THE ENGLISH RIVIERA
With so many exciting and interesting experiences to enjoy on the English Riviera, you will certainly be spoilt for choice. Once you've discovered just how much there is to see, do and enjoy we're sure you'll want to come back to the English Riviera time after time. We wish you a most enjoyable visit.
Torbay, with it's three towns - the 19th-century resorts of Paignton and Torquay, and the historic fishing port of Brixham - is backed by steep hills, which creates a suntrap, and results in a micro-climate that is warmer than the rest of the country.
Paignton,
the oldest of the three towns is in the centre of Torbay, and the distinctive
red sandstone lends the area it's Mediterranean feel
Torquay
faces south, and due to it's sunny aspect, developed a reputation as a health
resort. The waterfront, it's marinas, wine-bars, restaurants, theatre and unique
town centre shops, offers visitors all the facilities required by an international
resort.
Brixham nestles in the rugged cliffs
at the southern end of Torbay. Fishing has been carried out in Brixham for more
than 900 years and remains in the forefront of today's industry
Torquay
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Paignton Harbour At the southern end of Paignton Sands
you'll find the lively harbour. From here there are countless boat trips to locations
all around the south Devon coastline along with fishing trips in the seas beyond.
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Paignton's Beaches 20 Beaches and Coves Along the 22 miles of the English Riviera coastline there are 20 beaches from wide sandy stretches to hidden rocky coves. So whether you’re after a place to lay out your towel, build sandcastles, have a gentle paddle, ramble through a rockpool or just a quiet place to sit and watch the surf, you’re sure to find a beach to suit. Although our beaches are regarded as safe, care should always be taken when swimming. Warning flags are sometimes in operation. Preston Sands (Paignton) Long sandy beach with easy access but limited parking. Dogs banned, swimming safe with care, café, beach shop, deckchair/sunbed hire and beach hut hire. Paignton Beach (Paignton) Long sandy beach with easy access, large grassy green adjacent and ample parking nearby. Lots of kiosks and cafes by the beach and amusements on the pier. Dogs are banned, swimming safe with care, toilets, deckchair/sunbed hire, pedaloes and family bikes. Goodrington Sands (Paignton) Long sandy beach with Seashore Centre, Quaywest Waterpark, Youngs Park and Inn on the Quay all right behind the beach. Plenty of kiosks, toilets and amusements, swimming safe with care, deckchair and sunbed hire. Dogs allowed on North Sands only. Excellent low tide rockpooling. Broadsands (Paignton) Long sandy beach with good access and parking and a large green behind the promenade. Dogs banned, swimming safe with care, café, beach shop, (no amusements) deckchair/sunbed hire and beach huts for hire. Pedaloes and boats for hire. Elberry Cove (Paignton) A pretty shingle beach with access by footpath from Broadsands car park. Dogs are allowed and this beach is used a lot by waterskiers (restricted lane). Nearest toilets and café at Broadsands. Lovely woodland walks around. |
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PAIGNTON
Families love Paignton. Its long sandy beaches, colourful atmosphere, paddler friendly waters and first class attractions are the essential ingredients for a fabulous family holiday.
A traditional family resort with long, sandy beaches that provide a safe haven for both children and parents to enjoy. Numerous activities take place throughout the year ensuring that there is always plenty to amuse you whatever your age. Enjoy the annual regatta, carnival and funfairs and delight at the fireworks that set a colourful, memorable scene.
The level seafront boasts amusements of all types and a fun filled Pier. Lively family pubs and cafes line the promenade and the town centre is just a few minutes walk away. Wander down to the harbour and join a pleasure boat ride out across the Bay to either Torquay or Brixham.
During
the summer months life seems to revolve around the seafront which comes alive
to the sound of laughter and holiday fun. But there is also another side to this
distinctive seaside town which can be found in the elegance of Oldway Mansion,
the green coastline around Elberry Cove and the distinctive architecture of Palace
Avenue. Paignton really is a town to savour.
Paignton's Seafront
Holiday fun in Paignton revolves around the seafront. Here you'll find over half a mile of paddler friendly beach where you can hire a pedalo, take a boat trip or just relax under a parasol on one of our sun loungers. For the more active, Paignton Green is close at hand. Sitting almost next to the beach, the Green is the setting for countless games of cricket, football and rounders! And in the summer months events are often staged there, including Children's Week in August.
By night, the seafront becomes a meeting place, the venue for an evening stroll under the illuminations or a place to simply watch the sun set on another day of your holiday.
Paignton TIC The Esplanade Paignton TQ4 6BN 01803 558383
Quaywest Water Park - Just behind Goodrington's long sandy beach you'll find the exciting and entertaining world of Quaywest.
The waterpark itself boasts eight exciting slides ranging from the Wild Kamikaze and Devils Drop to slightly more sedate slides such as the Sidewinder and the Corksrew.
The
waterpark also has two fantastic shallow water pools specifically for younger
children, the Submarine Adventure pool and the Toon Town pool.
There is also a large swimming pool for those who just fancy a simple swim. The complex boasts its own railway station served by steam trains on the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway, as well as hundreds of car park spaces.
Quaywest
is also handy for visitors staying at many of the holiday parks in the Goodrington
area.
Paignton
Zoo
Paignton
Zoo is a great day out for all the family. Made famous by the popular "fly on
the wall" documentary by the BBC, "The Zoo Keeper's", the zoo is one of the South
West's most popular family attractions.
The zoo is home hundreds of species of animals so you are sure to find your favourite. From tigers to monkeys, red pandas to kangaroos the zoo is full of wonderful animals for you to meet. The zoo is committed to the conservation of wildlife throughout the world and is home to 250 exotic species, 70 of which are classed as endangered.
A visit to Paignton Zoo gives you a rare opportunity to see these beautiful animals in surroundings which match their natural habitats as closely as possible. With so much to see and do as well as all the usual facilities you would expect at such an attraction including restaurant and gift shop, Paignton Zoo is an enjoyable and educational day out for all the family.
Paignton
& Dartmouth Steam Railway
Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway is a holiday line running seven mile from Paignton to Churston. These traditional Great Western steam engines run at regular intervals along the seven mile stretch of Torbay coastline.With breath-taking coastal scenery the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway is a fabulous way to travel. Seven miles of fabulous scenic views!!
Holiday accommodation - Where to Stay Paignton - English Riviera
Hotels in Torquay, self-catering Torquay, Bed and Breakfast in Torquay
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Quality in Tourism / Visit Britain
3 Star Tel: 01803 295 109
