Torbay Airshow 2027: Complete Guide to the English Riviera Airshow

The Torbay Airshow 2027, officially known as the English Riviera Airshow, takes place from Friday 4 June to Sunday 6 June in Paignton. The free three-day event will feature an opening night on Friday, followed by two days of flying displays over Torbay on Saturday and Sunday.

The 2027 aircraft line-up and flying times have not yet been announced. Organisers say the line-up is expected in March 2027. We will update this guide as display teams, parking arrangements, road closures and detailed timings are confirmed.

This independent guide covers the latest Torbay Airshow 2027 information, including where to watch, how to get there, accommodation and practical advice for planning your weekend.

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 has become one of Devon’s largest free events.

This is a comprehensive guide to the Torbay Airshow 2027. Use the table of contents to jump directly to the flying programme, accommodation, travel information, viewing locations 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.

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When is the Torbay Airshow 2027?

The official dates are:

Friday 4 June 2027
Saturday 5 June 2027
Sunday 6 June 2027

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

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What is the Torbay Airshow (English Riviera Airshow)?

The English Riviera Airshow combines military and civilian flying displays with a seafront event village, family entertainment and food stalls. The main event site is on Paignton Green, with flying displays taking place over Torbay.

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.

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Torbay Airshow 2027 Schedule and Flying Timetable

This is an independent visitor guide to the English Riviera Airshow 2027 and is not the official organiser’s website. Event details and flying times can change, so always check official sources before travelling.

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Friday 4 June 2027 Opening Night

Friday will open the English Riviera Airshow weekend with entertainment on Paignton seafront. Details of the evening programme, flying displays and any fireworks have not yet been confirmed.

Flying times and participating aircraft will be added when announced by the organisers. All displays will remain subject to weather, aircraft availability and operational requirements.

Friday Flying Line-up

The Friday flying line-up has not yet been announced. Organisers expect to begin announcing aircraft in March 2027.

Saturday 5 June 2027 Main Flying Display

Saturday will be the first full day of flying displays over Torbay. Paignton Green and the main seafront viewing areas are likely to become busy well before flying begins.

The flying timetable has not yet been published. Arriving early is recommended, particularly if you plan to watch from Paignton Green or Paignton Beach.

Saturday Flying Line-up

The Saturday flying line-up has not yet been confirmed. Details will be added as participating military and civilian display teams are announced.

Sunday 6 June 2027 Main Flying Display

Sunday will bring a second day of flying displays over Torbay. The programme is expected to run during the afternoon, although official flying times have not yet been announced.

Paignton seafront is likely to remain busy, particularly around the main display period. All timings and appearances will be subject to weather and operational requirements.

Sunday Flying Line-up

The Sunday flying line-up has not yet been confirmed. This section will be updated when the organisers publish the 2027 programme.

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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 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 provide some of the closest views of the flying displays, with Paignton Pier acting as the central reference point for the display line. The area is widely regarded as one of the best places to watch the airshow, although it is also usually the busiest.

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. 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. Depending on the aircraft’s routing and display plan, some arrivals and repositioning manoeuvres may be visible from the higher viewpoints around Torquay.

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.

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Torbay Airshow 2027 Live Stream and Online Coverage

Details of any official livestream for the Torbay Airshow 2027 have not yet been announced. AeroView.tv has provided live coverage of previous events, but its involvement in 2027 has not been confirmed.

If coverage is announced, the livestream is likely to include flying displays, commentary and programme updates. It may also be useful for people watching from locations away from the main commentary area, including Torquay, Berry Head and Broadsands.

This section will be updated when official online coverage is confirmed.

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Weather Forecast for the English Riviera Airshow 2027

It is too early for a reliable weather forecast for the English Riviera Airshow, which takes place from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 June 2027. A detailed forecast will be added during the week before the event.

The 2026 airshow took place during a particularly hot and sunny weekend. However, early June weather in Torbay can vary considerably, bringing anything from warm sunshine to cloud, showers and changing coastal winds.

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and plenty of water if hot weather is forecast. A light waterproof layer is also sensible, as conditions can feel cooler along the seafront. Weather can affect the flying programme, so check the latest forecast and official airshow updates before travelling.

Weekend Weather Outlook

Friday 4 June: Forecast available closer to the event
Saturday 5 June: Forecast available closer to the event
Sunday 6 June: Forecast available closer to the event

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

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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.

Previous events have included flight simulators, craft and trader stalls, charity stands and aviation merchandise. Live music and performances are expected across the weekend, adding to the atmosphere between flying displays. Details of the 2027 ground programme will be added when confirmed.

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.

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Torbay Airshow Road Closures 2027

Road closures are expected across Paignton seafront and surrounding streets during the English Riviera Airshow weekend. The arrangements are likely to be similar to those used in 2026, although the 2027 restrictions and closure times have not yet been confirmed.

