Now that restrictions have lifted further and we’ve been given the go ahead to move around, we can start thinking about going on a summer trip or two. If you’ve got a family, or you just fancy going somewhere picturesque with lots to see and do, why not take a look at everything that Paignton has on offer.

Paignton can be found in the English Riviera, in the south of Devon, which has one of the warmest climates in the county and is an incredibly popular destination for all kinds of holiday makers from solo travellers to families. Here are a few suggestions for places to stay and things to do while in town.

When it comes to places to stay, you have everything from cosy cottages, grand hotels, intimate b&bs and just about everything in between. For those of you who like having access to plenty of facilities and the freedom that a self catering holiday brings you, Whitehill Country Park Paignton is a good choice.  Nestled within the beautiful hills and valleys of South Devon, the park is both close to the coast and surrounded by countryside, giving you the best of both worlds. Plus, you can easily access the English Riviera and other areas of South Devon, such as Totnes and Dartmouth, so you can explore without difficulty.

lodges at whitehill country park

Image: Whitehill Country Park

The park was once home to the famous Primley Shire Horses, so you can expect lots of space and a host of facilities housed within converted barns and farm buildings, perfect for anyone wanting a rustic get away. This is also a great option for anyone wanting to bring their dogs with them, there is even a dog friendly section of the site’s Hayloft Bar and even a dog shower, just in case you encounter mud on your adventure!
There are a range of accommodation options on offer, including some wonderful glamping pods.

Like the sound of a holiday park full of facilities, surrounded by beautiful views and with lots of comfortable accommodation to choose from? Well, there are several options in and around Paignton, including Beverley Holidays.  Part of a family run group of holiday parks, the team here have been welcoming guests to the English Riviera for over 60 years and pride themselves on their customer service. At this site, you’ll find caravans, lodges with a sea view and camping pitches, with something to suit every budget. Whether you’re travelling with young kids, teens or are a group of adults, there are plenty of activities and entertainment, whatever your age.
The park can be found on Goodrington Road, so you can easily be in the centre of Paignton and spend days at Goodrington Sands beach.

outside of the queens hotel

Image: The Queens Hotel.

Alternatively, why not book a hotel stay? The Queens Hotel is ideally situated in the heart of Paignton, just 200 yards from the town centre shops and seafront. Aside from offering a comfortable stay, the Queens features a popular restaurant and entertainment lounge offering performances all year around and a heated indoor swimming pool.
There are 75 comfortably furnished ensuite rooms catering from everyone from single travellers to families, all rooms are serviced by a lift and there are ground floor rooms available for anyone who needs them.
You don’t even need to be a guest to enjoy their restaurant where you’ll find an extensive, five course dinner menu as well as a relaxing lunchtime menu and the chance to sample a Devonshire Cream Tea – with the cream and the jam the right way around of course!

Another option is the Palace Hotel and Spa, which can be found on Paington’s Esplanade, directly opposite the sea front and just a short walk from the town centre. This is an ideal accommodation for anyone looking for a bit of R&R, as the Genisis Health Suite is on site, providing complimentary facilities to hotel guests.
Health and Leisure facilities include a gym, an indoor pool, a sauna and a host of beauty treatments, so you can spend some time relaxing following a fun day out exploring Paignton and the wider English Riviera.

For a wonderful hotel service and a real home from home atmosphere, take a look at Summerhill Hotel, set within a detached Victorian building, allowing you to really feel like a local during your stay! Summerhill Hotel is set within the heart of Torbay offering views across the Bay and coastline, you can even catch sight of Brixham on a clear day! They’re located just 200 meters from Goodrington Park and the sandy beaches there and just a short stroll from Paignton’s Harbour and the many attractions that the Torbay area offers. There is also ample free parking at the hotel, so if you’re staying for a couple of days, you can travel around the county. Alternatively, Paignton and the other towns in the English Riviera are all on the mainline train network and have excellent public transport links, so if you don’t have access to a car, you can still easily travel to and from the region from all over the UK.

summerhill hotel

Image: Summerhill Hotel

Paignton, like its neighbouring towns of Torquay and Brixham have been favourites among tourists for years, with plenty of things to see and do. As well as the beaches, there are a host of popular attractions in the region suitable for all ages, abilities and budgets.

One popular attraction in the region is Paignton Zoo following the reopening of attractions, you may notice a few things are different if you’ve visited before, but that doesn’t mean that the fun has stopped! All tickets and time slots have to be prebooked before arrival, but once you’re there, you can enjoy a wealth of fascinating animal exhibits, where you can find out everything there is to know about the natural world.

Another of Paignton’s top attractions is Splashdown Quaywest, the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark. There are 8 adrenalin pumping rides to choose from full of twists, turns and thrills to entertain you and being right on the beach at Goodrington, you can combine a trip with a visit to the beach! Why not work up an appetite on the rides and then visit the beach for a picnic.

water slide
Image: Splashdown Quay West

Just outside Paignton towards Torquay, you can find a load more things to see and do, including Kents Cavern, which is under 5 miles away, Babbacombe Cliff Railway and Babbacombe Model Village, all of which provide excellent days out for all ages.

If you want to explore the Torbay and English Riviera, one of the best ways to do it is on foot. There are a whole host of guided tours, heritage tours and self guided walks throughout the region which can be booked through Footpath Holidays their expert team provide everything from tailor made tours and have expert advice on additional activities and attractions to make your trip truly memorable.

After all that exploring, you’ll likely want a bite to eat, Paignton has a whole host wonderful eateries offering everything from light bites to fine dining experience. Another option in nearby Torquay is Bistrot Pierre where you can enjoy freshly prepared French food, or the restaurant at the Cary Arms in Babbacombe, just further along the coast, where you can enjoy the freshest of seasonal produce straight from the south Devon coast. Of course, if you love fresh fish and seafood, a trip next door to Brixham is a must!