Torbay Airshow 2026: Complete Guide to the English Riviera Airshow

RAF Red Arrows display at the English Riviera Airshow 2026 over Torbay with red, white and blue smoke trails.
RAF Red Arrows (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)

The Torbay Airshow 2026 (English Riviera Airshow) takes place from Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May in Paignton, with flying displays over Torbay including the RAF Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. This guide covers the full timetable, flying times, display lineup, parking, road closures, the best places to watch and everything you need to plan your visit to the Torbay Airshow 2026.

You missed the Torbay Airshow in 2026 🥲, but we’ll update this guide as soon as the 2027 dates are announced. ✈️ In the meantime, discover more festivals, events and days out in our What’s On in South West England guide.

Returning to South Devon for three days, the event brings together aerial displays, seafront entertainment, food stalls, fairground rides and family attractions across Paignton Green and the Torbay seafront. Originally known as the Torbay Airshow, it is now officially the English Riviera Airshow, and it has grown into one of the largest free airshows in the UK and a major May half-term event in Devon.

This is a comprehensive guide to the Torbay Airshow 2026. Use the table of contents to jump directly to the line-up, tickets, camping, accommodation, travel information or FAQs. If you are viewing on mobile, use the arrow in the bottom right corner of the page to quickly return to the contents menu at any time.

Torbay Airshow 2026 at a glance

Dates: Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May 2026

Location: Paignton Green, Torbay

Flying times:

Friday 18:45 to 21:20

Saturday 12:00 to 16:00

Sunday 13:00 to 16:00

Best day to visit: Saturday (full line up)

Parking: Pre-book recommended

Entry: Free


Disclosure: Some of the outbound links on this page are affiliate links to sites that we use and would genuinely recommend. Using them doesn’t cost you extra, but it does help support this free guide. We also provide links to other sites that we believe may be helpful to you.

When is the Torbay Airshow 2026?

The official dates are:

  • Friday 29 May 2026
  • Saturday 30 May 2026
  • Sunday 31 May 2026

The event is centred around Paignton Green, Paignton Beach and the Esplanade, with viewing areas stretching across Torbay.



What is the Torbay Airshow (English Riviera Airshow)?

The English Riviera Airshow combines military and civilian flying displays with a large seafront event village, family entertainment and food stalls. It attracts visitors from across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and the wider UK, particularly during the late May bank holiday and school half-term period.

Alongside the aircraft displays, visitors can expect:

  • Seafront entertainment zones
  • Fairground rides
  • Aviation exhibits
  • Trade stands
  • Local food and drink vendors
  • Live music and performances
  • Family attractions and activities
  • STEM and RAF-related displays

Paignton Green becomes the centre of the event, while Torquay and Goodrington also provide excellent viewing points across the bay.



Torbay Airshow 2026 Schedule and Flying timetable

This is an independent visitor guide to the English Riviera Airshow 2026 and is not the official organiser’s website. Event details and flying times can change, so always check official sources before travelling.


Friday 29 May 2026 Airshow Flying Line Up and Timings (18:45 to 21:20)

Friday is the opening night of the English Riviera Airshow, featuring a shorter evening programme that builds towards a fireworks finale over Paignton seafront.

Flying takes place from approximately 18:45 to 21:20, with the RAF Red Arrows expected to open the evening “Take Off” display programme at around 18:45 (with a scheduled flight window of approximately 18:40 to 19:20). Timings are subject to change depending on weather conditions and operational requirements.

Friday Flying Line Up

The confirmed Friday lineup includes:

  • RAF Red Arrows
  • Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Dakota, Hurricane and Spitfire)
  • RAF Tutor
  • The Firebirds (evening pyro display)

The Firebirds provide a dusk display combining aerobatics with pyrotechnics, leading into the closing fireworks.


Saturday 30 May 2026 Main Flying Display Timetable and Line Up (12:00 to 16:00)

Saturday is expected to be the busiest day of the English Riviera Airshow weekend, with the full afternoon flying programme taking place over Torbay from around midday onwards. If you’ve visited in previous years, you’ll know Paignton Green can fill well before midday, especially with the RAF Red Arrows scheduled to kick off the main flying display at around 12:00 (with a planned flight window of approximately 11:55 to 12:35).

Saturday flying line up

The confirmed Saturday lineup includes:

  • RAF Red Arrows
  • Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers
  • Jet Provost
  • Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Dakota, Hurricane and Spitfire)
  • RAF Tutor
  • Taranto Formation (Wildcat HMA2 and Wasp HAS1)
  • Navy Wings Westland Wasp
  • Royal Navy Black Cats
  • Navy Wings Seafire
  • The Firebirds
  • Jet Pitts – Rich Goodwin Airshows
  • RAF Typhoon

Sunday 31 May 2026 Main Flying Display Timetable and Line Up (13:00 to 16:00)

Sunday continues the English Riviera Airshow weekend with a full afternoon flying programme over Torbay, typically running from early afternoon through to mid-afternoon. Crowds remain busy across Paignton seafront, although Sunday can feel slightly more relaxed than Saturday, particularly earlier in the day.

Visitors can still expect headline displays across the afternoon, with strong interest around returning favourites and closing performances over the bay.

Sunday Line Up

  • Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Dakota, Hurricane, Spitfire)
  • Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers
  • RAF Tutor
  • Jet Provost
  • The Firebirds
  • Taranto Formation (Wildcat HMA2 & Wasp HAS1)
  • Navy Wings Westland Wasp
  • Royal Navy Black Cats
  • Navy Wings Seafire
  • Jet Pitts – Rich Goodwin Airshows
  • RAF Typhoon

Best Places to Watch the Torbay Airshow

One of the best things about the Torbay Airshow is its setting. Torbay forms a natural amphitheatre, meaning there are excellent viewing spots all around the bay, not just at the main event site.

Whether you want to be in the heart of the action or prefer a quieter viewpoint, there are plenty of options for watching the Torbay Airshow from Paignton, Torquay and Brixham.

Paignton Green & Paignton Beach

Paignton Beach and Paignton Pier on a busy summer day in Torbay, with families on the sand and views across the main display area used during the Torbay Airshow 2026.
Paignton Pier and Beach (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)

Paignton Green and the adjoining beach form the main hub for the Torbay Airshow, with commentary, stalls, fairground attractions and direct views across the display area. They offer some of the closest and most immersive views of the flying displays and, with the expected weekend wind direction, aircraft are likely to display from left to right across the bay, often using Paignton Pier as a visual reference point during run-ins. The area is widely regarded as one of the best places to watch the airshow, although it is also usually the busiest. Ongoing sea defence works may affect access to parts of the beach and nearby areas of Paignton Green.

