The English Riviera in South Devon is so much more than just a top summer seaside and foodie destination. Yes, on a warm summer’s day, holidays in the UK don’t get much better than this. But our thriving local community, businesses and popular attractions mean we welcome visitors with open arms all through the year. Whatever time of year you’re planning your visit, read our guide to what’s on and where to go to make some happy memories.
For seafood lovers, there’s no better place to be this autumn than England’s Seafood FEAST on the English Riviera, a two-week celebration of our world-class, locally landed seafood. Taking place along England’s Seafood Coast of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, this event showcases the finest, freshest catch — straight from the boats and on to your plate.
Celebrate the life of Agatha Christie in her birthplace with the annual Agatha Christie Festival during September in Torquay. The Agatha Christie Festival is a chance to get involved in literary themed events centred around her life and work, from murder mystery afternoon teas, to exhibitions, talks and music events.
The Bay of Lights is a fantastic winter event that lights up the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham across December each year. Many attractions take part in ‘lighting up the Bay’ to create a winter wonderland on the English Riviera. Visitors can enjoy lantern parades, a steam train covered in lights, illuminated and interactive light trails, carols by candlelight, Christmas craft fairs and a real ice-skating rink. The 1.5-mile Illumination trail in Torquay is a totally free and accessible trail. The large light installations offer stunning digital light shows with Christmas music and interactive fun. There are also pixel tree installations in Paignton and Brixham.
With It’s sheltered position, mild climate and numerous walking trails through verdant woodlands, along winding coastal paths and hidden tracks, the English Riviera provides the perfect destination for walkers of all abilities. Not only does the stunning South West Coast path meander along our coastline, The English Riviera also holds the accolade for being a Unesco Geopark. There are 140 Geoparks in the World and ours is the only seaside resort with this status.
With all this beauty and heritage on our doorstep The English Riviera Walking Festival offers a large variety of coastal and woodland walks led by experience guides, who will take you on fascinating journeys. The walk themes include yoga, photography, painting, sketching, literature, history, wine and cheese tasting, whilst catering for all levels of fitness. Choose from a short coastal sensory stroll, to a full day tour along the South West Coast Path, with views which will literally take your breath away.
The English Riviera Airshow held in Paignton is a spectacular event. The weekend event features breathtaking air displays over the stunning natural amphitheatre of South Devon’s beautiful bay. Of course, we’ll say it’s the best Airshow in the UK, but when you have some of Devon’s best beaches as a backdrop and access to world-class food and activities all within walking distance, who can blame us?! In fact, each year, the Airshow attracts almost 200,000 people to The English Riviera. And the best bit of all, the airshow is completely free!
The annual Brixham Pirate Festival takes place over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend and is a swashbuckling mix of seaside shenanigans and pirate-themed fun for all the family. Billed as “the annual gathering of the world’s most infamous pirates and lowly scallywags,” over the past decade the event has grown into hugely popular celebration of all things piratical. And all with the perfectly authentic backdrop of this charming historic port, which has been home to a number of smugglers and pirates over the centuries.
Why not dress up as a pirate (an awful lot of people do) and travel to Brixham by boat from Torquay and Paignton for the most authentic arrival. The whole town is decked out in “skull and cross bones” while the sound of seagulls, shanties and lots of people saying “arghhhh me hearties” floats through the air. There’s a real party atmosphere, with absolutely everyone joining in the spirit of the event.
For further details and specific dates for all the English Riviera seasonal events checkout:
https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/whats-on/seasonal-events
