Top 10 Things To Do in Paignton

1. Award-winning Beaches

As one of the 10 award-winning English Riviera beaches, Paignton Sands (Seaside Award) has the longest sandy stretch and shallow water- perfect for sandcastle building, paddling and pedalo fun. Preston Sands (Blue Flag Award), popular with locals, has a friendly feel or for a quieter spot go to Hollicombe Beach or Fairy Cove with shingle and red sand and fascinating rock pools – take your fishing nets along. Goodrington Beach (Seaside Award) is set in a curved, sheltered bay and North Sands is dog-friendly all year round. Look out for the steam train passing in the distance, also seen from Broadsands Beach (Blue Flag Award), another idyllic spot and a designated windsurfing area.  

2. Family Friendly Attractions

Listed in the Top 10 Best UK Seaside Towns by Day Out with The Kids, there’s plenty to entertain all the family. Have a wild time at Paignton Zoo; take a nostalgic trip with the Dartmouth Steam Railway or put on your wellies and head to Occombe Farm. On Paignton Seafront the UNESCO Global Geoplay Park, iconic Paignton Pier and the multiplex Vue Cinema provide hours of entertainment. Ride the thrilling water flumes at Splashdown Quaywest or the gentler swan boats on Goodrington Boating Lake followed by a friendly round of miniature golf. 

3. Vibrant Night Life

The multi award-winning, Palace Theatre has a packed programme of first-class live entertainment for all ages and interests including live music, comedy nights and murder mystery suspense during the Agatha Christie summer season. The Escapes Room Paignton experience is great fun with a group of friends or try your luck at the Enterprise Amusements and The Regency Palace on Torbay Road, known as The Golden Mile. On the seafront,  The Spinning Wheel has live music by local talent and a friendly pub atmosphere.   

4. Top Festivals and Major Events

Paignton Esplanade hosts English Riviera Bike Nights with 100’s of motorcycles including Harley Davidsons, in aid of charity.  A visiting fun fair, international touring circus, classic car show, the English Riviera Air Show with spectacular air displays and flypasts and the UK’s longest running children’s festival are annual events not to miss. If you’re staying at Christmas, Paignton Lions Club Walk into the Sea on Boxing Day is open to all, with fancy dress optional.

5. A Taste of the Southwest

The finest hospitality and local produce awaits at Paignton’s countless Pubs, Bars, Restaurants, Cafes and Takeaways. For great value meals there’s the Harvester; alfresco dining at The Boathouse or Henry’s Bar for quality real ales and Devon cider. Close to Paignton Green there’s Hyde Dendy, The Shoreline and the Inn on the Green. Sample the speciality gin at Cantina in Goodrington, or around the harbourside St Austell Brewery’s Harbour Light, TJ’s,  Molly’s and Crab & Hammer for handpicked Devon Crab. The Waterside Inn has a pleasant beer garden and plenty of parking. Enjoy freshly caught seafood from England’s Seafood Coast at Paignton Pier Chippy or opt for take away Fish and Chips from a seafront kiosk. The famous Devon Cream Tea is served in most tearooms and cafés.

6. Coastal Walks

Paignton has a safe and friendly feel with many visitors returning each year. It’s also a great choice for solo travellers. The Mediterranean style atmosphere and mild weather is ideal for walking along some of the famous South West Coast Path.  Take in the picture-postcard sea views and the naturally inspiring surroundings awarded UNESCO Global Geopark status. At Roundham Head you’ll see attractive flower bed displays, tropical plants, pines and exotic palm trees and fantastic panoramic, cliff top views across Tor Bay.  

7. Boat Trips and Pleasure Cruises

The English Riviera is set in a natural amphitheatre with a world class geological landscape best enjoyed from the water. Slow the pace right down with a gentle fishing trip from Paignton Harbour or take a ferry boat trip for some wildlife spotting with Paignton Pleasure Cruises. It’s the perfect location for a romantic sunset cruise or private hire a boat for some unforgettable moments with your loved ones.

8. Explore the area

Jump aboard the Golden Hop 122 Open Top Bus Service for some fresh sea air and  spectacular elevated views or take a scenic trip on the charming land train. The wide seafront promenade and winding, coastal roads are relatively flat with some off-road sections which are suitable for cycling. Clennon Lakes is an attractive nature reserve and home to swans, ducks, kingfishers, herons and other wildlife with a series of pathways to explore.

9. Extraordinary History and Heritage  

Venture into Paignton’s fascinating past with a walk around the grounds of Oldway Mansion, once home to the Singer sewing machine pioneer and 17 spectacular acres to enjoy with an Italian themed garden, sub-tropical plants, a rocky cave and a maze. Paignton Heritage Society runs Kirkham House – a late medieval stone house, Coverdale Tower and The Old Clink. Paignton Picture House, believed to be the oldest surviving cinema in Europe, was regularly visited by the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie.

10. Sports and Leisure

During a half term break Parkfield Torbay has a skate and BMX park for the kids or Torbay Velopark’s outdoor closed-road circuit for all the family. For some indoor swimming head to Torbay Leisure Centre with a 25m pool and wheelchair accessible. Reach Outdoors Adventure Centre at Goodrington offers thrilling coasteering, kayaking and paddleboarding and Torbay Golf Centre hits the mark with a driving range, outside and undercover bays.