Paignton is a splendid seaside town in the picturesque English Riviera in South Devon. With colourful beach huts, a beautiful beachfront, the fabulous Pier and plenty of shops, it’s the perfect holiday destination! There are loads of things to see and do here; therefore, we have compiled a list of the best attractions in the area so you can make the most of your trip to the seaside!

Paignton Pier

Paignton Pier in South Devon

CC by Martin Bridgen

Perhaps the attraction that it is most well-known for, Paignton Pier is full of fun! From rides and amusements to delicious food and drinks, the Pier is suitable for all ages. For youngsters, there are plenty of exciting rides to choose from, a huge play centre and amazing amusements. For adults, it’s a lovely opportunity to let the kids burn off some energy while you enjoy a stroll, admiring views of neighbouring towns Torquay and Brixham.

As you make your way onto the Pier, you will come across the amusements room; take yourself down memory lane and gamble your pennies on the coin pushers or take your chances and attempt the toy grabber! As you walk further down the Pier, you will come across basketball games, a JCB digger ride, some ‘head in the hole’ photo opportunities and much more. Towards the end of the Pier is where the majority of the action is. With trampolines, bumper cars, Helter Skelter, bouncy slide and even a shooting range, there is so much for the whole family to enjoy. What makes this attraction even better is that entry is entirely free.

Paignton Zoo

A giraffe at Paignton Zoo in Devon

Paignton Zoo is home to over 2,500 animals and is a well-loved attraction. From lions, gorillas, giraffes and more, this zoo is undoubtedly a fabulous day out. There is the opportunity to attend feeding times and talks, so you can get up close and personal with the fascinating creatures. From Baboon Breakfast and Pelican Picnic to Terrific Tigers, Go Gorillas, and much more!

As well as the incredible animals, there are indoor and outdoor play areas to allow the children to mess around and burn off some energy. There is also the Jungle Express Train; this gives you the chance to see the tigers and lions at a different angle. On the ride, you will also see gibbons, flamingos and some birds in the Brookside Aviary. From Easter to September, there is face painting, so that the children can look like their favourite zoo animal!

Paignton Beach Front

Paignton beachfront on a sunny day

CC by Reading Tom

No matter the weather, Paignton Beachfront is a delightful sight to see. In the summer months, you can take to the golden sands with your deck chairs and picnics, maybe even have a dip in the sea! In the winter months, enjoy a stroll along the beachfront and you could even brave a splash in the water! There is plenty to do here, from hiring a pedalo to going on a fishing trip from the harbour nearby. There are also boat trips on offer, so you can explore the local area and take in the breath-taking scenery. On top of all of this, in the middle of the beachfront is Paignton Pier, so why not spend the whole day here? Sand, Sea and a fun-filled Pier, what more could you ask for?

Splashdown Quaywest

An inflatable ring in a pool.

An attraction that is certainly recommended for a summer holiday is Splashdown Quaywest. The UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark is sure to entertain the whole family, with exhilarating rides for the adrenaline-seekers, fun splash pools for the little ones and sundecks for the adults. The Screamer and Devil’s Drop are the two black hole slides, so you cannot see where the ride goes from the start point. There are a further six slides, such as Slidewinder and Raging Rapids; they are sure to get your heart racing! But the fun doesn’t stop there, for the little visitors, there are two attractions; Submarine Adventure that consists of two small slides along with some water jets and then Blennies Tiddler Pool is an excellent zone for smaller ones to enjoy and take on the slide.

If you weren’t already planning to visit Paignton, we hope that these incredible attractions have enticed you to make it your next holiday destination! If you decide to come to South Devon, why not consider a holiday apartment in Paignton, so you are close to all the action? Our self-catering accommodation are like a home away from home. To make it even better, all our properties are dog-friendly so that you can bring your four-legged friend too. For more information on the local area, take a look at our location guide for South Devon!

Feature image credit: CC by Alex Liivet

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