English Riviera Airshow

The Ultimate Front-Row Seat

Set sail from Exmouth for a grand day out at the world-famous English Riviera Airshow in Paignton. Swapping traffic jams and packed beach crowds for the open water, this special summer excursion takes you on a scenic voyage across Lyme Bay right into the heart of Torbay. Anchoring in prime position off Paignton seafront, you will enjoy unobstructed, 360-degree views of world-class aerobatic displays and historic aircraft soaring directly overhead - all from the deck of our flagship vessel.

🕒 Cruise Duration8hours 30minutes

📍 Departure PointExmouth Marina

All Fares£25.00

Please note: This cruise is not suitable for young children or pets due to the lengthy duration. Specific timings are subject to change based on the official airshow programme.

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Trip Description FAQs Recent Reviews Group Bookings

Trip Description

Watch the Action directly from the Water

There is simply no better way to experience the thrills of an airshow than from the deck of a boat anchored out in the bay. While thousands of spectators crowd the beaches and headlands below, our vessel anchors directly within the designated maritime viewing zone off Paignton. Looking up from the water, you get a completely clear, panoramic perspective of the display line. From the roaring engines of iconic vintage aircraft to the breathtaking precision of elite aerobatic teams, you will watch every flypast, dive, and loop with nothing blocking your view or camera lens.

Beat the Torbay Traffic & Parking Chaos

The English Riviera Airshow attracts tens of thousands of visitors to Paignton and Torquay every summer, leading to severe road congestion, long queues, and packed car parks across Torbay. Our Airshow Cruise offers an effortless, stress-free, value-for-money alternative. Leaving your car behind in Exmouth, you can sit back and enjoy a smooth coastal voyage past the red cliffs of East Devon before arriving effortlessly in the bay- no traffic, no parking searches, and no crowded seafronts.

A Day Out with Time Ashore

Alongside the thrill of the air displays, this full-day excursion gives you the best of both worlds. After taking in the high-flying spectacle from our anchored vessel, we will dock at Brixham or Torquay harbour, granting you generous free time to disembark, explore the bustling waterside streets, enjoy lunch at a local cafe or pub, or soak up the festival atmosphere before we gather on board for the relaxing return cruise across Lyme Bay back to Exmouth.

Mid-Summer Vessel Comfort & Local Refreshments

Designed for a hot summer day on the water, our flagship vessel, the Pride of Exmouth, provides the perfect mix of viewing space and relaxed shade. You can spend the displays taking photographs from our massive open-top upper deck, or step down into our lower saloon - offering a cool, shaded sanctuary to escape the heat of the mid-summer sun without losing sight of the sky through our large panoramic windows. Our fully licensed onboard bar will be open throughout the day, serving cold soft beverages, artisan hot drinks, award-winning local ales from Bays Brewery, and crisp Sandford Orchards cider served with a warm smile by our crew.

Why Choose Our English Riviera Airshow Cruise?

Unrivalled Airshow Views: Anchor directly in Torbay for 360-degree, unobstructed views of every display against the sky.
Avoid the Traffic Jams: Skip the heavy Torbay road congestion and parking stress by traveling seamlessly by sea.
Time Ashore Included: Enjoy free time to explore the historic harbours of Torbay during your trip.
Mid-Summer Comfort: Spacious open decks for photography plus a cool, shaded lower saloon to retreat from the sun.
Exceptional Value for Money: A complete, full-day summer excursion combining a coastal cruise, airshow viewing, and harbour visiting in one ticket.

The English Riviera Airshow Cruise is a major summer highlight that sails only once a year on the airshow weekend. Because capacity on board is strictly limited to ensure prime viewing space for all passengers, we strongly recommend booking online in advance to secure your spot on deck.

FAQs

The Airshow Experience

Question: What makes the English Riviera Airshow cruise unique? Answer: Our cruise offers the most spectacular vantage point for the airshow - from the water! We position the boat in Torbay, directly under the flight path, providing an unobstructed, "front-row" view of the aerial displays without the hustle and bustle of the shore-side crowds.

Question: Which aircraft will I see during the cruise? Answer: The line-up changes yearly but often includes the iconic Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and various modern military and civilian display teams. Please check the official English Riviera Airshow website for the most up-to-date flight schedule.

Question: How long is the English Riviera Airshow cruise? Answer: This is an all-day coastal excursion lasting approximately 8.5 hours. This includes the scenic sailing to and from Torbay and several hours positioned in the bay to enjoy the full afternoon of flying displays.

