The Grand Hotel, Torquay. Tourist Information Torquay, Attractions Torquay. Visit Devons English Riviera in Torbay.

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is about much more than just displaying animals for its visitors' entertainment - it's devoted to preserving the world's natural heritage. The zoo has come a long way since it was first opened in 1923 by Herbert Whitely, a shy, eccentric millionaire.

Since the recent completion of its redevelopment plan, the park has become a haven for some of the world's most threatened and endangered animals. These include two critically endangered Black Rhino, both the Asian and African elephant, and the American Bison.

It’s an ideal way to spend a summer day with the children.

Babbacombe Model Village

Take time out from the hustle and bustle of every day life and feel on top of the world as you see it recreated in miniature. Thousands of miniature buildings, people and vehicles capture the essence of England's past, present and future. It's not just the humour, nor the animation - it has a life of its own. Come and see for yourself!

Living Coasts

Living Coasts, Torquay's Coastal Zoo, is a unique, world class aquatic visitor attraction, focusing on the conservation of coastal and marine life around the globe. It has been developed by Paignton Zoo, with financial support from the South West Regional Development Agency and the European Regional Development fund Living Coasts, a subsidiary of Paignton Zoo, opened to the public on 14 July, 2003.

It was conceived as an educational exhibit, focusing on marine mammals and birds. Exhibits include an enormous nylon netted aviary, a wading-bird enclosure, the cutest collection of penquins and a beach area (for marine mammal observation as opposed to public beach).

Cockington Country Park

Just minutes away from the Grand Hotel is Torquay’s Hidden Valley. Cockington is a Doomesday Book traditional country estate, complete with manor house, church, formal gardens, village, water-wheel, woodlands, meadows and pasture. It is famous for its well-kept thatched cottages and pleasant environment, right on the edge of Torquay and only minutes away from the busy sea-front. It is also now becoming well-known as the home of quality craftsmanship with the rebirth of Cockington Court, the old manor house, as a Craft Centre. Here resident craftspeople produce high-quality craftwork from their studios. The Trust owns the freehold to the world-famous Cockington Village, including its thatched Forge and the Lutyens-designed Drum Inn.

From Scadson Woods, or from the seafront at Livermead, or even from the Ring Road, you can walk into Cockington and explore its 10 km/6 m long network of country footpaths and horse-riding routes.

It's a landscape full of surprises and views over Torbay, with wildlife and history to match. The Visitor Centre and Cockington Court have details of all the different activities to choose from such as guided walks and gardening courses. Much of the Cockington parkland is easily accessible in a wheelchair.

Quaywest Water Park

Enjoy the WETTEST and WILDEST fun at the English Riviera's outdoor Waterpark. Choose from 8 different slides and flumes, to adults swimming pool and children's play area. Other attractions include Go-Karts, Amusements, Rides, Crazy Golf, Bumper Boats, Bars & Restaurants, Shops and Cafes.

Agatha Christie

The Rivera's Queen of Murder and Mystery Dame Agatha Christie, the world's most famous mystery and crime writer, was born in Torquay in 1890 and lived for many years in the area. We invite you to trace her footsteps and discover the many places that were a source of inspiration for her books. Explore the delightful village Churston Ferrers, nestled between Paignton and Brixham, which was visited frequently by Agatha.

Discover the true origins of her most popular detective Hercule Poirot and where and how Agatha herself became such an expert on the properties of poison. Uncover much more about this ever popular and intriguing woman by following the Agatha Christie Trail that leads you to the places she knew and enjoyed so much.