Paignton

One of the brightest jewels in the English Riviera’s crown, as you arrive in the seaside resort of Paignton, you are met with the welcoming sight of its long stretch of beautiful and easily accessible beachfront, promenade, traditional pier, colourful beach huts and green.  What’s great about Paignton is that it is a compact resort, with the seafront and town centre shops all within close proximity, making it an ideal Devon holiday resort for that relaxing break away.  Once you arrive, you don’t have to go far, but of course, there is plenty to see and do in the area if you wish to get out and about and explore.

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

With huge expanses of rich red sand, Paignton and Preston beaches are great for beach days all year round. Paignton Attractions include Paignton Zoo, Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway, Vue Cinema, Splashdown Quaywest and so much more.

And if that wasn’t enough, Paignton has a year round program of events, including the English Riviera Air Show in June,  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.

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.

Walking and leisure in Paignton

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.

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.

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.

The Steam Train at Paignton

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.