Booking & Logistics

Question: Do I need to book in advance for the Airshow? Answer: Yes. This is one of our most popular annual events and it sells out every year. We strongly recommend booking as soon as tickets are released to secure your place on this high-demand cruise.

Question: Where does the cruise depart from? Answer: The English Riviera Airshow cruise departs from Exmouth Marina. We recommend arriving at least 20 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process for this full-day adventure.

Question: Is this cruise suitable for children? Answer: Yes! Children absolutely love the excitement of the planes flying overhead. However, please be aware that it is a long day on the water, so it is best suited for children who enjoy longer boat trips.

Comfort & Facilities

Question: Will I be able to go ashore during the cruise? Answer: No. To ensure we maintain our prime viewing position for the duration of the aerial displays, we remain at sea in Torbay at anchor. You will have the best seats in the house from the comfort of the boat!

Question: Is there food and drink available on board? Answer: Yes. Our fully licensed bar is open throughout the trip, serving a variety of hot and cold drinks, local ales, and light snacks. We recommend bringing a packed lunch or snacks as this is a full-day trip and we only have light snacks like crisps, nuts and chocolate on the boat.

Question: Can I pay by card on the boat? Answer: Yes, we accept card payments. However, as we sail across the bay and remain offshore, mobile signal can be intermittent. We strongly recommend bringing some cash as a backup to ensure you can be served at the bar without delay.

Question: Are dogs allowed on the Airshow cruise? Answer: No. Due to the extremely loud noise and fast movements of the low-flying aircraft, which can be highly distressing for animals, dogs are not permitted on this specific cruise for their own safety and comfort.

Question: Is the boat undercover if it rains? Answer: Yes. Our vessels feature large, undercover heated lower decks with panoramic windows. You can enjoy the coastal journey and watch the displays in total comfort, regardless of the weather conditions.

Recent Reviews

Stuart Line Cruises

4.8

Based on 560 reviews

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Patricia M.

2 months ago

This is a brilliant experience. I have booked a few outings with the Stuart line in all weathers and it's always great. The staff are amazing and the coastline/river is so different when seen from the water. And when the weather isn't cooperating properly, the boats facilities are fantastic. We always have our dog with us as well, who is made just as welcome. Highly recommend

Bob H.

2 months ago

Always try to have a trip with them, have done the jurassic coast trip, river Exe trip and did the Torquay and Brixham yesterday 28/05/26. Cant fault any of these for the money charged, we paid £16 each yesterday for a trip that lasted from 11am through to 18:30 in the evening, with 2 hours on shore in Brixham, plus the bonus of seeing dolphins on the way back, hence the later than expected arrival back in Exmouth. Crew really helpfull and knowledgeable about the area. Definitely will go again as relaxing day out.

Roo

6 months ago

Such a great day! Went on the winter birds cruise today and it was brilliant. The person doing the commentary on the birds (sorry I forgot their name) was super knowledgeable and the trip was all round fantastic, the small bar is also very reasonably priced! Saw a peregrine falcon chasing a flock of avocets - absolutely majestical! Cant recommend highly enough, the work they are doing for nature and conservation of the river mouth is really awesome. Hats off.

Mark

8 months ago

Had another fabulous BirdWatching Cruise on 02/12/25 with a day of clear blue skies and a fabulous array of wonderful wildlife on the Exe. As per previous trips the crew and guide were excellent and made for 3 hours of a thoroughly enjoyable and enriching experience. The hot chocolate and pasty was most welcome and I can’t recommend these cruises enough and they offer terrific value as well.

Mel P.

8 months ago

We had a fabulous guided bird watching trip today. The weather was superb as was The Pride of Exmouth, all the staff and our bird guider for the trip. Stuart Lines really do think of everything to make sure everyone has a great experience . 5 stars from us. Thank you

Derek M.

9 months ago

I attended an excellent Stuart Line guided bird watching cruise from Exmouth to Topsham and back. The Pride of Exmouth was in superb condition, the ornithologist's commentary and interaction with visitors was great, the crew members were helpful and friendly, the range of refreshments was excellent and the bathroom facilities were better than any I've seen on similar boats. Exmouth and the River Exe are beautiful places to visit at any time, but the thousands of migratory birds (and a few seals) are an added attraction always worth seeing over the winter. The cruise was not expensive and better than good value for money.

