Beverley Bay sits on the Paignton side of Torbay, in the part of South Devon that likes to call itself the English Riviera. It is a good base because so much is close: Goodrington Sands is under a mile away on foot, Torquay is about 3 miles, Brixham 5.5, Totnes 6 and Dartmouth 8. That mix of beaches, steam trains, wildlife and big-name attractions means you can fill a week without repeating yourself. Here is how we would sort the options.
On your doorstep
Goodrington Sands. The nearest beach is a downhill walk from the park, with a promenade, beach huts, a café, toilets and deckchairs. It is split into North Sands and South Sands, which matters if you have a dog (see our dog-friendly guide).
Splashdown Quaywest. Right next to Goodrington Sands and within walking distance of the park. It describes itself as the UK's largest all-outdoor waterpark, so it is a summer-season treat rather than a wet-weather one. Check its own website for opening dates and prices before you set off.
On the park itself. Beverley Bay has its own heated outdoor Cove pool (seasonal), a play area, and the Saltwater Kitchen, Terrace & Bar. Across the road, Beverley Park has the indoor pool, adventure golf, soft play, an arcade and an evening-entertainment bar. We cover what needs a pass and what doesn't in our facilities guide.
Steam trains and boat trips
The Dartmouth Steam Railway runs from Paignton to Kingswear, about 30 minutes each way along the coast and past the viaducts. At Kingswear a short foot-passenger ferry takes you across the River Dart to Dartmouth, and that ferry is included in the train ticket. One thing to know: the line passes Goodrington but trains do not currently stop there, so you board at Paignton. Allow time to explore Dartmouth and check the seasonal timetable first.
The English Riviera tourism site also mentions boat trips across the bay between Torquay and Brixham, and a swan-boat lake at Goodrington, both seasonal. Dolphin or porpoise sightings are a bonus rather than a promise.
Animals, caves and models
- Paignton Zoo covers 80 acres and is home to more than 1,800 animals. It has indoor tropical houses, so it works in mixed weather too.
- Kents Cavern, Torquay, bills itself as Britain's oldest home. Guided tours take you through the caves, and it is a good option when the weather turns. Check which tours are running on your dates.
- Babbacombe Model Village, Torquay, has over 400 models and over 13,000 miniature residents in landscaped gardens, so wear sensible shoes and take a coat if it looks showery.
- Torquay Museum has a permanent Agatha Christie gallery, plus fossils, Ancient Egypt and a reconstructed Devon farmhouse. It is open Tuesday to Sunday at the time of writing, so check before a Monday visit.
Castles, gardens and Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie was born in Torquay and her holiday home, Greenway, is a National Trust property near Brixham. If you drive, parking has to be pre-booked, so look at the National Trust website a few days ahead. You can also arrive by ferry from Dartmouth or Dittisham in the main season. Dartmouth Castle and Totnes Castle are both English Heritage sites; Totnes has no on-site parking, so use a town car park. Coleton Fishacre, a National Trust house and garden, is another option on the Dartmouth side.
For something low-key, the English Riviera tourism site suggests the grounds of Cockington Court in Torquay for a run-around, and lists the Geoplay playground on Paignton Green as free.
Sea air on foot
The South West Coast Path runs right past this part of Torbay. Our favourites are the stroll from Goodrington to Broadsands and Elberry Cove, the cliff gardens at Roundham Head, and the big headland at Berry Head near Brixham. We describe them all in the walks and wildlife guide.
Getting about without a car
You can manage a lot without driving. The number 23 bus stops right outside the park and goes to Paignton, Torquay or Newton Abbot. The number 12 runs from Dartmouth Road to Paignton or Brixham. Paignton station is about 10 minutes away by taxi or bus. We have not listed timetables because they change, so check the operator's app on the day. For longer trips, see days out from Paignton.
A simple way to plan the week
- Arrival day: settle in, walk down to Goodrington Sands and eat locally (see where to eat).
- A beach or pool day if the weather is kind.
- A steam train and Dartmouth day.
- An animal day at Paignton Zoo.
- A coast path day at Berry Head or Broadsands.
- A flexible day to swap in whichever of the above the weather has spoiled. Our rainy-day ideas help here.
A few honest notes
Opening times and prices change, and many Torbay attractions shorten their hours in winter. We have deliberately not quoted prices. Always check the attraction's own website the day before. This is a privately owned holiday caravan, not the park's official site, so for park facilities follow the Beverley Holidays website.
If you would like a base for all of this, our dog-friendly six-berth caravan on Beverley Bay is bookable through UK Caravans 4 Hire; the button below takes you to live prices and availability.
Opening times, prices, seasonal dates and rules change. Please check with each attraction, venue or the park before you travel. This is a privately owned caravan guide, not an official park or tourism site.