10 Best Places to Go Shopping on the English Riviera

Fleet Walk is among the most popular shopping malls on the English Riviera due to its enviable location near the Torquay Marina. Home to over 50 main street stores, the sprawling complex covers everything from health to beauty and fashion. Specialty shops sell selective wares like art supplies, stationery, and children’s toys.

Worked up an appetite? A sizeable food court sells a smorgasbord of cuisine, from fast food to exotic eats. Hassle-free parking and convenient public transportation links make visiting a breeze. If you’re coming from the Marina, Fleet Street is only a few minutes’ walk away.

Thursday mornings welcome the Torquay Grand Flea Market, a lively community-run fair at the Torquay Town Hall. In stark contrast to the consumerism-driven English Riviera malls, the market specializes in high-quality second-hand wares. Expect an eclectic array of antiques, collectables, bric-a-brac, and assorted vintage knickknacks.

Around 90 vendors open pop-up stalls during the event, ensuring ample variety for every taste. If cute handicrafts and pre-loved treasures appeal, you won’t find anywhere better in town. A small entry fee applies, and there’s an onsite cafe if you fancy a quick bite for breakfast.

Wednesdays and Saturdays see the Brixham Art and Craft Market trade in the Old Fishmarket by the harbor. True to its name, this vibrant local fair stocks a wide range of artisanal goodies, from glassworks to jewelry and original artworks. Some 20 stalls sell handcrafted wares straight from the Southwest’s best local artists.

The open-air event only occurs during the warmer months, between Easter and October. Swing by to browse an impressive selection of handmade greeting cards, creative children’s apparel, and other crafty treasures. A broad range of cafes line the harbor for when you're feeling peckish.

Victoria Parade is a small Torquay Marina-facing street with a slew of alluring boutiques. Akin to the Torquay High Street, this lovely little strip is a great place to bounce between independent stores and waterfront cafes. Most shopping options reside on the northern end around the iconic Torquay Clock Tower.

The small Queens Quay mall has several stores and museums. Try Ace Printwear for embroidered apparel or The Bon Bon Shop for takeout confectionary. Art lovers must pop into Haddon Galleries, where they’ll find a wide array of original paintings and prints.

Union Square Shopping Center is a small local mall just a 5-minute drive from the Torquay Marina. The modest complex houses a respectable collection of well-known brands, including Wilko, Game, and Specsavers. Self-caterers should swing by Iceland to stock up on frozen, ready-prepared meals.

Stationery shops, a beauty salon, fashion outlets, and homeware stores round out the Union Square offering. If you’re feeling peckish, try Greggs, a nationwide bakery chain selling some of the best sausage rolls in Britain. Some 450 available spaces make parking a breeze, and plenty of public bus stops reside nearby.

Cockington Court is a charming country estate home to a slew of intriguing artisanal stores. Set on 450 acres of leafy green parklands, this historic aristocratic manor has been converted into an events center and artistic enclave. Well-to-do Britons regularly organize weddings here – rest assured the scenery is sublime.

The innovative artistic hub obliges onsite artisans to build workshops outside their stores. That way, visitors can interact with the artists and learn the creative process behind every purchase. Resident “creative makers” include florists, glassworkers, upholsters, painters, slate workers, jewelers, and leatherworkers.

You’ll find a plethora of Paignton gift shops scattered around the quaint seaside town, selling everything from children’s toys to handcrafted cards. Most reside on Torbay Road, a narrow store-lined street slicing through the heart of town. Try Wishing Well for Asian-inspired artistic wares or the Gift Center for kitsch regional knickknacks.

A string of other options lies further west on Victoria Street. The Works sells discount books and stationery, while Clinton Cards has special-occasion gifts and assorted party goods. Those with a sweet tooth should swing by Roly’s Fudge Pantry for a sugary treat.

Haddon Galleries is a famous Torquay arts store on the idyllic Victoria Parade. Overlooking the glimmering harbor, this independent family-run business stocks a dazzling array of original artworks and limited edition prints. While some sought-after paintings will set you back a sizeable sum, you’ll find plenty of smaller, more affordable pieces there too.

The award-winning venue displays its wares in a free-to-visit onsite gallery. See something you like? The friendly team will frame, package, and mail it to your home address. A printing service is also available if you can’t afford the real McCoy. Plus, there’s an impressive selection of sculptures for those with limited space on their walls.

The Brixham Steam Packet Company is a charming nautical-themed antique shop selling a solid selection of wares. Emulating the First Class dining room of an early 20th-century ocean liner, the elegant interior is a veritable blast from the past. Polished maritime memorabilia lines every nook and cranny, and the friendly proprietor will readily regale tales of his collection.

Even if you’re not in the market for a century-old copper diver’s helmet, this unique venue is well worth a look. A strict no-kids policy ensures a tranquil ambience, and there’s an excellent onsite cafe – try the scones.

The Gin Nest is a lovely local distillery brewing big copper stills of the good stuff onsite. Like any decent distillery, the venue offers a tasting experience so you can pinpoint your preferred drop before you buy. The team also runs a gin-making masterclass (by appointment only) for would-be distillers eager to learn the craft.

The Gin Nest sits within Wine Box, a high-end package store selling tasty tipples from England and abroad. Need to stock up on booze for your English Riviera vacation? Browse its impressive selection of spirits, ciders, beers, and wines. It’s pricier than the big brand-name liquor shops, but the quality is always on point.