Here's a dozen delightful ways to spend a great time in the lovely Devon seaside town of Paignton, writes KATE WILLIAMS.
1. Kents Cavern
Go on an adventure to one of Europe’s most exciting Stone Age caves, offering a labyrinth of fascinating and easily-accessible caverns. Kents Cavern is one of the gateway sites to the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark and is open every day of the year. This underground tour tells wondrous tales of Britain’s earliest humans and Ice Age beasts, once inhabitants of the area.
2. Water-based activities
The horseshoe-shaped setting of Devon’s English Riviera, makes for an ideal spot for sport on the water. With its stunning coastline long sandy beaches, secluded coves and crystal clear waters it is a dream location for lovers of sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, water skiing, wakeboarding, speedboat trips, coasteering and scuba diving. Find out more about the best ways to get on the water here.
3. Goodrington Boating Lake
For something a little different, take a trip down to Goodrington Boating Lake for a ride in a swan pedal boat or motorised bumper. It is open March to November 10am-5pm, weather permitting, and even dogs also welcome on board
4. Channel View Boutique Hotel
This hotel sits 15 yards from a gorgeous, long, sandy beach, but away from the hustle and bustle of the town. The stunning panoramic views from the sea-view rooms and relaxing conservatory stretch from Thatchers Rock in Torquay all the way around the bay to Berry Head in Brixham.
A detached licensed hotel set in attractive gardens, Cleve Court is situated between Paignton beach, Goodrington Gardens and Quay West Water Park. The en-suite bedrooms with televisions, beverage trays and complimentary toiletries, are all situated on ground and first floor. Quality home cooked food is offered with a good choice of menu.
Perfectly situated in a central location in Paignton, The Queens Hotel is a short, level stroll from the busy town centre, seafront and Victorian pier. The lounge features a well-stocked bar, a large dance floor and hosts an array of quality cabaret acts every evening throughout the year to keep visitors entertained.
7. Occombe Farm Cafe
A stop at Occombe Farm Cafe is a must for home-cooked simple delicious dishes, crammed with locally-sourced produce. The newly-refurbished cafe is run by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust to raise funds towards the care of Torbay’s natural heritage. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea and there’s a special menu just for kids.
8. The Boathouse Bar and Grill
For stunning views and an amazing location, The Boathouse Bar and Grill is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a bite to eat whilst watching the world go by, often with live music. Serving burgers, platters, stone-baked pizzas, fresh local seafood and seasonal salads, it boasts a menu with something for everyone.
9. Tandoori Nights
For those seeking fine Indian cuisine dishes, Tandoori Nights has it all. The authentic Indian restaurant and takeaway can be found on Torquay Road in Preston, offering freshly prepared dishes cooked to the highest standard, including traditional curries, specials, masalas and biryanis.
10. Old Paignton Antiques
This delightful shop can be found on Winner Street and offers quality period decorative arts, antique furniture, collectables, original oil paintings, ceramics, porcelain, silver, costume jewellery, bronzes, clocks, Chinese and Japanese porcelain works of art. The shop opening hours are flexible so a call in advance if travelling specifically would be beneficial.
11. Paignton Harbourside Craft Fair
Every Friday 6-9pm throughout August at Paignton Harbour, the craft market offers an array of locally-made products from talented folk, plus there is live music and the event supports Paignton’s RNLI. Gifts, homewares and jewellery, among other beautiful keepsakes, can be found on the various stalls.
12. So Sweet
This small Westcountry chain offers a range of over 250 different different pick ’n’ mix sweets for young and old alike with novelty sweets and retro products. Packed with the store’s signature range of American imported products from candy to soda, this is the place for the with a sweet tooth.
