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All you need to know
Head to the traditional seaside town of Paignton on the English Riviera for family-friendly attractions, wide sandy beaches and stunning coastal walks along the South West Coast Path.
There’s plenty of fun to be had during your holiday in Paignton with beaches, watersports, entertainment and restaurants all on your doorstep plus the benefit of easy access to some of Devon’s most beautiful countryside and coastline.
A family-friendly traditional seaside resort, Paignton is found between Torquay and Brixham on South Devon’s English Riviera famous for its beautiful coastline and mild climate. The town's wide seafront promenade is the perfect place for a stroll or a bike ride and overlooks the safe sandy beach below backed by brightly coloured beach huts. Here families will enjoy swimming in the safe shallow waters, making sandcastles on the sand or burning off energy at the huge Geopark play park or at the amusements on the pier. Other fun-filled days can be had at Splashdown Quaywest, an exhilarating water park, riding the scenic steam railway to Dartmouth or finding out about the fascinating animals at Paignton Zoo.
Add to this an array of pubs and restaurants and you’ll find everything you need in Paignton; but if you like to explore lace up your walking boots and walk the stunningly beautiful South West Coast Path to the neighbouring resorts of Torquay and Brixham where you’ll find more beautiful beaches, attractions and eateries.
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With over 2,000 animals across 80 acres – you’re in for a really wild time at Paignton Zoo. Get up close to some of the animal wonders of the world across the specially designed habitats - from the savannah to the wetlands and the tropical forest. Run wild in our play areas or hop aboard the unique Jungle Express train to get even closer to the action.
The zoo is a registered charity and part of a worldwide network of zoos which cares for and breeds rare species thanks to visitors who help fund the work. Come rain or shine Paignton Zoo is a fun filled day out for all the family.
Paignton Zoo Totnes Rd, Paignton TQ4 7EU (T. 01803 697500)
A fantastic day out. Our Granddaughter loved it
July 2023
A nice zoo some of the attractions closed due to covid restrictions , reasonably priced . The restaurant was large but badly organised so a long wait for ordering and waiting for our food order .
June 2021
Great day out for kids that like animals. Bigger zoo than you'd expect.
May 2017
The Hunt family have been making cider in South Devon since 1805 so there’s not much they don’t know about apples ! Based at Broadleigh Farm, near Stoke Gabriel they use the highest quality Devon cider apples, fermenting fresh bitter sweet apple juice each Autumn. As well as enjoying their cider in local pubs and eateries, tours and tastings are available every Wednesday during June, July and August.
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An award-winning, family-owned attraction run by a team of volunteers, who aim to preserve endangered species of farm animals and the diversity of British wildlife, Totnes Rare Breeds Farm offers a personal service just outside Totnes. Surrounded by characteristically beautiful Devon countryside you can feed red squirrels, touch a hedgehog and watch the cheeky chipmunks before nipping to the Garden Café for coffees, teas, cakes or a light lunch. You can combine your ticket to also include the South Devon Steam Railway, as well as the Buckfast Butterfly and Otter Farm.
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What better way to explore the beautiful river Dart than by kayak. Totnes Kayaks gives you the chance to enjoy the peace and quiet of the river, experiencing nature and wildlife close up. All equipment is rigourously safety checked, all gear is provided and no previous experience is necessary. The friendly team also monitor tidal conditions to ensure your safety and offer friendly guidance on where to go and things to spot.
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We had a fantastic time on the kayaks and Mark was very helpful.
August 2022
Easy booking and good guidance for paddle to the pub.
April 2022
A wonderful stretch of water to explore. We thoroughly enjoyed our two hours up Bow Creek.
August 2021
Great friendly staff who were very helpful to inexperienced Kayakers! We thoroughly enjoyed our time on the River Dart and would definitely return should we be lucky enough to visit again. Lovely views!
July 2021
Highly recommend Totnes Kayaks. Equipment was top class and they couldn’t do enough to make sure we were happy with our hire. Great recommendations of where to kayak, what time and day to make the most of the tides
August 2019
Very helpful staff - both friendly and informative. A very pleasant afternoon spent - wish we'd had time to do it again.
August 2018
The Hunt family have been making cider in South Devon since 1805 so there’s not much they don’t know about apples ! Based at Broadleigh Farm, near Stoke Gabriel they use the highest quality Devon cider apples, fermenting fresh bitter sweet apple juice each Autumn. As well as enjoying their cider in local pubs and eateries, tours and tastings are available every Wednesday during June, July and August.