Paignton Harbour and Fairy Cove

Paignton Harbour and nearby Fairy Cove offer a different perspective on the Torbay Airshow, slightly away from the busiest parts of Paignton Green yet still close to the main display area. The harbour walls, shoreline and rocky coastline can create attractive foregrounds for photography, particularly during arrivals and lower passes across the bay. Fairy Cove is smaller and more sheltered than the main beach, but it can offer good views of the display line and aircraft manoeuvring offshore.

Preston Sands and Hollicombe Beach

Preston Sands is a short walk from Paignton Beach and offers slightly quieter surroundings while still providing good views of the Torbay Airshow across Torbay. Ongoing sea defence work is taking place behind parts of the beach, although the seafront remains accessible. For a higher viewing position, continue around half a mile towards Torquay to the headland above Hollicombe Beach, which is itself another excellent place to watch the flying displays.

Goodrington Sands

Goodrington Sands is usually less crowded than Paignton Green, while still offering some views of the Torbay Airshow. It can feel a little more relaxed during the airshow weekend and may provide a different angle for photography, with aircraft often appearing more head-on as they approach across the bay. If viewing from here, the southern end of the beach and the coast path climbing towards Oyster Cove are likely to offer the best viewpoints.

Broadsands

Broadsands lies between Paignton and Brixham and offers a slightly quieter place to watch the Torbay Airshow. It is less crowded than Paignton Green, with good views across the bay, although aircraft will generally be further away. The southern end of the beach will provide better viewing angles, and some visitors may prefer the headland and park between Broadsands and Elberry Cove for a more elevated perspective across Torbay.

Torquay Seafront

Torquay offers wide panoramic views across Torbay, making it one of the best places to watch the Torbay Airshow away from the main event area. Good viewing locations include Livermead Sands, Corbyn Head and the harbour area around Princess Pier and Haldon Pier.

Beacon Cove, Meadfoot and Thatcher Point

For higher, more dramatic viewing angles, several excellent viewpoints can be found on the western side of Torbay during the Torbay Airshow. Beacon Cove, the coast path between Beacon Cove and Meadfoot Beach, Daddyhole Plain and the headlands towards Thatcher Point all provide elevated perspectives across the bay.

These locations are popular with photographers and aviation enthusiasts seeking wider coastal views and varied angles of the flying displays. Aircraft approaching from Exeter are often visible as they cross the bay before turning into the main display area, with the coastline, cliffs, and open sea creating an impressive backdrop for viewing and photography.

Brixham and Berry Head

Higher viewpoints around Berry Head near Brixham offer wide coastal views across Torbay during the Torbay Airshow. These locations can provide an interesting perspective for photography, particularly as aircraft are likely to turn south across the bay while repositioning between displays. Viewing here is a little more weather-dependent, given the distance south of the main display area, but on clear days, the elevated headlands can offer some dramatic views across the coastline and sea.


Torbay Airshow 2026 Live Stream and Online Coverage

If you cannot make it to the Torbay Airshow in person, AeroView.tv is once again planning to provide live coverage of the event across all three days of flying displays. The livestream includes expert commentary and coverage of the main flying programme, allowing viewers to follow the action live from anywhere.

The AeroView livestream covers the Friday evening displays, Saturday’s main programme and Sunday’s flying schedule, including headline appearances such as the RAF Red Arrows and RAF Typhoon. It can also be useful for visitors already in Torbay who want to check timings, weather or display updates before heading to the seafront. The livestream commentary may be particularly helpful if you are watching from quieter locations away from Paignton Green and the main commentary areas, such as Torquay, Berry Head or Broadsands.


Torbay Airshow Frequencies and Scanner Information

For aviation enthusiasts using airband scanners, previous editions of the Torbay Airshow have used 130.675 MHz as the main display frequency, with other common UK air display frequencies including 121.175 MHz and 132.900 MHz. Frequencies can change from year to year depending on operational requirements, so these should be treated as enthusiast reference frequencies rather than official operational guidance.

Commonly monitored frequencies associated with previous airshows and participating aircraft include:

Aerobatic Display Teams

  • Red Arrows: 243.450 MHz and 242.200 MHz
  • Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF): 120.800 MHz and 122.700 MHz

Local Airfields and Airspace

  • Exeter Airport Tower: 119.805 MHz
  • Exeter Airport Radar: 123.580 MHz and 128.980 MHz

Anyone using airband scanners should remember that listening is generally legal in the UK, but transmitting on aviation frequencies without authorisation is both illegal and a hazard to flight safety. Frequencies may also change at short notice depending on weather, operational needs and air traffic requirements.


Weather forecast for the English Riviera Airshow (last updated 30 May 2026)


Here’s a tighter, SEO-friendly version that reads cleanly and keeps the key phrases:

There is no official free parking for the English Riviera Airshow in Paignton. With tens of thousands of visitors expected, nearby residential streets are heavily monitored and parking is limited.

You may find parking on the outskirts and walk in, but expect a reasonable distance. If doing so, please park considerately and respect local residents.

Car parks across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham will be operating as usual, but are likely to fill quickly during the event. Visitors are strongly advised to use designated airshow parking where available, book in advance, or travel by train, bus or other public transport.


seo heading torbay airshow free parking

Here are strong SEO heading options you can use, depending on tone and intent:

Torbay Airshow Free Parking: What You Need to Know
Is There Free Parking at the Torbay Airshow?
Torbay Airshow Parking Guide: Free Parking and Alternatives
Free Parking for Torbay Airshow: Options, Tips and Travel Advice
Can You Park for Free at the Torbay Airshow in Paignton?

Best single choice for SEO and clarity:

Torbay Airshow Free Parking: What You Need to Know



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i would like this site to rank higher for the keyword torbay airshow / torbay airshow 2026 

You’re close already, but right now your page is still leaning heavily on “English Riviera Airshow” as the primary term. If you want to rank higher for “Torbay Airshow” / “Torbay Airshow 2026”, you need to shift the balance slightly without breaking accuracy.

Here’s what I’d change, based on your current page 

:

1. Title tag (this is the biggest lever)
Your current title:

English Riviera Airshow 2026: Complete Guide to the Torbay Airshow Weekend

Better for ranking:

Torbay Airshow 2026: Complete Guide to the English Riviera Airshow

Why:
You move the exact-match keyword to the front, which is still one of the strongest signals.

2. H1 (must match search intent)
Change your H1 to:

Torbay Airshow 2026: Complete Visitor Guide (English Riviera Airshow)

This keeps both terms, but prioritises what people actually search.

3. First 100 words (you need stronger keyword prominence)
Right now you say:

“The English Riviera Airshow 2026 takes place…”

Tighten to:

The Torbay Airshow 2026, officially known as the English Riviera Airshow, takes place from Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May in Paignton…

That single sentence shift helps Google connect both terms immediately.