Closures are expected to affect Esplanade Road, with further restrictions possible on Marine Parade, Lower Polsham Road, Torbay Road and Sands Road. These measures help manage traffic, maintain emergency access and protect people attending the event.

Expected Road Closure Times

Friday 4 June 2027: Times to be confirmed
Saturday 5 June 2027: Times to be confirmed
Sunday 6 June 2027: Times to be confirmed

Access and Local Traffic

Access restrictions are also likely around Sands Road and other streets near the seafront. Arrangements for residents, hotel and B&B guests, Paignton Harbour and Victoria Car Park will be confirmed nearer the event.

Full details of the 2027 road closures will be added once published by the organisers and Torbay Council. Anyone travelling by car should check the latest information before setting out.

• Resident and Business Information

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Getting to the Torbay Airshow

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. Official parking is expected to require advance booking, although the locations, prices and booking arrangements for 2027 have not yet been announced.

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 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.

Official parking arrangements for the Torbay Airshow 2027 have not yet been announced. Previous events have provided pre-bookable parking at several locations in Paignton, including options closer to the event and park-and-stride sites farther from the seafront.

The locations, prices, opening times, height restrictions and booking arrangements may change for 2027. This section will be updated when parking goes on sale.

Parking and Travel Advice

Parking is one of the main challenges during the airshow weekend. Expect congestion on routes into Paignton and allow additional time for your journey.

Arriving early can help you avoid the busiest period. However, do not travel directly to a previous airshow car park without checking that it is operating in 2027.

For many people, travelling by train or bus will be more convenient than driving into central Paignton.

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. 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.

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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.

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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.

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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 supervised bicycle parking has been provided at Parkfield, 38 Esplanade Road, during previous airshows. The 2027 arrangements have not yet been confirmed, so check the official travel information before relying on this facility.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Things to Do Near the Torbay Airshow

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

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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 early June.

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.

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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.

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Official English Riviera Airshow Information & Guides

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

• English Riviera Airshow Official Website
• British Airshows Torbay Airshow Guide

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Torbay Airshow 2027 FAQs

When is the Torbay Airshow 2027?

The Torbay Airshow 2027, officially known as the English Riviera Airshow, takes place from Friday 4 June to Sunday 6 June 2027. Friday will feature an opening night, followed by two days of flying displays over Torbay on Saturday and Sunday. The main event village will be on Paignton Green.

What time are the Torbay Airshow flying displays?

Flying times for the Torbay Airshow 2027 have not yet been announced. The timetable will be added when it is published by the organisers. Timings may change because of weather, operational requirements or aircraft availability.

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

The RAF Red Arrows have not yet been confirmed for the Torbay Airshow 2027. Their display times will be added if an appearance is announced. The 2027 aircraft line up is expected to be announced from March 2027.

Is the Torbay Airshow free?

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

Is there free parking at the Torbay Airshow?

There is usually no official free parking for the Torbay Airshow in Paignton. Large crowds are expected and surrounding residential streets have limited parking. You may find parking further from the seafront and walk to the event, but always park considerately and check local restrictions.

Where is the best place to watch the Torbay Airshow?

Paignton Green and Paignton Beach provide the closest views and are at the centre of the event. Other viewing locations include Preston Sands, Goodrington Sands, Torquay seafront, Brixham and Berry Head, although aircraft will appear more distant from some parts of the bay.

What aircraft are appearing at the Torbay Airshow 2027?

No aircraft have yet been confirmed for the Torbay Airshow 2027. Organisers expect to begin announcing the line up in March 2027. Previous events have included the RAF Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and several military and civilian display teams.

How do I get to the Torbay Airshow by train?

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

Can I park at the Torbay Airshow?

Official parking is expected to be available at selected locations in Paignton, although the 2027 parking sites, prices and booking arrangements have not yet been announced. Pre-booking is likely to be recommended when spaces become available.

Are there road closures for the Torbay Airshow?

Road closures are expected around Paignton seafront during the event, including Esplanade Road and nearby streets. Arrangements are likely to be similar to those used in 2026, but the 2027 roads and closure times have not yet been confirmed.

Where should I stay for the Torbay Airshow?

Paignton is the most convenient base, particularly around the seafront and town centre. Torquay, Goodrington, Preston and Brixham are also useful options. Dawlish, Exeter and Totnes have public transport connections into Torbay for those staying farther away.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Flying displays may be delayed, changed or cancelled if weather conditions affect safety. Check the official airshow channels and the latest Met Office forecast before travelling. Ground entertainment may continue even when the flying programme is disrupted.

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Helpful Links for the Torbay Airshow 2027

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.
• GetYourGuide – Find and book things to see. Includes unusual things to do.
• Hostelworld – Hostel-focused booking platform that fosters backpack connections.
• Met Office – 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.

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