Want the ultimate in traditional, bucket and spade holiday where there’s plenty to see and do for the kids? Loved for its long sandy beaches, Paignton is a colourful, traditional seaside resort popular for its mild climate and lively seafront. The bustling pier, genteel buildings and streets and sense of class and style make this an English Riviera favourite for generations of visitors.

Getting There

The next stop along the coast, heading North from Goodrington, is Paignton. This can still be undertaken on foot by continuing along the coast path that traverses Goodrington Beach then heads up the cliff face and over Roundham Head, however this is a fairly long walk. By far the best alternative is to still leave the car at home and take the Stagecoach Bus No 12 from the stop immediately across the road from the park entrance.

Paignton Bus Station is a local interchange station and buses to the rest of Devon can be found here. The bus station is also opposite Paignton Train Station which sits at the end of the branch line from Newton Abbot and provides links to anywhere in the UK. The train station is also home to the Dartmouth Steam Railway company who operate several heritage steam trains every day from April to October, with a limited service at other times, and ‘specials’ at Christmas, including the ‘Train of Lights.’

History

Originally a Celtic settlement, Paignton was a fishing village right up until the 19th century when the harbour was built. The arrival of the railway in 1859 brought crowds of visitors and the town quickly became a favourite tourist destination for the Victorians. Today, Paignton is a landmark of the English Riviera and continues to be one of the most popular resorts in the UK.

Things to Do

Whether you want to paddle, dive, or surf, Paignton's beaches are diverse and ideal for a range of water sports. The sand here is claimed to be the best in the UK for building sandcastles, and there are plenty of competitions here to prove it. The beach is home to a pier full of exciting arcade games, a large green perfect for games and picnics complete with crazy golf, Geoplay Park, cinema and visiting fun fair in the season.

Food & Drink

A popular centre for arts and festivals, Paignton’s heritage as a cultural seaside resort can be seen in its diverse range of restaurants and bars. Here you’ll find fine European cuisine served across the resort using locally sourced ingredients and inspired globally. From French to Thai, there is a great range of gastronomic delights to be enjoyed on the English Riviera.

Something a little different

The thriving and bustling Paignton Pier is a charming landmark, famed for its stunning views across Torbay. Here you’ll be able to enjoy traditional attractions such as dodgems and crazy golf. This is a good, old-fashioned kiss-me-quick style of pier; it's colourful, noisy and fun.

Dogs allowed on beach – Oct – April