Paignton

Paignton is situated in Torbay between Brixham and Torquay. It’s a busy wee town with plenty to do, it has a quaint charm and is easy to find your way round. A favorite holiday venue particularly with the older generation most people are very friendly. There are many different types of accommodation available in the area. If you’re planning on exploring the whole of Devon having a car is a major advantage but public transport is very good for tourists. But parking is a major problem around Paignton, there are car parks but they get pricey.

Shops

The London Camera Exchange on Hyde road is a must for any tourist who has forgot there camera or needs a new SD card. The staff are all friendly and know what their talking about, they don’t try and push an un-needed sale upon you like so many shops.

The Celtic Bookshop also on Hyde road is a fantastic cheap bookshop. Most books are new but you do get second hand as well. They are normally open quite late during the week.

Torbay Road is where you’ll find all the grockle shops to buy your Paignton souvenirs.

For the smokers there is a fantastic old fashioned style tobacconist (which doubles as a newsagent) on Hyde road, you can get all sorts of tobaccos and smoking accessories.

Entertainment

There is a large Apollo cinema on the sea front, I think they’ve got 8 screens and are always showing the latest films.

The Wacky Warehouse is a kid’s paradise for the afternoon, full of ball pools, tunnels, and the like. Joined onto the Apollo Cinema it’s easy to find.

Masons is the best value for money café in Paignton located at the start of Victoria street. They do various types of teas and coffees and have a large selection of handmade cakes, pastries and sandwiches amongst other things. The décor is a bit dated but don’t let that put you off.

Paignton sands get very busy in the summer, so it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. The pier in has plenty to do for all ages and is a good way to spend the afternoon. There are little huts on the promenade so it’s a short distance if you need a drink or whatever. During high summer there is normally a man hiring out deck chairs, pedal boats and sun loungers. There are beaches the whole way round Torbay, so if you want some peace from the crowds it’s not a long travel, my favorite is Goodrington sands, (towards Brixham way).

During summer there is normally something happening on the green, the fair comes and goes a lot, there are normally always Donkey rides for the younger kids. Occasionally you get bands playing and they pitch a beer tent and a burger bar. Also opposite the sea front located outside Coolers bar there is trampolining.

There are a lot of pubs in Paignton.
My favorite is Spinning Wheel on the sea front. It has a large outdoor section and a kids play area. They normally have some kind of entertainment every evening, normally reputable local band. Spinning Wheel is well decorated and has friendly staff. They serve food right until late and they close at either 12 or 1am.
There aren’t many big clubs in Paignton. The Gallery (on the seafront) is probably the largest and has a new cocktail bar. There is also Remedies (opposite the train station) and Bar One (by the level crossing) but if you want a proper club Bohemia in Torquay is the most popular.

On the whole Paignton is a nice place for a break away with the family. I lived in Paignton, so I would say I know the bay quite well. So if you have a question I haven’t covered please feel free to leave me a message or comment and I’ll do my best to answer it.
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