound adventures, do breath-taking walks, soak up sublime seaviews and gorge on England's finest, freshest seafoood.

Follow the signs. Torquay near Babbacombe. Photographer Christopher Reading, Northamptonshire. London Bridge Rock formation at Torquay. Photographer Pamela Doyle, Nr Oswestry. Babbacombe Bay-English Riviera Babbacombe Downs -English Riviera Kent Cavern, Torquay-English Riviera Cliff Railway-English Riviera

Fresh fish, a funicular railway and Stone Age caves at Babbacombe

Morning

Start your day in Torquay. From here you can either drive or hop on the No.22 bus for the two-mile journey (3.2km) to one of Britain’s highest clifftop promenades at Babbacombe. Soak up staggering sea views on the fairly strenuous 2.2-mile (3.5km) Babbacombe and Oddicombe Walk. Swap the steep descent from Lady Mount Temple for a ride on the historic funicular railway, and, from Oddicombe beach, gaze up to the mighty compressed layers of sandstone and limestone. Scour Babbacombe Beach for curled shell fossils, then climb the coast path through woodland, pausing for local ales and line-caught seafood at the Cary Arms.

 

Afternoon

If you want to wallow in the epitome of coastal chic, linger at the Cary Arms for a soothing spa treatment and a sundowner by the sea. Otherwise, dig deeper into the wonders of this UNESCO Global Geopark at the enthralling Kents Cavern, just a 20-minute stroll (one mile / 1.6km) or a few minutes on the No.22 bus, from the starting point of your walk. In this labyrinth of Stone Age caves, you can discover evidence of ancient humans and clap eyes on 400-million-year-old stalagmites and stalactites. Backtrack to Babbacombe and finish the day with a hearty portion of award-winning fish and chips from Hanbury’s.  

For ideas of walker friendly places to stay, eat and drink and other nearby things to do go to our mobile site or our main site or the Visit  Devon site..

Torquay Harbour-English Riviera Torquay from the air-English Riviera Penguins at Living Coast-English Riviera Torquay Harbour from the air-English Riviera Anstey Cove-English Riviera Torquay Harbour Sunset Photographer John Fowler (2014 Photo Competition entry)

Wildlife, woodland and waterside dining in Torquay and Daddyhole Plain

Morning

Starting from Torquay harbour, join the 1.9-mile (3.1km) Daddyhole Plain loop and take a twirl around one of Torbay’s three limestone plateaux. Head past the ornate Mallock Clock Tower to emerge on the coast at the 75-metre-high Daddyhole Plain – named after a legendary devil thought to have lived in a cave at the foot of the cliffs. As the path takes a rollercoaster route through woodland and wildlife conservation area, look out for the limestone arch of London Bridge and the wartime lookout post that’s home to a colony of horseshoe bats.

Afternoon

Before crossing the Millennium Bridge back to the start point of the walk, dip into the Living Coasts zoo and aquarium, where you can come face-to-face with penguins, puffins, seals and seabirds. Once you’ve had your fill of maritime facts, take a five-minute walk around the harbour to Rockfish restaurant and feast on succulent seafood delivered daily by Brixham’s fishermen.

For ideas of walker friendly places to stay, eat and drink and other nearby things to do go to our mobile site or our main site or the Visit  Devon site.

Brixham Fish Market-English Riviera Brixham Harbour-English Riviera Brixham trawler-English Riviera Brixham Harbour, Devon. Photographer Jon Speed, Nottingham. Brixham's Golden Hind-English Riviera Elberry Cove. Photographer Jennifer Rowlandson, Tiverton

Brixham-Torquay: fish market at sunrise to seaside pier at sunset

Morning

It’s an early start in Brixham with a morning tour around the world-famous fish market (from about 6am), where you can witness the live auction of huge sea bass, stacks of scallops and trays of plaice that get shipped off to the UK’s finest seafood restaurants. It’s worth dragging yourself out of bed in time to witness the sunrise over the harbour. After a hearty breakfast at Rockfish, it’s time to strike out along the challenging 8.5-mile (13.6km) hike from Brixham to Torquay. Don’t be deterred by the length of the walk – you can opt to shorten the route by hopping on the No.12 bus onto Torquay harbour at various points along the way.