Click here for further details
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The new home of Sharpham Wines, Sandridge Barton includes a state of the art winery, visitor centre and café amidst a 32 acre vineyard on the banks of the Dart, producing fine quality English wines. While away a few hours on a tour of the vineyard, discover the unique flavours of Sharpham wine at a wine tasting or enjoy a delicious meal in the café.
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10% off any pre-booked tours, tastings and in the shop with your Toad Hall Cottages Discount Card
Went for the self-guided tasting with cheese and bread. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, we enjoyed trying out 8 different wines and their delicious Crematte cheese. Great way to spend an hour or so.
September 2023
A culinary delight!
July 2023
Absolutely Fabulous
September 2022
We spent a very enjoyable afternoon on the 'self guided tasting' eating good cheese and tasting lovely wines. It was all rounded off by a good walk in glorious countryside and a nice coffee. Next time we will be more organised and book in plenty of time for the 'proper' tour. Thank you
September 2021
Despite the Covid restrictions, we enjoyed a wonderful wine and cheese tasting experience. We intend to return to explore the estate, vineyards and shop.
October 2020
Beautiful location. Nice to walk through vineyard and along the river. Enjoyed a takeaway meal from the restaurant at the picnic tables overlooking the river.
September 2020
We loved the walk around the vineyards, which are set in beautiful countryside. The staff were friendly and helpful and the wine and cheese tasting were excellent. We had our dogs with us, and they were also made very welcome! A perfect location and experience - highly recommended!
April 2019
A beautiful location with delicious looking food - unfortunately had 3 children in tow so totally unsuitable for us! A touch of luxury that I would like to visit again minus the offspring!
August 2018
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A newly renovated, light and bright café in a beautiful location overlooking the Dart estuary at Stoke Gabriel. While the kids go crabbing you can sit and enjoy the panoramic views with a locally brewed beer or refreshing local cider. Open everyday except Monday for lunches, cakes, cream teas and coffee aswell as dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings. The menu has a focus on fresh fish dishes and all the produce is locally souced.
The River Shack The Quay, Stoke Gabriel TQ9 6RD (T: 01803 782520)
Only called in for coffee but stunning location and friendly staff would make me want to visit again for a meal ....prepping fir pizza evening when we were there and menu looked appealing
September 2023
Lovely and unique location. Staff always friendly and helpful. Food was amazing. Will definitely come back
August 2023
Small menu and excellent quality. Friendly and competent staff.
July 2023
Amazing place and good vibes. Excellent service. Menu a little limited for a few visits throughout the week. Open everyday but Only open 2 nights a week.
June 2022
excellent coffee and breakfast in a beautiful location. Staff all super friendly, welcoming and helpful. Very popular and busy though especially in sunny weekends
May 2022
overpriced very ordinary food set next to the sewage pumping station for the village ,toilets smelly and you have to go outside to use them, parking £5 a lot to pay for a short stay
March 2022
Brilliant little restaurant. Trendy young staff and top food.
October 2021
Wonderful breakfast in an idyllic spot. Can't wait to go back for dinner. Thank you
September 2021
I would have booked here before we arrived to get a table for the Friday or Saturday night pizzas - they looked amazing. As it was, we had to make do with lunch on a Thursday and it was excellent. Next time, I will book far in advance to get a spot. A popular gem, just wish we lived closer.
September 2021
The best setting ever with excellent service and wonderful food
August 2021
What more could one want than a tasty breakfast by the water's edge, served by cheerful welcoming staff.
June 2021
Nice location, parking £5 even if you are eating at the restaurant, need to book, slightly random menu but good food and service.
May 2021
Fantastic new owners from 2019. We’ve had breakfasts and dinners there. Definitely would recommend.
October 2020
We loved this cafe. Really friendly staff and delicious food. The setting is stunning whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Fabulous to watch the crabbing as well. A Special place!
September 2020
Great coffee and very friendly helpful staff in a warm cosy atmosphere! Sitting looking over the Mill Pool whilst sipping coffee was a lovely way to start the day and being only 50mtres away from our holiday cottage was a massive bonus!
November 2019
Wonderful restaurant and right on our doorstep! We had dinner on both Friday and Saturday nights (only open those nights for dinner), lunch once and afternoon tea once. Lovely owners and staff, wish them the success they deserve.
September 2019
Really nice place. We had breakfast and drinks - both good. Lovely spot for a drink and a chat. Would recommend.
