Our last-minute getaway to the English Riviera turned out super! My only wish is that we could have stayed longer. In total, we spent three days and three nights. Initially, our summer/anniversary getaway was meant to be two weeks in Belfast. However, the unrest there put us off. We cancelled early, then booked a last-minute, shortened getaway, and it turned out well. We are planners, but sometimes you do have to go with the flow, and in this instance, it worked out for us. I always say that if I’m not somewhere green, then I have to be near water. Our coastal getaway was just the ticket, especially given the high temperatures we have been experiencing this summer in the UK. We were never far from views of the aqua waters, a cool breeze, and amazing fresh seafood meals. Steal our English Riviera getaway itinerary for you and your family.
Road Trip to the English Riviera
English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful coastline. Surrounded by stunning coast and countryside, Torquay, Babbacombe, Cockington, Paignton, Goodrington and Brixham … As a Geo Park, South Devon is a diverse and outstanding landscape underpinned by awe-inspiring geology of global importance. Around every cove, the geology changes, and so do the worlds within them.
FUN FACT: Dame Agatha Christie, the ‘queen of crime’ novelist, was born in Torquay and lived on the English Riviera for most of her life. There’s a statue of her sitting on a bench on Victoria Parade in Torquay, harbourside of the Torquay Marina.
Driving to the English Riviera is approximately fours drive. Alternatively, you can take a train from London Paddington to Torquay. There are usually eight trains per day or London Paddington to Paignton take roughly three and a half hours without disruptions. You can also get to Paignton via train as well, which is handy for visiting the English Riviera if you don’t drive. If you have young children, it’s always a good idea to pack snacks, games and activities to deter boredom.
TIP: If you are driving, make the most of your time by setting off from London early to avoid losing a day at your destination.
Things To Do on A Mini Break
There is so much you can do along the English Riviera as a family. We went for a long weekend and stayed affordably in a family room at Premier Inn, Paignton. Although we drove, we didn’t want to be rushed and tired, so we chose to visit places within roughly a 30-minute drive from the hotel. To keep costs down, we bought snacks and one dinner from the nearby Lidl.
Our children are now teenagers. I always run ideas by them. Then we commit to activities that everyone wants to do.
Steal our itinerary here.
Day 1
Kents Cavern, Torquay, a prehistoric cave, home of ancient humans and a place of scientific interest since 1952 and a Scheduled Ancient Monument since 1957. We did a self-guided tour which took about 20 mins; you can easily stay longer to appreciate the detail and formations of the Stalactites and Stalagmites. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour. On the guided tour, they even take the lights off to give you a sense of what it was like to live in the cave without lights.
From the caves, we went to Golden Palms Amusement Arcade, Torquay. Then, we went to the English Riviera Wheel harbourside of Torquay Marina.
After checking into the hotel, Premier Inn, Paighton, we drove to Brixham. It as amazing some of the street art, scenic harbour views, sovenir shops and an art scene.
The Art & Craft Market is popular. We had dinner at Simply Fish a family owned business with pretty coastal ambience, excellent food and service. Then, off to I.Scream. The ice cream was unbelieveably good! The kids and I had Yarde Farm Dairy Ice Cream but hubby opted for the plant-based option instead. Both on Simply Fish and I.Scream are located on Fore Street.
Day 2
On the second day, we drove to Dartmouth via Kingswear and took the Lower Ferry.
FUN FACT: The ferry has been transporting vehicles and foot passengers between Dartmouth and Kingswear since the 1700s!
The ferry crossing costs £14 return for a car. We explored the pretty streets and boutique shops. Naturally, some retail therapy was had. We shopped at Salcombe Gin, Devon Soap Company, Rolys Fudge, Flapjackery, and Dartmouth Silver. Late lunch was at Late Lunch at Rock Fish, Dartmouth
Visitor Tip: We didn’t visit, but there is a local museum and more attractions to visit, such as Dartmouth Castle and Bayard’s Cove Fort and picturesque bathing beaches.
Final Day on the English Riviera
On our final full day on the English Riviera, we drove to Paignton Zoo. I do believe it was one of the best zoos I’ve visited in England, outside London. I saw my first ever Scarlet Ibis! The National Bird of Trinidad. Monkeys outside a cage, a striking Secretary Bird and other wonders. The zoo is 80 acres in size. Of course, they have big cats, giraffes and rhinos too!
Beach day! We went to Berry Head, which is close to Brixham Marina. Although we didn’t swim, it was relaxing to sit and enjoy the fresh sea air. We walked along the half-mile concrete path to the edge of Brixham Harbour, then to the Brixham Breakwater Lighthouse. Its light range is 6 miles, and it stands 6 metres high. I hoped to see seals or dolphins, but luck wasn’t on my side.
For a better view of more of the coast, I climbed a few rocks from the beachside. It was so peaceful getting away from the crowd and chatter. Around the cove is the Shoalstone Seawater Pool, but I didn’t go that far.
The day came to a close with a pre-anniversary dinner at Rockfish Brixham overlooking the harbour. Followed by Ice Cream from I.scream on Fore Street.
To my surprise, on the walk back to our car at Brixham Oxen Cove Car Park, we saw a lone seal! It was simply leisurely gliding by. If that wasn’t the best end to a wonderful mini break, I don’t know what is!
Get Social
We thoroughly enjoyed our coastal getaway. Although it was a long drive, it was a treat to get away from typical tourist-heavy destinations. I hope our itinerary inspires you to visit the English Riviera.
Finally, don’t forget to check out my other family staycation blogs and our vlogs on The Tiger Tales TV. You can also find me on Instagram @MsXpat
Have you ever taken a min break on the coast? Tell me all about it in the comments below. I would love to hear from you. Share your hidden gem locations with us.
