Things to do in Paignton

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Paignton Zoo Environmental Park

Paignton Zoo is one of Britain’s top zoos, home to some of the planet’s rarest and most amazing creatures. Discover all your favourites, including gorillas and orang-utans, giraffes, lions, tigers and rhinos, and be ready for a few surprises along the way too. Do you know what a coati is? Have you ever seen a capybara? And don’t forget the plants – there are hundreds of rare and beautiful specimens around the site. A must-see is Crocodile Swamp. Here, amid the lush tropical foliage and steamy atmosphere, you’ll come face-to-face with huge crocodiles plus large snakes, turtles and fish – enter if you dare! Then there’s Amphibian Ark, the Avian Breeding Centre and Monkey Heights.
1. 6th July 202030th Sept 2020
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Things to Do in Paignton

One of the brightest jewels in the English Riviera’s crown, Paignton has a long stretch of beautiful and easily accessible beachfront with a traditional promenade and green. It’s a superb holiday haven for everyone from fun-seeking families to those looking for romantic and activity breaks. Paignton is part of the UNESCO accredited English Riviera Global Geopark recognising its extraordinary natural beauty and heritage. There's plenty to do here all-year-round with a huge number of indoor and outdoor attractions – and it’s dog friendly too!

Paignton Harbour

Don’t miss Devon’s 18^th 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.

The Steam Train

Enjoy a day out on the steam train, which takes you on a picturesque voyage of discovery along beautiful coves and beaches, over historic viaducts and along the stunning 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).

Family Fun

Historic Paignton Pier offers plenty of fun activities for everyone, from the amusement arcade to the choice of rides and unrivalled views of the bay. Children will love the free Geoplay Park with special features for toddlers and juniors to explore and enjoy. Visit world-renowned Paignton Zoo with its acres of gardens, huge numbers of exotic species and wet weather options including covered boardwalks, reptile tropics, desert glasshouse, undercover bird show, indoor play areas and spacious restaurant. Don’t miss nearby Occombe Farm with its animals, nature trail, café and farm shop. Torbay Velopark offers safe family cycling with bike, helmet and baby trailer hire on offer.

Parks and Gardens

Youngs Park at nearby Goodrington is a natural habitat for swans, geese and wild birds and is perfect for family picnics with children of all ages plus the family dog. Enjoy the Boating Lake (where model boat enthusiasts are often seen launching their treasures), have a go at crazy golf and enjoy some delightful walks in the parkland and up into the terraced Rock Walk Gardens, which are lit up at dusk.

Relaxing and Walking

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. 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 and beyond. Why not plan a fascinating walk along England’s Seafood Coast?

Watersports

Goodrington Sands in Paignton is one of the best beaches on Devon’s English Riviera. The half-mile long sands with its crystal clear waters are perfect for indulging your passion for water sports. 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. Paignton Sailing Club offers dinghy sailing with a selection of RYA courses from beginners to more advanced sailing with spinnakers. Boat trips abound and unforgettable cruises are available to Torquay, Brixham and Dartmouth plus fishing trips, wildlife cruises and evening cruises.

Evenings Out

When the sun goes down, Paignton buzzes with activity. Why not take in one of the superb shows for all ages at the historic Palace Theatre? 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 a 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, English Riviera Air Show, Paignton Regatta, Occombe Festival and many more.

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Dartmouth Steam Railway (Greenway Halt)

Paignton

If you are interested in visiting Greenway House and Garden, take a nostalgic trip with us and arrive the way Agatha Christie used to - by steam train!!
Dartmouth Steam Railway (starting in Paignton)

Paignton

A warm welcome awaits you at Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boats. We provide steam train travel, river and sea cruises across the English Riviera and along the beautiful river Dart in South Devon. We are open from February half term right through…

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
3937 reviews
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park

Paignton

Paignton Zoo is one of Britain’s top zoos, home to some of the planet’s rarest and most amazing creatures. Discover all your favourites, including gorillas and orang-utans, giraffes, lions, tigers and rhinos, and be ready for a few surprises along…

