A Pleasant Holiday in Paignton

Paignton - the pleasant coastal town in Devon, England together with Torquay and Brixham forms the authority of Torbay. The entire Torbay area, also termed the English Riviera, is a well known holiday destination for both locals and tourists. Paignton initially started as a Celtic settlement, and then grew to a small fishing village. With a new harbour being built in 1847 and a railway line opened in 1859, Paignton slowly made its mark on the map, and is now synonymous with being a great place to spend holidays in.

There are several attractions in Paignton that cater to the whole family. These include the Paignton Zoo, Paignton Steam Railway and Quaywest Water Park as well as attractions nearby Torquay such as Babbacombe Model Village, Kents Cavern and Living Coasts. The Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway is immensely popular, and has excellent views on the way. The zoo in Paignton is one of England's best zoos and is home to some of the world's rarest animals including gorillas, elephants, tigers and rhinos. Another attraction in Paignton is Kirkham House, which is a late medieval stone house that illustrates traditional craftsmanship and is managed in association with the Paignton Preservation and Local History Society. Another must visit attraction is the award winning Occombe Farm - which is an open organic farm. It also includes a farm shop with locally produced goods. Oldway Mansion is another well known landmark situated in lovely grounds and is worth visiting.

Paignton has much to offer in terms of water sports and beach activities. Paignton beach and Preston Sands are used for kite surfing and sailing, Elberry Cove is enjoyed by jetski enthusiasts, while Saltern Cove has distinctive geology that makes it a Site of Special Scientific Interest. When it comes to accommodation options, Paignton has much to offer. Whether you are looking for a hotel, guest house, B&B or a holiday park to set up camp or caravan in, there is something to suit everyone's needs and budget.

Some of the best hotels in Paignton include the Palace Hotel, which was originally the home of Isaac Merrit Singer, the inventor of the Singer sewing machine. This hotel stands in 2 acre grounds and has excellent health and leisure facilities. Redcliffe Hotel is situated in 3 acres of grounds and directly connects to the beach. The Queens Hotel is another great option, and is well known for its high standards and relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Cleve Court Hotel is suitable for family holidays and is just 2 minutes away from the harbour.