4. Subheadings (you’re underusing “Torbay Airshow”)
You already have one strong section:

“Torbay Airshow Free Parking: What You Need to Know”

Now expand that pattern across key H2s:

Torbay Airshow 2026 Dates and Times

Torbay Airshow Flying Schedule and Line Up

Best Places to Watch the Torbay Airshow

Getting to the Torbay Airshow

Torbay Airshow Road Closures 2026

You don’t need to rename everything, but aim for 50 to 60 percent of H2s to include “Torbay Airshow”.

5. Internal linking anchor text (you’re missing a trick here)
From other pages (especially your What’s On page), link using:

Torbay Airshow 2026

Torbay Airshow Paignton

Torbay Airshow dates and times

Avoid overusing:

“English Riviera Airshow” as anchor text

6. Image alt text (quick win)
You’ve got:

RAF Red Arrows display at the English Riviera Airshow 2026

Upgrade to:

RAF Red Arrows at the Torbay Airshow 2026 over Paignton seafront

This is low effort but adds relevance signals.

7. FAQ section (high impact for AI + Google)
Add or tweak to include exact-match queries:

What is the Torbay Airshow?

When is the Torbay Airshow 2026?

Is the Torbay Airshow free to attend?

Where is the Torbay Airshow held?

You already answer these, just reframe the questions.

8. Slug (only if you haven’t locked rankings yet)
If possible:

/torbay-airshow-2026/

If already indexed, leave it and don’t risk disruption.

9. Keyword positioning strategy (important nuance)
You’re doing the right thing by keeping both names. The goal is:

Primary keyword: Torbay Airshow / Torbay Airshow 2026

Secondary (supporting): English Riviera Airshow

Think of it as:

“Torbay Airshow (officially the English Riviera Airshow)”

Not the other way round.

Bottom line
You don’t need a rewrite. You need a re-weighting.

Right now Google sees:

English Riviera Airshow (primary)
Torbay Airshow (secondary)

You want it to see:

Torbay Airshow (primary)
English Riviera Airshow (clarification)

If you want, I can rewrite your intro + H1 + meta + top section in one clean block so you can just paste it in.


Here’s a clean two-sentence version in line with the others:

Brixham and Berry Head
Higher viewpoints around Berry Head near Brixham offer wide coastal views across Torbay during the Torbay Airshow. These spots are popular with aviation enthusiasts looking for a broader perspective of the flying displays.


Here’s your updated FAQ section with a stronger “Torbay Airshow free parking” SEO signal, while keeping it natural and accurate:

<h2>Torbay Airshow 2026 FAQs </h2>
<p style="margin:10px 0;"></p>

<details>
  <summary>When is the Torbay Airshow 2026?</summary>
  <p>The Torbay Airshow 2026, officially known as the English Riviera Airshow, takes place from Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May 2026, with flying displays over Torbay and the main event village on Paignton Green.</p>
</details>

<details>
  <summary>What time are the Torbay Airshow flying displays?</summary>
  <p>Current published timings are approximately 18:45 to 21:20 on Friday 29 May, 12:00 to 16:00 on Saturday 30 May, and 13:00 to 16:00 on Sunday 31 May 2026. Timings may change due to weather, operational requirements or aircraft availability.</p>
</details>

<details>
  <summary>What time do the Red Arrows fly at the Torbay Airshow?</summary>
  <p>The RAF Red Arrows are scheduled to appear on both Friday and Saturday during the 2026 Torbay Airshow. On Friday 29 May, they are expected to open the evening “Take Off” display programme, with a display time around 18:45 and a flight window of approximately 18:40 to 19:20. On Saturday 30 May, they are scheduled to kick off the main flying programme around 12:00, with a flight window of approximately 11:55 to 12:35. All timings are subject to change depending on weather conditions and operational requirements.</p>
</details>

<details>
  <summary>Is the Torbay Airshow free?</summary>
  <p>Yes, the Torbay Airshow is free to attend. There is no charge for entry, but costs apply for parking, food, fairground rides and optional premium seating or hospitality.</p>
</details>

<details>
  <summary>Is there free parking at the Torbay Airshow?</summary>
  <p>There is no official free parking for the Torbay Airshow in Paignton. With large crowds expected, surrounding residential streets are heavily monitored and spaces are limited. You may find parking further out and walk in, but expect a reasonable distance and always park considerately.</p>
</details>

<details>
  <summary>Where is the best place to watch the Torbay Airshow?</summary>
  <p>Paignton Green is the main viewing area and event hub, while Paignton Beach, Goodrington Sands, Torquay seafront, Brixham and Berry Head also offer views across Torbay.</p>
</details>

<details>
  <summary>What aircraft are appearing at the Torbay Airshow 2026?</summary>
  <p>The 2026 line up includes major displays such as the RAF Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, RAF Tutor, Royal Navy Black Cats, Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers, The Firebirds and Rich Goodwin’s Jet Pitts.</p>
</details>

<details>
  <summary>How do I get to the Torbay Airshow by train?</summary>
  <p>Paignton railway station is the closest station to the airshow and is around a 6 to 10 minute walk from Paignton Green and the Airshow Village. Regular services run from Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot, with wider connections from London Paddington, Bristol, Birmingham and Reading.</p>
</details>

<details>
  <summary>Can I park at the Torbay Airshow?</summary>
  <p>Yes, official parking is available at selected sites in Paignton, including premium parking and Parking Zone 1. Pre booking is strongly recommended, especially for Saturday, which is usually the busiest day.</p>
</details>

<details>
  <summary>Are there road closures for the Torbay Airshow?</summary>
  <p>Yes. Road closures affect Paignton seafront during the event, including Esplanade Road and nearby roads. Esplanade Road is closed from 14:00 to 22:30 on Friday, 10:00 to 22:30 on Saturday and 10:00 to 18:00 on Sunday.</p>
</details>

<details>
  <summary>Where should I stay for the Torbay Airshow?</summary>
  <p>Paignton is the most convenient base, while Torquay, Goodrington, Preston Sands and Brixham are also popular. Dawlish, Exeter and Totnes can also work well as they have rail and bus links into Torbay.</p>
</details>

<details>
  <summary>What happens if the weather is bad?</summary>
  <p>Flying displays can be delayed, changed or cancelled if weather conditions affect safety. Visitors should check the latest official airshow updates, BBC Weather and the Met Office forecast before travelling.</p>
</details>
What changed (briefly, so you know why it works)
Shifted FAQs to “Torbay Airshow” first across headings

Added a dedicated “free parking” question (this is key for ranking)

Naturally repeated “Torbay Airshow” in high-intent queries

Kept “English Riviera Airshow” as secondary clarification

If you want to push this even further, next step would be adding FAQ schema markup so Google can lift that “free parking” answer directly into results.


seo heading Helpful Links

Here are strong SEO heading options for that section:

Helpful Links for the Torbay Airshow 2026
Torbay Airshow 2026: Helpful Links and Resources
Plan Your Visit: Torbay Airshow Useful Links
Torbay Airshow Travel and Booking Links
Useful Links for Visiting the Torbay Airshow

Best single choice for SEO and clarity:

Helpful Links for the Torbay Airshow 2026



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review now 

This is a strong update. You’ve clearly shifted the page toward “Torbay Airshow 2026” as the primary term, and it’s now much better aligned with how people actually search. A few targeted tweaks will push it from good to genuinely competitive.