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
5126 reviews
Reach Outdoors

Goodrington Sands, Paignton

Explore the Geopark’s spectacular coastline with an adventure to remember. Reach Outdoors are an Award winning outdoor activity company and are here to make your visit to the English Riviera one to remember. We provide Coasteering, Kayak and Stand…

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
581 reviews
Paignton Pleasure Cruises and Ferry

Paignton

For over 60 years the Lane family and their crew have operated pleasure and fishing boats in Torbay and on the River Dart.
Paignton Pleasure Cruises and Ferries aim to give all a memorable experience on the water with a wealth of knowledge about…
Enterprise Amusements Paignton

Paignton

Pop down to Enterprise Amusements arcade on Torbay Road to try your luck with the huge selection of games to choose from. The air conditioned family arcade has redemption prizes,video games,pushers and cranes with an Adult Only section all under one…
The Vue Cinemas Torbay, Paignton

Paignton

At Vue Cinemas Torbay in Paignton, Devon you'll find the most up-to-date movies, reviews, film times for the week's hottest new releases and online ticket bookings to help you secure the best seats in the house.
This perfectly situated cinema on…
Palace Theatre Paignton

Paignton

Welcome to The Palace Theatre... the true community theatre for Torbay, in the heart of Paignton.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
173 reviews
Occombe Farm Paignton - Visitor Information Point

Paignton

Enjoy a real taste of Devon in the Occombe Farm Cafe, discover wildlife on the nature trail, visit the garden for inspirational fruit and veg growing ideas and walk around the working farm.
Churston Golf Club

Brixham

Welcome to Churston Golf Club, I doubt you will find a golf course in the south west in a more idyllic location or in better condition then Churston. It sits proudly overlooking Torbay running east to west from Churston to Brixham.
Escape Rooms Paignton

Paignton

Escape Rooms have arrived in Paignton!
On your next visit to The English Riviera be sure to visit ESCAPE ROOMS PAIGNTON located down from the cinema on Paignton's Torbay Road. It's a perfect, entertaining attraction for families, groups and…
Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust

Preston, Paignton

We are a local, independent charity dedicated to caring for over 1750 acres of this beautiful bay. If you can see it, walk it, climb it, or picnic on it you are enjoying the Trust’s hard work right now!
Berry Head National Nature Reserve, Cockington…
Enterprise Amusements

Paignton

Pop down to Enterprise Amusements arcade on Torbay Road to try your luck with the huge selection of games to choose from. The air conditioned family arcade has redemption prizes,video games,pushers and cranes with an Adult Only section all under o
Paignton Harbour

Paignton

Paignton Harbour nestles on the western shores of Tor Bay, situated midway between Torquay and Brixham harbours. Its understated beauty and authentic ‘fishing haven’ feel are often overlooked by visitors to the area.
Torbay Velopark

Paignton

The circuit is the only outdoor closed road circuit in Devon and Cornwall and can accommodate amateur and professional cycling and a range of other sporting activities.
Preston Sands Paignton

Paignton

A short walk from Paignton is Preston Sands, a great family beach. On this safe, clean beach you can sunbathe, swim or make castles in the sand, or why not grab a fishing net and explore the rock pools at low tide?
Scadson Woods Bike Park

Paignton

Scadson Freeride park is a 13-acre woodland site, located within Scadson woods in Torbay. It is the only purpose built mountain bike trail for all abilities. It provides recreational, health and educational opportunities which benefit local people…
Ashleys Fishing Trips

Paignton

A 2 hour mackerel fishing trip - searching the local waters onboard the 'Boy Richard'.
Paignton Sailing Club

Paignton

Paignton Sailing Club is predominantly a dinghy racing club and is host to the Torbay Spring and Autumn Regattas.
Paignton

Paignton

Famous for its long, sandy beaches, paddler-friendly waters and a colourful, bustling pier, Paignton remains a popular, traditional seaside resort.

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Things to Do in Paignton

Paignton Harbour

The Steam Train

Family Fun

Parks and Gardens

Relaxing and Walking

Watersports

Evenings Out

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