The UK isn’t really known as a sunny summer destination, but it does have a few places with that timeless “sand castles and ice cream” charm. Paignton is a colorful seaside town, which makes up the Torbay borough, along with Torquay and Brixham. Collectively, this region is known as the English Riviera. With 1.7 million day visits recorded in 2013, the area is a popular holiday destination, especially for families.
Paignton was a Celtic fishing village, up until the construction of the harbor, during the 19th century. The town then became a popular Victorian getaway, after the construction of a rail line that linked London and Torquay, in 1859. Today, Paignton has around 49,000 residents and is home to charming beaches and a vibrant pier. Aside from being a center for arts and cultural festivals, the town is also a popular venue for sand castle competitions, because of its high-quality sand. Around town, there are Victorian-era buildings, which provide glimpses of life from centuries before.
When visiting Paignton, don’t expect the Maldives or the Bahamas. Instead, get ready for an old-fashioned seaside breather from the bustle of city life. Get out your buckets and spades, stroll around the pier, and marvel at the natural beaches of the British Isles. Paignton is ready to welcome you.
1. Hang out on Paignton Beach
Paignton has a variety of beaches, perfect for socializing or contemplating life. Aside from nearby Preston Sands and Goodrington Sands, there is also Paignton Beach, perfect for family-friendly fun. Lively at day and night, it has a pier where visitors can play games, take a stroll or have a quick bite at the culturally diverse restaurants and bars.
Facilities for water sports are also available on the beach. If you’re lucky, you can also witness sandcastle sculpting competitions being held here.
Paignton Beach
Address: Paignton, Devon, England
Opening hours: All day
Entrance fee: None
2. Get a taste of wildlife at Paignton Zoo
Covering an area of 32 hectares (79.1 acres) and housing over 2,000 animals, Paignton Zoo is known as one of Britain’s best. The zoo, run by a conservation charity, keeps the animals in enclosures that closely mimic their natural habitat. Attractions include an orangutan island, a vast glass-walled lion enclosure, and a lemur wood, with a suspension bridge. There is also a crocodile swamp and a bird breeding center.
After immersing yourself in the wildlife, you can have a snack and go shopping. Kids can also have some fun at the indoor and outdoor play areas.
Paignton Zoo
Address: Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, England
Opening hours: 10 AM to 6 PM, closed on Christmas Day. Closing times vary throughout the year.
Entrance fee: General (with donation) - 18.15 GBP (23.65 USD). Various discounts are available.
Contact: +44 1803 697500, +44 1803 697500
Website: Paignton Zoo
3. Embark on an adventure with Reach Outdoors
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Paignton isn’t just about lazing around the beach. If you’re the action-fueled, outdoorsy type, make sure to experience the town’s nature with a great company. Reach Outdoors is an established outdoor activity organizer, offering a wide array of activities, such as rock climbing, kayaking, and coasteering. From its waters to its natural terrain, there is always something to explore, in Paignton.
Reach Outdoors
Address: The Seashore Centre, Tanners Road, Goodrington Sands, Paignton, England
Contact: +44 1626 873625, +44 7816 881 821, info@reach-outdoors.com
Website: Reach Outdoors
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4. Visit places of the past
Remnants of Paignton’s history can still be seen in its hidden corners. The now-closed Torbay Picture House, a favorite of crime novelist Agatha Christie, was built in 1907 and is known as Europe’s oldest purpose-built cinema. There is also the now-demolished Royal Bijou Theatre, which dates back to the 1870’s and has only a plaque to mark its place. Rossiters department store, once the centerpiece of the town, was closed in 2009, only to be reopened as a discount store.
One of the more well-preserved buildings is the late medieval Kirkham House. Built with local stone, researchers say it might have belonged to a well-off merchant family. The house is co-managed by the Paignton Heritage Society and now showcases pieces of traditional craftsmanship.
Kirkham House
Address: Kirkham Street, Paignton, Devon, England
Opening hours: Sundays at 2 PM to 5 PM, July to September Also open on Heritage Open Days at 11 AM to 4 PM
Entrance fee: None
Contact: +44 117 975 0700
Website: English Heritage
5. Catch a performance at the Palace Theatre
Another one of Paignton’s historical gems, the Palace Theatre was built in 1890 and is known as the oldest working theater in Torbay. To this day, visitors can enjoy a variety of performances at this place, which has seen generations of art and music lovers.
