Outside Exeter Is A Charming Coastal Town With A Scenic Pier, Outdoor Fun, And Gorgeous Beaches

Looking for an exciting English beach getaway? Look no further than southwest England, where the county of Devon boasts two incredible coastlines dotted with charming towns and villages. Nestled along the southern coast is the picturesque seaside town of Paignton, a haven for beach lovers and fans of outdoor adventure. Home to several beaches, a bustling Victorian pier, and tons of wildlife, Paignton offers a tranquil coastal getaway surrounded by natural beauty.

Paignton sits in the heart of the English Riviera, and combines waterfront scenery with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Situated along Tor Bay, the town has a long history as a holiday destination; after a railway and pier were constructed in the late 1800s, this quaint fishing village transformed into a resort town. Today, it's filled with fun attractions, from beaches and hidden coves to waterparks. Plus, the nearest major city, Exeter, is about 25 miles north, easily accessed by car or train but far enough away to provide distance from city life.

As you plan your Paignton getaway, be sure to check which of the town's many fun festivals or events align with your visit. Aerophiles will enjoy the flying displays during the three-day English Riviera Air Show in June, while families can enjoy free activities and performances during Torbay's Children's Week, the longest-running children's festival in the U.K. held each August. Perhaps the most notable event is the nine-day Paignton Festival held each July, a vibrant community event that the town has hosted since 1908 and features a car show, a carnival procession, and plenty of free events.

Paignton's biggest draw is its coastline, which is lined with several beaches. The most central is Paignton Beach, also referred to as Paignton Sands, a family favorite where visitors can enjoy swimming in the shallow waters or lounging on the warm, red sand. The beach is also home to the pier, stretching 740 feet into Tor Bay. It's lined with various arcade games, and there's a children's play park near the end of the pier with bumper cars and trampolines. 

Farther south is Goodrington Sands, a hub for watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. This is where adventure lovers can find Splashdown Quaywest, the country's largest outdoor water park, with several high-speed water slides and a pirate-themed children's aquaplay arena. For a quieter option, head even farther south to Broadsands Beach, with its red sands framed by cliffs, lush hills, and sprawling parkland. As one Google Maps review notes, "The beach is ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, and even exploring the rock pools when the tide's low."

In addition to beaches, Paignton is home to several beautiful coves. There's Fairy Cove, a small area backed by sandstone cliffs, and local-favorite Oyster Cove, which reveals several rock pools during low tide. As if the Paignton beachfront couldn't get scenic enough, the entire English Riviera, a once-thriving coastal getaway, is getting a 300 million pound update to breathe new life into this stunning area.

Paignton's outdoor fun doesn't stop at its beaches. Start your explorations around historic Paignton Harbour. Established during the 18th century, the atmosphere here is calm and peaceful, providing views of fishing boats coming and going from the many cafes and restaurants. For wildlife lovers, boat trips offer opportunities to view dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Speaking of wildlife, 1.5 miles inland is the Paignton Zoo. According to Tripadvisor, it is the No. 1 attraction in town. The 80-acre zoo provides information on the more than 1,800 animals that it houses, from giant lions to tiny poison frogs, as well as about 1,600 plant species.

Beyond its coastal appeal and offerings for animal lovers, Paignton has several cultural attractions within town. For theater lovers, the Palace Theatre sits right in the middle of town, a vibrant performing arts venue where you can enjoy a live show after a day on the beach. The city also houses one of the earliest surviving purpose-built cinemas in all of Europe, the Paignton Picture House. First opened in 1914 and closed in 1999, the theater is undergoing extensive renovations with plans to reopen in Spring 2027.

Paignton is one of three scenic coastal towns that make up the English Riviera, a stretch of shoreline south of Exeter around Torbay. To the south is Brixham, a charming town with beaches and a famous fish market, and to the north is Torquay, an idyllic "seafood coast" town that has a renowned beach. Paignton's location between these two destinations makes it a great gateway to exploring the region.