Explore Paignton

Paignton is one of the most inviting towns on the English Riviera, offering a perfect mix of seaside fun, family attractions, and stunning coastline. If you’re planning a visit, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Paignton, from relaxing on its sandy beaches to exploring the vibrant seafront and traditional pier. Whether you’re travelling with family, friends, or on your own, Paignton has things to do for everyone, including local markets, historic sites, and coastal walks. With its friendly atmosphere and beautiful beaches, it’s easy to see why Paignton remains one of the most popular spots in South Devon for visitors looking for great things to do by the sea.

Like the rest of the English Riviera, Paignton benefits from a mild climate and sub-tropical palm trees, giving that real continental, holiday feel, and when we are blessed with good weather, you could be anywhere in the world.  But, like all our coastal towns, they showcase their own beauty in the winter months too, so whatever time of year you choose to visit, you are sure to have an enjoyable stay.

Things to do in Paignton 

A great family friendly resort, Paignton is full of attractions and activities the kids will love. With huge expanses of rich red sand, Paignton and Preston beaches are great for beach days all year round - great for sandcastles, swimming and rockpooling. Top Paignton Attractions include Paignton Zoo, Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway, Vue Cinema, Splashdown Quaywest and so much more. 

And if that wasnt enough, Paignton has a year round program of events, incluing the English Riviera Air Show in June, Children's week in August, Paignton Festival, and is home to the iconic Christmas Train of Lights. 

Like its neighbouring resort Torquay, Paignton is part of the UNESCO accredited English Riviera Global Geopark that celebrates its extraordinary history and natural beauty, a testament to both its coast and countryside.

Family Attractions & Days Out in Paignton

After a day at the beach, head for Paignton Pier where you’ll find plenty of fun activities for everyone, from the amusement arcade to the choice of rides; or just stroll along the magnificent structure and enjoy some unrivalled views of the bay.  It’s always fun to have a go at the crazy golf that’s guaranteed to bring out your competitive side.  Paignton Zoo  has lots to see with endless activities and fun plus delightful eateries sure to create wonderful family memories.  Paignton Zoo is also a conservation and education charity and takes part in international breeding programmes as well as being home to many rare and endangered species. There are also some lovely cycle paths and Torbay Velopark offers safe family cycling with bike, helmet and baby trailer hire on offer. Children will love the free Geoplay Park with special features for toddlers and juniors to explore and enjoy whilst learning about the area’s heritage.

Paignton Steam Train

Enjoy a day out on the steam train, running from Paignton Train Station, which takes you on a voyage of discovery along beautiful coves and beaches, over historic viaducts and along the River Dart to Kingswear.  You can cross over to Dartmouth and take a scenic riverboat to visit Agatha Christie’s famous riverside residence at Greenway (now National Trust), but there are several route options available, which include a steam and cruise.

And what about the Paignton Pudding?  It was first baked to mark the opening of the railway line back in 1839, but has been recreated many times since in various sizes to mark various occasions.  It is a take on what we know today as "Spotted Dick" and was featured on the Great British Bake Off back in 2014.

Paignton Beaches and Outdoor Activities

Paignton has some of the best beaches along the English Riviera coastline. Long sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming, building sandcastles and rockpooling. Preston Beach, Paignton Beach and Goodrington are the most popular beaches in the area - but there are also beautiful coves to discover along the coastline, such as Fairy Cove, Saltern Cove and Oyster Cove. Great for paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking and sailing, if you love watersports then Paignton has it all. 

Watersports in Paignton

The coastline is simply idyllic to explore in a kayak or on a paddleboard and there’s water skiing, wakeboarding, coasteering and scuba diving available too.  Boat trips abound on the sparkling waters of South Devon’s Beautiful Bay and unforgettable cruises are available to Torquay, Brixham and Dartmouth plus fishing trips, wildlife cruises and evening cruises.

Walks and the South West Coast Path

The stunning South West Coast Path stretches for miles in both directions so walkers can enjoy the wonderful scenery and breathtaking views all the way to Brixham or Torquay.  An ideal base fo your dog friendly stay too, with so many walks on the doorstep! Why not plan an exhilarating walk along England’s Seafood Coast? Click here for some great ideas and a full itinerary.

The promenade is a great place to sit and watch the world go by, or why not enjoy coffee and cake or a bite to eat at the Shoreline Bar and Restaurant.  It sits overlooking the sea and the Pier, and is open late in the evenings too, perfect for a relaxing evening drink. Or, head to The Boathouse which also boasts fantastic sea views and has regular entertainment, hosting local gigs and music.

A free self-guided walk from Paignton Train Station to the seafront and around Roundham Head can be downloaded here (page 15).

Paignton Harbour and Seafood Coast

Don’t miss Devon’s 18th century Paignton Harbour, a real maritime gem with a bevy of boats, a historic harbour wall plus delightful restaurants and cafes where you can sample the famous local fish or try some tapas.  This is England’s Seafood Coast with delicious fresh fish coming in daily from nearby Brixham.  Tucked away behind Paignton Harbour is Fairy Cove a hidden Devon beach to discover. You’ll also love the gardens at nearby Roundham Head with its jaw-dropping views and access to Goodrington Sands, another spectacular beach with many family attractions including Splashdown Quaywest and the Seashore Centre.  

Places to Stay in Paignton

Paignton’s award-winning accommodation options make it a very popular place for a holiday in Devon whatever your age, and whoever your travelling companion or companions may be....  It may be a family holiday, a romantic break, or a holiday with your four-legged friend!  With a wide choice of hotels, inns, colourful seafront bed & breakfasts, self-catering apartments and Devon cottages, there’s the perfect holiday haven here to suit all tastes and budgets.

Evenings Out in Paignton

When the sun goes down, Paignton buzzes with activity. Why not take in one of the superb shows for all ages at the Palace Theatre, including well respected tribute acts, children's shows, musicals and a top class diary of annual performances.  You can choose from award-winning restaurants, bars and cafés, many with stunning sea views and there are plenty of choices for families, friends or those just wanting a quiet, romantic evening. You’ll find a huge choice of movies to watch at the state-of-the-art Vue Cinema complex and there are events galore in Paignton to keep everyone entertained. Check out the year-round calendar of great festivals including the vibrant Paignton Festival, Children’s Week, Torbay Air Show, Paignton Regatta, Occombe Festival and many more.

Accessible Paignton

One of the many joys of Paignton is that it’s so easy to get around with the beautiful sandy beaches, the promenade and the green an easy stroll along flat paths. It is certainly an accessible resort if you or someone you are travelling with has mobility issues, and family friendly for prams and pushchairs, and is popular with group days out and coach holidays for this very reason.  Take the route from Roundham car park to Hollicombe Beach, a short wheelchair-friendly route along Paignton's Victorian esplanade and spot the fossils in the sea wall. There is disabled access to Hollicombe Beach by means of a slipway.

Discover more about Paignton by browsing our website, or why not book your holiday now and come and discover Paignton for yourself?