Afternoon

With so much to see – including fascinating rock formations spanning three geological time periods – the walk will take you most of the day. Step foot on the secluded Fishcombe Cove, where William III of Orange landed his Dutch army of 20,000 men during the Glorious Revolution in 1688. Spot the mussel farms off Elberry Cove, hunt for crabs and critters in the rock pools along Broadsands and tuck into a seafood-biased menu at the casual Cantina Kitchen and Bar on Goodrington beachfront. Pause to enjoy Paignton’s traditional seaside pier, before arriving at Torquay harbour and hopping back to Brixham on one of the regular passenger ferries. 

For ideas of walker friendly places to stay, eat and drink and other nearby things to do go to our mobile site or our main site or the Visit  Devon site.

Steam Railway-English Riviera Steam train at the beach-English Riviera Poirot & Miss Marple-English Riviera Dartmouth and river Dart. Photographer Paul Glendell. From Brixham to Goodrington sands. Photograher Veronica Cuthbert, West Midlands. Old Higher Dartmouth Ferry. Photographer Vivienne Watt, Paignton.

The River Dart by steam train, boat and bus (Paignton, Dartmouth, Totnes)

Morning

Take in the sights of Paignton, Dartmouth and Totnes on a Round Robin tour via steam train, riverboat and bus (available April-October). Start in Torquay and hop on the No.100 (March 27–September 30) or No.12 bus for the 50-minute journey to Totnes (nine miles / 14.5km), taking time to dip into the cafés and shops of this bohemian market town before boarding the passenger ferry along the River Dart. Look out for seals, herons and egrets as you float to maritime Dartmouth (about 90 minutes by boat) ­– from where you can take a 20-minute (one-mile/1.6km) walk to Dartmouth Castle, or pause for a spot of crabbing and lunch in a waterside bistro. 

Afternoon

Hop across the river mouth to Kingswear on the passenger ferry, then board a heritage steam train for a 30-minute journey along the River Dart, past Greenaway Halt (the stop for Dame Agatha Christie’s Greenway Estate) and onto the traditional seaside resort of Paignton. Try out some water sports, hit the water slides or simply relax on the sandy beaches, before hopping on the bus (No.12, until 7pm) for a 30-minute (three-mile/5.1km) journey back to Torquay. Kick off your walking boots for Michelin-starred dining on seasonal, sustainable fish and farm produce at The Elephant. 

For ideas of walker friendly places to stay, eat and drink and other nearby things to do go to our mobile site or our main site or the Visit  Devon site.

Cockington Village-Allan Ginman Signpost at Cockington-English Riviera Cockington Court-English Riviera Torre Abbey-English Riviera Cockington Court house-English Riviera Cockington Village tea shop-Allan Ginman

Country parkland and 800 years of history at Cockington and Torre Abbey

Morning

Begin your day at Torquay railway station, a mile’s walk (1.6km) from the harbour at the centre of town, or a 10-minute bus ride on several services, including the No.12. From here, set off on a 3.9-mile (6.3km) loop to Cockington, exploring the hidden valleys, rolling farmland, woodland and wildflower meadows around the Cockington Court country park and gardens. Take a picnic or feast on homemade fare (including honey made from the bees in the Walled Garden) at Cockington Court Tea Rooms. 

Afternoon

Take a pit stop in Cockington for a local ale in The Drum Inn – built in 1936 by the world-famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. Once you’re back at Torquay railway station it’s just a 0.3-mile (0.5km) stroll to the magnificent 12th Century Torre Abbey – a heritage landmark flaunting 800-years of history, from its roots as a medieval monastery to a Georgian manor. It’s now home to award-winning gardens and artwork dating back to the pre-Raphaelite era. End your day in the heart of Torquay (one mile/1.6km) on foot, or on the No.10 bus, for the catch of the day at the award-winning Pier Point restaurant.  

For ideas of walker-friendly places to stay, eat and drink and other nearby things to do go to our mobile site or our main site or the Visit Devon site.

