Surrounding Area

Things to do in the English Riviera

If you have young ones, then you’ll understand the benefits of having things to do and plenty of places to visit on holiday. The English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay, is a popular destination with people like you, families and couples alike holidaying in the UK. In addition to safe, secure beaches and rolling countryside that’s just waiting to be explored, the area is full with things to see and do for visitors of all ages.

View video below & capture a taste of the English Riviera…

Take a look at some of our favourite local attractions in and around the English Riviera… all well worth a visit and very close to The Villa Marina Hotel, Torbay.

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Paignton Zoo

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.

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National Marine Aquarium

Located in Plymouth, around 45 minutes drive from Torquay, 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.

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Kents Cavern

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.

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Torre Abbey

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.

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Bygones

Just a short drive from the Sunningdale Holiday Apartments, you will find the popular Victorian experience Bygones. With a range of displays and interesting exhibits, taking you back to the sights and the sounds of the Victorian age.

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Golden Hind at Brixham

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.

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Agatha Christie’s Greenway House

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.

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Babbacombe Model Village

Just a short drive from the hotel, 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.

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Crealy Adventure Park

Situated just outside of Exeter, about 30 minutes drive away from the hotel, you will discover a theme park designed for the younger members of the family. With fun, small versions of the popular rollercoaster, pirate ship and log flume, combined with grassy picnic areas, inside and outdoor play areas, Crealy Adventure Park , makes for a fantastic family day out!

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Woodlands Adventure Park

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.

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Princess Theatre Torquay

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.

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The English Riviera Wheel

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.

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Splashdown Quaywest Water Park

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.

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Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway

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.