Living in Dorset and with my Dad just over the border in East Devon, Torquay and its surrounding area is somewhere we visit quite regularly.

I have partnered with Parkdean Resorts for their Coastal Adventures campaign to reveal some of our beautiful British coastline and in particular how you can spend a day out in Torquay and the surrounding area with all the family.

Set at the very heart of the English Riviera on the South Devon Coast, Torquay is famous for being a traditional English seaside resort with sandy beaches, family attractions and its very own microclimate that sees some of the longest sunlight hours in the country.

The three towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham are also known collectively as Torbay and are home to some of the best days out in the South West and there are so many to choose from you couldn’t possibly fit them all into one day!

Paignton Zoo

Paignton Zoo has more animals than anyone else in the southwest (over 2000 if counting) and 6 animal habitats giving you the opportunity to get close to creatures including giraffes, lions, gorillas, an elephant, cheetahs, crocodiles, meerkats, colourful snakes, monkeys and more!

The zoo itself is deceptively large and as well as a plethora of animals to see, there is also both indoor and outdoor play areas where you can swing, slide and climb!

Living Coasts

Living Coasts in Torquay is owned by Paignton Zoo and is an all weather attraction, giving you the chance to keep up close to penguins, seals, puffins, otters, octopus, rays, sea horses & much more.

The Living Coasts is also a registered charity and conservation project and takes part in co-operative conservation breeding programmes for endangered species. It is also home to The Terrace Bar Café which offers some stunning views over Torbay alongside traditional Devonshire Cream Teas.

Splashdown Quaywest

If travelling with tweens and teens, sometimes they need a little more action than their younger siblings and Torbay is home to the UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark, situated on Goodrington Sands which boasts spectacular views over the bay.

There are 8 adrenalin-pumping flume rides as well as the Submarine Adventure splash park which is ideal for keeping the little ones entertained.

Golden Hind Brixham

Brixham is possibly my favourite of the three towns of Torbay as it has so much character and offers the chance for a lovely stroll along the waterfront with lots of tasty, traditional seaside and British food to enjoy too!

The Golden Hind, the replica of the English galleon best known for her privateering circumnavigation of the world and is permanently moored in the harbour and offers a great insight in to what it may have been like to sail the seven sea’s aboard such a relatively small ship.

If visiting with small children, beware it is quite dark inside with lots of steep steps to climb up and down.

Brixfest

If you are visiting over May bank holiday weekend, Brixham has a fabulous FREE festival which promises to bring hundreds of artists, charities, chefs and local people together with face painting, drama workshops, interactive trails, local acoustic live music, balloon-animal making, build-a-boat and loads more on offer. Make sure you don’t miss the dragon boat races!!

Babbacombe Model Village

Babbacombe Model Village is one of Torquay’s top attractions and portrays English life and culture over the last 6 decades.

The 4 acre gardens contains over 400 models featuring animation and sound effects to create their impressive model village. Along with the effects, the village contains some cheeky, typically British humour that parents can silently chuckle to whilst the children enjoy the miniature settlements.

Children can also try their hand at mini golf and follow along some exciting character trails through the village.

English Riviera Wheel

Viewing wheels and towers are popular attractions these days and Torquay has one that offers breathtaking 360 degree views almost 60 metres above The Princess Gardens. The Wheel offers a bird’s eye view of the English Riviera overlooking Torquay Harbour from a rare perspective.

Torquay really is a fantastic destination for a family holiday, as it is packed full of reasonably priced entertainment, lovely architecture, gorgeous beaches and has a real charm about it. We cannot wait until our next visit.

Have you visited Torquay before?