August 2019
Visited many times during our two week holiday, and thoroughly enjoyed all the meals. The staff were amazing, really friendly and efficient. Will definitely visit again.
June 2019
Fab location - reasonable prices for a toasted sandwich for lunch and very tasty. The ice cream shack was delicious!
August 2018
Fantastic setting, with a lovely terrace... ideal for sitting out on a sunny day and having a coffee or glass of wine. We tried eating there in the evening and found the food rather disappointing, so wouldn't recommend it for food.
May 2017
Lovely food, friendly and efficient staff and reasonable prices. Good menu choices as well.
May 2017
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A homely eatery serving consistently good food including delicious local meat, fish and seafood dishes. Children welcome with smaller portions available, unlicensed but diners are welcome to bring a bottle.
Emmas Paignton Road, Stoke Gabriel TQ9 6RD (T: 01803 782697)
Fabulous locally sourced seasonal food, beautifully cooked and friendly staff - what's not to like? Currently (June 2022) dining-in is only available on Saturday evenings (6pm-8pm) and for Sunday lunch (2pm - 3:30pm) so early booking is advised! They do offer a take-away service Wednesday & Friday 5pm-8pm and for Sunday lunch 12pm - 2pm, and also have homemade dishes available for reheating at home. Great for when you want to eat at home but don't feel like cooking. Their latest menu and contact details can be found on their Facebook page.
June 2022
Absolutely the best boeuf bourguignon we have ever had, and lots of tasty veggies - plus a simply delicious banoffee pie! Outstanding service and I would not hesitate to recommend. Thank you.
September 2021
Only had takeaway meal due to COVID but good
September 2021
We were lucky enough to be in Stoke Gabriel for the evening of the carnival and enjoyed Emma's fish and chips whilst there. Very tasty!
August 2021
Because of Covid restrictions, we had the luxury of two excellent meals delivered by John. Both were piping hot, perfectly cooked and delicious.
June 2021
We had 3 takeaway meals during our stay which were all excellent and John was so helpful and friendly and Emma’s cooking is amazing
May 2021
We had a delicious fish pie, enormous portions! We will definitely go back and sample some more dishes.
May 2021
Absolutely fantastic service! Couldn't be more friendly and helpful. Great delivery service too. The food was amazingly good value and really delicious! Will be returning!
October 2020
Perfect, their takeaway service was second to none, excellent food and service.
October 2020
We have eaten several times at Emma’s during previous visits to Stoke Gabriel prior to the Pandemic and were delighted to learn that Emma and John were offering a delivered takeaway service which we took full advantage of during our recent 2 week stay in the village. We enjoyed succulent Sunday Roasts together with many other dishes that were on offer. Excellent as always. We really were impressed that the food prepared by Emma and her Team and delivered by John directly to our holiday cottage was every bit as good as when we have eaten in the restaurant. Well Done and many thanks for helping to make our holiday so enjoyable and memorable.
September 2020
We ordered a takeaway for 2 during our weeks stay in Stoke Gabriel. Food was delivered on time and salmon starter and hake main were delicious. Generous selection of vegetables as well.
September 2020
Lovely food, cooked beautifully and very friendly staff! Would definitely go again and maybe include a breakfast next time!
November 2019
Had a fabulous evening here, delicious food and ambience. Would highly recommend booking.
September 2019
Fantastic fish and chips on Wednesday nights. Would definitely recommend. Friendly and efficient service too.
August 2019
We ate at Emma's and had a gorgeous meal, and could bring along our dog too in the cosy outside area. Fish and chips on Weds evenings are also great (book early as they are very popular - rightly so)
June 2019
Excellent. Good food and service in delightful surroundings
August 2018
Amazing food and gave us an anniversary card too.
October 2017
Delicious menu, packed with local ingredients. Only open Weds - Saturday and best to book as tiny.
May 2017
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Friendly and popular early 14th century pub with good value food and sunny front terrace.
The Church House Inn Stoke Gabriel, TQ9 6SD (T: 01803 782384)
Great atmospheric pub. Lovely staff and really good food.
May 2024
Lovely friendly feel. Fabulous staff. Great pub food.
August 2023
Perfect village pub. Friendly atmosphere and nice food. Thank you.
September 2021
Very good, friendly with good food. ALSO takes dogs.
September 2021
Lovely pub. Very friendly and helpful staff. Thoroughly enjoyed visiting whilst we stayed in the village.
