South Devon Attractions: Best Things to See and Do on the English Riviera

From sun-drenched beaches and rolling countryside to charming villages and historic landmarks, South Devon is one of the most diverse and picturesque regions in the UK. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend escape or planning a longer coastal holiday, there are countless South Devon attractions that cater to families, nature lovers, foodies, and history enthusiasts alike.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the top places to visit, hidden gems, and must-see attractions that make South Devon a year-round destination.

Where Is South Devon?

South Devon lies within the county of Devon, in southwest England, stretching from the eastern edge of Plymouth to the borders of East Devon. It’s home to the famous English Riviera (Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham), the South Hams, parts of Dartmoor National Park, and miles of heritage coastline.

Whether you’re after sandy beaches, countryside walks, or charming market towns, South Devon offers something for everyone.

English Riviera – Torquay, Paignton & Brixham

The English Riviera is a collection of seaside towns known for their mild climate and family-friendly attractions.

Torquay

Kents Cavern – Prehistoric caves with guided tours
Living Coasts – Coastal zoo and aquarium (note: now closed, check latest attractions)
Torquay Harbour – Waterfront dining and boat trips

Paignton

Paignton Zoo – One of the UK’s top zoos with over 2,500 animals
Goodrington Sands – Blue Flag beach with a waterpark nearby
Paignton Pier – Classic British amusements and funfair games

Brixham

Brixham Harbour – Watch fishing boats come in or join a wildlife cruise
Golden Hind Replica Ship – Family-friendly attraction based on Sir Francis Drake’s ship
Breakwater Beach – Excellent for swimming and diving

Best for: Families, beach lovers, and seaside charm.

Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor is a vast upland moorland filled with dramatic granite towers, wooded valleys, rivers, and ancient villages.

Top Dartmoor Attractions:

Haytor Rocks – One of the most accessible tors with stunning views
Becky Falls – Waterfall walk, petting zoo, and woodland trails
Widecombe-in-the-Moor – Historic village with a traditional pub
Dartmoor Prison Museum – A look inside one of the UK’s most famous prisons

Best for: Walkers, hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.

South Devon Railway & Totnes

Travel back in time on the South Devon Railway, a steam train that runs between Buckfastleigh and Totnes alongside the River Dart.

Explore Totnes Castle – A Norman motte-and-bailey fortress
Enjoy artisan markets, cafés, and eco-shops in Totnes town
Combine with a visit to the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm

Best for: Heritage lovers and families with young children.

Dartmouth & Dartmouth Castle

Set at the mouth of the River Dart, Dartmouth is a beautiful town with cobbled streets, boutique shops, and scenic ferry rides.

Top Dartmouth Attractions:

Dartmouth Castle – Over 600 years old, with panoramic estuary views
Dartmouth Steam Railway – Scenic trips from Paignton to Kingswear
River cruises to Totnes or wildlife-spotting tours

Best for: Couples, photographers, and river lovers.

Salcombe & South Hams Beaches

Salcombe is a luxury harbour town in the South Hams, known for sailing, boutique shops, and stunning coastline.

Must-See Spots:

North Sands & South Sands Beaches – Golden sand and safe swimming
Overbeck’s Garden – National Trust house with exotic plants and sea views
Kingsbridge Estuary – Ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking

Best for: Watersports, foodies, and beach explorers.

Coastal Walks & Hidden Coves

South Devon’s South West Coast Path offers spectacular walking trails along dramatic cliffs and hidden beaches.

Top Walking Routes:

Start Point to Beesands – Lighthouse, wildlife, and sea views
Hope Cove to Salcombe – Coastal views and chocolate-box villages
Teignmouth to Dawlish – Easy coastal walk with seaside towns

Hidden gems to discover:

Blackpool Sands – Sheltered, private beach near Dartmouth
Mothecombe Beach – Quiet and perfect for paddleboarding
Stoke Beach & Gara Rock – Less crowded, wild and rugged beauty

Best for: Hikers, dog-walkers, and those looking for uncrowded beaches.

Food, Markets & Local Flavours

South Devon is a foodie’s paradise, offering everything from fine dining to traditional Devon cream teas.

Local Specialties:

Fresh seafood – Especially in Brixham and Salcombe
Devonshire cream tea – Served with clotted cream and jam (cream first!)
South Devon Chilli Farm – Taste and tour spicy sauces and chocolate
Sharpham Vineyard – Wine and cheese tasting with countryside views

Best for: Culinary travellers and local produce lovers.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Looking for things to do in South Devon with kids? These are top-rated family attractions:

Woodlands Family Theme Park – Rides, indoor play, and farm animals
Pennywell Farm – Meet miniature pigs, ride ponies, and enjoy hands-on fun
Bygones Victorian Museum (Torquay) – Time-travel back to 19th-century life
The Donkey Sanctuary (Sidmouth) – Free entry, great for all ages

Best for: Rainy day activities and educational fun.

Conclusion

Whether you’re craving adventure on Dartmoor, a family day at the zoo, lazy afternoons on golden beaches, or tasting your way through Devon’s finest cuisine, the region is packed with attractions to suit every interest.

Start planning your trip today, and uncover why South Devon remains one of the UK’s favourite coastal destinations — where countryside meets coast, and every village has a story.