Seaside Adventures Await: Why the English Riviera is the Perfect Family Escape This Summer
This summer, the English Riviera is taking the lead as the UK’s top choice for family destinations, combining the authentic charm of the UNESCO Global Geopark and its 22 miles of coastline with immersive cultural experiences suitable for all ages.
For families looking for a holiday close to home, the coastal destination, with some of the UK’s best sandy beaches, offers an impressive summer programme that lets them enjoy the school break without breaking the bank.
Family adventures
Paignton is a hot spot for families this July as the yearly Paignton Festival - featuring carnival processions, fairground rides, a car show and more - returns for another summer season. Budding zoo-keepers can come eye-to-eye with their favourite creatures at Paignton Zoo where the adventures are endless, and the Dartmouth Steam Railway from Paignton makes for a memorable day out.
Beaches and water activities
Renowned for its stunning coastline, the English Riviera offers an exceptional beach experience for visitors of all ages. Encompassing a range of safe sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, the destination is set to be a top choice for families seeking a seaside escape this summer.
For families who prefer more adventure, the UNESCO Global Geopark coastline offers a range of water-based fun from coasteering, where visitors can climb over sea-sculpted rocks, to ferries, seafaris, exhilarating RIB rides and kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding.
Overlooking the beach is Splashdown Quaywest, the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark, which has officially reopened its doors for the 2026 summer season. Visitors can overlook Goodrington Sands, a family-friendly beach in Paignton with activities including crazy golf and bumper cars, whilst enjoying high-adrenaline flumes and an interactive water play zone for all ages.
Dining and local fresh cuisine
The English Riviera is the perfect setting for a Summer Seafood BBQ, combining the freshest local catch and spectacular coastal scenery from the Cary Arms hotel located in Babbacombe. No trip to the seaside would be complete without fish and chips, and the English Riviera offers the freshest seafood, all caught locally, with Brixham Fish Market serving plenty of eateries offering a range of dishes across the bay.
Inland adventures
Kents Cavern, the UK’s most important prehistoric cave, is the perfect shelter from the English Riviera sunshine. Families can travel back millions of years and uncover the secrets of the prehistoric world at The Age of the Dinosaurs exhibition.
Beyond the destination’s coastline, visitors are invited to discover the local charm of Cockington Court. This 450-acre estate is a dog-friendly haven, where families can explore, play and picnic whilst adults can unwind and savour the region’s unique appeal with locally sourced gin.
Long summer evenings provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor theatre in the English Riviera, where enchanting performances can be enjoyed under the open skies. This summer season, audiences can experience a range of productions from child-friendly shows, including The Jungle Book at Torre Abbey and Pinocchio at Cockington Court, to an outrageous take on Shakespeare’s most magical comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, at Torre Abbey.
With a range of accommodation to suit all budgets and group sizes, from friendly, family-run B&Bs, action-packed holiday parks, self-catering and seafront hotels, all connected by accessible public transport links, the English Riviera really does have something for everyone this summer season.
Carolyn Custerson, CEO of the English Riviera BID Company, commented: “Families are increasingly looking for holidays that offer more than just a place to stay – they want experiences they'll remember for years to come. The English Riviera delivers exactly that, combining beautiful beaches, spectacular scenery and unforgettable attractions all within one destination.
“Whether it's uncovering prehistoric secrets at Kents Cavern, enjoying a wild day out at Paignton Zoo or simply soaking up the atmosphere along our stunning coastline, there are endless opportunities for families to reconnect, explore and make lifelong memories this summer.”
For more information, visit https://www.englishriviera.co.uk
