Summer is not far away and many people will now be thinking of where they want to spend their holidays. After new Brexit travel rules and the climate crisis, lots of tourists are looking closer to home for trips, and they are pleasantly surprised at the local gems on offer.
Right here in the West Country, we have a host of attractive locations that tempt holidaymakers each year, and for those who are fans of southern France, a trio of Devon seaside towns have been dubbed the ‘English Riviera’.
Torquay, Paignton and Brixham boast stunning beaches and some of the best fish and chip restaurants in the country, reports MyLondon.
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Tripadvisor’s top-rated shoreline is Goodrington Sands which offers tourists safe swimming conditions and a ton of activities for all the family. For budding young marine biologists, there are plenty of rockpools to discover.
One reviewer said: "Something for everyone. Older children in quay West water park, younger children on the beach with me in sight of the door to the water park. All round family day out."
Delve headfirst into the Seashore Centre first, where you can learn more about the English Riviera’s sea-life and Geopark through interactive displays. In between Paignton and Brixham lies the beautiful bay of Broadsands Beach. This spot has a large parkland area, ideal for families who want to spend a day in the location
Paignton’s top-rated attraction on Tripadvisor is the town’s zoological park , boasting over 2,000 different animals and flora spread across 80 acres. From gorillas to giraffes, rhinos to red pandas and flamingos to frogs, Paignton Zoo is home to dozens of different animal species just waiting to be discovered by visitors.
Mariners fish and chips Paignton is one of the top-rated chippies in the area, winning Tripadvisor’s coveted Travellers’ Choice Award for 2022. Previous customers called it the best fish and chips in town, with “fast, friendly service, large portions and beautifully cooked”.
One Google reviewer wrote: "Best fish chips an mushy peas iv had in a long time so fresh an customer service was brilliant if it wasn't so far from my home town I would eat there every weekend."
Another local recommendation is the cafe at Occombe Farm , courtesy of DevonLive . Tucking into their Farmers Breakfast for £11.95, they received a plate of local sausages and rashers of bacon, two hash browns, two eggs, baked beans, mushrooms, a grilled tomato and a slice of toast.
Their writer described it as the “best cooked breakfast I can remember having in Torbay and I gave it a solid score of nine out of 10”.
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