What’s working well
1. Title + intro now aligned with search intent
You’ve flipped it correctly:

Torbay Airshow 2026 (English Riviera Airshow) 


That’s exactly the right balance. Google will now treat “Torbay Airshow 2026” as the main query while still understanding the official name.

2. Headings are much stronger
You’ve done this well:

Torbay Airshow 2026 Schedule and Flying timetable

Best Places to Watch the Torbay Airshow

Torbay Airshow Road Closures 2026 


That’s textbook keyword distribution without looking forced.

3. Free parking section is spot on
This is now a genuine ranking opportunity:

Torbay Airshow Free Parking: What You Need to Know 


You’ve got:

clear answer

realistic wording

supporting context

This could easily pick up featured snippets.

4. Viewing locations section is now excellent
Balanced, scannable, and geographically complete:

Paignton

Goodrington

Broadsands

Torquay

Brixham

That’s exactly what Google expects for “best place to watch Torbay Airshow”.

Where you can still improve (high impact)
1. You’re still slightly underusing “Torbay Airshow” in key places
Example:

What is the English Riviera Airshow? 


Change to:

What is the Torbay Airshow (English Riviera Airshow)?

Same content, better alignment.

2. Consistency in transport section
You switch back to:

Getting to the English Riviera Airshow by Car and Parking 


Change headings to:

Getting to the Torbay Airshow by Car and Parking

Getting to the Torbay Airshow by Train

Getting to the Torbay Airshow by Bus

Keep “English Riviera Airshow” inside the paragraphs, not the headings.

3. Slight keyword dilution in places
Example:

Tips for visiting the English Riviera Airshow 


Better:

Tips for Visiting the Torbay Airshow

Small change, but these all add up.

4. Internal linking opportunity (you’re leaving traffic on the table)
From this page, you should be linking out with anchor text like:

“What’s on in South West England this weekend”

“Things to do in Paignton”

“Where to stay in Torbay”

And from those pages, link back using:

Torbay Airshow 2026

Torbay Airshow dates and times

This is where rankings often move.

5. Add one more sentence in the intro (easy win)
Your intro is good, but you can strengthen intent slightly:

Current:

covers timetable, parking, road closures, best places to watch 


Add:

…and everything you need to plan your visit to the Torbay Airshow 2026.

This helps match broader queries like:

“Torbay Airshow guide”

“Torbay Airshow planning”

Overall verdict
You’ve done the hard part correctly:

Primary keyword: Torbay Airshow 2026 ✔

Secondary: English Riviera Airshow ✔

Structure: strong ✔

Intent coverage: strong ✔

Right now this is realistically:
Top 3 potential page with a bit more internal linking and consistency.

If you want, I can next:

tighten your meta description for CTR

or optimise it specifically for AI snippets / Google SGE style answers

That’s probably the next marginal gain.


so change all the heading to iclude torbay airshow?

Here’s a clean, tidied version of your heading strategy you can follow:

Use “Torbay Airshow” in key headings
Torbay Airshow 2026 Schedule and Flying Timetable

Best Places to Watch the Torbay Airshow

Torbay Airshow Road Closures 2026

Getting to the Torbay Airshow

Torbay Airshow Free Parking: What You Need to Know

Torbay Airshow 2026 FAQs

Update these for consistency
What is the Torbay Airshow (English Riviera Airshow)?

Tips for Visiting the Torbay Airshow

Getting to the Torbay Airshow by Car

Getting to the Torbay Airshow by Train

Getting to the Torbay Airshow by Bus

Keep these as “English Riviera Airshow”
Weather forecast for the English Riviera Airshow

Official English Riviera Airshow Information and Guides

Is the English Riviera Airshow Free?

Bottom line
Lead with Torbay Airshow for ranking, keep English Riviera Airshow for accuracy and trust.

You’ve already got the balance about right, this just tightens it.


tidy Queues for food stands can be long so it makes sense to bring a picnic or some snacks and something to drink. A rug or chairs might also be useful.

Queues for food stalls can be long, so it is worth bringing a picnic, snacks and something to drink. A rug or folding chairs can also make things more comfortable.



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is this better - will it rank strongly for torbay airshow but also appear for english riviera airshow - any typos or spelling mistakes 

Short answer: yes, this is now in a very strong position to rank for “Torbay Airshow 2026” and still appear for “English Riviera Airshow.” You’ve got the balance right.

Here’s a clear breakdown after reviewing your latest version 

:

Will it rank for Torbay Airshow?
Yes, strongly.
You’ve now got:

Title starts with Torbay Airshow 2026 ✔

First paragraph reinforces it ✔

Majority of H2s use it ✔

FAQ uses it ✔

Internal consistency is good ✔

This is exactly what Google expects for a primary keyword page.

Will it still rank for English Riviera Airshow?
Also yes, and this is important.

You’ve kept it in:

Intro (as clarification) ✔

Supporting headings ✔

Body content ✔

Official references ✔

That tells Google:

“Torbay Airshow = English Riviera Airshow”

That’s ideal. You haven’t lost that traffic.

Minor fixes (worth doing)
These are small but worthwhile:

1. One repetition tweak (slightly clunky)
You’ve got:

Formerly known as the Torbay Airshow, the English Riviera Airshow has grown… 


That’s slightly off now you’ve flipped the naming.

Better:

Originally known as the Torbay Airshow, it is now officially the English Riviera Airshow…

2. Heading polish (consistency)
You’ve got:

Getting to Torbay Airshow 


Make it:

Getting to the Torbay Airshow

Small, but cleaner and more natural.

3. Capitalisation consistency
This stands out:

Top Tips for visiting the Torbay Airshow 


Better:

Top Tips for Visiting the Torbay Airshow

4. Tiny formatting issue
You’ve got:

Rental Cars– to search out and book hire cars. 


Fix spacing:

Rental Cars – to search and book hire cars.

Spelling / typos check
Good news: no major spelling mistakes.

