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Things to do in Paignton.

Steam train passing Goodrington Sands beach and torbay

Goodrington Sands Beach 

Ansteys cove and sea

Ansteys Cove

Dartmouth Harbour with boats and houses on the cliff

Dartmouth

Exeter Catherdral

Exeter

Giraffe and child at paignton zoo

Paignton Zoo

Aerial view of Paignton Pier and beach

Paignton Sands Beach

Colorful houses overlooking Brixham Harbour near Paignton

Brixham Harbour

Sailing boats on the water at Salcombe

Salcombe

plymouth light house

Plymouth

Steam train in paignton

Dartmouth Steam Railway

Scenic Broadsands Beach aerial view

Broadsands Beach

Aerial view of the coastline along the south west coast path

South West Coastal Path

Babbacombe Cliff Railway

Babbacombe

kents-cavern

Kents Cavern

Dartmouth harbour with 2 large boats in the water

River Cruises

aerial photo of view from top of meadfoot beach

Meadfoot Beach 

totnes castle and houses

Totnes

Torquay Harbour

Torquay

golden-hind pirate ship

Golden Hind Museum

A sting ray

National Marine Aquarium

Our Recommendations

Agatha Christie statue at Torquay Harbour near Paignton

01

Brixham Harbour

Take a trip to Brixham and enjoy the charm of its bustling working harbour, surrounded by colourful buildings, independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Its a lovely place to wander along the waterfront, watch the fishing boats come and go, and to stop for fresh seafood and drink with a view. For those who fancy getting out in the water, there are opportunities to enjoy boat trips and water activites.

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02

Dartmouth

One of the finest natural harbours in the UK, its a picture post card destination and a must visit for food lovers and sailing enthusiasts alike. Discover charming riverside restaurants, cafes, shops and pubs, many with beautiful views. Home to the Dartmouth Royal Regatta, a week long celebration of its maritime heritage. You can also visit the picturesque village of Kingswear, just a short trip across the river. 

Goodrington Sands Beach 

03

Just a short distance from the lodge, this is a lovely family friendly beach with golden sand, colourful beach huts and beautiful views across the bay. One of its most charming features is that the Dartmouth Steam Railway runs alongside it, making it a wonderful spot to watch the steam train pass by. Whether your enjoying a day on the sand, taking a stroll or simply relaxing with an ice cream, Goodrington Sands is a favourite.

04

Broadsands Beach

Probably our favourite local beach on the English Riviera. Broadsands is a sheltered gently curving stretch of golden sand, backed by lush green cliffs. Its a lovely spot for swimming and paddling, with stunning views across the bay. A little quieter and more peaceful than some of the busier beaches near by.

05

South West Coastal Path

Explore the beautiful South Devon part of this 630 mile long coastal path with stretches along the entire length of the English Riviera. The trail passes dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, sandy beaches and picturesque seaside towns. The 

heritage, geology, wildlife and scenery are truly inspirational and every walk brings stunning new experiences. 

06

Dartmouth Steam Railway 

Take a nostalgic journey through some of South Devons most beautiful scenery aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway. The spectacular coastal route runs from Paignton to Kingswear, from here you can take the ferry across to Dartmouth, making it a wonderful day out and a great way to explore the area and take in the scenery without using your car. 

Where to Find Us

Transport Links

  • Paignton Train Station - 2.3 miles from here its easy to hop a train along the coast on the Riviera Line to Torquay, Newton Abbot, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Exmouth, Exeter, Totnes, Ivybridge and Plymouth.
  • Torquay Ferry Terminal - 4.8 miles
  • Exeter Airport - 28 miles
  • M5 25 miles
  • Bus - The closest bus stop is outside the park entrance, with an excellent bus service into Paignton and great connections to surrounding area and local attractions. The bus station is next to the train station, so you really can leave the car at home in Devon. 

Places of Interest

  • Goodrington Sands - 0.9 miles - 15 to 20 min walk
  • Oyster Cove & Fairy Cove - 1.2 miles - 20 to 25 min walk
  • Paignton Sands Beach 2.3 miles - 45 - 50 min walk or 9 min drive
  • Broadsands Beach - 1.8 miles - 35 -40 min walk or 6 min drive.
  • Paignton Zoo - 1.3 miles - 25 - 30 min walk or 5 min drive
  • Brixham Harbour - 5 miles - 15 min drive
  • Torquay - 5 miles - 20 min drive
  • Dartmouth - 11 miles - 35 min drive
  • Salcombe - 26 miles - 1 hour drive
  • Babbacombe - 7.4 miles - 25 min drive
  • Totnes - 6.2 miles - 20 min drive
  • Plymouth - 30 miles - 1 hour drive
  • Kents Cavern - 6 miles - 25 min drive
  • Golden Hind Museum - 5 miles - 15 min drive
  • Dartmouth Steam Railway - 2.3 miles - 25 to 30 min walk or 9 min drive

Local Amenities

Shops and Supermarkets 

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•  Spar Shop Goodrington Road 0.2 miles

•  Co Op Cherrybrook Square 0.3 miles

•  Lidl Waddeton Close 0.4 miles

•  Sainsburys Supermarket and Fuel Station Yalberton Road 1 mile

•  Post Office Goodrington Road 0.2 miles

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Medical 

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•   Doctors and Dentist Cherrybrook Medical Centre 0.3 miles

•   Boots and Cherrybrook Pharmacy 0.3 miles

•  Torbay Hospital, Torquay 5 miles

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Our guide to, things to do in Paignton brings together some of our favourite beaches, coastal towns and places to explore during your stay. 

Agatha Christie Statue in Torquay Harbour

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