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Trains to the English Riviera

The South Devon coastline has been a popular destination for holidaymakers for centuries

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The English Riviera features picturesque harbours, sandy beaches, rocky coves, and a lovely mild climate perfect for visitors seeking a special break. With a wide array of accommodation, annual events and attractions, the it’s the perfect destination for visitors from all over the UK. Take a train to the English Riviera for a trip that makes you feel like you could be in sunny Spain.

FAQs

There are four main train stations in the English Riviera: Dawlish Warren, Teignmouth, Torquay, and Paignton.

The closest airport to the English Riviera is Exeter International Airport, offering over 40 international destinations as well as local flights provided by Flybe. Catch a CrossCountry train from Torquay to Exeter St Davids before hopping on the 56 bus to Exeter Airport.

For cheaper train tickets to the English Riviera, try travelling during off-peak hours. Providing you’re eligible, you could also save 1/3 of every journey with a railcard. Make sure to check our cheap tickets page for more tips on how to get cheap train tickets to the English Riviera.

If you need more information about train stations in the English Riviera, take a look at our station guides for Dawlish Warren, Teignmouth, Torquay, and Paignton.

Dawlish Warren

Miles of beach and sand dunes backed by a five-hundred acre National Nature Reserve and golf course. The prestigious Blue Flag beach has lifeguard patrols during the season.

The family beach resort boasts shops, amusements, go-karts, adventure golf, an 18-hole golf course, and open-air markets on Tuesdays in the summer. There are also pubs and fish and chip shops in the area.

There is accommodation to suit all budgets whether you want to camp, stay in a caravan, chalets, lodges, flats, B&Bs or a 3-star hotel all are within a ten-minute walk of the beach.

Teignmouth

Popular for its harbour and fishing, Teignmouth has been attracting visitors to its wide beaches and amenable climate. The seafront now boasts a children's play area, new adventure golf course, and multi-use games area.

The shopping area, which is close to the seafront, is comprehensive and interesting - many national stores are there as well as some local specialty shops. There are plenty of places to eat and drink too, particularly on Back Beach - which you can cross by ferry to Shaldon.

Local visits should include Shaldon Wildlife Trust, Bitton House Orangery, the 'Jolly Sailor' pub in Northumberland Place, the Grand Pier, or the Lido. You may also wish to visit The Carlton Theatre for film and theatre entertainment, Broadmeadow Sports Centre, Shaldon Approach Golf Centre or the Templer Way for a walk.

Torquay

One of the UK's top holiday destinations with picturesque gardens around the seafront and elegant Victorian architecture along the main streets. Torquay's famous seven hills provide a lovely backdrop to the waterfront which is the focus on life in the town. There you will find the palm-lined promenade, lively harbour, and an international marina.

Within minutes of the town centre you can reach beautiful beaches by foot, road, or water. There is an abundance of restaurants, cafes, pubs, shops, and many attractions.

Paignton

Perfect for that family holiday, Paignton is the ideal seaside resort. With the lively seafront and nearby attractions including crazy golf and waterslides. During the summer you will find that the area hosts many festivals and fairs in addition the annual exhibitions and events that are held on the green.

If you want to get away from it all you can pick a spot on one of the secluded beaches, inlets and coves that stretch along the coast.

There are plenty of things to keep you busy while you are in Paignton. You can take the steam train, visit the zoo or indulge in some history at the five-hundred year old Kirkham House or at the Oldway Mansion. If you prefer something more relaxed you can enjoy a night stroll along the seafront under the beach front illuminations.

Catching a train to the English Riviera

If you know that you are travelling to one of the English Rivera's stations ahead of time, you have a great chance of securing a cheap ticket by booking in advance. You can book your train tickets up to twelve weeks in advance of departure.

But we understand that you don't always know exactly which train you want. So now you can also reserve your seat up to fifteen minutes before you board a CrossCountry service via our website or our Train Ticket app, subject to availability.

See our information about how to book great value train tickets and fares or find out more about our special offers.

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