Shepherd's huts near Torquay

It’s the seaside that’s been bringing holidaymakers to Torquay and the English Riviera for centuries and that’s where you’ll find much of the action. Buy a bucket and spade and head for the beach, try your luck at the amusements, play crazy golf or ride the English Riviera Wheel – Torquay’s answer to the London Eye. At Brixham you can watch the fishing boats land their catch and all along the coast you can sample the Devon crab that the area is famous for. You can have a go at crabbing from the quay, jump aboard a local ferry to head from town to town or head out to sea on a kayaking or paddleboarding trip. Torquay’s most-famous daughter, Agatha Christie, is celebrated at the Torquay Museum and on a literary trail of the area. Her former holiday home, Greenway House, near Brixham is open to the public too.

If you’re on a family camping holiday in Torquay, there are plenty of attractions with an appeal for all ages from Kents Cavern Stone Age caves to Paignton Zoo to and Babbacombe Model Village, with the Dartmouth Steam Railway offering a scenic way to get around. On a rainy day, why not head to a show at Babbacombe Theatre? While, to enjoy the natural highlights of the area when the sun is out, you can stride out on the South West Coast Path and perhaps visit Berry Head National Nature Reserve, south of Brixham, for wildlife and fantastic sea views.

An hour’s drive northeast of Torquay on the Devon-Somerset border, these adjoining Areas of Natural Beauty boast waterways, rolling hills, woodlands, and coastline, making the region a destination for any rambler, rider, or watersports fan. Overnight options range from working farms to glamping pods, all ensuring an intimate glimpse of rural England.

This vast protected landscape sprawls from the borders of Brixham across to Bovisand near Plymouth. Miles of coastline and estuaries are ideal for boat adventure, while nature reserves and walking routes, including a portion of the South West Coast Path, draw ramblers, riders, and wildlife watchers. Caravan and camping sites can be found across the area.

One of England’s most iconic landscapes, this enormous park is best known for its quiet and secluded moorlands, deep valleys, and dense woodland. Climbing routes, canoe courses, and riding stables provide plenty of thrills, while those in search of calm can explore a vast network of walking trails. Wild camping is permitted in some areas, though rules are strict. Private campgrounds can be found across the park.