A few optional refinements:

“well-suited” → fine (UK style acceptable)

“line up” → you consistently use it (fine, just stay consistent)

“pre-book” → fine

Nothing that would hurt SEO or credibility.

One honest observation
You’ve reached the point where:

SEO structure is not the limiting factor anymore

Rankings will now depend more on:

backlinks

internal linking

freshness (updates during event week)

That’s actually a good place to be.

Bottom line
Yes, this will rank for “Torbay Airshow 2026”

Yes, it will still appear for “English Riviera Airshow”

No major errors

Just a few polish tweaks left

If you want the next step, I’d focus on:

a high CTR meta description

or a “live updates” tweak to capture event-week traffic

Both would move the needle more than further wording changes.


resubmit to google

Yes, and you should. Given how much you’ve changed, this is exactly the right moment.

Here’s the quickest and most effective way to resubmit:

1. Use Google Search Console (fastest)
Go to:
👉 https://search.google.com/search-console

Then:

Paste your page URL into the top search bar

Click “Request Indexing”

Wait for confirmation

That’s it. No need to resubmit the whole sitemap.

2. What to expect
Usually re-crawled within a few hours to a couple of days

Ranking shifts for terms like:

Torbay Airshow 2026

Torbay Airshow parking

Torbay Airshow times

can happen quite quickly if Google already trusts the page

3. One extra step (worth doing)
After submitting, go to 1–2 of your strong pages and add/update a link:

Anchor text: Torbay Airshow 2026

Link to your guide

Best pages:

What’s On in South West England

Devon events pages

Any Torbay / Paignton content

This helps Google prioritise the recrawl and reinforces the keyword.

4. Should you resubmit again?
If you make small tweaks → no

If you add something major (e.g. full timetable update) → yes

Bottom line
You’ve:

changed title

shifted keyword focus

improved structure

👉 That’s exactly the kind of update Google responds to quickly.

Submit it now.


Held along Paignton seafront, the Torbay Airshow combines spectacular military and civilian flying displays with a full programme of ground entertainment, including live music, stalls and family activities. Set against the natural amphitheatre of Torbay, it is one of the first major events in the UK airshow calendar and attracts large crowds each year.

If you are planning to attend, our Torbay Airshow 2026: Complete Guide to the English Riviera Airshow covers everything you need to know, including flying times, parking, road closures, travel advice and the best places to watch.


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in this format h3 header no space between date and text for attached image Uffculme Show & Country Fayre, Uffculme (near Cullompton), Devon
23 August 2026
A traditional one-day country show at Bridwell Park featuring arena displays, classic and vintage vehicles, dog shows, local crafts, food stalls and live entertainment. With a strong community feel and activities for all ages, it offers a classic Devon countryside day out from 10 am to 5 pm.

Anderton & Rowlands Fun Fair, Paignton Seafront, Torbay
22 to 31 May 2026
Running alongside the English Riviera Airshow on Paignton seafront, Anderton & Rowlands Fun Fair brings a mix of thrill rides, family attractions, games and food stalls to the waterfront. Open daily from 12 noon during the main event period, the fair adds to the lively atmosphere around the Torbay Airshow weekend and May half-term in South Devon.


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That’s actually a very encouraging sign for the Torbay Airshow page.

A few things stand out immediately from your analytics screenshot:

The airshow article is already your top page by a long way

It has strong early engagement volume compared with the rest of the site

The topic clearly has much higher search demand than many of your standard destination guides

Google is already surfacing it quickly despite the page being very fresh

The “bounce rate” figures in GA4 are not necessarily a concern here. Airshow/event pages often get:

quick answer visits

mobile users checking timings

people returning repeatedly during planning

That can still be valuable traffic.

The important metric here is really:

99 views

50 active users

270 events

for a newly optimised page. That suggests people are interacting with the content rather than instantly disappearing.

The timing is also good:

you have event freshness

seasonal demand

strong intent keywords

a recognisable event brand

Combined with the SEO shift towards “Torbay Airshow 2026”, this gives the page a realistic chance of becoming one of your strongest traffic drivers over the next few days and again closer to the event.

One thing I would definitely do now:

keep updating the page regularly

even small updates help freshness signals

Examples:

weather updates

parking updates

confirmed aircraft

road closures

viewing advice

transport information

Google often rewards active event pages during the lead-up period.

I’d also strongly suggest adding internal links from:

What’s On in South West England

Devon events pages

Torbay / Paignton pages

Airshow-related articles

using anchor text like:

Torbay Airshow 2026

Torbay Airshow guide

English Riviera Airshow

Overall, this looks like one of the clearest signs yet that your site is starting to gain traction on higher-demand regional event searches.


bounce rate seems high for all articles

Yes, but this is very common with smaller content sites in GA4, and your figures may not be as bad as they first appear.

A few important things:

GA4 calculates bounce rate differently from old Universal Analytics

A “bounce” now mainly means:

the user did not trigger a second engaged interaction/session

So someone can:

read an article for 40–60 seconds

get the information they wanted

leave satisfied

…and still count as a bounce.

Your screenshot actually shows:

average engagement time: 59 seconds

event counts being triggered

That suggests users are interacting, not instantly abandoning.

The more important issue is probably this:

Your pages are mostly informational search intent
A lot of your traffic is likely:

“Torbay Airshow parking”

“things to do in Minehead”

“Burnham on Sea guide”

“beaches East Devon”

People often:

search

read quickly

leave

That naturally creates high bounce rates.

BUT 98–100% across almost every page is probably still inflated
That usually points to one or more of these:

1. Consent mode / analytics blocking
Very likely given your recent consentmanager work.

If analytics only partially fires:

sessions get counted oddly

engaged sessions may fail to register

bounce rate inflates

2. Scroll tracking not configured well
GA4 engagement improves when:

scroll events fire

outbound clicks tracked

video interactions tracked

affiliate clicks tracked

You already have event counts, which is good, but engagement thresholds may still be weak.

3. Low page depth
Many users may simply:

land on one article

leave without clicking elsewhere

This is common on travel info sites unless internal linking is aggressive.

What I’d focus on instead
For your stage of growth, these matter more than bounce rate:

impressions rising

clicks rising

returning Google indexing

page-specific traffic spikes

time on page

affiliate click growth

internal page journeys

And your Torbay Airshow page is already showing some of those positive signals.

Biggest opportunity for you
You need stronger:

“Read next”

related guides

internal link boxes

near the middle and end of articles.

For example on Torbay Airshow:

Where to Stay in Torbay

Things to Do in Paignton

South West Events This Weekend

Beaches in Torbay

Torquay Visitor Guide

That alone can dramatically reduce bounce rate over time.