July 2021
A great pub! Really friendly staff managing covid safety really well. We really enjoyed the food -excellent fish pie and lasagne dishes and perfect service .
September 2020
A lovely spot, had a great lunch here one day. Interesting history too.
September 2019
Great pub food and a really welcoming atmosphere - enjoyed the pub quiz too
June 2019
Had lunch here really enjoyable
April 2019
How refreshing to find a real pub. Good food made to feel welcome and really enjoyed the Sunday night quiz
October 2018
Hearty meal. Friendly service. Lovely old pub atmosphere
August 2018
Ok, but we ordered simple sandwiches and 2 portions of chips. Came as toasties with 1 chips.
October 2017
Love the Church House Inn, great folk, good food. Really worth a visit.
July 2017
Lovely traditional pub, with good basic, home cooked pub food.
May 2017
Great food, good friendly local feel, thoroughly enjoyed the times we visited and had good.
March 2017
In between Brixham and Paignton, this long, sandy beach is a popular spot with families, thanks to its sheltered waters, year-round facilities and easy parking. The Blue Flag beach is perfect for making sandcastles and searching for wildlife in the rockpools. There are toilets, and two places to get ice creams, coffees and soft drinks. What’s more, the car park is right by the beach, so there’s no need to lug your provisions a long way. Behind the pretty row of colourful beach huts, there’s a large grassy area, so don’t forget to pack a ball or rounders bat to keep the whole family entertained. Broadsands Beach is a popular dog walking spot throughout autumn and winter, but there is a seasonal dog ban during the summer months (1st May - 30th September).
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Far from the bustling crowds of Paignton and Brixham’s bigger beaches, this small pebbly cove is a truly relaxing spot. The calm waters are great for swimming and are said to have been one of Agatha Christie’s favourite bathing spots. Elberry Cove even features in one of her crime thriller novels, The ABC Murders. This picture-perfect cove, surrounded by sloping wooded hillsides and crystal clear water, can only be accessed by the coast path, with the nearest carpark at Broadsands Beach. From here, it is only a 10 - 15 minute walk, but make sure to pack a picnic or grab a bite to eat at Broadsands Beach before you set off, as there aren’t any facilities at here. Dogs are welcome on the beach throughout the year.
Lovely quieter beach, dog and BBQ friendly. We had teens that hired kayaks from nearby Broadsands beach and paddled around the coast to meet us. Very accomodating kayak hire and not too expensive.
August 2018
If you’re willing to venture off the beaten track, you’ll discover one of Brixham’s hidden gems, Churston Cove. Surrounded by sloping wooded hillsides, this beautiful little cove isn’t the easiest to get to, which makes it an idyllic, peaceful place to while away the day. The crystal clear water is safe for kids to paddle and play in, and is a popular swimming spot. Parking is available at Freshwater carpark, a 15-minute walk away. There are no toilet facilities or cafes, and the beach is accessed via a long, steep path, which is uneven in places, but this beautiful little cove is worth the effort. Churston Cove is dog-friendly all year round.
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Take the coast path from Brixham and escape the crowds at Fishcombe Cove, a peaceful shingle cove, protected on all sides by tall red cliffs. Access to this little cove isn’t easy, via a steep path from Freshwater carpark, but it is definitely worth the effort. The clear, blue sea is sheltered and calm, making it a favourite with swimmers and kayakers. Fishcombe Cove is also a popular place for boats and yachts to moor up and make the most of the beautiful water. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a seal popping its head up to say hello. There is a café and toilets here, but both are only open during the summer months. Fishcombe Cove is dog-friendly all year round.
A lovely little cove perfect to have a dip in the ocean. Be warned though that there is a steep downward hill to get to it and it is a rocky beach so there is plenty of slippery seaweed around. It is nice and sheltered and wasn't too busy either so a great place to get your feet wet or to go for a swim. Would recommend :-)
August 2023
One of the cleanest beaches on the English Riviera, Breakwater beach is a Blue Flag, shingle beach right next to Brixham’s bustling harbour. With disabled ramps to the promenade and beach, as well as toilet facilities, adjoining parking and a café, this lovely, family-friendly beach is accessible for everyone. Hire out a deckchair and spend the day watching the kids splash about in the safe, clean water, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, learn to scuba dive! Breakwater beach is a great place to learn how to scuba dive, thanks to some of the warmest and calmest waters in the country. Whilst dogs are welcome out of season, there is a dog ban in place from May to September.