Things to Do in Paignton
Go to listing ↓Paignton is a classic English seaside town, built around a long sandy beach, a Victorian pier and a harbour that still keeps up the traditional resort feel Torbay is known for. It's one of the more traditionally family-oriented towns on the bay.
The town's attractions lean into that family appeal — Paignton Zoo, the seafront green, and the steam railway that runs along the coast to Kingswear all make it an easy base for a classic seaside holiday.
Paignton also sits on the English Riviera Geopark coastline, with red sandstone cliffs and coastal walks bookending its beach — a quieter, more traditional counterpart to Torquay just along the bay.
Paignton History
Paignton appears in the Domesday Book as a small fishing and farming settlement on the shore of Tor Bay, and remained a relatively quiet village for much of its early history. Its transformation into a seaside resort followed the arrival of the railway in the 19th century, which suddenly made Paignton's long sandy beach easily reachable for visitors and set the town on a path toward becoming one of the English Riviera's classic family holiday destinations.
Much of the Victorian seafront character survives today, including Paignton Pier, a long-standing focal point of the seafront since the 19th century. The town later added Paignton Zoo, one of the South West's best-known attractions, and the preserved Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway, a heritage line that follows the coast and estuary using much of the original Victorian-era track. Together they give Paignton a strong sense of its own resort history that's still very much part of a visit today.
Places to visit in Paignton
40 places to visit in Paignton, spanning Food & Drink, Nature and Family & Attractions, updated live by local businesses.
Some suggestions for Places to visit in Paignton: For Café Food & Drink try The Still House, The Rugga Shack, Cantina Goodrington and Shoreline. Clothing & Accessories Shopping try Creek at Dolphin Boatyard and Dolphin Boatyard. For Kids try Street Golf Paignton, Pirates Bay Adventure Golf, Point Field Smallholding C.I.C and STEAM DISCOVERY CENTRE. Family & Attractions try Rock and Moor, STEAM DISCOVERY CENTRE, Paignton Green and Point Field Smallholding C.I.C. Lake & River Nature try Dolphin Boatyard.
Travel Wellness Family & Attractions For Kids Food & Drink Entertainment Activities Nature Accommodation Shopping Arts and Culture
Siam Garden Thai
30-32 Palace Avenue, Paignton, TQ3 3HB
An authentic Thai restaurant on Palace Avenue serving traditional dishes from across Thailand in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
The Still House
South Quay, Paignton, TQ4 6DT
A vibrant harbourside bar on South Quay serving locally sourced food, craft spirits and cocktails with stunning views over Paignton Harbour.
The Chippy Paignton
39 Seaway Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 2NX
The Chippy Paignton on Seaway Road — traditional fish and chips, freshly cooked to order. Eat in, collect, or we deliver from 5pm. Order direct at www.thechippypaignton.co.uk or call 01803 552233.
Pier Chippy Co
Paignton Pier, Paignton, TQ4 6BW
A fresh fish and chip shop right on Paignton Pier, serving the freshest catches with sea views and classic seaside atmosphere.
Waterside Inn
128 Dartmouth Road, Goodrington, Paignton, TQ4 6ND
A Greene King Flaming Grill pub near Goodrington Sands, serving hearty grills and classic pub fare in a family-friendly setting.
Franx Lifestyle Cafe
343 Torquay Road, Paignton, TQ3 2EP
A cosy independent coffeehouse and wine bar on Torquay Road serving locally sourced coffee, fresh food and in-house baked goods.
What's On in Paignton
276 events to attend in Paignton, spanning Food & Drink, Entertainment and Educational, updated live by local businesses.
Some suggestions for What's On in Paignton: For Food & Drink try Beaujolais Nouveau (Creek at Dolphin Boatyard). Games Entertainment try Beaujolais Nouveau (Creek at Dolphin Boatyard).
For Kids Food & Drink Entertainment Educational Arts and Culture
Mermaid LIVE DJ - FRIDAY
Hosted by The Mermaid
The Mermaid, 2 King Street Brixham TQ5 9TF
6 November 2026
Mermaid LIVE DJ - FRIDAY is a Nightclub in Brixham.
SOHO LIVE DJ - FRIDAY
Hosted by Soho
1 Palk Street, Torquay, United Kingdom, TQ2 5EL
6 November 2026
SOHO LIVE DJ - FRIDAY is a Nightclub in Torquay.
SOHO LIVE DJ - SATURDAY
Hosted by Soho
1 Palk Street, Torquay, United Kingdom, TQ2 5EL
7 November 2026
SOHO LIVE DJ - SATURDAY is a Nightclub in Torquay.
Mermaid LIVE DJ - SATURDAY
Hosted by The Mermaid
The Mermaid, 2 King Street Brixham TQ5 9TF
7 November 2026
Mermaid LIVE DJ - SATURDAY is a Nightclub in Brixham.
Mermaid LIVE MUSIC - SUNDAY
Hosted by The Mermaid
The Mermaid, 2 King Street Brixham TQ5 9TF
8 November 2026
Mermaid LIVE MUSIC - SUNDAY is a Live Music in Brixham.
Mermaid LIVE DJ - FRIDAY
Hosted by The Mermaid
The Mermaid, 2 King Street Brixham TQ5 9TF
13 November 2026
Mermaid LIVE DJ - FRIDAY is a Nightclub in Brixham.
Ways to get about in Paignton
1 ways to get about in Paignton, spanning Travel, updated live by local businesses.
Some suggestions for Ways to get about in Paignton: For Train Travel try Paignton Train Station.
Paignton Train Station
Paignton station, Station Square, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 5EF
Paignton Train Station is a Train in Paignton.
Places to stay in Paignton
3 places to stay in Paignton, spanning For Kids, Food & Drink and Entertainment, updated live by local businesses.
Some suggestions for Places to stay in Paignton: For Entertainment try Beverley Holidays and Lark Meadows. Quiz Entertainment try Lark Meadows. Food & Drink try Beverley Holidays and Lark Meadows. Comedy Entertainment try Lark Meadows. For Kids try Lark Meadows and Beverley Holidays.
Family & Attractions For Kids Food & Drink Entertainment Accommodation
The Clifton At Paignton
The Clifton At Paignton 9-10 Kernou Road Paignton TQ4 6BA
The Clifton at Paignton bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Torbay, which is considered to be the English Riviera. Paignton is a beautiful place to visit, with its safe, sandy beaches.
Beverley Holidays
Goodrington Road, Paignton TQ4 7JE
Award-winning family-run holiday park offering camping, touring, lodge and caravan holidays.
Lark Meadows
Hoburne Holiday Park Grange Road Paignton TQ4 7JP
Come and stay in our holiday home, 3 bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, seating area, lounge and wrap around decking.
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