The Torbay Airshow weekend is currently forecast to feature dry, bright conditions with sunny intervals, though breezes may pick up slightly toward the end of the weekend. Temperatures are expected to remain in the pleasant high teens to low 20s (°C).Detailed Forecast BreakdownSaturday: Expect a mix of sunny intervals and gentle breezes with daytime temperatures hovering around 20°C to 23°C. Rain is highly unlikely, providing great visibility for flying displays.Sunday: Cloud cover may increase slightly with potential for brief, light passing showers, but conditions are expected to stay generally bright with temperatures around 19°C to 20°C. Winds may become slightly more moderate, which airshow organizers will monitor for specific display requirements. - update this - Current forecasts suggest a run of generally pleasant and settled weather for the Torbay Airshow, although conditions may become more changeable later in the weekend.

Temperatures are expected to reach around 22°C to 24°C earlier in the week, easing slightly to around 20°C on Saturday and 19°C on Sunday. Saturday currently looks the better day for airshow viewing, while Sunday brings a higher chance of cloud and light morning rain.

Weekend weather outlook

Thursday
Sky: Sunny intervals
Temperature: Around 24°C

Friday
Sky: Sunny intervals
Temperature: Around 22°C

Saturday 30 May
Sky: Mostly cloudy with sunny spells
Temperature: 20°C / 13°C
Rain: Low risk, increasing later (10% to 20%)

Sunday 31 May
Sky: Cloudy with a risk of light rain
Temperature: Around 19°C
Rain: Higher chance, especially in the morning

Late May weather in Torbay is often mild and settled, but conditions along the South Devon coast can change quickly through the day. Visitors should be prepared for a mix of sunshine, sea breezes, and occasional showers.

Current forecasts suggest generally pleasant and settled conditions for the Torbay Airshow weekend, with dry weather, sunny intervals and temperatures remaining in the high teens to low 20s. Breezes may increase slightly later in the weekend, particularly on Sunday, although conditions are still expected to remain favourable for most displays.

Saturday currently looks the better day for airshow viewing, with bright conditions, good visibility and a very low chance of rain. Sunday may bring more cloud cover and the possibility of brief light showers, although it is still expected to remain generally bright and mild across Torbay.

Weekend weather outlook
Thursday
Sky: Sunny intervals
Temperature: Around 24°C

Friday
Sky: Sunny intervals
Temperature: Around 22°C

Saturday 30 May
Sky: Sunny intervals with gentle breezes
Temperature: Around 20°C to 23°C
Rain: Very low risk

Sunday 31 May
Sky: Brighter spells with increasing cloud
Temperature: Around 19°C to 20°C
Rain: Small chance of brief light showers

Late May weather in Torbay is often mild and settled, although conditions along the South Devon coast can change quickly through the day. Visitors should still be prepared for a mix of sunshine, sea breezes and cooler conditions near the seafront.


Screenshot 2026-05-28 at 08.25.24.png
descriptive alt text The Imperial Hotel It has great views and would be a great place to stay for the Torbay Airshow

The Imperial Hotel overlooking Torbay from the water near Torquay, offering panoramic coastal views and a potential viewing location or place to stay during the Torbay Airshow 2026.
The Imperial Hotel, Torquay (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)

Current forecasts suggest excellent conditions for the English Riviera Airshow weekend, with plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures and only a very small chance of rain. Saturday is currently looking to be the best day, with long sunny spells, light winds and temperatures reaching a pleasant 21°C to 24°C.

Sunday is expected to remain warm and largely dry, although with more cloud at times and a freshening south-westerly breeze. There is a slight chance of a brief light shower during the afternoon, but plenty of brighter spells are still expected, and conditions should remain favourable for enjoying the air displays and seafront events.

Weekend Weather Outlook

Friday 29 May

Sky: Dry with sunny intervals and plenty of bright spells
Temperature: Around 22°C
Wind: Light south to southwesterly breeze (8 to 12 mph)
Rain: Very low risk

Saturday 30 May

Sky: Dry with long sunny intervals
Temperature: Around 21°C to 24°C
Wind: Light south to southwesterly breeze (10 to 15 mph)
Rain: Very low risk

Sunday 31 May

Sky: Variable cloud with sunny spells
Temperature: Around 20°C to 21°C
Wind: Strengthening southwesterly breeze, gusting up to 25 mph
Rain: Small chance of a brief light shower

Overall, the forecast is encouraging for visitors heading to Torbay, with warm late spring temperatures and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the displays. As always on the South Devon coast, it is worth bringing sunscreen, sunglasses and a light layer for the seafront, where conditions can feel cooler when the breeze picks up.

For the latest updates, check:
BBC Weather Torquay forecast
Met Office Torquay forecast


Torbay Airshow Food, Drink and Fairground Attractions

The English Riviera Airshow is as much a seafront festival as an aviation event, with Paignton Green turning into a busy event village throughout the weekend. Alongside the flying displays, there is plenty to see and do on the ground, making it a full day out for families and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Visitors can expect a wide mix of food stalls and refreshments, from street food vendors and fish-and-chips to ice cream kiosks, bars, and local produce stands. Paignton’s cafés, pubs and restaurants are also just a short walk from the main event area, giving plenty of options away from the busiest spots.

Across the event village, attractions typically include a fun fair with rides, children’s activities, and live entertainment on stage. There are also dedicated areas such as the Military Village and Emergency Services Village, where you can meet crews, see equipment up close and learn more about the aircraft and teams taking part in the airshow.

Interactive experiences are a highlight, with features such as the Typhoon simulator, alongside craft and trader stalls, charity stands and aviation merchandise. Live music and performances run across the weekend, adding to the atmosphere between flying displays.

Overall, the ground attractions play a big part in the English Riviera Airshow, turning it into one of the most complete South West events rather than just an afternoon of flying.


Torbay Airshow Road Closures 2026

Road closures are in place across Paignton seafront and surrounding areas during the English Riviera Airshow weekend to manage traffic and ensure public safety.

The main closures affect Esplanade Road, with additional restrictions on nearby roads including Marine Parade, Lower Polsham Road, Torbay Road and Sands Road.

Road closure times

  • Friday 29 May 2026: Esplanade Road closed from 14:00 to 22:30
  • Saturday 30 May 2026: Esplanade Road closed from 10:00 to 22:30
  • Sunday 31 May 2026: Esplanade Road closed from 10:00 to 18:00

Additional closures and access restrictions apply across the seafront throughout the event.

Access and Local Traffic

Access to Sands Road from Whitstone Road is restricted, with entry limited to residents, hotel guests, B&B visitors and those using designated airshow parking.

Paignton Harbour remains accessible, and Lower Polsham Road and Queens Road operate as temporary two-way routes to maintain access to Victoria Car Park during the event.