Palace Theatre
Address: Palace Ave, Paignton, Devon, England
Opening hours: 11 AM Monday to Saturday. Closing times vary.
Entrance fee: Depends on the show.
Contact: +44 1803 665800 (Box Office), info@palacetheatrepaignton.co.uk
Website: Palace Theatre Paignton
6. Pet animals and sample local cuisine at Occombe Farm
Sometimes, petting animals is enough to dispel the stress of everyday life. Run by a charitable trust, this working organic farm has nature trails and animal petting areas. There is also a park and cafe, to relax in. Visitors can try fresh, seasonal and local dishes made from the farm’s produce. For cooking enthusiasts, there is a farm shop, where you can buy fresh produce to bring home.
Occombe Farm
Address: Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, Preston Down Road, Paignton, Devon, England
Opening hours: 9 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. The cafe and farm shop have separate operational hours.
Entrance fee: None
Contact: +44 1803 520 022, +44 1803 696 252 (fax), info@countryside-trust.org.uk
Website: Occombe Farm
7. Marvel at the sights from a steam train or river boat
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Taking a steam train ride or boat trip is a lovely way to experience history, first-hand. Built in the 1860’s, the Dartmouth Steam Railway used to take passengers around Devon and beyond. Today, it operates on a heritage railway and takes visitors through the picturesque English Riviera Geopark coastline.
There are also cruises available, that will take you on a sightseeing tour around the river.
Scenic railtour and river cruise
Address: Dartmouth Steam Railway, Queens Park Station, Torbay Road, Paignton, Devon
Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Contact: +44 1803 555872
8. Check out the unique beaches
While Paignton may not have white-sand beaches, it does have a variety of unique beaches perfect for kicking a football around or staring wistfully into the horizon. Broadsands is a sandy beach, with rock pools and is filled with reed beds. It has surrounding nature that perfectly complements the water.
Hollicombe Beach, the location of a geological stratotype, is another one to check out. It has distinctive red sands and tall cliffs, making for an amazing experience while sunbathing.
Broadsands Beach
Address: Paignton, Devon, England
Opening hours: All day
Entrance fee: None
Hollicombe Beach
Address: Paignton, Devon, England
Opening hours: All day
Entrance fee: None
9. Explore the coves
Aside from beaches, Paignton has coves, which are both picturesque and vital to scientific research. If you want to get away from the crowds, head to these small havens. Elberry Cove, a favorite of writer Agatha Christie, is located near Broadsands Beach. It is a small inlet with a pebble beach and is the designated spot for water skiing activities. There are also 18th-century ruins, located nearby.
Saltern Cove is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a nature reserve. Many rock pools can be accessed here, during low tide.
Elberry Cove
Address: Paignton, Devon, England
Opening hours: All day
Entrance fee: None
Saltern Cove
Address: Paignton, Devon, England
Opening hours: All day
Entrance fee: None
10. Splash around Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark
Known as the UK’s biggest outdoor water park, Splashdown Quaywest is located on Goodrington Sands. It was first opened in 1988, and was eventually reopened as the water park it is today, on 2009. There are eight large water slides to choose from, and when you get tired there are shops, restaurants, and food outlets, in the area.
Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark
Address: Goodrington Sands, Tanners Rd, Paignton, Devon, England
Opening hours: 10 AM to 6 PM. Closing times vary depending on the season.
Entrance fee: General - 15 GBP (19.56 USD). Various discounts are available.
Contact: +44 1803 555550, +44 1202 711589 (fax), quaywest@splashdownwaterparks.co.uk
Website: Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark
Breathe in the old-fashioned seaside ambiance
You don’t need to go to the trendiest island destinations for a great summer vacation. One quick look at Paignton’s beauty and you’ll see why this small seaside town has charmed holiday-goers, for years. Go and hop on that steam train, take a swim and experience the vibrancy, for yourself.
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