Things to do in English Riviera, England: The Best Sights & Landmarks

In September 2007 the English Riviera received international recognition for its rich geological, historical and cultural heritage, becaming one of just 57 areas around the world to endorsed by UNESCO and welcomed into both the European and Global Geopark Networks. Since then the Global Geopark Network has grown and as of July 2020 there are now 161 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 44 countries. Situated within the stunning, rolling hills of South Devon, Torbay's geology has created the beautiful coastline of today, which fundamentally links the rich diversity of landscape with wildlife, people and culture.

Welcoming visitors for over 800 years . . . Torre Abbey is Torbay's most historic building, a scheduled ancient monument dating back to 1196 and set within 18 acres of garden and parkland. It’s also a multi-award-winning visitor attraction housing an impressive art collection boasting over 600 incredible works of art from the 18th century to the present day. Meanwhile, our 800 Years Gallery uses state-of-the-art technology to tell the abbey’s fascinating story through videos, talking portraits and interactive displays. This Torbay Council-owned museum and gardens is also a centre for creativity and culture, offering events and workshops as well as hosting world-class exhibitions alongside creative work from the cream of local talent. We also pride ourselves on being family friendly with a range of activities available for youngsters, both inside the historic buildings and outside in our gardens. Visit our website for the latest information about our COVID19 safety measures.

Kents Cavern, a UNESCO site, is Britain's Oldest known prehistoric home. You are led by a guide through a labyrinth of undergound natural passages used by humankind for thousands of years. Neanderthals and the very first Britons occupied the caves. Here Victorian explorers combined geological time and fossil remains to reveal the antiquity of humanity. Open daily for guided tours. See natural caverns, amazing formations, remains of mammoth, woolly rhino, sabre-toothed cats. These is an Ice Age woodland trail quest, shop and restaurant with views over the Ilsham Valley. Located in Torquay, birth place of Agatha Christie, the caves are part of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, 1.5kms from Torquay Harbour, close to the South West Coast Path. The caves inspired writers like Agatha Christie, Beatrix Potter and more recently folk-horror writer Adam Nevill. Perfect on any day all year. Pre-booking online essential to visit this UNESCO geological and cultural heritage site.

The Golden Hind in Brixham Harbour, is one of only two full sized replicas in the world of 16th century explorer and privateer Sir Francis Drake's famous ship. The Ship has been a feature of picturesque Brixham harbour for over fifty years, entertaining and educating thousands of visitors during this time - as well as being featured on many tv programmes and films. The Ship is open come rain or shine and is an all weather attraction with many indoor displays as well as wide open decks and on-board activities.

A wheelchair-friendly 1 mile walk on the South West Path around Paignton's Roundham Head, the hub of the town's sixteenth-century fishing industry. The headland's rocky red layered cliffs are topped with pines and sycamores. There are extensive views, northwards across Tor Bay and over Goodrington Sands to Brixham in the south. On a good day you can even see across Lyme Bay to Portland.

A 4 mile walk on the South West Coast Path based on Torquay harbour, with splendid views out across Tor Bay. The harbour was used by the British Navy as an anchorage during the Napoleonic Wars, and as a result it became a fashionable resort, popular with naval officers. Tropical plants flourish in the numerous parks and many of the gardens attached to the elegant Victorian villas and hotels.