Berry Head near Brixham. Photographer Lee Brewer, USA. GuardhouseCafe-English Riviera Welcome to Berry Head-English Riviera Hardy's Head Signpost-English Riviera Hardys Head Battery from the air-English Riviera Berry Head lighthouse

Brixham’s panoramic sea views and the Berry Head Nature Reserve

Morning

Start your day trip in Brixham, with an easy 0.6-mile (1km) saunter along the Breakwater – from where you can soak up panoramic views of the bay. (Be aware that the harbour edge doesn’t have a handrail or barrier). As you head towards the iconic lighthouse, on one side is the historic Torbay Lifeboat Station, while, on the other side, lies the Blue-Flag Breakwater Beach with its plaque commemorating the American service men that left from the slipway for the D-Day landings.  

Afternoon

From the harbour, follow the coast path for one mile (1.6km), past the art deco Shoalstone Sea Water Pool (perfect for a dip on a summer’s day), to the café at Berry Head. After lunch in this clifftop, Napoleonic-era fortress, keep your eyes peeled for sea life and seabirds (especially rare migrant birds in autumn) on an easy 1.6-mile (2.6km) loop around the important Berry Head Nature Reserve. Back in Brixham, find out more about the area’s fascinating history as you mooch around the Brixham Heritage Museum. [If you want to shorten the footwork on the return journey, skip from Shoalstone Beach to Brixham on the No.17 bus.] 

For ideas of walker friendly places to stay, eat and drink and other nearby things to do go to our mobile site or our main site or the Visit  Devon site.

Greenway House-National Trust Dartmouth from Dartmouth Castle. Photographer Ray & Dot Culmer, Bournemouth Dartmouth Castle-English Riviera Greenway boathouse-English Riviera Greenway Quay-Allan Ginman Dartmouth-English Riviera

Dartmouth: the Dart Valley Trail and Agatha Christie’s estate

Morning

Kick off your day in Dartmouth and get under the skin of this maritime town on a quick romp around the 1.2-mile (2km) Dartmouth Town Trail. Pack a picnic of finger-licking treats from the bakeries and delis. Then, after coffee in a waterfront café, it’s time to cross the river on the Higher Dart Ferry and follow the stunning Dart Valley Trail along the river to Agatha Christie’s estate at Greenway (four miles / 6.5km).

Afternoon

As the trail winds up into magical woodland overlooking the estuary, you’re spoilt for choice of breathtaking picnic spots. Scan the treetops for buzzards, cock your ears for the call of jays and woodpeckers, and see if you can spot a rare roe deer. Once you’ve explored the historic gem of the National Trust Greenway Estate (that’s been the home of Elizabethan explorer, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, and crime novelist, Agatha Christie), float back to Dartmouth by ferry before a slap-up fish feast on the Seafood Coast. 

For ideas of walker friendly places to stay, eat and drink and other nearby things to do go to our mobile site or our main site or the Visit  Devon site.

A popular, award-winning holiday destination, Torbay is home to a huge range of accommodation for all tastes and budgets. Torquay, Paignton and Brixham are all ideal bases for the week, offering boutique hotels, charming B&Bs and well-equipped campsites.  

You can find a wide range of places to stay on the English Riviera website

The 25 Boutique B&B

01803 297517
Funky 5-star adult-only boutique B&B, (twice named “Best B&B in the World”) located in easy walking distance of the coast path, restaurants, tourist attractions & harbour
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The Cleveland Bed and Breakfast

01803297522

Consistently rated one of the 'best bed & breakfasts' in Torquay, The Cleveland is ideally located for access to the South West Coast Path and all local amenities.

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The Torcroft

01803 298292

The Torcroft is an award winning elegant Victorian villa, fully refurbished to a high standard, minutes from Torquay seafront & harbour.

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The Cimon

01803294454
The Cimon, a gorgeous Victorian villa, a few minutes walk from the Coastal Path, restaurants and attractions. Muddy boots welcome. Bar seasonal outdoor heated pool.
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Silverlands Guest House

01803292013

Guest House

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Kingsholm Guesthouse

01803391760

A beautiful Edwardian house in Torquay. About 200m to restaurants and 300m to harbour. No. 22 bus stop, which runs from Dawlish Warren to Paignton just a few meters away

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Haytor Hotel

01803 294708

Elegant and welcoming Victorian villa, offering delicious breakfasts, a peaceful night's sleep. 4 mins walks from harbour and beach.

