What's On in the English Riviera
The English Riviera is renowned for its year round calendar of fantastic events and festivals. Try some of the attractions shown below or look at the Events Calendar (right) for more tips and information!
Attractions in our area
Paignton Zoo
Paignton Zoo is home to thousands of amazing animals and plants. Visit the desert, cross the Savannah, explore the forest and trek through the tropics. Use your senses to discover the wild world: look around, listen out - you’ll even need your sense of smell! It’s a great day out for everyone.
Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company
Steam trains from Paignton, running along the spectacular Torbay coast with superb views across the Bay, inland to Churston and then down to the beautiful Dart estuary to Kingswear for the ferry to historic Dartmouth. Combined river excursions are available.
There have been great improvements to the Steam Railway in recent years including a new station at Greenway Halt for the Agatha Christie family house.
Agatha Christie, The Riviera'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.
Of particular interest is Greenway, a beautiful country house with a woodland garden on the banks of the River Dart. Of all its well-known owners it is Agatha Christie who is best known to visitors. She bought the estate in 1938 and used it as her summer residence until her death in 1976.
Greenway is served by a new station on the Dartmouth Steam Railway, Greenway Halt, as well as 'Barnaby', a 1947 vintage bus that runs through Paignton. Greenway is just over 10 minutes drive from St Marguerite. Note - parking is available by advance reservation only.
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!
Cockington Village
The thatched village of Cockington is the perfect setting for a walk - no matter what time of year it is. It has a historic forge, picture postcard cottages, horse and carriage rides, a court and church, tea rooms, thatched pub and, of course lakes and woods.
Kents Cavern
A stone age site which is now home to a historical experience where many artifacts from the time can be explored. Kents Cavern is located just a mile away from the bustling harbour town of Torquay and is a thoroughly fascinating and educational day out for all the family.
Torre Abbey
Torre Abbey is the oldest building in Torquay. It has a story spanning 800 years and was once the most important Abbey of its kind in England, the brothers who lived here then were known as the White Canons.
Following a massive three-year restoration project visitors can now explore the most ancient and hallowed parts of the building where some stunning finds have been unearthed.
South Devon Railway
Have a great day experiencing the best of unspoilt Devon from the South Devon Railway as it hugs the beautiful River Dart on this former Great Western Railway branch line between Totnes and Buckfastleigh.
South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path National Trail - 630 miles of superb coastal walking. From Minehead on the edge of the Exmoor National Park to the shores of Poole Harbour in Dorset it is the best way to enjoy the wonderful coastal scenery, wildlife and heritage.
The South West Coast Path passes within a few yards of St Marguerite. There are local stretches of the walk suitable for all levels of walker, often passing close to local pubs and hotels for a well-earned refreshment break.
National Trust
National Trust protects and opens to the public over 350 historic houses, gardens and ancient monuments. But it doesn’t stop there. They also look after forests, woods, fens, beaches, farmland, downs, moorland, islands, archaeological remains, castles, nature reserves, villages - forever, for everyone.
National Trust sites close to St Marguerite include Greenway - the residence of Agatha Christie, Coleton Fishacre - home of the D’Oyly Carte family, Compton Castle – a rare surviving medieval fortress close to Paignton, Bradley – a medieval manor house near Newton Abbot, and the Dart Estuary to Brixham. A little further afield is the beautiful Georgian manor of Saltram, near Plymouth, famous for its links with Jane Austen.
English Heritage
Everywhere we look, history surrounds us. English Heritage helps today’s generation get the best out of our heritage and ensures that it is protected for future generations. There are four English Heritage sites close to St Marguerite; Bayards Cove Fort and Dartmouth Castle, both in Dartmouth, Berry Pomeroy Castle and Totnes Castle.