
What is there to see and do in Paignton?
Paignton
Paignton is a fabulous seaside resort in South Devon. There is something for all of the family to do in Paignton, be it by the sea or in the town.
Where is Paignton?
Paignton is part of the Torbay region of South Devon in England within the UK.
The Torbay region also consists of Torquay and Brixham.

How we travelled to Paignton
We caught the number 12 bus from the Torquay Travelodge Hotel to the harbour, then could have hopped onto the 122 open-top bus using a day rider ticket to Paignton, but we chose to stay on the number 12 bus as the weather was a bit dull.
Number 12 buses are on the hour and then every 15 minutes, from 6am (8a Sundays) till 11pm.
Number 122 buses go to Paignton 7 days a week starting at 9am and is then every 30 minutes till between 5 and 6pm.
Bus Routes in Torbay ~ Visitor Information (visitor-information.co.uk)
- No 12 bus
- The Golden Hop 122 Open top bus
- Connects Babbacombe, St Marychurch, Torquay Harbour and Paignton
- It also stops at Hoburne’s Devon Bay Holiday Park
- Ticket
- Day rider includes both of the above routes and more
- £3.50 child, £5.00 adult, £10.00 group of up to 5 people travelling together.
- Megarider
- Gives you a better price if you will be using the bus for multiple days.
- Day rider includes both of the above routes and more
Our morning in Paignton
On the Saturday morning of our trip, we left the Torquay Travelodge and crossed the road to catch the number 12 bus to Paignton.
We videoed the bus journey to Paignton, it is lovely and picturesque, particularly the Torquay part, as it travels along the coastal road. https://youtu.be/G9iO8DUV18M
We exited the bus at Paignton’s bus station. From there we wandered through the town centre in the direction of the seafront. The Vue cinema is a good pointer that you’re going in the right direction.
Once we reached the seafront, we headed to the right to explore the harbour. Paignton harbour was a really pretty place with some great looking buildings. Here you could catch a boat to Torquay for example. One of the restaurants looked very inviting, The Harbour Light, but sadly it didn’t open for food until midday, so we didn’t get to find out as we were much too early.
Harbour Light, Paignton (harbourlightpaignton.co.uk)


We finally found somewhere open for a late breakfast, The Hyde Dendy. This pub had a great view over the seafront and a magnificent play and family area at the front of the pub.
We then continued our walk along Paignton’s Sea front, in the direction of Torquay. For anyone with young children there is a huge play park with most of the activities being free, it is called Geoplay Park.
We then came to Paignton’s pier, now this is one of my phobia’s and has been since I was a child, walking on wooden piers, with gaps between the slats!!! I was able to get on the pier as I was determined to get the views, but boy was I tense, it’s ridiculous, but I had to hold onto the railings, I felt completely exhausted once I was back on firm ground!!!
The circus was in town during our visit.
Then finally we headed back to the main bus station to catch the bus back to the Travelodge.
Our visit to Paignton was pleasant, but would be perfect for families with children. I preferred Torquay and Brixham.
After a brief break in the Travelodge, we headed back to Torquay for a beautiful evening, along with an awesome sunset. You can see this in our Torquay video. There is also a video about Torquay.
What is there to see and do in Paignton
Paignton Zoo
- Paignton Zoo – A Wild Day Out For The Whole Family
- Check out our factsheet and video coming soon.
Fairy Cove
- Magical beach, south of Paignton Sands, just over the Harbour Wall
- Fairy Cove – Torbay Council
Oyster Cove
- An attractive beach with rock pools at low tide.
- Oyster Cove – Torbay Council
Parks

Boat trips

South West Coastal Path
Dartmouth Steam Railway
Pretty Scenery
- Even on a hazy morning


Reach Outdoors
Geoplay park

Adventure golf

Splashdown waterpark
Pleasure Pier

Vue Cinema
Paignton Harbour

What is close to Paignton?
Babbacombe
- Babbacombe Model Village
- The level of detail is described as mindblowing.
- On the gate price is AD £13.90, Child (3-14) £11.50
- Babbacombe Model Village Postcode TQ1 3LA
- Number 22 bus from Torquay seafront train station.
- Babbacombe Cliff Railway
- Babbacombe Theatre
Torquay
- Torquay Harbour
- Torquay International Marina
- Dinosaur World
- English Riviera Wheel
To find out more check out the factsheet at EarsAndIdeas.com
There is also a video on YouTube at Ears and Ideas https://youtu.be/OzmMCAaxcw8
Dartmouth
- Dartmouth Steam Railway
- Dartmouth Day Cruise
Coming soon is a factsheet at EarsAndIdeas.com
There will also be a video on YouTube at Ears and Ideas
Brixham
- Traditional Harbour Town
- Drakes Golden Hind Replica
- Outdoor seawater swimming pool
Coming soon is a factsheet at EarsAndIdeas.com
There will also be a video on YouTube at Ears and Ideas
Where to stay near Paignton
We stayed at the Torquay Travelodge for 3 nights, which is about 1 mile from the seafront. We knew if we had walked enough already that day, the train station was only 50 yards from the hotel, so we could catch a train back to the hotel if we didn’t fancy the walk back. Plus, there was a bus stop just outside the hotel.
Check out the factsheet, review and video of the Torquay Travelodge at EarsAndIdeas.com
Video – https://youtu.be/59sX9WvnHeo
Travelodge Torquay Hotel – Book Now
Can you get discounts for activities in Torquay?
It is always worth checking if there are vouchers or cashback available for activities you might want to do during your trip.
Tesco Clubcard deals
If you are new to Tesco Clubcard deals, I have written an article to help you. I use my vouchers for a mixture of hotel stays and Hoseason Holiday discounts. How your grocery shopping can help pay for your travels! – Ears and Ideas
Quidco
As above if you are new to Quidco, I have written an article. But basically, if you are a member (free and paid memberships) just by going through their site you can get cashback. I have received almost £500 in the past few years. Save Money On Your Next Trip – Ears and Ideas
TopCashBack
The final one I would suggest you check out is TopCashBack, again I have written an article if you’re new to this site, it works in the same way as Quidco. Want to get your next trip cheaper? – Ears and Ideas
It is also worth checking if there are vouchers or cashback available for accommodation you might want to do during your trip.
All information was correct and links were active when the post was written in September of 2021.
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