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Rose Court Holiday Apartments

01803327203

Rose Court are self contained holiday apartments with free Parking set in a delightful Victorian villa with glorious gardens, 5 minutes from the South West Coastal Path.

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Coastguard Cottage

01803 311634
Small, cosy cottage accommodatioon with all rooms en-suite and with wifi. Close to many amenities. A substantial breakfast is provided.
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Sea Breeze Guest House

01803322429

We are a Bed and Breakfast with views across Babbacombe Downs and the Jurassic coast. We offer large ensuite rooms, fabulous breakfasts and refreshments on our terrace.

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The Miggi

07447091133

Vegan, LGBTQ+ friendly, book-themed guesthouse, just 100m from Coast Path. Dogs very welcome. Cruelty-free, plastic-free toiletries. Big beautiful breakfasts included!

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The Cary Arms Hotel & Spa

01803 327110

The Cary Arms & Spa “Inn on the Beach” exudes charm, style and comfort of a boutique hotel. Seaside English Heritage dining with chic rooms include dog-friendly accommodation.

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Mercure Paignton

01803 229444

Experience the true English Riviera at Mercure Paignton Hotel, a seaside haven on Paignton seafront, your gateway to Devon's stunning coast and countryside. Enjoy sea-view rooms and unforgettable experiences.

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Devon House Guest House

01803 528080

A lovely period Guesthouse with victorian features. 5 minutes walk to the Coast Path. Single night stays welcome.

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Roadtrip Tavern

07954991583

I have a loft space that is divided into 4 separate pods and is open plan like a dormitory and is specifically for SWCP Walkers.

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Halekulani Devon

07507853207

Halekulani Devon Homestay for discerning guests with spa, private use heated pool, tennis and pristine views.

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The Hen's Dens at Orchard Organic Farm

07805 894522

Camping at The Hen's Dens at Orchard Organic Farm

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Beverley Holidays

01803 843887

Award-winning holiday parks offering unforgettable camping, lodge and caravan holidays in Paignton at the heart of the English Riviera.

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Brixham Holiday Park

01803853324

Nestled just 150 yards from the nearest beach, Brixham Holiday Park boasts an idyllic setting in the breathtaking landscape of South Devon

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Sea Tang Guest House

01803 854651

Friendly, family run guest house located a few steps form the sea with beautiful views across Torbay.

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Berry Head Hotel Ltd

01803853225
AA 4 star Hotel & Apartments with stunning sea views at the waters edge. Bistro & Restaurant, Indoor Pool on the Coastal Path.
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Called England’s Seafood Coast for good reason, the English Riviera is the prime destination to sample the UK’s finest seafood and visit the world-famous Brixham fish market (where the nation’s best chefs source their seafood). As well as fresh fish, you’ll also find an abundance of local farm produce – and don't forget to try a traditional Devon cream tea. 

You can find a wide range of places to eat on the English Riviera website

Three Degrees West

01803 311202

Three Degrees West is a daytime cafe & takeaway on the stunning Oddicombe Beach in Babbacombe on the outskirts of Torquay. Inside & outside dining right beside the sea.

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Harbour Light

01803 229000

Light-filled, rustic tavern with a terrace offering bay views, plus a menu of pub classics.

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Cafe Rio SUP & Kayak Hire

01803 317737

Our refurbished beach café, offers a great range of local fresh food, luxury ice cream, barista coffees, teas, cold drinks, cakes & snacks, perfect for breakfast or lunch

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Old Market House

01803 856891

Overlooking Brixham harbour and operating across two floors, our restaurant serves a delicious menu that showcases fresh, locally sourced food.

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The English Riviera is the perfect destination for a car-free holiday – with a reliable and extensive network of buses, trains and ferries servicing all the major towns, villages and attractions. There are also open-topped bus tours, heritage steam train and riverboat tours, and a land train that operates around Torquay. For Baggage transfers visit...www.lttaxis.co.uk