Consisting of mile after mile of coastal towns, and with a decidedly continental feel thanks to the myriad of outdoor dining opportunities, marinas and bars, it's not surprising that this part of the world is a mecca for tourists, and home to some of the most popular resorts in the United Kingdom.
Nestled between Brixham and Torquay, in the Torbay area of Devon, Paignton is particularly well placed to be either a base from which to explore the wider area, or a destination in itself. The golden, sandy beaches alone is the reason many visitors choose this part of Devon for their summer holiday, but there's plenty more to discover, so read on for some of the best things to do in Paignton.
Ride the Dartmouth Steam Railway
Seeing stunning scenery from the luxurious carriages of the Dartmouth Steam Railway isn't just a convenient way to travel between Paignton and Kingswear: it's an experience in itself. The vintage look of Paignton Station will have you feeling a bit like you've stepped back in time, while a visit to the Devon Belle Observation Carriage, which was built in 1917 as an ambulance vehicle will only serve to increase that feeling of nostalgia for the great days of the railroads.
Visit the king of all zoos
With over 2,500 animals on its vast, 80-acre site, it's no wonder Paignton Zoo dubs itself "the king of zoos". One of the most popular attractions in the entire country, let alone Devon itself, it was one of the first zoos to focus on animal conservation, and still has education firmly at the front of its mission. All animals are kept in environments designed to mimic their natural habitats as closely as possible, and there are plenty of them to see in the various themed areas around the park. During your visit, you can also enjoy the zoo's beautiful botanical gardens, and even adopt your own animal.
Brave the weather at the water park
Devon tends to be one of the drier areas of the UK, which makes it a good choice of location for the country's largest outdoor water park. Splashdown Quaywest is just outside Paignton, and offers hours of water-based fun, with slides and other aquatic adventures galore. You'll get a spectacular view of Paignton and its beach from the top of the taller slides, but, if you'd rather stay closer to ground level, there's also a traditional swimming pool, arcade, and cafe overlooking the sea.
Catch a show at the Palace Theatre
Paignton's Palace Theatre is one of Devon's most loved community theatres, and the oldest working theatre in the Torbay area. Built in 1890, it's still as popular today as it was back then, and features a varied programme of musicals, comedy, and classical drama.
Keep up to date with the latest movie releases
The perfect place to spend a rainy day, Paignton’s Vue Cinema is home to nine screens and 1,638 seats in addition to Dolby Surround sound. Watch the latest 2D and 3D blockbuster films and they have even Mini Mornings to keep the little ones entertained.
Wander around the ruins of a haunted castle
Berry Pomeroy Castle, located in a valley just outside Paignton, is one of those places that only became a tourist attraction once it was ruined, with visitors drawn there by its romantic exterior and general air of mystery and intrigue: oh, and the fact that it's said to be haunted doesn't hurt either! The Elizabethan mansion, which was built within the ruins of an older castle on the site, is the perfect spot for a picnic, with many visitors choosing to go for a walk in the surrounding woodland before or after their tour of the house itself. If that sounds a little too strenuous for you, however, there's also a cafe on site!
Visit a nearby country park
Cockington Court is only ten minutes away from Paignton, and consists of a mansion house dating mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries, plus over 20 craft studios, a tea room, a Tudor Rose garden, a contemporary gallery, and a children's play area.
Enjoy a round of traditional crazy golf
Great fun for all the family, Pirates Bay Crazy Golf offers hours of traditional seaside fun. A beautifully landscaped 18 hole adventure golf course paired with spectacular views of the Paignton seafront. Just watch out for those exploding cannons!
Step back in time at Compton Castle
The atmospheric Compton Castle dates back to the 14th century, and there’s plenty to see in the grounds once you’ve finished exploring the medieval interior. Owned by the National Trust, marvel at the castle's Great Hall and Sub Solar before heading out to explore the rose garden and take a seat in the tranquil orchard.
Soak up the atmosphere of a classical mansion house
The imposing exterior of Oldway Mansion is matched only by the beauty of its gardens, which were designed by French landscape gardener, Achille Duchesne, and which include a maze. The centrepiece of the house is the elegant marble staircase, which you might recognise from films like Churchill: The Hollywood Years, in which Oldway doubled as Buckingham Palace.
Sink into relaxation at the Aztec Spa
From the moment guests step through the doors of the Aztec Leisure spa, they'll feel an immediate sense of calm. Indulge with luxury treatments and products by spa specialists ELEMIS. Simply relax by the pool and engage in some friendly competition with the 2000 square feet wall-to-wall fun and games zone.
Reconnect with the great outdoors
Go kayaking, rock-climbing or coasteering with Reach Outdoors, who offer outdoor activities for the whole family.
Visit the town's only indoor soft play area
Keep the kids entertained whatever the weather courtesy of The Children’s Play Square. Home to three large rooms including a play frame, bouncy castle and more. To help fuel the fun, the cafe serves hot and cold, food and drink all day.