I have no hesitation in recommending a trip with Stuart Line Cruises if you want to enjoy a relaxing experience in beautiful surroundings.

Michael C.

9 months ago

Had a wonderful cruise down the river Exe today on the Pride Of Exmouth which is run by Stuart Line Cruises.
Very lucky to find something to do that's open or still operating in the winter. Adult price was less than £10 absolute bargain. The cruise itself was around one and half hours.
On board there is a heated cabin and an open air deck above. Toilets are also on board as is a little gift section by the cafe which has a licenced bar.
As its winter we indulged in a hot mince pie and mulled wine. A big thankyou to all the great staff and the captain. All in all great value for money with an outstanding professional company.

Henry J.

10 months ago

Stuart Line were absolutely fantastic! From the moment we contacted the office to the actual event, the team could not have done any more for us. Amanda in the office is an absolute gem to work with.
On the day, the boats arrived for our wedding on time, they were clean and the staff were impeccable! They were playing the music we'd requested and the whole journey was seamless. Our guests had a fabulous time and very much enjoyed the prosecco we purchased through Stuart Line.
The bees knees of wedding transport! I would give more stars if I could!

Elaine H.

10 months ago

We booked a short trip on the Tudor Rose to scatter my husband's ashes at sea, and his mum's ashes too. We were well looked after by Will and Kev who made sure we knew what we were doing and were so friendly. We had 4 small children with us, who loved the trip and it was so much nicer than an ordinary funeral. We scattered the ashes with petals and roses and the children blew bubbles - a lovely way for them to say goodbye to their grandad who loved the sea and boats and especially Budleigh Salterton. We then raised a glass to Geoff and Buddy and the children had ice-cream. We were lucky with the weather too, a great tribute and fitting way to remember them both.
Thank you Will and Kev, and Amanda who helped us to make the arrangements. I can't recommend Stuart Line Cruises highly enough.

David P.

11 months ago

Had a wonderful cruise along the coast complete with cream tea. Scones were already loaded with cream and jam yes, but I can,t see how you could do it yourself on bouncing boat at sea. Very informative commentary. All crew were very happy and helpful. Can,t wait to visit again for another trip. Thanks for a lovely afternoon! I even got a September sun tan

Georgina C.

11 months ago

Second time we did a trip and it was as good as the first.
Very easy to book and very organised. The captain gave us a good commentary on the way out. The facilities on board are good. There is a bar serving hot and cold drinks and snacks (crisps/choc bars). You can go and get them yourselves or wait for someone to come and take your order.
We were on the upper deck which was outside and were given blankets and umbrellas as the weather was a bit changeable. You could also go inside where it was dry and warmer.
I really recommend them for a lovely day out.

Joanne R.

1 year ago

We booked a private Cruise for the Exetraordinary Women WI Summer Party and had the most amazing evening. The booking process with Amanda was so smooth and professional and nothing was too much trouble. The catering options were very good and we went for the BBQ. It was all cooked fresh on the boat and was excellent with great quality burger, sausage and salad. There were even leftovers so people could have seconds. The vegetarian option was just as good and everyone was so pleased for the price. The bar staff were very efficient and the bottles of wine came out chilled all night - perfect.
Overall we had an amazing night and are looking to book next year as it was such a success and would certainly recommend them for a great evening cruise.

Group Bookings

Stuart Line Cruises would like to extend a very warm welcome to group organisers, tour operators and couriers. Allow us to share with you some fantastic excursion ideas, which are specially designed for groups of 15 people or more with suggested itineraries at special discounted rates.

Stuart Line Cruises is an award-winning, family-run business, operating on the River Exe and along the East Coast and South Devon coastlines, from the traditional seaside town of Exmouth, in Devon.

Now running over 50 years, we passionately believe that the River Exe and nearby coastlines of the Jurassic Coast and English Riviera are unrivaled in terms of history, beauty and wildlife and cannot wait to share them with you.

If you are interested in taking this cruise as part of a group, please contact us. We look forward to welcoming you.

Book Online

For group bookings of 15+, we tailor a schedule to suit your needs.
Please call us as the timetable listed is not intended for group bookings.

English Riviera Airshow

The Ultimate Front-Row Seat

Watch the Action directly from the Water

Beat the Torbay Traffic & Parking Chaos

A Day Out with Time Ashore

Mid-Summer Vessel Comfort & Local Refreshments

Why Choose Our English Riviera Airshow Cruise?

Book Online

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