Torbay in Devon is an area also known as the English Riviera, and made up of Babbacombe and St Marychurch, to the one side of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham the other side and Cockington behind it. Torquay is sometimes referred to as the jewel in the crown of Torbay.
We’ve always got things going on down here to attract tourists and locals alike and I thought I’d list a few to whet your appetite and give you a reason to book up now for a stay during 2018. As if you needed any other reason to stay than to relax at The 25!
1. Brixham Fish Market Tours
Brixham Fish Market, The Quay, Brixham, TQ5 8AW
Regular dates between 4th April – 10th October
Annually, more than £25 million of fish is landed and auctioned – the highest value catch in the country. Buyers include national processors (for supplying to top restaurants and supermarkets), and local fishmongers and restaurants. A good 50% of the auction is exported worldwide.
Now in it's 9th year, Brixham Fish Market Tours are still proving to be very popular, even with the very early start of 6am.
A chance to see behind the scenes and the hustle and bustle of the world famous Brixham Fish Market, culminating in a delicious fish breakfast at Rockfish Restaurant next door.
Cost: £15 to include breakfast
2. Riviera Art Fair
Spanish Barn, Torre Abbey (5 minute walk from The 25)
Saturday 3rd February 2018 to Sunday 25th February 2018
This exciting month-long art exhibition features works by artists from three Torbay art societies; Torbay Guild of Artists, Devon Art Society, and Brixham Art Society. A wide range of paintings, prints, and greetings cards available.
Opening hours 11.00 to 4.00 pm daily. Free Entry.
3. Grinagog Music Festival
Grounds of Torre Abbey (5 minute walk from The 25)
Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd April 2018
A music spectacular first launched last year, Grinagog is back for another year and it’s bigger, and better than ever.
Featuring The Correspondents, Fire In The Mountain Presents, Henge and much much more. Celebrating both creativity, diversity and hi-jinks, the Grinagog festival provides you with an immersive experience through genre defining music, mind-blowing arts and memorable performances.
Enjoy the latest music festival to hit Torbay in the stunning 800 year old grounds of Torre Abbey (5 min walk from The 25).
4. BMAD Motorbike Festival
Paignton Seafront, The Esplanade, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6ED
Friday 4th – Sunday 6th May 2018
The Bikers Make a Difference (BMAD) Festival was started in 2002 by a group of bikers who decided to arrange a social event on the beach and raise money for local charities. During the May Bank Holiday weekend each year, Paignton Green is transformed into a thrilling mix of spectacles that will appeal to all ages, whether they have an interest in motorbikes or not.
Since its creation, the festival has grown into a major event attracting locals, visitors and bikers from all across the country. All in the name of charity, the festival features live music, stunts, a beer tent, more stalls than you can shake a Harley Davison at and the stars of the show: the motorbikes.
5. Prosecco Festival
Riviera International Conference Centre (5 min walk from The 25)
Friday 18th – Saturday 19th May 2018
Charge your glasses and enjoy an evening at the Riviera International Conference Centre, sampling a range of Prosecco.
As the event is taking place on a weekend, you may as well make the most of it. Start off on the Friday at 6:30pm, with an empty glass and fill it as many times as you wish whilst taking in live music and maybe even a dance on the purpose built dance floor.
No need to even get a taxi home as The 25 is only a five minute walk away!
6. Torbay Air Show
Saturday 2nd – Sunday 3rd June 2018
Tear up the skies with the award winning Torbay Air Show, back for its 3rd year.
Featuring the Red Arrows, Chinnook Air Display team, The Blades Team and many more, plus a whole host of stores, exhibitors and local businesses displaying on Paignton Green.
It’s all done over the water on the sea front in Paignton but on a clear day, you’ll also see the action from Torquay. The event is totally free to attend. If you’re driving, booking a parking spot is advisable, but it’s walkable from The 25 (about 40 mins).
7. Paignton Festival
Paignton Green and other locations, Paignton, TQ4 6BN
Saturday 21st July 2018 – Monday 30th July 2018
Previously known as Torbay Carnival week which has been running for over 100 years. It was originally held on one night - procession night - but over the years it has grown and now run over nine days of free entertainment for all the family. It’s all done to help raise money for local charities and organisations.
8. Paignton Regatta
Paignton Green and other locations, Paignton, TQ4 6BN
Saturday 4th – Sunday 12th August 2018
Back for 2018, head over to Paignton Green for over 80 hours of fun and entertainment whilst enjoying the late Summer Sun.
Featuring daytime live music from a wide range of artists and covering a range of genres. In the evening enjoy Regatta Rocks featuring more live music, a licensed bar, and hot food all kicking off from 7pm.
From taking part in Beat the Tide competition through to shouting lots of oohs and aaah as the fireworks which light up Torbay’s night sky, there is something for everyone during the Paignton Regatta - a 9 day spectacular event.
9. England’s Seafood FEAST
Across Torbay
Saturday 22nd September and Sunday 7th October 2018
England’s Seafood Coast will play host to a feast for all the senses. For two weeks you will be able to immerse yourself in England’s Seafood FEAST, eating some of the best seafood in the world and experiencing the very best the English Riviera has to offer.
Brixham Fish Market will be laying on extra tours. There will be plenty of opportunity to eat lots and lots of world-class fish. The Coast’s best seafood restaurants are offering an array of set menus and events to tantalise your taste buds, all featuring Brixham seafood. There will be cookery workshops, wine tastings, coastal foraging and other unique events.
In between meals you could take a trip on a heritage sailing trawler, go kayaking and paddle boarding, or feed penguins, otters or seals at Living Coasts, or see how early human species made the most of shellfish at Kents Cavern. There will be chances to go fishing (cooking and eating what you caught when you get back on dry land) or wild swimming. There will be sea-themed art exhibitions, installations, and productions across the Bay. You’ll be spoilt for choice.
10. International Agatha Christie Festival
Torre Abbey, The Kings Drive, Torquay, TQ2 5JE (5 min walk from The 25)
Saturday 15th September 2018