Free things to do in Paignton
Holidaying on a budget can be a daunting prospect, but there's plenty to keep you occupied in Paignton for either a small charge, or nothing at all. Check out these suggestions:
Let the kids run wild at Paignton Geo Play Park
On the shore of Paignton beach, Paignton Geo Play Park is a free outdoor space designed for kids. If you're thinking this sounds like just your standard play area, however, think again: the space is inspired by the unique geology of the English Riviera, and the various different areas contain multiple references to Paignton's distant past.
Walk the South West Coast Path
The UK's most extensive national trail passes right through Paignton, and while you're probably not going to have time to walk all 630 miles of the South West Coast Path (Although many people have done just that!), even a short stroll close to town will be enough to whet your appetite for more: or, indeed, to help you work up an appetite for one of the area's many restaurants or cafes.
Stroll along Paignton Pier
Paignton Pier opened its doors to the public for the first time in 1879, and although it's undergone many changes over the years, it remains an excellent example of a traditional British seaside pier, complete with rides, amusement arcades, and of course, plenty of opportunities to grab a drink or snack. Offering stunning views along the seafront by day, at night the pier becomes part of the view itself, with its neon lights reflected in the water beneath it. Entrance to the pier is completely free, however there is a fee for some of the attractions.
Go cold water swimming in the sea
Paignton Sands is one of the main reason for the town's continued popularity: the wide, sandy beach is regarded as a safe place to swim (If you're brave enough to take the plunge!), and also has a host of amenities, including pedalos hire, and, of course, the pier. The nearby Goodrington Sands is divided into two portions, North Beach and South Beach, both of which are excellent choices for a family day out.
Sail model boats at Young's Park
Also known as Goodrington Park, this pretty green space close to the beach has a boating lake, crazy golf course, and a surprisingly fascinating history, which involves 300 French sailors, who are allegedly buried beneath the ground here, and the presence of a single, mysterious gravestone. In modern times, it's an excellent spot for a picnic, and the boating lake is also popular with model boat enthusiasts, who you can watch set sail on the tranquil waters.
Things to do in Paignton for adults
Paignton may be a family-friendly area, but adults aren't overlooked either, and there's a wide selection of restaurants and bars to enjoy once the sun has set on the day. Here are some of our suggestions:
- Have a meal overlooking the harbour: Paignton Harbour was once a traditional fishing harbour, but while the fishing industry in the area has largely given way to tourism these days, the authentic feel of the area continues to attract visitors. The harbour is now home to some of the best restaurants in town, making it the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while watching the sun set into the water.
- Have dinner with a view at The Boathouse: The Boathouse claims to have one of the best locations in Torbay, and it's hard to argue when you catch sight of its amazing sea views. Serving up pizzas and platters, it also regularly hosts live music, making it the perfect place to while away an evening.
- Try Paignton's first ever gastro pub: The Local is Paignton's first ever gastro pub and grill, and it's also the town's top-rated restaurant, with diners raving about the speciality burgers and loaded fries.
- Enjoy harbour views at TJ's Restaurant: It would be a shame to visit the Devon coast and not enjoy some of the splendid seafood the area is known for, and TJ's restaurant, with its harbour-side location, is the perfect place to do just that.
- Pop in for a fabulous lunch or evening meal at Ye Olde Smokehouse. The menu offers home-cooked comfort food in friendly surroundings.
- Visit the delightful family-owned The Noah’s Ark. From traditional pub grub to classic Sunday roasts, you're bound to find a dish you'll love on the pub menu.
- Try the best ice cream in town at Molloney’s Ices. With everything from ice cream to waffles to donuts, Molloney's Ices have all the staple essentials of a classic day at the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Paignton Fair?
Paignton Festival is an annual, nine day event which takes place at the end of June, with events including a fireworks display and the popular Party on the Green, showcasing local talent in a live music extravaganza. There's also children's shows, plus a carnival procession through town, making this a good time to see Paignton at its busiest and most vibrant. There's also a small fun fair on Paignton Pier, although this mostly consists of arcade games, as opposed to carnival rides.
What is Paignton famous for?
Located on the beautiful English Riviera, Paignton is a traditional seaside resort complete with a harbour, pier, and long, sandy beach. It's an excellent spot to enjoy everything the coast has to offer, and to blow the cobwebs away with lots of fresh, salty air. Just outside town, meanwhile, Paignton Zoo is one of the best in the UK, and the kind of place you could easily spend an entire day in, while the ghosts and ghouls of Pomeroy Castle are sure to spark the imagination.
Can you walk from Paignton to Torquay?
Yes! The South West Coastal Path links the two towns, and the walk itself is just two miles long, making it easy to enjoy not one, but two of the English Riviera's most popular places. The walk takes you along the coast, as the name suggests, so don't forget to bring your camera: you'll be passing through some of the most scenic areas of the country!
