Escaping to the seaside is a very British thing to do, and we’re not short of great little seaside resorts to enjoy. One of the most famous English beach resorts is the Devon towns of Paignton and Torquay, known collectively as the English Riviera, along with fishing port Brixham to the south.
And while Brits are more likely to jump on a plane and fly overseas, I actually love a British seaside break. There’s something about a coastal walk along our gorgeous coastline that always brings a smile to my face – and yes, this is even if it’s blowing a gale and raining.
I’ve actually been to Paignton and Torquay a few times over the past few years, and thought I’d share part of my latest experience. So if you’re visiting the UK, or planning a British seaside staycation, these are some of our favourite things to do for a long weekend in Torbay and the English Riviera.
The English Riviera: Fact File
The region known as the English Riviera is a bay dotted with three towns, collectively known as Torbay. One of the reasons it’s so popular with tourists is due to the mild climate, great beaches and access to some of Devon’s most gorgeous scenery.
Three towns make up the urban area of Torbay, which are, running from north to south:
- Torquay
- Paignton
- Brixham
Torquay is often seen as the more refined of the three, with a hilly headland dotted with hotels.
Paignton offers the more classic British seaside experience, with a long sandy beach dominated by a pier packed full of amusements.
Brixham is actually one of the UK’s busiest working fishing towns, and is famous for her pretty harbour.
The entire area is well connected to the rest of the UK, with a direct train link to London, Bristol, Birmingham and the North of England.
The nearest airport is at Exeter (EXT), which is just half an hour away by car. If you’re taking public transport from the airport to Torquay or Paignton, you’ll need to head into Exeter and then take a bus or train to Torbay.
Heading to Paignton
I headed to Paignton with my mum for a girls weekend away, at the end of April. While it wasn’t quite spring weather, we were looking forward to enjoying some of the coastal charms of this classic seaside town, and my mum hadn’t been to Paignton since ages ago, so we thought it made a great choice.
We were staying at the Ibis Styles Paignton, which is a new three-star hotel right on the seafront. The hotel is actually part of a redevelopment and modernisation of the seafront here in Paignton, with the neighbouring Mercure hotel also part of the update.
Once we’d checked in, we headed out to enjoy a beach walk and enjoy the pier. If you’ve ever been to a British seaside resort, you’ll know that the pier is often the focal point of the area, and this is definitely the case in Paignton.
With the scent of fish and chips in the air, the flashing lights and the squawk of arcade machines and plenty of things to see and do, a stroll down Paignton pier is a must do. If you’re not keen on the arcades, you can still stroll down past the flashing lights to almost the end of the pier and take in the view along the coast.
From here, you can stroll north along Paignton beach towards Torquay, or head south. There is a nice open promenade which is lined with snack bars, mini-golf and playgrounds and the odd pub here and there. One of the better pubs that we enjoyed a quick drink was the Inn on the Green – a really nice spot right next to our hotel with views towards the beach area.
On this occasion, we kept it quite local to where we were staying. But when we’ve visited with the kids in the past, there is SO MUCH to distract them. You’re never more than a few yards from something else to do with kids.
In fact, there is another pub on this stretch, the Spinning Wheel, which features a playground in the outdoor area. Perfect for parents with kids who need a moment to recharge and relax with a drink while the kids play.
What to do in Paignton and Torquay?
One of the great things about the Torbay area is that there is loads to do. All of the towns that make up Torbay make a great base for a weekend or longer, but we think that Paignton or Torquay are probably the best choice.
These are our picks of some of the best things to do in Paignton and Torquay.
Paddle boarding and water sports
When we visited during the summer, we hired paddleboards from right next to the pier. You can also hire kayaks and pedalos, but whatever you choose, it’s great fun to splash around and see the town from a whole other angle.
Coastal walks
A great free activity is obviously taking a walk along the stunning coastline here. Because the coast path basically covers the whole of the British coastline, you can obviously walk until you can’t go any more! But just taking a stroll around the headland to the south of Paignton will bring you to some lovely little harbours and beaches such as Fairy Beach.
Paignton Zoo
Wildlife fans will love Paignton Zoo – which is one of the best known zoos in the UK. Spot elephants, lions and tigers, meerkats and loads of different primates. Well worth a day out whether you’re travelling with family or just taking a romantic weekend to Paignton.
Occombe Farm
A different wildlife experience and a great thing to do in Paignton with kids, Occombe Farm allows you to get up close with all kinds of farm animals. Feed goats and donkeys, cuddle a rabbit and enjoy some great food in the cafe and farm shop.
Spas and massages
If you’re looking for a place to unwind, Paignton and Torquay offer loads of places to get a great massage. Our hotel at the Ibis Styles has a spa attached with some very affordable packages for everything from deep tissue massages and facials to aromatherapy.