Further information about road closures for visitors, residents and businesses can be found here.


Getting to the Torbay Airshow

Great Western Railway train passing Dawlish sea wall on the South Devon coast. A popular way to get to the Torbay Airshow.
Train passing Dawlish on the South Devon coast, a popular route to the English Riviera Airshow (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)

Getting to the Torbay Airshow by Car

Paignton is easily reached by road, found just off the A380 from the east and the A385 from the west. These routes connect with the A30, A38 and M5, making the English Riviera Airshow accessible from across the South West and beyond.

Typical journey times are around 2½ hours from Bristol or Bournemouth, 3½ hours from the Midlands and Portsmouth, and approximately 4½ hours from central London, depending on traffic.

If using sat nav, follow postcode TQ4 6AG until you approach Paignton, then follow official event signage, which will direct you to the correct parking areas and road closures.

Entry to the English Riviera Airshow is free, but parking must be planned in advance. To guarantee a space, it is strongly recommended to pre-book official event parking before arrival.

Torbay Airshow Free Parking: What You Need to Know

There is no official free parking for the English Riviera Airshow in Paignton. With tens of thousands of visitors expected, nearby residential streets are heavily monitored and parking is limited.

You may find parking on the outskirts and walk in, but expect to walk a reasonable distance. If doing so, please park considerately and respect local residents.

Car parks across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham will operate as usual but are likely to fill up quickly during the event. Visitors are strongly advised to use designated airshow parking where available, book in advance, or travel by train, bus or other public transport.

Premium Parking

Premium Parking at the English Riviera Airshow offers the most convenient option, with locations closer to the main event area.

Premium parking sites include:

  • Colin Road
  • Hyde Road
  • Victoria Park

Parking opens at 9 am and closes at 11:30 pm each day. On arrival, staff are on hand to guide visitors to their space, and bookings typically include an official 2026 English Riviera Airshow programme.

Some locations, including Hyde Road and Victoria Car Park, have height restrictions of 1.98 metres (6’6”), so check vehicle suitability before booking.

Parking Zone 1

Parking Zone 1 is located at Quay West Car Park and operates as a park-and-stride option, with an approximate 20-minute walk to Paignton Green and the Airshow Village.

As with premium parking, spaces include an official event programme and are managed throughout the day.

Parking packages vary by location and demand, with options designed to suit both day visitors and those seeking a more convenient experience near the seafront.

To secure a space in advance, parking and premium seating can be booked online at
English Riviera Airshow parking and tickets

Car parks generally open from morning on Saturday and Sunday and later on Friday, although times can vary.

Parking and Travel Advice

Parking is one of the biggest challenges during the airshow weekend, particularly on Saturday when visitor numbers peak. Expect heavy congestion on routes into Paignton and allow extra time for your journey.

Arriving early gives the best chance of avoiding delays and securing a convenient space. Road closures around the seafront are put in place before the flying programme begins, and mobile signals can become unreliable in busy areas.

For many visitors, combining driving with public transport, or switching to rail, bus or ferry for the final part of the journey, can make getting to the English Riviera Airshow much easier.

Getting to the Torbay Airshow by Train

Travelling by rail is often the easiest way to reach the English Riviera Airshow, especially during the busiest periods when road closures and parking can slow traffic across Torbay.

Paignton railway station is the closest station to the event and is around a 6- to 10-minute walk from Paignton Green and the main seafront viewing areas. The Airshow Village is within easy walking distance, making train travel one of the most convenient options.

Paignton is well connected to the wider rail network, with regular services linking Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot to Paignton approximately every 30 minutes during the day. Most visitors travel via Exeter, Newton Abbot, Torquay or Plymouth, with onward connections from London Paddington, Bristol, Birmingham and Reading.

Services are operated by Great Western Railway, with a range of advance tickets and railcards available for those planning ahead. It can also be worth comparing prices and routes on platforms such as Trip.com and Omio, which let you compare different train options in one place.

After the flying displays finish, trains can become extremely busy, particularly on Saturday evening, so it is worth allowing extra time or considering a slightly later departure where possible.


Getting to the Torbay Airshow by Bus

Local buses operate throughout Torbay during the English Riviera Airshow weekend, providing a straightforward way to reach Paignton without the need to drive.

Frequent services run into Paignton from across Torbay and surrounding areas, including Torquay, Brixham, Newton Abbot and Totnes. One of the main routes is Service 12, which offers a direct connection between Newton Abbot, Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. Open-top double-decker buses also run along the seafront on Service 122, adding a more scenic option during the event.

Paignton bus station is located close to the seafront and within easy walking distance of Paignton Green and the Airshow Village, making bus travel a practical choice for visitors staying locally.

Full timetable details and route information can be found at
Stagecoach bus services
and via
Torbay Council bus information

As with rail travel, buses can become very busy after the flying displays finish, particularly on Saturday afternoon and early evening, so allow extra time for your return journey.


Getting to the English Riviera Airshow by Ferry

Travelling by ferry is one of the most scenic ways to reach the English Riviera Airshow, offering views across Torbay as you approach Paignton seafront.

Seasonal ferry services operate between Torquay, Paignton and Brixham during the airshow weekend, with crossings typically taking around 30 minutes.

Ferries arrive close to the seafront, within walking distance of Paignton Green and the Airshow Village, making them a practical option for visitors staying elsewhere in Torbay.

Local operators include Western Lady Ferry Service, We Ferry and Paignton Pleasure Cruises, with regular departures across the bay during busy periods.

Further details, including routes and timetables, can be found at
Torbay ferry information

Taking the ferry not only avoids parking and traffic but also offers a different perspective on the airshow, with some of the best views from the water itself.


Getting to the English Riviera Airshow by Bike

Cycling to the English Riviera Airshow is a practical option for visitors staying locally in Torbay, with dedicated facilities available during the event weekend.

Free bicycle parking is provided at Parkfield, 38 Esplanade Road, Paignton (TQ3 2NH), within easy reach of Paignton seafront and the Airshow Village. The site is volunteer-supervised throughout the weekend, providing a safe and convenient place to leave your bike while you enjoy the displays.

This facility is operated independently by Safe Sustainable Travel Torbay rather than the event organisers, but it provides a useful alternative to driving, particularly during peak periods when roads and parking areas are busiest.

Cycling can also be a good way to avoid road closures and traffic delays, especially if you are travelling from nearby areas such as Torquay, Goodrington or Brixham.


Accessibility

Accessible viewing areas and facilities are provided around the event village and Paignton Green. Visitors with accessibility requirements should check official event guidance closer to the weekend for the latest arrangements and parking information.


