Local Activities

Beaches

The nearest beach is located less than 1 mile away at Goodrington sands, where you will also find Splashdown Quaywest water park, Costa Coffee shop , Arcade and Brewers fayre  bar / resturant. We don't just have amazing beaches to look at and spend your summer days by the seaside. We are also lucky enough to have a designated UNESCO Global Geopark because of the unique geological formations.

With 22 miles of coastline and 20 beaches on offer, there's something for everyone. From long sandy beach walks to quiet picnic spots, charming secret coves to rock pooling and coasteering. Out of our 20 beaches, ten have recieved beach awards, including three winning the prestigious Blue Flag Award. Keep Britain Tidy, an environmental charity behind the national Seaside awards has recently announced that 128 beaches across the UK, including 10 in the English Riviera have reached the very high standards demanded. Britain has a total of 71 beaches with the Blue Flag, and there are a staggering 56 of these in the South West - so when are you coming to visit us?!

Paignton to Dartmouth Steam train a must do travel back in time to bygone ages,


English Riviera Torbay Airshow 1st and 2nd of June 2024. An amazing day of thrills and excitement.

Splashdown Quaywest UKs largest water park. 5 minutes away

Paignton Beach and Pier

Golf

TORQUAY GOLF CLUB

Extends a very warm welcome to visitors. Founded in 1909, the 18-hole parkland course is beautifully located with tree-lined fairways and spectacular views across Devon’s magnificent Lyme Bay and as far as Portland Bill. Torquay Golf Club is just three miles from the centre of Torquay and located close to picturesque St Marychurch and Babbacombe. The club has a rich history and Nick Faldo received his first winners’ cheque here as a young professional. The friendly clubhouse offers excellent catering and bar facilities and you can enjoy drinks and meals on the terrace overlooking the 1st and 18th fairways. There’s also a pro-shop. Visitor green fees are available throughout the week and the weekend.

CHURSTON GOLF CLUB ON THE EDGE OF BRIXHAM

Is a beautiful 18-hole parkland course established in 1890 with amazing coastal views over Tor Bay. There are two practice putting greens, two chipping areas, four outside nets and indoor golf simulation system and a full driving range plus a newly acquired fleet of buggies. The excellent drainage with sub strata of shillet and shale allows play 365 days a year with tip-top conditions. There’s a beautiful clubhouse with an excellent bar and restaurant plus a pro shop. Visitor green fees are available during the week and at the weekend.

Walking

SOUTH WEST COAST PATH

The South West Coast Path (SWCP) is over 600 miles long and is England’s longest long-distance trail, stretching from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. The 22 miles of Coast path that runs through Torbay is a great way to experience the Bay’s dramatic geology; amazing views and scenery and is the best way to experience the English Riviera Geopark. There are many points at which to start or finish your walk and you can use public buses to return to your starting point. Follow the link to find out more about the South West Coast Path. (image: Graham Andrews)

COCKINGTON ESTATE WALKS

Cockington Country Park has five walking routes that vary in distance. Stroll comfortably around the lakes, take a relaxed walk around Manscombe Woods or hike around the entire countryside estate! 

Dining

We’ve got restaurants in Torbay that have been the favourite haunts of locals and visitors alike for many years. But we’re also witnessing an explosion of fantastic new restaurants popping up. It’s all because top chefs from around the country are being lured to the English Riviera by the high quality of local produce that’s available and in particular the world class fresh fish landed at Brixham. You’ll find a fantastic choice of restaurants across Torbay including Torquay, Babbacombe, Paignton and Brixham.

In Torquay Abbey Sands on the seafront in Torquay. Fast becoming Torquay’s latest foodie hotspot. Here you will find great independent restaurants including On the Rocks working alongside national brands including Bistrot Pierre and Las Iguanas. Or stroll along to the Marina area and Torquay Harbour for a pick of first-class restaurants located right beside the yachts and boats, including Pier Point, The Elephant, Number Seven, the Orange Tree and the Old Vienna. In the heart of Torquay, you will also find the award-winning Meat 59 restaurant.

Brixham’s harbour area is also home to this new wave of restaurants including the newly opened Curious Kitchen and Rockfish Brixham alongside long-standing favourites including Beamers and The Prince William.

FINE DINING AND MICHELIN STARS

If you’re a committed foodie who likes nothing more than lingering over a meal prepared by an award winning chef, then you can take your pick in Torbay. Savour Michelin-starred fare at The Elephant in Torquay. Or linger over lunch at an AA rosette or Taste of the West winner like Restaurant 1881 at The Grand Hotel, Torquay or The Orange Tree restaurant in Torquay.

THEATRES & SHOWS

Devon’s English Riviera has a vibrant evening scene with a huge choice of glamorous shows, concerts, plays, musicals, ballets and comedies offering you top West End performances and the best of local am-dram. There are no fewer than five theatres with one in Brixham, one in Paignton, one in Babbacombe and three in Torquay including the Princess Theatre which attracts the very best of the national touring shows.

PRINCESS THEATRE, TORQUAY

Bringing hit shows to Torbay audiences since 1961, the Princess Theatre is a joy to visit. It’s stunningly located right on Torquay seafront and walking distance from local bus stops and Torquay Train Station. Vibrant restaurants, bars and cafes surround the venue along the inner harbour and Abbey Sands.

Upcoming performances at the Princess Theatre will include the hugely popular touring musical SIX, a brand new Jukebox Musical – La Bamba! Strictly star Giovanni Pernice returns in April and the finest tribute shows visit the venue from Ben Portsmouth: This is Elvis, The Rolling Stones Story and Fastlove - A Tribute to George Michael.
This Christmas the theatre will host one of the leading pantomime producers in the UK bringing a new festive title - Beauty and the Beast. A brand new collaboration which will bring live music and rip-roaring adventure in a panto full of Oo La La-ughs that will be ‘simply the beast’! Running from Sat 9 Dec - Sun 31 Dec 2023

The theatre has a delightful café-bar and restaurant called Teatro overlooking Torbay and Torquay Marina.