Holiday guide to Paignton Devon

About Paignton:

Paignton is a beautiful coastal town located in South Devon, known for its sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and pleasant weather, making it a perfect destination for a summer vacation.

Paignton’s most popular attraction is its stretch of beaches. The beaches are clean, well-maintained and offer spectacular views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. You can indulge in various activities like swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding and kayaking.
There are three main beaches in Paignton: Paignton Beach, Preston Sands and Goodrington Sands. Each of these beaches offers a different experience for tourists.

Paignton Beach is the town's main beach and is a long expanse of sand that stretches for one and a half miles. The beach is often crowded with sunbathers during the summer months, and there are a variety of water sports available like kayaking, paddleboarding and jet-skiing.

Preston Sands is a smaller beach located at the northern end of Paignton. The beach is sheltered by rocky headlands on both sides and is an ideal place for rock-pooling. The beach is quieter than Paignton Beach, making it great for people who would like to avoid large crowds.

Goodrington Sands is another popular beach in Paignton. The beach is divided into two parts, the North Beach and the South Beach, which offer different activities. The North Beach is ideal for families with children as it has shallow waters. The South Beach is popular among water sports enthusiasts and is excellent for windsurfing and kiteboarding.

All the beaches in Paignton are safe for swimming, as there are lifeguards on duty during the summer months. The beaches are also accessible by wheelchair and have facilities like changing rooms, toilets and cafes. There are also plenty of nearby parking options for visitors.

The beaches in Paignton are stunning, and each of them offers a unique experience. Whether you are looking for adventure or a relaxing day with your family, the beaches in Paignton have everything you could possibly want.

If you are interested in wildlife, Paignton Zoo is a must-visit destination.
Paignton Zoo is one of the most visited and popular attractions in Paignton, Devon. The zoo is home to over 2000 animals from around the world, spread across 80 acres of land. Here are some of the must-see exhibits and attractions inside Paignton Zoo that you should not miss:

Crocodile Swamp: The Crocodile Swamp is a walkthrough exhibit that takes you through a recreated mangrove swamp where you can encounter a variety of crocodiles, including the Philippine crocodile, the Cuban crocodile, and the American alligator.

Gorillas: The gorilla enclosure at Paignton Zoo is among the best in the world, with two separate viewing areas. You can get a close-up view of the gorillas as they swing, play and groom each other.

Lemurs: The zoo has an indoor and outdoor lemur exhibit where you can get up close with various lemurs, including the ring-tailed lemurs, the black-and-white ruffed lemurs, and the red-bellied lemurs.

Lion exhibit: The lion exhibit at Paignton Zoo is a vast open space that allows you to see lions in their natural habitat. You can also watch the lions being fed during the zoo's daily feeding shows.

Reptile Tropics: The Reptile Tropics exhibit houses a variety of reptiles from around the world, including lizards, snakes, frogs, and turtles.

Apart from these exhibits, there are many other attractions within the zoo, including the Big Cat House, the Baboon Rock, the Penguin Beach, and the Monkey Heights. The zoo offers several shows and talks that provide insights into the behaviour, diet and habitats of various animals. You can also indulge in an animal encounter experience, where you can get up close with some of the animals and learn more about them.

Paignton Zoo has a lot to offer for animal lovers, and with so much to see and do, it is easy to spend an entire day exploring all the exhibits and attractions. Whether you are visiting with your family or friends, make sure you do not miss any of these amazing exhibits.

If you are interested in history, you should visit the Oldway Mansion, a beautiful historic building that was once the home of Isaac Singer, the inventor of the Singer Sewing Machine. The building architecture flaunts Victorian and Edwardian styles and hosts exhibitions, concerts and other events throughout the year.

The Dartmouth Steam Railway is a popular tourist attraction in Paignton, Devon that offers a beautiful and scenic 7-mile train journey along the picturesque South Devon coast. The railway journey takes you from Paignton to Kingswear, where you can then take a ferry across the River Dart to the historic town of Dartmouth.

The steam railways operated on the former Great Western Railway branch line from Paignton to Kingswear which was opened in 1864. The line passes through the stunning South Devon countryside and offers beautiful views of the River Dart, along with various picture-perfect villages.

Along the way, the train passes through some of the most stunning coastal towns in South Devon, including Goodrington, Broadsands, and Churston. The line also offers magnificent views of the famous Dartmouth Castle, one of the most photographed landmarks in the UK.

The journey onboard the train is an exciting experience, as you get to ride on vintage steam-hauled trains that offer a nostalgic travel experience from a bygone era. The trains are well-maintained and offer comfortable seating with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

As you arrive at Kingswear station, you can take a ferry across the River Dart to the charming town of Dartmouth, where you can explore the quaint narrow streets, quaint shops, and restaurants, and take a stroll along the medieval town walls.

Overall, the Dartmouth Steam Railway is a perfect way to explore the stunning South Devon coast and explore the beauty of the countryside at a leisurely pace. Whether you are a train enthusiast or just looking for a scenic and relaxing journey, the steam railway is an experience that you should not miss when visiting Paignton.

Paignton town center is a bustling and vibrant place located in the heart of the seaside town, which hosts a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants. The town center is located just a short stroll away from the beautiful Paignton Beach, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The town center’s main street is Victoria Street, which is home to a range of independent stores, charity shops and supermarkets. It also offers various cafes and restaurants, serving up delicious delicacies that cater to all tastes and budgets. The town center is popular for its events and entertainments throughout the year. During the summer months, you can catch street entertainers performing shows, while during Christmas, the town center transforms with beautiful decorations and lights. The town center also hosts the local farmer’s market that sells local produce and crafts every Tuesday and Friday offering local and fresh food options. The market is not only a great place to try out some new treats but also an opportunity to support local businesses.

For those interested in the historic landmarks, The Connection, which is a statue featuring an octopus embracing three bronze fishermen, stands in Victoria Street and is seen as one of the town's symbols.

Paignton town center is a must-visit location for everyone. The excellent shopping facilities, delicious local cuisine, events, and the range of experiences it offers make it an ideal place for visitors to experience the spirit of the town. While in Paignton, head over to the town center, wander around its streets, explore the hidden corners and appreciate the liveliness of the town center. Try out the local fish & chips shops, and take a stroll along the promenade, soaking up the beautiful views of the coast.

In conclusion, Paignton is the perfect destination for people looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy a relaxing seaside holiday. From sandy beaches, incredible seafood, to some of the best wildlife exhibitions, this town offers experiences not to miss. Plan your next trip to Paignton and experience the perfect seaside escape.