Where to stay for the Torbay Airshow

Accommodation across Torbay books quickly for the English Riviera Airshow weekend, particularly seafront hotels and family-friendly holiday apartments close to Paignton and Torquay.

Popular places to stay include Paignton for easy access to the airshow, Torquay for a wider choice of hotels and nightlife, and quieter bases such as Goodrington, Preston Sands and Brixham, all within easy reach of the seafront.

You might also consider staying slightly further afield in places such as Dawlish, Exeter or Totnes, all of which are easily accessible by train and bus. These can be good options if accommodation in Torbay is limited or more expensive during the event weekend.

Staying locally makes a big difference during the airshow, allowing you to avoid heavy traffic, skip the parking queues and enjoy the atmosphere after the flying displays finish.

For the best availability and prices, it is worth checking platforms such as Booking.com, Trip.com and Tripadvisor, or using the interactive map to compare hotels, apartments and last-minute deals across Torbay.

Booking early is recommended as accommodation across Torbay fills quickly for the airshow weekend, particularly close to Paignton seafront.



Things to do Nearby

The airshow works well as part of a wider South Devon break, with plenty of attractions nearby. You can also explore more ideas in our What’s On in South West England guide.

  • Paignton Pier
  • Paignton Zoo
  • Goodrington Sands
  • Brixham Harbour
  • Dartmouth
  • Berry Head Nature Reserve
  • The South West Coast Path
  • Torre Abbey
  • Kents Cavern

What’s On in South West England 2026 banner showing a live music festival crowd and stage lights, linking to festivals, events and days out across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

Top Tips for Visiting the Torbay Airshow

Arrive early

The busiest viewing areas fill well before flying starts.

Bring layers

Weather conditions along the South Devon coast can change quickly, even in late May.

Bring a Picnic

Queues for food stalls can be long, so it is worth bringing a picnic, snacks and something to drink. A rug or folding chairs can also make things more comfortable.

Expect queues

Transport, parking and food stalls become busiest immediately after flying finishes.

Consider public transport

Rail and bus travel can reduce much of the stress associated with road closures and parking.

Stay overnight if possible

Torbay is usually much quieter early in the morning before day visitors arrive.


Is the English Riviera Airshow Free?

Yes. The English Riviera Airshow is free to attend. Charges apply for parking, fairground rides, food and optional hospitality or premium viewing areas.


Official English Riviera Airshow Information & Guides

For the latest announcements, flying programme updates, parking details and road closure information visit:


Torbay Airshow 2026 FAQs


When is the Torbay Airshow 2026?

The Torbay Airshow 2026, officially known as the English Riviera Airshow, takes place from Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May 2026, with flying displays over Torbay and the main event village on Paignton Green.

What time are the Torbay Airshow flying displays?

Current published timings are approximately 18:45 to 21:20 on Friday 29 May, 12:00 to 16:00 on Saturday 30 May, and 13:00 to 16:00 on Sunday 31 May 2026. Timings may change due to weather, operational requirements or aircraft availability.

What time do the Red Arrows fly at the Torbay Airshow?

The RAF Red Arrows are scheduled to appear on both Friday and Saturday during the 2026 Torbay Airshow. On Friday 29 May, they are expected to open the evening “Take Off” display programme, with a display time around 18:45 and a flight window of approximately 18:40 to 19:20. On Saturday 30 May, they are scheduled to kick off the main flying programme around 12:00, with a flight window of approximately 11:55 to 12:35. All timings are subject to change depending on weather conditions and operational requirements.

Is the Torbay Airshow free?

Yes, the Torbay Airshow is free to attend. There is no charge for entry, but costs apply for parking, food, fairground rides and optional premium seating or hospitality.

Is there free parking at the Torbay Airshow?

There is no official free parking for the Torbay Airshow in Paignton. With large crowds expected, surrounding residential streets are heavily monitored and spaces are limited. You may find parking further out and walk in, but expect a reasonable distance and always park considerately.

Where is the best place to watch the Torbay Airshow?

Paignton Green is the main viewing area and event hub, while Paignton Beach, Goodrington Sands, Torquay seafront, Brixham and Berry Head also offer views across Torbay.

What aircraft are appearing at the Torbay Airshow 2026?

The 2026 line up includes major displays such as the RAF Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, RAF Tutor, Royal Navy Black Cats, Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers, The Firebirds and Rich Goodwin’s Jet Pitts.

How do I get to the Torbay Airshow by train?

Paignton railway station is the closest station to the airshow and is around a 6 to 10 minute walk from Paignton Green and the Airshow Village. Regular services run from Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot, with wider connections from London Paddington, Bristol, Birmingham and Reading.

Can I park at the Torbay Airshow?

Yes, official parking is available at selected sites in Paignton, including premium parking and Parking Zone 1. Pre booking is strongly recommended, especially for Saturday, which is usually the busiest day.

Are there road closures for the Torbay Airshow?

Yes. Road closures affect Paignton seafront during the event, including Esplanade Road and nearby roads. Esplanade Road is closed from 14:00 to 22:30 on Friday, 10:00 to 22:30 on Saturday and 10:00 to 18:00 on Sunday.

Where should I stay for the Torbay Airshow?

Paignton is the most convenient base, while Torquay, Goodrington, Preston Sands and Brixham are also popular. Dawlish, Exeter and Totnes can also work well as they have rail and bus links into Torbay.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Flying displays can be delayed, changed or cancelled if weather conditions affect safety. Visitors should check the latest official airshow updates, BBC Weather and the Met Office forecast before travelling.


These trusted resources can help you plan and book your trip, from transport and accommodation to weather and local information.

  • Booking.com – for most accommodation needs. Look out for options that include free cancellation.
  • Easy Tide – Free UK tidal prediction service, providing tidal data and tide times for the current day and 6 days into the future.
  • Expedia – good for flights and packages.
  • Get Your Guide – find and book things to see. Includes unusual things to do.
  • Hostelworld – Hostel-focused booking platform that fosters backpack connections.
  • MetOffice – Weather forecasts from the UK official meteorological office.
  • National Express – UK-based coach operator providing long-distance bus services
  • Omio – Book travel tickets by comparing trains, buses and planes in one search.
  • Rental Cars– to search out and book hire cars.
  • Rome2Rio – Great for comparing local transport options (and for locating bus stops).
  • Ticketmaster – What’s On – Major Events – Venues – Bookings
  • Trainline.com – our go-to online platform for booking train and bus tickets, offering route planning, price comparisons, seat reservations, and ticket sales.
  • Traffic England – for live traffic updates on major roads.
  • Traveline SW – Comprehensive public transport information from A to B by bus, coach, train, ferry in South West England and Great Britain.
  • TripAdvisor – for reviews of… pretty much everything. Our go-to before booking anything.
  • Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.