Paignton

Want the ultimate in traditional, bucket and spade holidays 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.

History

Originally a Celtic settlement, Paignton was a fishing village right up until the 19^th 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

If your little ones are interested in animals and you want to introduce them to the superb conservation work being done in the UK, then Paignton Zoo features a range of endangered species and is one of Britain’s top zoos. There are tigers, rhinos and elephants, and the zoo works on many educational and research projects.

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. Make sure you also check out the Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company, who offer trips from the town.

Food and 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. Colourful, noisy and fun, it’s just a tiny bit ‘tacky’ – but in a really good way.

See The English Riviera website for more details.