Torre Abbey
A lovely historic location in the heart of Torquay, Torre Abbey features a stately home, gardens and a fascinating museum and art gallery. Well worth a visit for any culture vultures in town.
The Golden Hinde
There is a full-sized replica of Sir Francis Drake’s galleon the Golden Hinde in Brixham. Although we didn’t visit on this trip, it’s a great place to take the kids to give them a really fun pirate style experience. Brixham is also a lovely town to explore, with a busy harbour and some great little cafes.
The Beach!
OK, it’s obviously the biggest draw for the whole English Riviera thing. And in the summer months, it really is buzzing all along the coastline here. When I visit in the summer, Paignton is usually an easy place to get in the sea, with good access to car parks, the pier and the beach stretching for about a mile end to end.
Top tip: Goodrington Sands to the south of Paignton is a great beach, but it doesn’t have the pier.
Places to visit near Paignton and Torquay
Another great thing about Paignton and Torquay is that they make a great place to explore some of the most stunning parts of Devon.
Towns like Totnes and Dartmouth are a short drive away, both around 20 minutes. Brixham, Slapton Sands, Dartmoor and Exeter are also easily reachable by car – and you can even take a local bus to places like Totnes and Exeter if you aren’t driving.
If I had to pick a few day trips, I’d have to say:
- Dartmouth, which is a really pretty town on an estuary. The castle at the mouth of the river is a definite ooh-aah moment!
- Totnes, which is well known as a bit of an alternative town in Devon. Great shopping and food!
- Berry Pomeroy Castle, which is, as the name suggests, a really cool (allegedly haunted) castle ruin. A nice day out from Paignton for sure!
- Buckfastleigh and Ashburton, two nice little market towns just down the road from each other. They both mark good places to take a walk up onto Dartmoor.
Where to stay in Paignton?
We stayed at the Ibis Styles Paignton, which is a new and modern 3 star hotel right on the seafront. The views from the main rooms toward the pier and the beach are stunning, proper Instagrammable and made for gazing at the sea.
While Paignton isn’t short of hotels, and I’ve stayed in some other properties across Torquay and Paignton in the past, the Ibis Styles Paignton was a fab option for several reasons.
Firstly, it’s a modern hotel, which really sets it apart from some other 3-star properties in town. It feels a star above its rating, if you ask me. Rooms are nice and spacious, no noise in the room (even though the main road runs along outside the hotel), and the showers are perfect!
Secondly, the services are excellent. While there is no pool, which is fine as you have the sea literally on your doorstep, you do have a top notch gym, a really affordable spa and an excellent restaurant too. We enjoyed an incredibly generous dinner of fish and chips in the hotel restaurant, which is seriously one of the better meals I’ve had in Torbay.
The buffet breakfast was also lovely, with a good selection of all the classics, from fresh fruit and pastries, to the full-English fry up experience. Great coffee too!
I’d suggest that the Ibis Styles Paignton is a great hotel for couples looking for a comfy place to stay, or for city break hunters or business travellers.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious option, the neighbouring 4-star Mercure hotel offers a more premium experience. Of course, the price is quite a bit more, but could be a preferred option for romantic weekends.
Where to eat and drink in Paignton or Torquay?
There are some excellent eateries on the seafront in both Paignton and Torquay.
Shoreline in Paignton does great pizzas, with amazing views. We had a mezze and a couple of pizzas which were both affordable and with good service.
Harbour Light has some top notch pub-style food, including some really tempting veggie and vegan options. I’ll try and review this one on my next visit to Paignton.
The Offshore Bar in Torquay is also a great spot looking across the harbour, serving some modern British style fare.
Otto is a posh pizzeria in Torquay also offers a great premium experience, again with views across the harbour.
And if you’re looking for fish and chips – you’re spoiled for choice. Just follow your nose! There’s a fish and chips bar on Paignton Pier, several lining the main Torbay Road (which goes to Paignton station) and plenty of offerings along the beach front and in Torquay.
Is it worth visiting Paignton or Torquay?
I personally think that Torbay and the English Riviera are a perfect coastal location for a UK seaside break. With excellent beaches, lots of good places to eat and drink and tons of stuff to keep you busy (or relaxed if that’s what you’re after), there is plenty to see and do in Paignton and Torquay.
I’d also say that Paignton and Torquay make a great city break, especially as you can get here easily by train from cities like Bristol. London and Birmingham. Need a splash in the sea during the summer? Paignton or Torquay are perfect to enjoy a swim, some nice food and a drink as the sun sets.
Whether you’re looking for sun and sand, or just a pleasant weekend away, Paignton and Torquay are well worth a visit for sure.
